U.S. patent application number 17/009370 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-05 for display device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Samsung Display Co., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Display Co., LTD.. Invention is credited to Kyung Hyun CHOI, Jin Koo CHUNG, Kyung Soo JANG, Kwang Chul JUNG, Taek Ju JUNG, Dong Soo KIM, Seong Min KIM.
Application Number | 20210241677 17/009370 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005074546 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210241677 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHUNG; Jin Koo ; et
al. |
August 5, 2021 |
DISPLAY DEVICE
Abstract
A display device includes scan lines disposed in a first
direction; data lines disposed in a second direction substantially
perpendicular to the first direction; and unit pixel regions
adjacent to the scan lines and the data lines, each unit pixel
region including sub-pixels. A portion of an opening region of at
least one of the sub-pixels overlaps a unit pixel region adjacent
to a unit pixel region corresponding to the at least one of the
sub-pixels, and a side of the opening region of the at least one of
the sub-pixels extends in a third direction inclined with respect
to each of the first direction and the second direction.
Inventors: |
CHUNG; Jin Koo; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; KIM; Dong Soo; (Hwaseong-si, KR) ; JUNG;
Taek Ju; (Hwaseong-si, KR) ; KIM; Seong Min;
(Yongin-si, KR) ; JANG; Kyung Soo; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; JUNG; Kwang Chul; (Seoul, KR) ; CHOI;
Kyung Hyun; (Cheonan-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Display Co., LTD. |
Yongin-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Samsung Display Co., LTD.
Yongin-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
1000005074546 |
Appl. No.: |
17/009370 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09G 2310/0278 20130101;
G09G 2300/0426 20130101; G09G 3/32 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G09G 3/32 20060101
G09G003/32 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 30, 2020 |
KR |
10-2020-0011083 |
Claims
1. A display device comprising: scan lines disposed in a first
direction; data lines disposed in a second direction substantially
perpendicular to the first direction and a plurality of unit pixel
regions adjacent to the scan lines and the data lines, each unit
pixel region including a plurality of sub-pixels, wherein a portion
of an opening region of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels
overlaps a unit pixel region adjacent to a unit pixel region
corresponding to the at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels,
and a side of the opening region of the at least one of the
plurality of sub-pixels extends in a third direction inclined with
respect to each of the first direction and the second
direction.
2. The display device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
unit pixel regions includes first to third sub-pixels, and a first
opening region of the first sub-pixel and a second opening region
of the second sub-pixel are disposed at a side of a third opening
region of the third sub-pixel in the third direction.
3. The display device of claim 2, wherein the first opening region
is disposed at a side of the second opening region in a fourth
direction, and the fourth direction is substantially perpendicular
to the third direction.
4. The display device of claim 2, wherein a portion of the third
opening region overlaps a unit pixel region adjacent to a side, in
the first direction, of a unit pixel region corresponding to the
third opening region, and another portion of the third opening
region overlaps a unit pixel region adjacent to a side, in the
second direction, of the unit pixel region corresponding to the
third opening region.
5. The display device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
unit pixel regions includes first to third sub-pixels, a first
opening region of the first sub-pixel and a second opening region
of the second sub-pixel are disposed at another side of a third
opening region of the third sub-pixel in a fourth direction, and
the fourth direction is substantially perpendicular to the third
direction.
6. The display device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of unit
pixel regions include: a first unit pixel region; and a second unit
pixel region adjacent to a side of the first unit pixel region in
the first direction, a first opening region of the first unit pixel
region is disposed at a side of a second opening region of the
first unit pixel region in the third direction, and a first opening
region of the second unit pixel region is disposed at another side
of a second opening region of the second unit pixel region in the
fourth direction.
7. The display device of claim 6, wherein the plurality of unit
pixel regions further include: a third unit pixel region adjacent
to a side of the first unit pixel region in the second direction;
and a fourth unit pixel region adjacent to a side of the second
unit pixel region in the second direction, a portion of the second
opening region of the first unit pixel region overlaps the third
unit pixel region, and a portion of the first opening region of the
second unit pixel region overlaps the fourth unit pixel region.
8. The display device of claim 7, wherein a portion of a third
opening region of the third unit pixel region overlaps the first
unit pixel region, and another portion of the third opening region
of the third unit pixel region overlaps the fourth unit pixel
region.
9. The display device of claim 1, further comprising: a first
substrate on which the plurality of unit pixel regions are
disposed; and a second substrate facing the first substrate,
wherein the plurality of unit pixel regions include: a first unit
pixel region; and a second unit pixel region adjacent to a side of
the first unit pixel region in the first direction, the first unit
pixel region includes: first to third sub-pixels; and a first
spacer disposed between the first substrate and the second
substrate, and the second unit pixel region includes: first to
third sub-pixels; and a second spacer disposed between the first
substrate and the second substrate.
10. The display device of claim 9, wherein a first opening region
of the first sub-pixel of the first unit pixel region and a second
opening region of the second sub-pixel of the first unit pixel
region are disposed at another side of a third opening region of
the third sub-pixel in a fourth direction substantially
perpendicular to the third direction, the first opening region of
the first unit pixel region is disposed at a side of the second
opening region in the third direction, and the first spacer is
disposed between the first opening region and the third opening
region of the first unit pixel region.
