Patent ID: 12219786

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. As used herein, the terms “embodiments” and “implementations” may be used interchangeably and are non-limiting examples employing one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. It is apparent, however, that various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various embodiments. Further, various embodiments may be different, but do not have to be exclusive. For example, specific shapes, configurations, and characteristics of an embodiment may be used or implemented in another embodiment without departing from the inventive concepts.

Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated embodiments are to be understood as providing example features of varying detail of some embodiments. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions, aspects, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as an “element” or “elements”), of the various illustrations may be otherwise combined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged without departing from the inventive concepts.

The use of cross-hatching and/or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally provided to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. As such, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between illustrated elements, and/or any other characteristic, attribute, property, etc., of the elements, unless specified. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the size and relative sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and/or descriptive purposes. As such, the sizes and relative sizes of the respective elements are not necessarily limited to the sizes and relative sizes shown in the drawings. When an embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific process order may be performed differently from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to the described order. Also, like reference numerals denote like elements.

When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. When, however, an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other terms and/or phrases used to describe a relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion, e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” “on” versus “directly on,” etc. Further, the term “connected” may refer to physical, electrical, and/or fluid connection. In addition, the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis are not limited to three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis may be perpendicular to one another, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to one another. For the purposes of this disclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for instance, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “over,” “higher,” “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”), and the like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and, thereby, to describe one element's relationship to another element(s) as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of an apparatus in use, operation, and/or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the apparatus in the drawings is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Furthermore, the apparatus may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and, as such, the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing some embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms, “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Moreover, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms, are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and, as such, are utilized to account for inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and/or provided values that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Various embodiments are described herein with reference to sectional views, isometric views, perspective views, plan views, and/or exploded illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments and/or intermediate structures. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result of, for example, manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the particular illustrated shapes of regions, but are to include deviations in shapes that result from, for instance, manufacturing. To this end, regions illustrated in the drawings may be schematic in nature and shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of regions of a device, and, as such, are not intended to be limiting.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

As customary in the field, some embodiments are described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in terms of functional blocks, units, and/or modules. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these blocks, units, and/or modules are physically implemented by electronic (or optical) circuits, such as logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hard-wired circuits, memory elements, wiring connections, and the like, which may be formed using semiconductor-based fabrication techniques or other manufacturing technologies. In the case of the blocks, units, and/or modules being implemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware, they may be programmed and controlled using software (e.g., microcode) to perform various functions discussed herein and may optionally be driven by firmware and/or software. It is also contemplated that each block, unit, and/or module may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) to perform other functions. Also, each block, unit, and/or module of some embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks, units, and/or modules without departing from the inventive concepts. Further, the blocks, units, and/or modules of some embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units, and/or modules without departing from the inventive concepts.

Hereinafter, various embodiments will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG.1is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a display apparatus according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.1, a display apparatus1according to an embodiment may include a display area DA where light is emitted, and a peripheral area PA where no light is emitted. A lower substrate100(seeFIG.2) included in the display apparatus1may include an area corresponding to the display area DA and an area corresponding to the peripheral area PA.

FIG.1illustrates a case where the display area DA of the display apparatus1is rectangular; however, the shape of the display area DA may be any arbitrary shape, such as a circle, an oval, or a polygon.

In the display area DA, pixels PX may be located at intersections between scan lines extending in an x-axis direction and data lines extending in a y-axis direction. Each of the pixels PX may include a pixel circuit connected to a scan line and a data line, and a light-emitting diode connected to the pixel circuit.

The peripheral area PA may be outside the display DA, e.g., the peripheral area PA may surround at least a portion of the display area DA. For example, the peripheral area PA may surround the entire display area DA. Various lines for transmitting electrical signals to the display area DA may be positioned in the peripheral area PA. A portion of a circuit unit for controlling an electrical signal applied to the display area DA may be located in the peripheral area PA.

The peripheral area PA may include a pad area on one side thereof. A pad unit including a plurality of pads may be located on the pad area. The plurality of pads included in the pad unit may receive a signal through a printed circuit board connected to pads of the printed circuit board, respectively. To this end, the pad unit may include a plurality of pads. The plurality of pads may be exposed without being covered by an insulating layer, and may be electrically connected to a printed circuit board or the like.

According to an embodiment, the display apparatus1may include a component40(seeFIG.11) located on one side thereof. The component40may be an electronic element that uses (e.g., detects, outputs, etc.), for instance, light or sounds. For example, an electronic element may be at least one of a sensor that receives and uses light, like an infrared sensor, a camera that receives light and captures an image, a sensor that outputs and senses light or sound to measure a distance or recognize a fingerprint or the like, a small lamp that outputs light, and a speaker that outputs sound.

An organic light-emitting display apparatus is illustrated as an example and will now be described as the display apparatus1according to an embodiment. However, display apparatuses according to various embodiments are not limited thereto. For instance, the display apparatus1according to some embodiments may be an inorganic light-emitting display, a quantum dot light-emitting display, or the like. For example, an emission layer of a display device included in the display apparatus1may include an organic material or may include an inorganic material. The display apparatus1may include quantum dots, include an organic material and quantum dots, or include an inorganic material and quantum dots.

FIG.2is a schematic side view of a portion of a display apparatus according to an embodiment.FIG.3is a schematic side view of a portion of a display apparatus according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.2, a display apparatus1according to an embodiment may include a display unit DU and a color filter unit CU on, e.g., opposite to, the display unit DU. The display unit DU may include a plurality of pixels. For example, the display unit DU may include a first pixel PX1, a second pixel PX2, and a third pixel PX3. The first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3may be pixels that emit different colors of light and may be disposed on a lower substrate100. According to an embodiment, the first pixel PX1may emit first color light La, the second pixel PX2may emit second color light Lb, and the third pixel PX3may emit third color light Lc. For example, the first color light La may be blue color light, the second color light Lb may be green color light, and the third color light Lc may be red color light.

Each of the pixels may include a light-emitting diode including an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). For instance, the first pixel PX1may include a first light-emitting diode OLED1, the second pixel PX2may include a second light-emitting diode OLED2, and the third pixel PX3may include a third light-emitting diode OLED3. The first pixel PX1may include the first light-emitting diode OLED1, the second light-emitting diode OLED2, and the third light-emitting diode OLED3. According to an embodiment, the first through third light-emitting diodes OLED1, OLED2, and OLED3may emit the first color light La, for example, blue color light. According to another embodiment, the first through third light-emitting diodes OLED1, OLED2, and OLED3may emit the first color light La, the second color light Lb, and the third color light Lc, respectively. According to another embodiment, the first through third light-emitting diodes OLED1, OLED2, and OLED3may emit a mixture of the first color light La and the second color light Lb, for example, a mixture of blue color light and green color light.

The color filter unit CU may include first through third color filter portions400a,400b, and400c. Light beams emitted by the first through third light-emitting diodes OLED1, OLED2, and OLED3may pass through the first through third color filter portions400a,400b, and400c, and thus, the first color light La, the second color light Lb, and the third color light Lc may be emitted.

The first through third color filter portions400a,400b, and400cmay be located on (e.g., directly on) an upper substrate400. In this case, when the first through third color filter portions400a,400b, and400care located “directly on the upper substrate400,” it may mean that the first through third color filter portions400a,400b, and400care formed directly on the upper substrate400to manufacture the color filter unit CU. The first through third color filter portions400a,400b, and400cmay bond the display unit DU with the color filter unit CU by facing the first through third light-emitting diodes OLED1, OLED2, and OLED3, respectively. InFIG.2, the display unit DU and the color filter unit CU are bonded with each other through an adhesive layer ADH. The adhesive layer ADH may be, but is not limited to, an optical clear adhesive (OCA). According to some embodiments, the adhesive layer ADH may be omitted.