11. The display device of claim 9, wherein a first opening region
of the first sub-pixel of the second unit pixel region and a second
opening region of the second sub-pixel of the second unit pixel
region are disposed at another side of a third opening region of
the third sub-pixel in a fourth direction substantially
perpendicular to the third direction, the first opening region of
the second unit pixel region is disposed at another side of the
second opening region in the fourth direction, and the second
spacer is disposed at a side of the second and third opening
regions of the second unit pixel region in the third direction.
12. The display device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of unit
pixel regions include: a third unit pixel region adjacent to a side
of the first unit pixel region in the second direction; and a
fourth unit pixel region adjacent to a side of the second unit
pixel region in the second direction, a portion of a second opening
region of the second sub-pixel of the first unit pixel region
overlaps the third unit pixel region, and a portion of a first
opening region of the first sub-pixel of the second unit pixel
region overlaps the fourth unit pixel region.
13. The display device of claim 12, wherein a portion of a third
opening region of a third sub-pixel of the third unit pixel region
overlaps the first unit pixel region, and another portion of the
third opening region of the third sub-pixel of the third unit pixel
region overlaps the fourth unit pixel region.
14. The display device of claim 1, further comprising: a first
substrate on which the plurality of unit pixel regions are
disposed; and a second substrate facing the first substrate,
wherein the plurality of unit pixel regions include: a first unit
pixel region; and a second unit pixel region adjacent to a side of
the first unit pixel region in the first direction, the first unit
pixel region includes: first to third sub-pixels; and first and
second spacers disposed between the first substrate and the second
substrate, and the second unit pixel region includes: first to
third sub-pixels; and third and fourth spacers disposed between the
first substrate and the second substrate.
15. The display device of claim 14, wherein a first opening region
of the first sub-pixel and a second opening region of the second
sub-pixel are disposed at another side of a third opening region of
the third sub-pixel in a fourth direction substantially
perpendicular to the third direction, a first opening region of the
first unit pixel region is disposed at a side of a second opening
region of the first unit pixel region in the third direction, and a
first opening region of the second unit pixel region is disposed at
another side of a second opening region of the second unit pixel
region in the fourth direction.
16. The display device of claim 15, wherein the first spacer is
disposed at another side of the first opening region of the first
unit pixel region in the second direction and at another side of
the third opening region of the first unit pixel region in the
first direction, and the second spacer is disposed at a side of the
second opening region of the first unit pixel region in the first
direction and at a side of the third opening region of the first
unit pixel region in the second direction.
17. The display device of claim 15, wherein the third spacer is
disposed at another side of the second opening region of the second
unit pixel region in the second direction and at another side of
the third opening region of the second unit pixel region in the
first direction, and the fourth spacer is disposed at a side of the
second opening region of the second unit pixel region in the first
direction and at a side of the third opening region of the second
unit pixel region in the second direction.
18. The display device of claim 14, wherein a first opening region
of the first unit pixel region includes: a central portion; a first
protrusion protruding from the central portion to a side of the
third direction; a second protrusion protruding from the central
portion toward a third opening region; and a third protrusion
protruding from the central portion in a direction opposite to the
second protrusion.
19. The display device of claim 14, wherein a second opening region
of the first unit pixel region includes: a central portion; a first
protrusion protruding from the central portion to another side of
the third direction; a second protrusion protruding from the
central portion toward a third opening region; and a third
protrusion protruding from the central portion in a direction
opposite to the second protrusion.
20. The display device of claim 14, wherein a third opening region
of the first unit pixel region includes: a central portion; a first
protrusion protruding from the central portion toward first and
second opening regions; a second protrusion protruding from the
central portion to another side of the third direction; a third
protrusion protruding from the central portion in a direction
opposite to the first protrusion; and a fourth protrusion
protruding from the central portion in a direction opposite to the
second protrusion.
21. The display device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
unit pixel regions includes first to third sub-pixels, a first
opening region of the first sub-pixel and a second opening region
of the second sub-pixel are disposed at a side of a third opening
region of the third sub-pixel in a fourth direction substantially
perpendicular to the third direction, and the third opening region
includes: a central portion; and a protrusion protruding from a
lower corner of the central portion to a side of the second
direction.
22. The display device of claim 21, wherein the plurality of unit
pixel regions include: a first unit pixel region; and a second unit
pixel region adjacent to a side of the first unit pixel region in
the first direction, an end of a protrusion of a third opening
region of the first unit pixel region faces a second opening region
of the first unit pixel region, and another end substantially
perpendicular to the end of the protrusion of the third opening
region faces a first opening region of the second unit pixel
region.
23. The display device of claim 22, wherein the first unit pixel
region includes a first spacer surrounded by the first opening
region, the end of the protrusion of the third opening region, and
a left corner of the central portion of the third opening
region.
24. The display device of claim 22, wherein the second unit pixel
region includes a second spacer surrounded by a right corner of the
central portion of the third opening region of the first unit pixel
region, another end of the protrusion of the third opening region
of the first unit pixel region, the second opening region of the
second unit pixel region, and a left corner of the central portion
of the third opening region of the second unit pixel region.
25. The display device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of unit
pixel regions include: a first unit pixel region; and a second unit
pixel region adjacent to a side of the first unit pixel region in
the first direction, each of the first and second unit pixel
regions includes first to third sub-pixels, a first opening region
of the first sub-pixel and a second opening region of the second
sub-pixel are disposed at another side of a third opening region of
the third sub-pixel in a fourth direction substantially
perpendicular to the third direction, and the third opening region
includes: an end extending from a center of gravity to a side of
the third direction; and another end extending from the center of
gravity to a side of the fourth direction.
26. The display device of claim 25, wherein the first and second
opening regions of the first unit pixel region are disposed at
another side in the fourth direction at an end of the third opening
region of the first unit pixel region, and the first and second
opening regions of the second unit pixel region are disposed at
another side in the third direction at another end of the third
opening region of the first unit pixel region.
27. The display device of claim 25, wherein the plurality of unit
pixel regions further include a third unit pixel region having
first to third sub-pixels adjacent to a side of the first unit
pixel region in the second direction, and the third unit pixel
region includes a first spacer surrounded by the second and third
opening regions of the first unit pixel region, the first opening
region of the second unit pixel region, and the third opening
region of the third unit pixel region.
28. A display device comprising: scan lines disposed in a first
direction; data lines disposed in a second direction substantially
perpendicular to the first direction; and a plurality of unit pixel
regions adjacent to the scan lines and the data lines, each unit
pixel region including a plurality of sub-pixels, wherein a portion
of an opening region of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels
overlaps a unit pixel region adjacent to a unit pixel region
corresponding to the at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels,
and an extension direction of at least one side of the opening
region of each of the plurality of sub-pixels intersects all
boundaries of the unit pixel region corresponding to the at least
one of the plurality of sub-pixels at an acute angle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims priority to and benefits of Korean
Patent Application No. 10-2020-0011083 under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119
filed on Jan. 30, 2020 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office,
the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0002] The disclosure relates to a display device.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] As the information society develops, the demand for display
devices for displaying images has increased and diversified. For
example, display devices have been applied to various electronic
devices such as smartphones, digital cameras, laptop computers,
navigation devices, and smart televisions.
[0004] The display device may be applied to a center information
display (CID) disposed on an instrument board, a center fascia, or
a dashboard of a vehicle. In this case, external light may be
reflected by the display device to interfere with a driver's view.
As an example, the display device may include pixels as a minimum
unit that may output light, and each of the pixels may output light
through an opening region. For example, external light may be
reflected at the boundary of the opening regions of the pixels,
which may interfere with the driver's view.
[0005] It is to be understood that this background of the
technology section is, in part, intended to provide useful
background for understanding the technology. However, this
background of the technology section may also include ideas,
concepts, or recognitions that were not part of what was known or
appreciated by those skilled in the pertinent art prior to a
corresponding effective filing date of the subject matter disclosed
herein.
SUMMARY
[0006] Aspects of the disclosure provide a display device that may
reduce external light reflected at a boundary of an opening region
of each of pixels.
[0007] However, aspects of the disclosure are not restricted to the
ones set forth herein. The above and other aspects of the
disclosure will become more apparent to one of ordinary skill in
the art to which the disclosure pertains by referencing the
detailed description of the disclosure given below.
[0008] According to an embodiment, there is provided a display
device that may include scan lines disposed in a first direction;
data lines disposed in a second direction substantially
perpendicular to the first direction; and a plurality of unit pixel
regions adjacent to the scan lines and the data lines, each unit
pixel region including a plurality of sub-pixels, wherein a portion
of an opening region of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels
may overlap a unit pixel region adjacent to a unit pixel region
corresponding to the at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels,
and a side of the opening region of the at least one of the
plurality of sub-pixels may extend in a third direction inclined
with respect to each of the first direction and the second
direction.
[0009] Each of the plurality of unit pixel regions may include
first to third sub-pixels, and a first opening region of the first
sub-pixel and a second opening region of the second sub-pixel may
be disposed at a side of a third opening region of the third
sub-pixel in the third direction.
[0010] The first opening region may be disposed at a side of the
second opening region in a fourth direction, and the fourth
direction may be substantially perpendicular to the third
direction.
[0011] A portion of the third opening region may overlap a unit
pixel region adjacent to a side, in the first direction, of a unit
pixel region corresponding to the third opening region, and another
portion of the third opening region may overlap a unit pixel region
adjacent to a side, in the second direction, of the unit pixel
region corresponding to the third opening region.
[0012] Each of the plurality of unit pixel regions may include
first to third sub-pixels, a first opening region of the first
sub-pixel and a second opening region of the second sub-pixel may
be disposed at another side of a third opening region of the third
sub-pixel in a fourth direction, and the fourth direction may be
substantially perpendicular to the third direction.
[0013] The plurality of unit pixel regions may include a first unit
pixel region and a second unit pixel region adjacent to a side of
the first unit pixel region in the first direction, a first opening
region of the first unit pixel region may be disposed at a side of
a second opening region of the first unit pixel region in the third
direction, and a first opening region of the second unit pixel
region may be disposed at another side of a second opening region
of the second unit pixel region in the fourth direction.
[0014] The plurality of unit pixel regions may further include a
third unit pixel region adjacent to a side of the first unit pixel
region in the second direction, and a fourth unit pixel region
adjacent to a side of the second unit pixel region in the second
direction, a portion of the second opening region of the first unit
pixel region may overlap the third unit pixel region, and a portion
of the first opening region of the second unit pixel region may
overlap the fourth unit pixel region.
[0015] A portion of a third opening region of the third unit pixel
region may overlap the first unit pixel region, and another portion
of the third opening region of the third unit pixel region may
overlap the fourth unit pixel region.
[0016] The display device may further include a first substrate on
which the plurality of unit pixel regions may be disposed, and a
second substrate facing the first substrate, wherein the plurality
of unit pixel regions may include a first unit pixel region, and a
second unit pixel region adjacent to a side of the first unit pixel
region in the first direction, the first unit pixel region may
include first to third sub-pixels, and a first spacer disposed
between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the
second unit pixel region may include first to third sub-pixels, and
a second spacer disposed between the first substrate and the second
substrate.