According to another embodiment, as shown inFIG.3, the first through third color filter portions400a,400b, and400cmay be arranged directly on the display unit DU. When the first through third color filter portions400a,400b, and400care “arranged directly on the display unit DU,” it may mean that the first through third color filter portions400a,400b, and400care stacked directly on the display unit DU and integrated into a single structure, without manufacturing the color filter unit CU separately, as shown inFIG.3. For instance, the color filter unit CU may be formed through a continuous process with the display unit DU.

In this case, the first through third color filter portions400a,400b, and400cmay be located on an encapsulation layer160(seeFIG.4). In some cases, after “another layer” is located between the first through third color filter portions400a,400b, and400cand the encapsulation layer160, the first through third color filter portions400a,400b, and400cmay be formed on the “other layer.” The “other layer” may be an organic layer, an inorganic layer, a conductive layer, or a composite layer thereof.

For reference,FIGS.4and5,FIGS.9through16, andFIGS.21through24are based on the display apparatus1in which the display unit DU and the color filter unit CU are bonded with each other as shown inFIG.2, but contents to be described later are equally applicable to a structure in which color filter portions are stacked on the display unit DU as shown inFIG.3.

FIG.4is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display apparatus according to an embodiment.FIG.5is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display apparatus according to an embodiment.

The display apparatus according to an embodiment may include the lower substrate100, light-emitting diodes located on the lower substrate100, the upper substrate400, and color filter portions located on a lower surface of the upper substrate400that faces the lower substrate100.

The lower substrate100may include glass, metal, and/or polymer resin. When the lower substrate100is flexible or bendable, the upper substrate400may include polymer resin, such as at least one of polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, and cellulose acetate propionate. The lower substrate100may have a multi-layered structure including two layers each including a polymer resin and a barrier layer including an inorganic material (e.g., at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and the like) between the two layers. In this way, various modifications may be made.

A first light-emitting diode including a first pixel electrode311is located on the lower substrate100. A first thin-film transistor210electrically connected to the first light-emitting diode, along with the first light-emitting diode, may be located on the lower substrate100. As shown inFIG.4, the first light-emitting diode electrically connected to the first thin-film transistor210refers to the first pixel electrode311of the first light-emitting diode being electrically connected to the first thin-film transistor210.

The first thin-film transistor210may include a first semiconductor layer211including amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, an organic semiconductor material, or an oxide semiconductor material, a first gate electrode213, a first source electrode215a, and a first drain electrode215b. The first gate electrode213may include any of various conductive materials and may have any of various layered structures. For example, the first gate electrode213may include a molybdenum (Mo) layer and an aluminum (Al) layer. In this case, the first gate electrode213may have a layered structure of Mo/Al/Mo. Alternatively, the first gate electrode213may include a titanium nitride (TiNx) layer, an Al layer, and/or a titanium (Ti) layer. The first source electrode215aand the first drain electrode215bmay include any of various conductive materials and may have any of various layered structures. For example, each of the first source electrode215aand the first drain electrode215bmay include a Mo layer, an Al layer, and/or a copper (Cu) layer. In this case, each of the first source electrode215aand the first drain electrode215bmay have a layered structure of Ti/Al/Ti.

To secure insulation between the first semiconductor layer211and the first gate electrode213, a gate insulating layer121may be between the first semiconductor layer211and the first gate electrode213. The gate insulating layer121may include an inorganic material, such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride. An interlayer insulating layer131may be located on the first gate electrode213and may include an inorganic material, such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride. The first source electrode215aand the first drain electrode215bmay be located on the interlayer insulating layer131. An insulating layer including such an inorganic material may be formed via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or atomic layer deposition (ALD). This is equally applied to embodiments to be described later and modifications thereof.

A buffer layer110may be between the first thin-film transistor210having this structure and the lower substrate100and may include an inorganic material, such as, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride. The buffer layer110may increase smoothness of an upper surface of the lower substrate100and/or prevent or minimize infiltration of impurities from the lower substrate100and the like into the first semiconductor layer211of the first thin-film transistor210.

A planarization layer140may be located on the first thin-film transistor210. For example, when an OLED as a first light-emitting diode is located over the first thin-film transistor210as illustrated inFIG.4, a planarization layer140may planarize an upper portion of a protective layer that covers the first thin-film transistor210. The planarization layer140may include an organic material, such as acryl, benzocyclobutene (BCB), hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), and/or the like. Although the planarization layer140is a single layer inFIG.4, various modifications may be made to the planarization layer140. For example, the planarization layer140may be a stack of multiple layers.

A first light-emitting diode may be located on the planarization layer140of the lower substrate100. InFIG.4, an OLED as a first light-emitting diode is located on the planarization layer140. A first light-emitting diode located in a first pixel PX1may be an OLED having the first pixel electrode311, an opposite electrode330, and an intermediate layer320between the first pixel electrode311and the opposite electrode330and including a first color emission layer. The first pixel electrode311contacts one of the first source electrode215aand the first drain electrode215bvia an opening formed in the planarization layer140as shown inFIG.4, and is electrically connected to the first thin-film transistor210. The first pixel electrode311may include a light-transmissive conductive layer formed of a light-transmissive conductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), diindium trioxide (In2O3), or indium zinc oxide (IZO), and a reflective layer formed of a metal such, as Al or silver (Ag), but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the first pixel electrode311may have a three-layered structure of ITO/Ag/ITO.

The intermediate layer320including the first color emission layer may have a shape patterned to correspond to the first pixel electrode311. However, as shown inFIG.4, the intermediate layer320may be also located on a second pixel electrode312and a third pixel electrode313located on the lower substrate100, and thus, may be integrally formed over the first through third pixel electrodes311through313. The opposite electrode330on the intermediate layer320may also be integrally formed over the first through third pixel electrodes311through313. The opposite electrode330may include a light-transmissive conductive layer formed of, for instance, ITO, In2O3, or IZO, and may also include a semi-transmissive layer including a metal, such as Al or Ag. For example, the opposite electrode330may be a semi-transmissive layer including magnesium (Mg) and Ag.

A pixel definition layer150may be located on the planarization layer140. The pixel definition layer150defines each pixel by including an opening corresponding to each pixel, e.g., an opening via which a central portion of the first pixel electrode311is exposed. In such a case as illustrated inFIG.4, the pixel definition layer150prevents an arc or the like from occurring on the edge of the first pixel electrode311by increasing a distance between the edge of the first pixel electrode311and the opposite electrode330. The pixel definition layer150may include an organic material, for example, polyimide or HMDSO, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

The intermediate layer320may include a low-molecular weight or high-molecular weight material. When the intermediate layer320includes a low-molecular weight material, the intermediate layer320may have a single-layer or multi-layer stack structure including at least one of a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), an emission layer (EML), an electron transport layer (ETL), and an electron injection layer (EIL), and may be formed via, for example, vacuum deposition. When the intermediate layer320includes a high-molecular weight material, the intermediate layer320may have a structure including an HTL and an EML. In this case, the HTL may include poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and the EML may include a high-molecular weight material, such as a polyphenylene vinylene (PPV)-based material or a polyfluorene-based material, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The intermediate layer320may be formed via screen printing, inkjet printing, deposition, laser induced thermal imaging (LITI), or the like. The intermediate layer320is not limited to the structure described above, and may have any of various other structures. According to an embodiment, the intermediate layer320may further include a plurality of EMLs and a charge generation layer (CGL) between the EMLs. A detailed description thereof will be given later with reference toFIGS.6and7.