[0017] A first opening region of the first sub-pixel of the first
unit pixel region and a second opening region of the second
sub-pixel of the first unit pixel region may be disposed at another
side of a third opening region of the third sub-pixel in a fourth
direction substantially perpendicular to the third direction, the
first opening region of the first unit pixel region may be disposed
at a side of the second opening region in the third direction, and
the first spacer may be disposed between the first opening region
and the third opening region of the first unit pixel region.
[0018] A first opening region of the first sub-pixel of the second
unit pixel region and a second opening region of the second
sub-pixel of the second unit pixel region may be disposed at
another side of a third opening region of the third sub-pixel in a
fourth direction substantially perpendicular to the third
direction, the first opening region of the second unit pixel region
may be disposed at another side of the second opening region in the
fourth direction, and the second spacer may be disposed at a side
of the second and third opening regions of the second unit pixel
region in the third direction.
[0019] The plurality of unit pixel regions may include a third unit
pixel region adjacent to a side of the first unit pixel region in
the second direction, and a fourth unit pixel region adjacent to a
side of the second unit pixel region in the second direction, a
portion of a second opening region of the second sub-pixel of the
first unit pixel region may overlap the third unit pixel region,
and a portion of a first opening region of the first sub-pixel of
the second unit pixel region may overlap the fourth unit pixel
region.
[0020] A portion of a third opening region of a third sub-pixel of
the third unit pixel region may overlap the first unit pixel
region, and another portion of the third opening region of the
third sub-pixel of the third unit pixel region may overlap the
fourth unit pixel region.
[0021] The display device may further include a first substrate on
which the plurality of unit pixel regions may be disposed, and a
second substrate facing the first substrate, wherein the plurality
of unit pixel regions may include a first unit pixel region, and a
second unit pixel region adjacent to a side of the first unit pixel
region in the first direction, the first unit pixel region may
include first to third sub-pixels, and first and second spacers
disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and
the second unit pixel region may include first to third sub-pixels,
and third and fourth spacers disposed between the first substrate
and the second substrate.
[0022] A first opening region of the first sub-pixel and a second
opening region of the second sub-pixel may be disposed at another
side of a third opening region of the third sub-pixel in a fourth
direction substantially perpendicular to the third direction, a
first opening region of the first unit pixel region may be disposed
at a side of a second opening region of the first unit pixel region
in the third direction, and a first opening region of the second
unit pixel region may be disposed at another side of a second
opening region of the second unit pixel region in the fourth
direction.
[0023] The first spacer may be disposed at another side of the
first opening region of the first unit pixel region in the second
direction and at another side of the third opening region of the
first unit pixel region in the first direction, and wherein the
second spacer may be disposed on one side of the second opening
region of the first unit pixel region in the first direction and at
a side of the third opening region of the first unit pixel region
in the second direction.
[0024] The third spacer may be disposed at another side of the
second opening region of the second unit pixel region in the second
direction and at another side of the third opening region of the
second unit pixel region in the first direction, and the fourth
spacer may be disposed at a side of the second opening region of
the second unit pixel region in the first direction and at a side
of the third opening region of the second unit pixel region in the
second direction.
[0025] A first opening region of the first unit pixel region may
include a central portion; a first protrusion protruding from the
central portion to a side of the third direction; a second
protrusion protruding from the central portion toward a third
opening region; and a third protrusion protruding from the central
portion in a direction opposite to the second protrusion.
[0026] A second opening region of the first unit pixel region may
include: a central portion; a first protrusion protruding from the
central portion to another side of the third direction; a second
protrusion protruding from the central portion toward a third
opening region; and a third protrusion protruding from the central
portion in a direction opposite to the second protrusion.
[0027] A third opening region of the first unit pixel region may
include a central portion; a first protrusion protruding from the
central portion toward first and second opening regions; a second
protrusion protruding from the central portion to another side of
the third direction; a third protrusion protruding from the central
portion in a direction opposite to the first protrusion; and a
fourth protrusion protruding from the central portion in a
direction opposite to the second protrusion.
[0028] Each of the plurality of unit pixel regions may include
first to third sub-pixels, a first opening region of the first
sub-pixel and a second opening region of the second sub-pixel may
be disposed at a side of a third opening region of the third
sub-pixel in a fourth direction substantially perpendicular to the
third direction, and the third opening region may include a central
portion, and a protrusion protruding from a lower corner of the
central portion to a side of the second direction.
[0029] The plurality of unit pixel regions may include a first unit
pixel region, and a second unit pixel region adjacent to a side of
the first unit pixel region in the first direction, an end of a
protrusion of a third opening region of the first unit pixel region
may face a second opening region of the first unit pixel region,
and another end substantially perpendicular to the end of the
protrusion of the third opening region may face a first opening
region of the second unit pixel region.
[0030] The first unit pixel region may include a first spacer
surrounded by the first opening region, the end of the protrusion
of the third opening region, and a left corner of the central
portion of the third opening region.
[0031] The second unit pixel region may include a second spacer
surrounded by a right corner of the central portion of the third
opening region of the first unit pixel region, another end of the
protrusion of the third opening region of the first unit pixel
region, the second opening region of the second unit pixel region,
and a left corner of the central portion of the third opening
region of the second unit pixel region.