The intermediate layer320may include an integrated layer covering the first through third pixel electrodes311,312, and313as described above. However, in some cases, the intermediate layer320may include a layer patterned in correspondence with each of the first through third pixel electrodes311,312, and313. In any case, the intermediate layer320includes a first color emission layer EMLa (seeFIG.6). The first color emission layer EMLa may be integrated to cover the first through third pixel electrodes311,312, and313, or, in some cases, may be patterned in correspondence with each of the first through third pixel electrodes311,312, and313. The first color emission layer EMLa may emit light in a first wavelength band. For example, the first color emission layer EMLa may emit light having a wavelength ranging between about 450 nm and about 495 nm.

At least because the above-described OLED may be easily damaged by external moisture, external oxygen, or the like, the OLED may be covered and protected by an encapsulation layer160. The encapsulation layer160may include at least one organic encapsulation layer and at least one inorganic encapsulation layer. For example, the encapsulation layer160may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer161, an organic encapsulation layer162, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer163.

The first inorganic encapsulation layer161may cover the opposite electrode330and may include a silicon oxide, a silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride. Other layers, such as a capping layer, may be located between the first inorganic encapsulation layer161and the opposite electrode330. At least because the first inorganic encapsulation layer161is formed according to a structure below the first inorganic encapsulation layer161, and thus, has an upper surface which is not flat, the organic encapsulation layer162may be formed to cover the first inorganic encapsulation layer161so as to provide a flat upper surface. The organic encapsulation layer162may include at least one material from among polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyethylene sulfonate, polyoxymethylene, polyarylate, and hexamethyldisiloxane, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The second inorganic encapsulation layer163may cover the organic encapsulation layer162and may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride.

Even when cracks occur in the encapsulation layer160at least due to the above-described multi-layered structure, the encapsulation layer160may allow the cracks to not be connected between the first inorganic encapsulation layer161and the organic encapsulation layer162and/or between the organic encapsulation layer162and the second inorganic encapsulation layer163. Accordingly, formation of a path via which external moisture, oxygen, or the like permeates into the OLED may be prevented or minimized.

As shown inFIG.4, the display apparatus according to some embodiments may include a second light-emitting diode located in a second pixel PX2. As shown inFIG.4, the second light-emitting diode may be an OLED having the second pixel electrode312, the opposite electrode330, and an intermediate layer320between the second pixel electrode312and the opposite electrode330and including a first color emission layer. A second thin-film transistor220electrically connected to the second light-emitting diode, in addition to the second light-emitting diode, may be located on the lower substrate100. As shown inFIG.4, the second light-emitting diode electrically connected to the second thin-film transistor220refers to the second pixel electrode312of the second light-emitting diode being electrically connected to the second thin-film transistor220. A description of the second pixel electrode312and the second thin-film transistor220is replaced by the above description of the first pixel electrode311and the first thin-film transistor210.

As shown inFIG.4, the display apparatus according to some embodiments may include a third light-emitting diode located in a third pixel PX3. As shown inFIG.4, the third light-emitting diode may be an OLED having the third pixel electrode313, the opposite electrode330, and an intermediate layer320between the third pixel electrode313and the opposite electrode330and including a first color emission layer. A third thin-film transistor230electrically connected to the third light-emitting diode, in addition to the third light-emitting diode, may be located on the lower substrate100. As shown inFIG.4, the third light-emitting diode electrically connected to the third thin-film transistor230refers to the third pixel electrode313of the third light-emitting diode being electrically connected to the third thin-film transistor230. A description of the third pixel electrode313and the third thin-film transistor230is replaced by the above description of the first pixel electrode311and the first thin-film transistor210.

The upper substrate400may be located above the lower substrate100such that the lower surface of the upper substrate400faces the lower substrate100, e.g., an upper surface of the lower substrate100. The upper substrate400may be located such that the first through third pixel electrodes311,312, and313are between the upper substrate400and the lower substrate100. The upper substrate400may include polymer resin. For example, the upper substrate400may include polymer resin, such as polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, and/or cellulose acetate propionate.

The upper substrate400may have a multi-layered structure including two layers each including a polymer resin and a barrier layer including an inorganic material (e.g., silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and/or the like) between the two layers. In this way, various modifications may be made. The upper substrate400may have flexible or bendable characteristics.

The upper substrate400has a first area A1corresponding to the first pixel electrode311, a second area A2corresponding to the second pixel electrode312, and a third area A3corresponding to the third pixel electrode313. The expression “corresponding to” refers to overlapping as viewed in a direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) perpendicular to the upper surface of the upper substrate400. In other words, as viewed in the direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the upper substrate400, the first area A1overlaps the first pixel electrode311, the second area A2overlaps the second pixel electrode312, and the third area A3overlaps the third pixel electrode313.

Color filter portions may be located on the lower surface of the upper substrate400in a direction (e.g., −z-axis direction) toward the lower substrate100. The color filter portions may include first through third color filter portions400a,400b, and400ccorresponding to the first through third pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3. The first through third color filter portions400a,400b, and400cmay overlap the first through third pixel electrodes311,312, and313, as viewed in a direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) perpendicular to the lower substrate100or the upper substrate400. The first through third color filter portions400a,400b, and400cmay filter light beams respectively emitted by the first through third light-emitting diodes, respectively. Accordingly, the display apparatus may display a full color image. In some embodiments, the first through third color filter portions400a,400b, and400cmay also filter incident light beams from an ambient environment to prevent or reduce light reflection.

According to an embodiment, the first color filter portion400amay include a light-transmissive layer415located between the upper substrate400and the opposite electrode330and a first color filter layer410located between the upper substrate400and the light-transmissive layer415, in the first area A1. The second color filter portion400bmay include a second color quantum dot layer425located between the upper substrate400and the opposite electrode330and a second color filter layer420located between the upper substrate400and the second color quantum dot layer425, in the second area A2. The third color filter portion400cmay include a third color quantum dot layer435located between the upper substrate400and the opposite electrode330and a third color filter layer430located between the upper substrate400and the third color quantum dot layer435, in the third area A3.

The first color filter layer410may transmit only light having a wavelength ranging from about 450 nm to about 495 nm. The first color filter layer410may be located on the lower surface of the upper substrate400in the direction (e.g., the −z-axis direction) toward the lower substrate100. The first color filter layer410covers the first area A1corresponding to the first light-emitting diode of the upper substrate400. As shown inFIG.4, the first color filter layer410has a 1-2ndopening412that exposes the second area A2corresponding to the second pixel electrode312. The 1-2ndopening412may define a region of the second pixel PX2. The first color filter layer410also has a 1-3rdopening413that exposes the third area A3corresponding to the third pixel electrode313. The 1-3rdopening413may define a region of the third pixel PX3.

The second color filter layer420may transmit only light having a wavelength ranging from about 495 nm to about 570 nm. The second color filter layer420may include a portion located on a lower surface of the first color filter layer410in a direction (e.g., the −z-axis direction) toward the lower substrate100, and a portion that fills the 1-2ndopening412of the first color filter layer410. The portion of the second color filter layer420located on the lower surface of the first color filter layer410in the direction (e.g., the −z-axis direction) toward the lower substrate100may serve as a partition wall that does not transmit light. The portion of the second color filter layer420that fills the 1-2ndopening412of the first color filter layer410may be located on the lower surface of the upper substrate400in the direction (e.g., the −z-axis direction) toward the lower substrate100. As shown inFIG.4, the second color filter layer420has a 2-1thopening421that exposes the first area A1corresponding to the first pixel electrode311. The 2-1thopening421may define a region of the first pixel PX1. The second color filter layer420also has a 2-3rdopening423that exposes the third area A3corresponding to the third pixel electrode313.