[0032] The plurality of unit pixel regions may include a first unit
pixel region, and a second unit pixel region adjacent to a side of
the first unit pixel region in the first direction, each of the
first and second unit pixel regions may include first to third
sub-pixels, a first opening region of the first sub-pixel and a
second opening region of the second sub-pixel may be disposed at
another side of a third opening region of the third sub-pixel in a
fourth direction substantially perpendicular to the third
direction, and the third opening region may include an end
extending from a center of gravity to a side of the third direction
and another end extending from the center of gravity to a side of
the fourth direction.
[0033] The first and second opening regions of the first unit pixel
region may be disposed at another side in the fourth direction at
an end of the third opening region of the first unit pixel region,
and the first and second opening regions of the second unit pixel
region may be disposed at another side in the third direction at
another end of the third opening region of the first unit pixel
region.
[0034] The plurality of unit pixel regions may further include a
third unit pixel region having first to third sub-pixels adjacent
to a side of the first unit pixel region in the second direction,
and the third unit pixel region may include a first spacer
surrounded by the second and third opening regions of the first
unit pixel region, the first opening region of the second unit
pixel region, and the third opening region of the third unit pixel
region.
[0035] According to an embodiment, there is provided a display
device that may include scan lines disposed in a first direction;
data lines disposed in a second direction substantially
perpendicular to the first direction; and a plurality of unit pixel
regions adjacent to the scan lines and the data lines, each unit
pixel region including a plurality of sub-pixels, a portion of an
opening region of at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels may
overlap a unit pixel region adjacent to a unit pixel region
corresponding to the at least one of the plurality of sub-pixels,
and an extension direction of at least one side of the opening
region of each of the plurality of sub-pixels may intersect all
boundaries of the unit pixel region corresponding to the at least
one of the plurality of sub-pixels at an acute angle.
[0036] In the display device according to the embodiments, one side
of the opening region of each of the sub-pixels and the scan line
may cross each other in a plan view. For example, one side of the
opening region of each of the sub-pixels may not be parallel to the
scan line in a plan view, and may not cross the scan line at a
right angle in a plan view. In addition, a portion of at least one
opening region of the opening regions of the sub-pixel may overlap
the adjacent unit pixel region beyond the corresponding unit pixel
region. Therefore, the display device can maximize the aperture
ratio of each of the sub-pixels while minimizing the external light
reflected at the boundary of the opening region.
[0037] The effects of the disclosure are not limited to the
aforementioned effects, and various other effects are included in
the specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] The above and other aspects and features of the disclosure
will become more apparent by describing in detail embodiments
thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device
according to an embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
display device of FIG. 1;
[0041] FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the display panel of FIG.
2;
[0042] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the display panel of
FIG. 2;
[0043] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating unit pixel regions of a
display device according to an embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating unit pixel regions of a
display device according to an embodiment;
[0045] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating unit pixel regions of a
display device according to an embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line
I-I' of FIG. 7;
[0047] FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating unit pixel regions of a
display device according to an embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the unit pixel regions of
FIG. 9;
[0049] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating unit pixel regions of a
display device according to an embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the unit pixel regions of
FIG. 11;
[0051] FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating unit pixel regions of a
display device according to an embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating unit pixel regions of a
display device according to an embodiment;
[0053] FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating unit pixel regions of a
display device according to an embodiment;
[0054] FIG. 16 is a plan view illustrating unit pixel regions of a
display device according to an embodiment;
[0055] FIG. 17 is a plan view illustrating unit pixel regions of a
display device according to an embodiment;
[0056] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a
display device according to an embodiment is applied to a vehicle;
and
[0057] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a
display device according to an embodiment is applied to a
vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0058] Features and methods of accomplishing the same may be
understood more readily by reference to the following detailed
description of embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The
disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and
should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set
forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the
disclosure to those skilled in the art, and the disclosure will be
defined by the appended claims.
[0059] Some of the parts which are not associated with the
description may not be provided in order to describe embodiments of
the disclosure and like reference numerals refer to like elements
throughout the specification.
[0060] As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all
combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Throughout the disclosure, the expression "at least one of a, b or
c" indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c,
both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.
[0061] The terms "and" and "or" may be used in the conjunctive or
disjunctive sense and may be understood to be equivalent to
"and/or." In the specification and the claims, the phrase "at least
one of" is intended to include the meaning of "at least one
selected from the group of" for the purpose of its meaning and
interpretation. For example, "at least one of A and B" may be
understood to mean "A, B, or A and B."
[0062] It will be understood that although the terms such as
`first` and `second` are used herein to describe various elements,
these elements should not be limited by these terms. It will be
understood that although the terms such as `first` and `second` are
used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not
be limited by these terms. For example, a first element referred to
as a first element in one embodiment may be referred to as a second
element in another embodiment without departing from the scope of
the appended claims.
[0063] 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.
[0064] It will be further understood that when the terms
"comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including", "have"
and/or "having" are used in this specification, they or it may
specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,
operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of other features, integers, steps,
operations, elements, components, and/or any combination
thereof.