The third color filter layer430may transmit only light having a wavelength ranging from about 630 nm to about 780 nm. The third color filter layer430fills the 1-3rdopening413of the first color filter layer410. The third color filter layer430may also be understood as filling the 2-3rdopening423of the second color filter layer420.

The first through third color filter layers410,420, and430may reduce reflection of external light in the display apparatus. For example, when external light reaches the first color filter layer410, only light with a predetermined wavelength as described above is transmitted by the first color filter layer410, and light with the other wavelength(s) is absorbed by the first color filter layer410. Accordingly, only light with a predetermined wavelength (or range of wavelengths) as described above from among external light incident upon the display apparatus is transmitted by the first color filter layer410, and a portion of the transmitted light is reflected by the opposite electrode330or the first pixel electrode311below the first color filter layer410and is emitted back to the outside. Consequently, only a portion of external light incident upon the first pixel PX1is reflected toward the outside, thereby reducing reflection of external light. This description is equally applicable to the second color filter layer420and the third color filter layer430.

As seen inFIG.4, the 2-1thopening421of the second color filter layer420defines the first area A1, the 1-2ndopening412of the first color filter layer410defines the second area A2, and the 1-3rdopening413of the first color filter layer410defines the third area A3. However, embodiments are not limited thereto.

According to another embodiment, as shown inFIG.5, a black matrix510may be between the first through third color filter layers410,420, and430. The black matrix510may define the regions of the first through third pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3by having openings respectively corresponding to the first area through third areas A1, A2, and A3. The black matrix510may include the same material as that included in a bank500, which will be described later. For example, the black matrix510may include an inorganic material, such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride. According to some embodiments, the black matrix510may include a photoresist material. In this case, the black matrix510may be easily formed through processes, such as exposure and development processes.

The bank500may be located between an overlapping portion between color filter layers and the lower substrate100. According to an embodiment, as shown inFIG.4, the bank500may be located between an overlapping portion between the first color filter layer410and the second color filter layer420and the lower substrate100. According to some embodiments, when the display apparatus includes the above-described black matrix510, the bank500may be located to be overlapped by the black matrix510.

The bank500may have a first opening501corresponding to the first area A1, a second opening502corresponding to the second area A2, and a third opening503corresponding to the third area A3. The first through third openings501,502, and503of the bank500may correspond to the openings of the pixel definition layer150that define the regions of the first through third pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3. When the first through third openings501,502, and503of the bank500correspond to the openings of the pixel definition layer150that define the respective regions of the first through third pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3, it means that, as viewed in the direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) perpendicular to the upper surface of the upper substrate400, the shapes of the respective edges of the first through third openings501,502, and503of the bank500may be the same as or similar to the shapes of the edges of the openings of the pixel definition layer150that define the respective regions of the first through third pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3.

The bank500may include an inorganic material, such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride. According to some embodiments, the bank500may include a photoresist material. In this case, the bank500may be easily formed through processes, such as exposure and development processes.

The light-transmissive layer415fills a first opening501of the bank500. The first color emission layer included in the intermediate layer320on the first pixel electrode311may emit light in a first wavelength band, for example, light having a wavelength ranging from about 450 nm to about 495 nm. In the first pixel PX1, the light in the first wavelength band is emitted to the outside through the upper substrate400, without wavelength conversion. Accordingly, the first pixel PX1may have no quantum dot layers. At least because a quantum dot layer is not required in the first opening501of the bank500, the light-transmissive layer415formed of a light-transmitting resin may be located in the first opening501. The light-transmissive layer415may include acryl, BCB, and/or HMDSO, but embodiments are not limited thereto. According to some embodiments, unlike inFIG.4, the light-transmissive layer415may not be located in the first opening501of the bank500.

The second color quantum dot layer425fills a second opening502of the bank500. The second color quantum dot layer425may convert the light in the first wavelength band generated by the intermediate layer320on the second pixel electrode312into light in a second wavelength band. For example, when the light having a wavelength ranging from about 450 nm to about 495 nm is generated by the intermediate layer320on the second pixel electrode312, the second color quantum dot layer425may convert the light into light having a wavelength ranging from about 495 nm to about 570 nm. Accordingly, in the second pixel PX2, the light having the wavelength ranging from about 495 nm to about 570 nm may be emitted to the outside through the upper substrate400.

The third color quantum dot layer435fills a third opening503of the bank500. The third color quantum dot layer435may convert the light in the first wavelength band generated by the intermediate layer320on the third pixel electrode313into light in a third wavelength band. For example, when the light having a wavelength ranging from about 450 nm to about 495 nm is generated by the intermediate layer320on the third pixel electrode313, the third color quantum dot layer435may convert the light into light having a wavelength ranging from about 630 nm to about 780 nm. Accordingly, in the third pixel PX3, the light having a wavelength ranging from about 630 nm to about 780 nm is emitted to the outside through the upper substrate400.

Each of the second color quantum dot layer425and the third color quantum dot layer435may have a shape formed by dispersing quantum dots in a resin. The quantum dots include a semiconductor material, such as cadmium sulfide (CdS), cadmium telluride (CdTe), zinc sulfide (ZnS), and/or indium phosphide (InP), but embodiments are note limited thereto. The quantum dots may have a size of several nanometers, and a wavelength of light after conversion varies according to the size of the quantum dots and/or shell/core structure. Any suitable light-transmissive material may be used as the resin included in the second color quantum dot layer425and the third color quantum dot layer435. For example, a polymer resin, such as acryl, benzocyclobutene (BCB), and/or hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) may be used as materials respectively used to form the second color quantum dot layer425and the third color quantum dot layer435. The materials respectively used to form the second color quantum dot layer425and the third color quantum dot layer435may be located within the second opening502and the third opening503of the bank500, respectively, by inkjet printing.

Although described as including quantum dots, the second and/or third quantum dot layers425and435may additionally or alternatively include quantum disks, quantum rods, quantum wires core/shell quantum structures, and/or the like.

A first protective layer IL1may be located between the first color filter layer410and the light-transmissive layer415, between the second color filter layer420and the second color quantum dot layer425, and between the third color filter layer430and the third color quantum dot layer435. A second protective layer IL2may be arranged to cover lower surfaces of the light-transmissive layer415, the second color quantum dot layer425, and the third color quantum dot layer435in a direction toward the lower substrate100. Each of the first protective layer IL1and the second protective layer IL2may be integrally formed over the entire surface of the upper substrate400, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The first protective layer IL1and the second protective layer IL2may prevent color filter layers and quantum dot layers from being damaged, during a manufacturing process of the display apparatus or a usage process after the manufacture of the display apparatus.

The first protective layer IL1and the second protective layer IL2may include an inorganic insulating material having a light-transmitting property, such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and/or silicon oxynitride. The first protective layer IL1and the second protective layer IL2may include a layer including at least one material from among polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyethylene sulfonate, polyoxymethylene, polyarylate, and hexamethyldisiloxane, but embodiments are not limited thereto. According to some embodiments, as shown inFIG.4, the first protective layer IL1may further include an organic material layer that covers the respective lower surfaces of the first through third color filter layers410,420, and430in the direction toward the lower substrate100. In this case, the first protective layer IL1may have a flat lower surface due to the organic material layer.

FIG.6is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an intermediate layer included in a display apparatus according to an embodiment.FIG.7is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an intermediate layer included in a display apparatus according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.6and7, the display apparatus1ofFIG.1may include a thin-film transistor array substrate10including the above-described thin-film transistors. First through third light-emitting diodes may be located above the thin-film transistor array substrate10. The first through third light-emitting diodes may include the first through third pixel electrodes311,312, and313, respectively, the intermediate layer320, and the opposite electrode330. The first through third color filter portions400a,400b, and400ccorresponding to the first through third pixels PX1, PX2, and PX3, respectively, may be located above the opposite electrode330.

The intermediate layer320included in the first through third light-emitting diodes may have a tandem structure in which a plurality of light-emitting units each including an EML are sequentially stacked. Each of the plurality of light-emitting units refers to a unit including, together with an EML, at least one of an HIL, an HTL, an ETL, and an EIL. For example, a first color light-emitting unit may have a structure in which a hole transport layer HTL, a first color emission layer EMLa, and an electron transport layer ETL are sequentially stacked, and a second color light-emitting unit may have a structure in which a hole transport layer HTL, a second color emission layer EMLb, and an electron transport layer ETL are sequentially stacked.

Light beams emitted by the plurality of EMLs included in the intermediate layer320are filtered while passing through the first through third color filter portions400a,400b, and400clocated above the opposite electrode330and emitted to the outside.

According to an embodiment, as shown inFIG.6, the intermediate layer320may include a plurality of first color light-emitting units each including the first color emission layer EMLa. Although the intermediate layer320includes three first color light-emitting units stacked on each other inFIG.6, the number of first color light-emitting units included in the intermediate layer320is not limited to the case ofFIG.6. When the intermediate layer320includes a plurality of first color emission layers EMLa as described above, a larger amount of first color light may be emitted from the intermediate layer320then when the intermediate layer320includes one first color emission layer EMLa, leading to an improvement in luminescent efficiency of the display apparatus.

A charge generation layer (CGL) may be located between the first color light-emitting units. The CGL, which provides electrons or holes, may increase luminescence efficiency of adjacent EMLs. The CGL may include an n-type charge generation layer CGLn that provides electrons, and a p-type charge generation layer CGLp that provides holes. For example, as shown inFIG.6, the n-type charge generation layer CGLn may be located above the electron transport layer ETL of a light-emitting unit to provide electrons to the electron transport layer ETL, and the p-type charge generation layer CGLp may be located below the hole transport layer HTL of another light-emitting unit to provide holes to the hole transport layer HTL. The CGL may include a metal material.

According to another embodiment, as shown inFIG.7, the intermediate layer320may include one or more first color light-emitting units each including the first color emission layer EMLa, and one or more second color light-emitting units each including a second color emission layer EMLb. Although the intermediate layer320includes three first color light-emitting units and one second color light-emitting unit sequentially stacked inFIG.7, the number of first color light-emitting units included in the intermediate layer320and the number of second color light-emitting units included in the intermediate layer320, and layout of the first and second color light-emitting units are not limited to the case ofFIG.7. For example, in contrast withFIG.7, a second color light-emitting unit may be located between first color light-emitting units, or a second color light-emitting unit may be located at the bottom and first color light-emitting units may be sequentially stacked above the second color light-emitting unit.

Also, in the embodiment described in association withFIG.7, the CGL may be located between first color light-emitting units, between second color light-emitting units, and/or between a first color light-emitting unit and a second color light-emitting unit.

When the intermediate layer320includes one or more first color emission layers EMLa and one or more second color emission layers EMLb, low luminescence efficiency of the second color emission layer EMLb or low light conversion efficiency of the second color quantum dot layer425may be improved, compared to when the intermediate layer320includes only the first color emission layer EMLa. Moreover, a difference in luminescence efficiency between EMLs for pixels and a difference in light conversion efficiency of quantum dot layers for pixels may be improved, thereby controlling the area of each pixel. This will be described later with reference toFIGS.8A through8D.

FIGS.8A through8Dare plan views schematically illustrating a layout of pixels included in a display apparatus according to various embodiments. For convenience, inFIGS.8A through8D, the areas of pixels are illustrated as respective areas of the light-transmissive layer415, the second color quantum dot layer425, and the third color quantum dot layer435filling the openings of the bank500, as elements proportional to the pixels.

As shown inFIGS.8A through8D, the display apparatus according to some embodiments may include the bank500having openings respectively corresponding to a transmission area TA and respective regions of the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3. A detailed description of the transmission area TA will be given later with reference toFIG.9.

The light-transmissive layer415is located in the opening corresponding to the first pixel PX1of the bank500, the second color quantum dot layer425is located in the opening corresponding to the second pixel PX2of the bank500, and the third color quantum dot layer435is located in the opening corresponding to the third pixel PX3of the bank500. In this case, the respective areas of the light-transmissive layer415, the second color quantum dot layer425, and the third color quantum dot layer435may be understood as being proportional to the respective areas of the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3.

FIG.8Aillustrates the areas of the pixels when the intermediate layer320includes only the first color emission layer EMLa ofFIG.6. It may be seen fromFIG.8Athat a planar area of the light-transmissive layer415is less than that of the second color quantum dot layer425. This may be understood as a planar area of the first pixel PX1being less than that of the second pixel PX2. This is a layout that takes into account the fact that luminescence efficiency or light conversion efficiency of the second pixel PX2is less than luminescence efficiency or light conversion efficiency of the first pixel PX1.

On the other hand,FIGS.8B through8Dillustrate the areas of pixels when the intermediate layer320includes the first color emission layer EMLa and the second color emission layer EMLb. It may be seen fromFIGS.8B through8Dthat a planar area of the light-transmissive layer415is equal to that of the second color quantum dot layer425. This may be understood as a planar area of the first pixel PX1being equal to that of the second pixel PX2. Because the intermediate layer320further includes an emission layer of a color having low luminescence efficiency or low light conversion efficiency, the area of a pixel that emits light of the color may be relatively reduced. In other words, the areas of pixels may be controlled by adjusting the emission layers included in the intermediate layer320.

As shown inFIGS.8C and8D, the display apparatus may further include a spacer CS. The spacer CS may maintain and support an interval between the display unit DU ofFIG.2and the color filter unit CU ofFIG.2at a certain distance or greater. The spacer CS may have small brittleness and a certain level of elasticity not to be destroyed with an external force. For example, the spacer CS may include a polymer resin, such as silicon resin, an epoxy resin, acryl, BCB, and/or HMDSO, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

As described above with reference toFIGS.8C and8D, as the areas of the pixels are controlled, the spacer CS and the transmission area TA may be more efficiently arranged. For example, as shown inFIG.8C, a wider transmission area TA may be secured as the areas of the pixels having relatively low luminescence efficiency and relatively low light conversion efficiency are reduced. As shown inFIG.8D, a wider transmission area TA may be secured by adjusting the pixels to have rectangular shapes having the same areas.

FIG.9is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a display apparatus including a transmission area according to an embodiment.FIG.10is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a display apparatus including a transmission area according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals in the drawings indicate the same components, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As shown inFIGS.9and10, each of the display apparatuses may further include a transmission area TA. The transmission area TA may be an area having a relatively high transmittance, compared with the display area DA. The display apparatus may be implemented as a transparent display apparatus by including periodically arranged transmission areas TA. The transparent display apparatus refers to a display apparatus enabling a user to recognize an image displayed due to light emission by the light-emitting diodes of the display apparatus, as well as recognize light beams transmitted by the display apparatus through the transmission area TA. In other words, the transparent display apparatus may be a display apparatus enabling a user to visually recognize a space hidden by (or behind) the display apparatus while displaying an image.