[0065] When a layer, film, region, substrate, or area, or element
is referred to as being "on" another layer, film, region,
substrate, or area, or element, it may be directly on the other
film, region, substrate, or area, or element, or intervening films,
regions, substrates, or areas, or elements may be present
therebetween. Conversely, when a layer, film, region, substrate, or
area, or element, is referred to as being "directly on" another
layer, film, region, substrate, or area, or element, intervening
layers, films, regions, substrates, or areas, may be absent
therebetween. Further when a layer, film, region, substrate, or
area, or element, is referred to as being "below" another layer,
film, region, substrate, or area, or element, it may be directly
below the other layer, film, region, substrate, or area, or
element, or intervening layers, films, regions, substrates, or
areas, or elements, may be present therebetween. Conversely, when a
layer, film, region, substrate, or area, or element, is referred to
as being "directly below" another layer, film, region, substrate,
or area, or element, intervening layers, films, regions,
substrates, or areas, or elements may be absent therebetween.
Further, "over" or "on" may include positioning on or below an
object and does not necessarily imply a direction based upon
gravity.
[0066] The spatially relative terms "below", "beneath", "lower",
"above", "upper", or the like, may be used herein for ease of
description to describe the relations between one element or
component and another element or component as illustrated in the
drawings. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms
are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in
use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the
drawings. For example, in the case where a device illustrated in
the drawing is turned over, the device positioned "below" or
"beneath" another device may be placed "above" another device.
Accordingly, the illustrative term "below" may include both the
lower and upper positions. The device may also be oriented in other
directions and thus the spatially relative terms may be interpreted
differently depending on the orientations.
[0067] In the drawings, sizes and thicknesses of elements may be
enlarged for better understanding, clarity, and ease of description
thereof. However, the disclosure is not limited to the illustrated
sizes and thicknesses. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers,
films, panels, regions, and other elements, may be exaggerated for
clarity. In the drawings, for better understanding and ease of
description, the thicknesses of some layers and areas may be
exaggerated.
[0068] Additionally, the terms "overlap" or "overlapped" mean that
a first object may be above or below or to a side of a second
object, and vice versa. Additionally, the term "overlap" may
include layer, stack, face or facing, extending over, covering or
partly covering or any other suitable term as would be appreciated
and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. The terms
"face" and "facing" mean that a first element may directly or
indirectly oppose a second element. In a case in which a third
element intervenes between the first and second element, the first
and second element may be understood as being indirectly opposed to
one another, although still facing each other. When an element is
described as `not overlapping` or `to not overlap` another element,
this may include that the elements are spaced apart from each
other, offset from each other, or set aside from each other or any
other suitable term as would be appreciated and understood by those
of ordinary skill in the art.
[0069] Further, in the specification, the phrase "in a plan view"
means when an object portion is viewed from above, and the phrase
"in a schematic cross-sectional view" means when a schematic
cross-section taken by vertically cutting an object portion is
viewed from the side.
[0070] It will be understood that when a layer, region, or
component is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to
another layer, region, or component, it may be "directly connected"
or "directly coupled" to the other layer, region, or component
and/or may be "indirectly connected" or "indirectly coupled" to the
other layer, region, or component with other layers, regions, or
components interposed therebetween. For example, it will be
understood that when a layer, region, or component is referred to
as being "electrically connected" or "electrically coupled" to
another layer, region, or component, it may be "directly
electrically connected" or "directly electrically coupled" to the
other layer, region, or component and may be "indirectly
electrically connected" or "indirectly electrically coupled" to the
other layer, region, or component with other layers, regions, or
components interposed therebetween.
[0071] Also, when an element is referred to as being "in contact"
or "contacted" or the like to another element, the element may be
in "electrical contact" or in "physical contact" with another
element; or in "indirect contact" or in "direct contact" with
another element.
[0072] "About" or "approximately" as used herein is inclusive of
the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation
for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in
the art, considering the measurement in question and the error
associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the
limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" may
mean within one or more standard deviations, or within .+-.30%,
20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value.
[0073] In the following examples, the x-axis, the y-axis and the
z-axis are not limited to three axes of the 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 may not be
perpendicular to one another.
[0074] 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 embodiments
pertain. In addition, it will be further understood that 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.
[0075] Embodiments will hereinafter be described with reference to
the accompanying drawings.
[0076] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a display device
according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view
illustrating the display device of FIG. 1.
[0077] The terms "above," "top" and "upper surface" as used herein
refer to an upward direction (i.e., a Z-axis direction) with
respect to the display device. The terms "below," "bottom" and
"lower surface" as used herein refer to a downward direction (i.e.,
a direction opposite to the Z-axis direction) with respect to the
display device. Further, "left", "right", "upper" and "lower"
indicate directions when the display device is viewed from above.
For example, "left" refers to a direction opposite to an X-axis
direction, "right" refers to the X-axis direction, "upper" refers
to a Y-axis direction, and "lower" refers to a direction opposite
to the Y-axis direction.
[0078] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a display device 10 is a device
that may display a moving image or a still image. The display
device may be used as a display screen of various products such as
televisions, laptop computers, monitors, billboards and the
Internet of Things (JOT) as well as portable electronic devices
such as mobile phones, smart phones, tablet personal computers
(tablet PCs), smart watches, watch phones, mobile communication
terminals, electronic notebooks, electronic books, portable
multimedia players (PMPs), navigation systems and ultra mobile PCs
(UMPCs). However, the disclosure is not limited thereto and other
products are within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.
[0079] The display device 10 may have a substantially rectangular
shape in a plan view. For example, the display device 10 may have a
substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, having short sides
in a first direction (X-axis direction) and long sides in a second
direction (Y-axis direction). A corner where the short side in the
first direction (X-axis direction) and the long side in the second
direction (Y-axis direction) meet may be right-angled or rounded
with a predetermined curvature. The planar shape of the display
device 10 is not limited to a substantially rectangular shape, and
may be formed in other substantially polygonal shapes such as a
circular shape or elliptical shape. The display device 10 may be
formed to be flat, but is not limited thereto. For example, the
display device 10 may be formed to be bent with a predetermined
curvature.