According to an embodiment, no electrodes may be located in the transmission area TA. For example, the intermediate layer320and the opposite electrode330may have openings corresponding to the transmission area TA. In other words, the intermediate layer320and the opposite electrode330may be broken up near the edge of the transmission area TA, and thus, may not exist in the transmission area TA. Some or each of the buffer layer110, the gate insulating layer121, the interlayer insulating layer131, the planarization layer140, and the pixel definition layer150located below the intermediate layer320may have openings corresponding to the transmission area TA. Thus, the light transmittance in the transmission area TA may improve.

The encapsulation layer160may be arranged to cover a groove formed due to the buffer layer110, the gate insulating layer121, the interlayer insulating layer131, the planarization layer140, the pixel definition layer150, the intermediate layer320, and the opposite electrode330having openings corresponding to the transmission area TA. The groove may be filled with an epoxy resin or an adhesive layer ADH, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

The upper substrate400may include a fourth area A4corresponding to the transmission area TA. A light-transmissive material layer445may be located between the upper substrate400and the lower substrate100, in the fourth area A4. For instance, the light-transmissive material layer445may be between the first protective layer IL1and the second protective layer IL2. The light-transmissive material layer445may include a material having a high light transmittance.

The light-transmissive material layer445may be formed simultaneously with the light-transmissive layer415. For example, a space where the light-transmissive material layer445is located and a space where the light-transmissive layer415is located may be connected to each other and integrated with each other. In other words, the bank500may not have openings respectively corresponding to the first area A1and the transmission area TA, but may have an opening corresponding to both the first area A1and the transmission area TA. The opening corresponding to both the first area A1and the transmission area TA of the bank500may be filled with a material included in the light-transmissive layer415. Accordingly, the light-transmissive material layer445may include the same material as the material included in the light-transmissive layer415. The light-transmissive material layer445may be formed simultaneously with forming of the light-transmissive layer415.

The display apparatus described in association withFIG.10is different from the display apparatus described in association withFIG.9in that the light-transmissive material layer445is not integrated with the light-transmissive layer415and is located in an independent space.

As shown inFIG.10, the bank500may have the openings respectively corresponding to the first area A1and the transmission area TA. For example, the bank500may have a first opening501corresponding to the first area A1and a fourth opening504corresponding to the fourth area A4. The first opening501of the bank500may be filled with the light-transmissive layer415, and the fourth opening504of the bank500may be filled with the light-transmissive material layer445.

According to an embodiment, the light-transmissive material layer445with which the fourth opening504of the bank500is filled may include the same material as the material included in the light-transmissive layer415with which the first opening501of the bank500is filled. According to another embodiment, the light-transmissive material layer445with which the fourth opening504of the bank500is filled may include a different material from the material included in the light-transmissive layer415with which the first opening501of the bank500is filled. For example, the light-transmissive material layer445with which the fourth opening504of the bank500may include a filler or a transparent resin.

FIG.11is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a display apparatus below which a component is located according to an embodiment. For reference,FIG.11illustrates that a component40is located below the display apparatus described in association withFIG.9, but the component40may be located below the display apparatus described in association withFIG.10.

The component40may be located below each of the display apparatuses described above with reference toFIGS.9and10. In this case, the transmission area TA of the display apparatuses may be provided as an area capable of transmitting light and/or sound of the component40.

The component40may be an electronic device located below the display apparatus to overlap the transmission areas TA. According to an embodiment, the component40may be an electronic device that uses light and/or sound. For example, the component40may be at least one of a sensor that measures a distance, such as a proximity sensor, or a sensor that recognizes a part of the body of a user, such as a fingerprint, an iris, or a face. The component40may also be a small lamp that outputs light, or an image sensor that captures an image, such as a camera.

When the component40is an electronic device using light, the component40may use light in various wavelength bands, such as visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light. The component40may be an electronic device using ultrasonic waves or sound of other frequency bands. According to an embodiment, the component40include sub-components, like a light emitter and a light receiver. The light emitter and the light receiver may be integrated with each other, or may be physically separated from each other such that a pair of a light emitter and a light receiver may constitute one component40. To prevent restrictions on the function of the component40, the display apparatus may include a transmission area TA capable of transmitting light or/and sound that is output from the component40to the outside or travels from the outside toward the component40.

FIG.12is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a display apparatus including a first reflective layer600according to an embodiment. For reference,FIG.12illustrates that the display apparatus described with reference toFIG.9further includes the first reflective layer600, but the display apparatus described with reference toFIG.10may further include the first reflective layer600.

As shown inFIG.12, the display apparatus according to an embodiment may further include the first reflective layer600. The display apparatus may be implemented as a mirror display apparatus by including periodically arranged transmission areas TA and first reflective layers600located in the transmission areas TA. The mirror display apparatus refers to a display apparatus enabling a user to recognize an image displayed according to light emitted by the light-emitting diodes of the display apparatus when the light-emitting diodes operate, and to recognize light reflected by the first reflective layer600when the light-emitting diodes of the display apparatus do not operate. In other words, the mirror display apparatus may be a display apparatus of which a front surface may be recognized as a mirror when the light-emitting diodes of the display apparatus do not operate.

The first reflective layer600may reflect light introduced from the front surface of the display apparatus, e.g., from above the upper substrate400. For example, as shown inFIG.12, light that has entered through the upper surface of the upper substrate400from above the upper substrate400may be reflected by the first reflective layer600toward above the upper substrate400. The light reflected by the first reflective layer600may have a relatively smaller amount of light and a weaker light intensity than the light emitted by the light-emitting diodes of the display apparatus. Accordingly, a user may recognize the light reflected by the first reflective layer600with the naked eyes only when the light-emitting diodes of the display apparatus do not operate, and the image displayed by the display apparatus may not be hindered by the light reflected by the first reflective layer600when the light-emitting diodes of the display apparatus operate.

The first reflective layer600may be between the upper substrate400and the lower substrate100, in the fourth area A4corresponding to the transmission area TA. For example, the first reflective layer600may be between the upper substrate400and the light-transmissive material layer445, in the fourth area A4. The first reflective layer600may be located on a lower surface of the first protective layer IL1in a direction toward the lower substrate100in the fourth area A4, and the light-transmissive material layer445may cover the lower surface of the first protective layer IL1in the direction toward the lower substrate100. The first reflective layer600may include a metal material having a high reflectance, such as Ag.

FIG.13is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a display apparatus including second reflective layers700according to an embodiment.FIG.14is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a display apparatus including second reflective layers700according to an embodiment.FIG.15is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a display apparatus including second reflective layers700according to an embodiment.FIG.16is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a display apparatus including second reflective layers700according to an embodiment.

As shown inFIGS.13through16, a display apparatus according to various embodiments may further include second reflective layers700. The display apparatus may be implemented as a double-sided display apparatus by including the second reflective layers700. The double-sided display apparatus refers to a display apparatus in which a portion of light emitted by the light-emitting diodes of the display apparatus is emitted toward a front surface of the display apparatus and the remaining portion of the light is reflected by the second reflective layer700and emitted toward a rear surface of the display apparatus. In other words, the double-sided display apparatus may be a display apparatus that displays an image on both the front surface and the rear surface thereof.

The second reflective layers700may reflect a portion of light emitted by the light-emitting diodes toward the lower substrate100. For example, as shown inFIG.13, a portion of light emitted by the light-emitting diodes of the display apparatus may be emitted to the outside of the upper substrate400through an area where a second reflective layer700is not located, and the remaining portion of light may be reflected by the second reflective layer700toward the lower substrate100and emitted to the outside of the lower substrate100.

The second reflective layers700are located to overlap at least a portion of the first area A1, at least a portion of the second area A2, and at least a portion of the third area A3. In other words, the light emitted by the light-emitting diodes passes through the upper substrate400and is emitted to the outside of the upper substrate400in areas not overlapped by the second reflective layers700, and is reflected by the second reflective layers700toward the lower substrate100in areas overlapped by the second reflective layers700.

The second reflective layer700may include a metal material having a high reflectance, such as Ag. To improve the quality of an image displayed on the rear surface of the display apparatus, the first through third pixel electrodes311,312, and313may include a transparent electrode material. According to some embodiments, no thin-film transistors may be located in the path of the light reflected by the second reflective layers700.

According to an embodiment, as shown inFIG.13, a second reflective layer700may be located on the lower surface of the upper substrate400in a direction toward the lower substrate100in the first area A1, and the first color filter layer410may cover the lower surface of the second reflective layer700in the direction toward the lower substrate100. Another second reflective layer700may be located on the lower surface of the upper substrate400in the direction toward the lower substrate100in the second area A2, and the second color filter layer420may cover the lower surface of the second reflective layer700in the direction toward the lower substrate100. Another second reflective layer700may be located on the lower surface of the upper substrate400in the direction toward the lower substrate100in the third area A3, and the third color filter layer430may cover the lower surface of the second reflective layer700in the direction toward the lower substrate100. In other words, the second reflective layers700may be located between the upper substrate400and the first color filter layer410in the first area A1, between the upper substrate400and the second color filter layer420in the second area A2, and between the upper substrate400and the third color filter layer430in the third area A3, respectively.

According to another embodiment, as shown inFIG.14, the second reflective layers700may be located on the lower surface of the first color filter layer410in the direction toward the lower substrate100in the first area A1, on the lower surface of the second color filter layer420in the direction toward the lower substrate100in the second area A2, and on the lower surface of the third color filter layer430in the direction toward the lower substrate100in the third area A3, respectively. In other words, the second reflective layers700may be located between the first color filter layer410and the first protective layer IL1in the first area A1, between the second color filter layer420and the first protective layer IL1in the second area A2, and between the third color filter layer430and the first protective layer IL1in the third area A3, respectively.

According to another embodiment, as shown inFIG.15, the second reflective layers700may be located on the lower surface of the second color filter layer420in the direction toward the lower substrate100, at overlapping portions between the first color filter layer410and the second color filter layer420, respectively. In other words, the second reflective layers700may be located on the lower surface of the second color filter layer420in the direction toward the lower substrate100, between the first area A1and the second area A2, between the second area A2and the third area A3, and between the third area A3and the first area A1, respectively.

FIG.16illustrates a case where a display apparatus including transmission areas TA further includes the second reflective layers700described above with reference toFIG.14. In this case, the display apparatus may perform a function of the above-described transparent display apparatus and a function of the above-described double-sided display apparatus at the same time. For instance, the display apparatus according to some embodiments may be a display apparatus capable of performing a function as a double-sided display apparatus that displays an image on both its front and rear surfaces, and a function as a transparent display apparatus capable of simultaneously recognizing an image displayed due to light emission by the light-emitting diodes of the display apparatus and light beams transmitted by the display apparatus through the transmission areas TA.

AlthoughFIG.12illustrates that the display apparatus described with reference toFIG.9further includes the second reflective layers700, the display apparatus ofFIG.10may further include the second reflective layers700. AlthoughFIG.16illustrates a case where the display apparatus includes the second reflective layers700described above with reference toFIG.14, the display apparatus may include the second reflective layers700described above with reference toFIG.13or the second reflective layers700described above with reference toFIG.15.

FIG.17is a schematic plan view of a sensor electrode layer included in a display apparatus according to an embodiment.FIG.18is a cross-sectional view of the display apparatus taken along sectional line VIII-VIII′ ofFIG.17according to an embodiment.FIG.19is a schematic plan view of a portion of a first conductive layer ofFIG.18according to an embodiment.FIG.20is a schematic plan view of a portion of a second conductive layer ofFIG.18according to an embodiment.

The display apparatus according to an embodiment may include a sensor electrode layer SENL that senses a touch input of a user. Referring toFIG.17, the sensor electrode layer SENL includes a sensor area TSA for sensing a user's touch, and a sensor peripheral area TPA around the sensor area TSA. The display apparatus including the lower substrate100includes the display area DA ofFIG.1and the peripheral region PA ofFIG.1outside the display area DA as described above, and the sensor area TSA may be understood as overlapping the display area DA and the sensor peripheral area TPA may be understood as overlapping the peripheral area PA.

The sensor electrode layer SENL may include two types of electrodes, for example, first sensor electrodes810and second sensor electrodes820, as sensor electrodes800ofFIG.21. For instance, the sensor electrode layer SENL may include first sensor electrodes810, first signal lines815-1through815-4connected to the first sensor electrodes810, second sensor electrodes820, and second signal lines825-1through825-5connected to the second sensor electrodes820. The sensor electrode layer SENL may sense an external input according to a mutual capacitance method and/or a self-capacitance method.

The first sensor electrodes810may be arranged in a y-axis direction and the second sensor electrodes820may be arranged in an x-axis direction crossing the y-axis direction. First sensor electrodes810arranged in the y-axis direction may be connected to each other via first connection electrodes811each located between adjacent first sensor electrodes810, and may form each of first sensing lines810C1through810C4. Second sensor electrodes820arranged in the x-axis direction may be connected to each other via second connection electrodes821each located between adjacent second sensor electrodes820, and may form each of second sensing lines820R1through820R5. The first sensing lines810C1through810C4and the second sensing lines820R1through820R5may cross each other. For example, the first sensing lines810C1through810C4may be perpendicular to the second sensing lines820R1through820R5.

The first sensing lines810C1through810C4and the second sensing lines820R1through820R5may be located on the sensor area TSA, and may be connected to a sensing signal pad840through the first and second signal lines815-1through815-4and825-1through825-5formed in the sensor peripheral area TPA. The first sensing lines810C1through810C4may be connected to the first signal lines815-1through815-4, respectively, and the second sensing lines820R1through820R5may be connected to the second signal lines825-1through825-5, respectively.

FIG.17illustrates that the first signal lines815-1through815-4are connected to each of the top and bottom of the first sensing lines810C1through810C4. This structure may increase sensing sensitivity. However, embodiments are not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, the first signal lines815-1through815-4may be connected to only the top or bottom of the first sensing lines810C1through810C4. The layout of the first and second signal lines815-1through815-4and825-1through825-5may vary according to, for example, the shape or size of the sensor area TSA or a sensing method of the sensor electrode layer SENL.

The sensor electrode layer SENL may include a plurality of conductive layers. As shown inFIG.18, the sensor electrode layer SENL may include a first conductive layer CML1and a second conductive layer CML2located on the display unit DU. A first insulating layer81may be located between the first conductive layer CML1and the display unit DU, a second insulating layer83may be located between the first conductive layer CML1and the second conductive layer CML2, and a third insulating layer85may be located on the second conductive layer CML2.