[0080] The display device 10 may include a cover window 100, a
touch sensing device 200, a display panel 300, a panel bottom
member 400, and a bottom cover 800.
[0081] The cover window 100 may be disposed above the display panel
300 to cover or overlap the top surface of the display panel 300.
The cover window 100 may protect the top surface of the display
panel 300. For example, the cover window 100 may be attached to the
touch sensing device 200 through an adhesive member. The adhesive
member may be an optically clear adhesive (OCA) or an optically
clear resin (OCR).
[0082] The cover window 100 may include a transmission part which
may display an image of the display panel 300, and a light blocking
part which may correspond to a region other than the transmission
part. The light blocking part of the cover window 100 may be formed
to be opaque such that unnecessary components other than an image
of the display panel 300 may not be viewed by a user.
Alternatively, the light blocking part of the cover window 100 may
be formed as a decorative layer having a pattern that may be shown
to the user in a case that an image is not displayed. For example,
the light blocking part of the cover window 100 may include a
company's logo or a pattern of various characters.
[0083] For example, the cover window 100 may be made of glass,
sapphire, or plastic, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The
cover window 100 may be rigid or flexible.
[0084] The touch sensing device 200 may be disposed between the
cover window 100 and the display panel 300. The touch sensing
device 200 may detect the user's touch position and may be
implemented as an infrared type or a capacitance type such as a
self-capacitance type or a mutual capacitance type.
[0085] The touch sensing device 200 may be disposed on an upper
substrate of the display panel 300. Alternatively, the touch
sensing device 200 may be formed integrally with the display panel
300. In this case, the upper substrate of the display panel 300 may
be omitted, and the touch sensing device 200 may be formed on an
encapsulation layer of the display panel 300. For example, the
touch sensing device 200 may include a pressure sensor that may
sense the user's pressure.
[0086] For example, the display device 10 may include a polarizing
film (not shown) disposed on the touch sensing device 200 in order
to prevent a decrease in visibility of the image displayed by the
display panel 300 due to external light reflected by the layers of
the touch sensing device 200 or the layers of the display panel
300.
[0087] The touch sensing device 200 may include a touch circuit
board 210 and a touch driver 220.
[0088] The touch circuit board 210 may be disposed at a side of the
touch sensing device 200. For example, the touch circuit board 210
may be attached onto pads provided or disposed at a side of the
touch sensing device 200 using an anisotropic conductive film. The
touch circuit board 210 may include a touch connection terminal,
and the touch connection terminal may be electrically connected to
a connector of the display circuit board 310. The touch circuit
board 210 may be a flexible printed circuit board or a chip on
film.
[0089] The touch driver 220 may apply touch driving signals to the
touch sensing device 200, receive sensing signals from the touch
sensing device 200, and analyze the sensing signals to calculate
the user's touch position. The touch driver 220 may be formed as an
integrated circuit and mounted on the touch circuit board 210.
[0090] The display panel 300 may include a display circuit board
310 and a display driver 320.
[0091] The display circuit board 310 may be attached to a side of
the display panel 300. For example, one end of the display circuit
board 310 may be attached onto pads provided or disposed at a side
of the display panel 300 using an anisotropic conductive film. The
other end of the display circuit board 310 may be attached on the
bottom surface of the panel bottom member 400 using an adhesive
member. The touch circuit board 210 and the display circuit board
310 may be flexible printed circuit boards, and may be bent from
the top to the bottom of the display panel 300. The display circuit
board 310 may be electrically connected to a touch connection
terminal of the touch circuit board 210 through a connector.
[0092] The display driver 320 may supply signals and voltages that
may drive the display panel 300 through the display circuit board
310. For example, the display driver 320 may receive digital video
data and timing signals from the outside, convert the digital video
data into analog positive/negative data voltages, and supply them
to data lines through the pads. The display driver 320 may supply a
scan control signal that may control the scan driver through scan
control lines. The display driver 320 may supply source voltages
necessary for driving sub-pixels of the display panel 300 to the
pads.
[0093] The display driver 320 may be formed as an integrated
circuit and mounted on the display circuit board 310, but the
disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the display driver
320 may be attached to a side of the display panel 300.
[0094] The panel bottom member 400 may be disposed on a bottom
surface of the display panel 300. For example, the panel bottom
member 400 may include at least one of a heat dissipation layer
that may efficiently dissipate heat of the display panel 300, an
electromagnetic shielding layer that may shield electromagnetic
waves, a light blocking layer that may block light incident from
the outside, or a cushion layer that may absorb shock from the
outside.
[0095] The bottom cover 800 may be disposed below the panel bottom
member 400. The bottom cover 800 may form an external appearance of
a bottom surface of the display device 10. The bottom cover 800 may
be formed in a substantially bowl shape to accommodate the display
panel 300. The sidewalls of the bottom cover 800 may be in contact
with edges of the cover window 100. In this case, the sidewalls of
the bottom cover 800 may be bonded to the edges of the cover window
100 through an adhesive member.
[0096] The bottom cover 800 may be fastened to the panel bottom
member 400 through a fixing member such as a screw or attached to
the panel bottom member 400 through an adhesive member such as an
adhesive or an adhesive tape. The bottom cover 800 may include
plastic and/or metal. The bottom cover 800 may include stainless
steel (SUS) or aluminum (Al) to increase a heat dissipation
effect.