According to an embodiment, the first and second insulating layers81and83may be inorganic insulating layers, such as silicon nitride, and the third insulating layer85may be an organic insulating layer.FIG.18illustrates that the first insulating layer81is located between the display unit DU and the first conductive layer CML1. However, according to another embodiment, the first insulating layer81may be omitted, and the first conductive layer CML1may be located directly on the display unit DU. According to another embodiment, the first and second insulating layers81and83may be organic insulating layers.

The first conductive layer CML1may include first connection electrodes811as shown inFIGS.18and19. As shown inFIGS.18and20, the second conductive layer CML2may include the first sensor electrodes810, the second sensor electrodes820, and second connection electrodes821. The second sensor electrodes820may be electrically connected to each other by the second connection electrodes821provided on the same layer as the layer on which the second sensor electrodes820are provided. The first sensor electrodes810may be electrically connected to each other by the first connection electrodes811provided on a different layer as the layer on which the first sensor electrodes810are provided. The first connection electrode811electrically connecting neighboring first sensor electrodes810may be connected to the neighboring first sensor electrodes810through a contact hole CNT provided in the second insulating layer83.

The first and second conductive layers CML1and CML2may include a metal. For example, each of the first and second conductive layers CML1and CML2may include, for example, at least one of Mo, Al, Cu, and Ti, and may have a multi-layered or single-layered structure including the aforementioned materials. According to an embodiment, each of the first and second conductive layers CML1and CML2may have a multi-layered structure of Ti/Al/Ti.

Referring to the magnified view ofFIG.20, each first sensor electrode810may have a grid structure (or a lattice structure) including a plurality of holes810H. Each of the plurality of holes810H may be located to overlap an emission area P-E of a pixel. Similarly, each second sensor electrode820may have a grid structure (or a lattice structure) including a plurality of holes820H. Each of the plurality of holes820H may be located to overlap an emission area P-E of a pixel.

AlthoughFIGS.18through20illustrate a case where the first sensor electrodes810and the first connection electrodes811are located on different layers, embodiments are not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, the first sensor electrodes810and the first connection electrodes811may be located on the same layer (for example, the second conductive layer CML2), and the second sensor electrodes820and the second connection electrodes821may be located on different layers and may contact each other via contact holes penetrating through the second insulating layer83.

In addition, although the first and second sensor electrodes810and820are included in the second conductive layer CML2inFIGS.18through20, embodiments are not limited thereto. According to another embodiment, the first sensor electrodes810and the second sensor electrodes820may be located on different layers. For example, one of the first and second sensor electrodes810and820may be located on the first conductive layer CML1, and the other may be located on the second conductive layer CML2.

FIG.21is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a display apparatus including the sensor electrodes800according to an embodiment.FIG.22is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a display apparatus including the sensor electrodes800according to an embodiment.FIG.23is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a display apparatus including the sensor electrodes800according to an embodiment.FIG.24is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a display apparatus including the sensor electrodes800according to an embodiment.

As shown inFIGS.21through24, a display apparatus according to various embodiments may further include the sensor electrode layer SENL described above with reference toFIGS.17through20. For instance, the display apparatus may further include the sensor electrodes800including the first and second sensor electrodes810and820ofFIG.17of the sensor electrode layer SENL. The display apparatus may be implemented as a touch display apparatus by including the sensor electrodes800. The touch display apparatus refers to a display apparatus capable of functioning as one of input devices providing input interfaces between the display apparatus and a user, as well as functioning as one of output devices providing output interfaces between the display apparatus and the user.

The sensor electrodes800may be located to surround at least a portion of the first area A1, at least a portion of the second area A2, and at least a portion of the third area A3.

According to an embodiment, as shown inFIG.21, the sensor electrodes800may surround at least a portion of the first area A1, at least a portion of the second area A2, and at least a portion of the third area A3, and may be located between the upper substrate400and the first protective layer IL1. For example, the sensor electrodes800may surround at least a portion of the first area A1, at least a portion of the second area A2, and at least a portion of the third area A3, and may be located on the upper surface of the first protective layer IL1in a direction toward the upper substrate400. This may be understood as the sensor electrodes800being located on the upper surface of the first protective layer IL1in the direction toward the upper substrate400, between the first area A1and the second area A2, between the second area A2and the third area A3, and between the third area A3and the first area A1, respectively, according to a cross-sectional view.

According to another embodiment, as shown inFIG.22, the sensor electrodes800may surround at least a portion of the first area A1, at least a portion of the second area A2, and at least a portion of the third area A3, and may be located between the first protective layer IL1and the second protective layer IL2. For instance, the sensor electrodes800may surround at least a portion of the first area A1, at least a portion of the second area A2, and at least a portion of the third area A3, and may be located on the lower surface of the first protective layer IL1in a direction toward the lower substrate100. This may be understood as the sensor electrodes800being located on the lower surface of the first protective layer IL1in the direction toward the lower substrate100, between the first area A1and the second area A2, between the second area A2and the third area A3, and between the third area A3and the first area A1, respectively, according to a cross-sectional view.

According to another embodiment, the first sensor electrodes810and the second sensor electrodes820included in the sensor electrodes800may have different layered structures. For example, as shown inFIG.23, the first sensor electrodes810may surround at least a portion of the first area A1, at least a portion of the second area A2, and at least a portion of the third area A3, and may be located between the upper substrate400and the first protective layer IL1. The second sensor electrodes820may surround at least a portion of the first area A1, at least a portion of the second area A2, and at least a portion of the third area A3, and may be located between the first protective layer IL1and the second protective layer IL2. For example, the first sensor electrodes810may surround at least a portion of the first area A1, at least a portion of the second area A2, and at least a portion of the third area A3, and may be located on the upper surface of the first protective layer IL1in a direction toward the upper substrate400. The second sensor electrodes820may surround at least a portion of the first area A1, at least a portion of the second area A2, and at least a portion of the third area A3, and may be located on the lower surface of the first protective layer IL1in a direction toward the lower substrate100. According to another embodiment, the first sensor electrodes810and the second sensor electrodes820may be arranged opposite to the above-described arrangement. In other words, the first sensor electrodes810may be located on the lower surface of the first protective layer IL1in a direction toward the lower substrate100, and the second sensor electrodes820may be located on the upper surface of the first protective layer IL1in a direction toward the upper substrate400.

FIG.24illustrates a case where a display apparatus including transmission areas TA further includes the sensor electrodes800described above with reference toFIG.22. In this case, the display apparatus may perform a function of the above-described transparent display apparatus and a function of the above-described touch display apparatus at the same time. For instance, the display apparatus according to some embodiments may be a display apparatus capable of performing a function as an input device providing an input interface between the display apparatus and a user, as well as a function of a transparent display apparatus capable of simultaneously recognizing an image displayed due to light emission by the light-emitting diodes of the display apparatus and light beams transmitted by the display apparatus through the transmission areas TA.

AlthoughFIG.24illustrates that the display apparatus described in association withFIG.9further includes the sensor electrodes800, the display apparatus described in association withFIG.10may further include the sensor electrodes800. AlthoughFIG.24illustrates a case where the display apparatus includes the sensor electrodes800described above with reference toFIG.22, the display apparatus may include the sensor electrodes800described above with reference toFIG.21or the sensor electrodes800described above with reference toFIG.23.

Although only a display apparatus has been described above, embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, a method of manufacturing a display apparatus according to a structure of a display apparatus is also within the purview of the disclosure.

According to various embodiments, a display apparatus having relatively high luminescent efficiency may be realized.

Although certain embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Accordingly, the inventive concepts are not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the accompanying claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.