[0097] FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the display panel of FIG.
2. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the display panel of FIG.
2.
[0098] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the display panel 300 may
include a display area DA in which sub-pixels SP may be formed or
disposed to display an image, and a non-display area NDA which may
be a peripheral area of the display area DA. The display area DA
may include the sub-pixels SP, scan lines SL electrically connected
to the sub-pixels SP, emission control lines EML, data lines DL,
and voltage supply lines VL. The scan lines SL and the emission
control lines EML may be formed in parallel in the first direction
(X-axis direction). The data lines DL and the voltage supply lines
VL may be formed in parallel in the second direction (Y-axis
direction) crossing or intersecting the first direction (X-axis
direction). The first direction may be substantially perpendicular
to the second direction.
[0099] Each of the sub-pixels SP may be electrically connected to
at least one of the scan lines SL, at least one of the data lines
DL, at least one of the emission control lines EML, and at least
one of the voltage supply lines VL. In FIG. 3, each of the
sub-pixels SP may be electrically connected to two scan lines SL,
one data line DL, one emission control line EML, and one voltage
supply line VL, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In an
example, each of the sub-pixels SP may be electrically connected to
three scan lines SL.
[0100] Each of the sub-pixels SP may include a driving transistor,
at least one switching transistor, a light emitting element, and at
least one capacitor. The switching transistor may be turned on when
a scan signal is applied from the scan line SL, and thus a data
voltage of the data line DL may be applied to a gate electrode of
the driving transistor. The driving transistor may supply a driving
current to the light emitting element according to the data voltage
applied to the gate electrode, and the light emitting element may
emit light having a predetermined luminance according to the
magnitude of the driving current. The driving transistor and at
least one switching transistor may be thin film transistors. The
light emitting element may be an organic light emitting diode
including a first electrode, an organic light emitting layer and a
second electrode. The capacitor may maintain the data voltage
applied to the gate electrode of the driving transistor
constant.
[0101] The non-display area NDA may be defined as an area from the
outside of the display area DA to edges of the display panel 300.
The non-display area NDA may include a scan driver 510 that may
apply scan signals to the scan lines SL, an emission control driver
520 that may apply emission signals to the emission control lines
EML, fan-out lines FL between the data lines DL and pads DP, and
the pads DP electrically connected to the display driver 320. For
example, the pads DP may be disposed at a side edge of the display
panel 300.
[0102] The display panel 300 may include the scan driver 510 and
the emission control driver 520.
[0103] The scan driver 510 may generate scan signals based on a
scan control signal SCS and sequentially output the scan signals to
the scan lines SL. The emission control driver 520 may generate
emission signals according to an emission control signal ECS, and
sequentially output the emission signals to the emission control
lines EML.
[0104] Each of the scan driver 510 and the emission control driver
520 may include thin film transistors. The scan driver 510 and the
emission control driver 520 may be formed or disposed on the same
layer as the thin film transistors of the sub-pixels SP. In FIG. 3,
the scan driver 510 may be disposed on a left side of the
non-display area NDA, and the emission control driver 520 may be
disposed on a right side of the non-display area NDA, but the
disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0105] In FIG. 4, the display driver 320 may include a timing
controller 321, a data driver 322, and a power supply unit 323.
[0106] The timing controller 321 may receive digital video data
DATA and timing signals from the display circuit board 310. The
timing controller 321 may generate a data control signal DCS that
may control an operation timing of the data driver 322 based on the
timing signals, generate a scan control signal SCS that may control
an operation timing of the scan driver 510, and generate an
emission control signal ECS that may control an operation timing of
the emission control driver 520. The timing controller 321 may
supply the digital video data DATA and the data control signal DCS
to the data driver 322. The timing controller 321 may supply the
scan control signal SCS to the scan driver 510 through first scan
control lines SCL1, and supply the emission control signal ECS to
the emission control driver 520 through the second scan control
lines SCL2.
[0107] The data driver 322 may convert the digital video data DATA
into analog positive/negative data voltages and supply them to the
data lines DL through the fan-out lines FL. The scan signals of the
scan driver 510 may select the sub-pixels SP to be supplied with
the data voltages, and the data driver 322 may supply data voltages
to the selected sub-pixels SP.
[0108] The power supply unit 323 may generate a first driving
voltage and supply the first driving voltage to the voltage supply
line VL. The power supply unit 323 may generate a second driving
voltage and supply the second driving voltage to a cathode
electrode of the light emitting element of each of the sub-pixels
SP. Here, the first driving voltage may be a high potential voltage
that may drive the light emitting element, and the second driving
voltage may be a low potential voltage that may drive the light
emitting element. For example, the first driving voltage may have a
potential that may be higher than the potential of the second
driving voltage.
[0109] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating unit pixel regions of a
display device according to an embodiment.
[0110] Referring to FIG. 5, the display area DA of the display
panel 300 may include unit pixel regions. For example, the unit
pixel regions may include a first-first unit pixel region UP11 to a
fourth-fourth unit pixel region UP44 disposed in four rows and four
columns. The display area DA may include more unit pixel regions as
the resolution of the display device 10 increases. Accordingly, the
display area DA may include unit pixel regions disposed in p rows
and q columns (p and q are natural numbers) according to the
resolution of the display device 10.
[0111] Each of the first-first unit pixel region UP11 to the
fourth-fourth unit pixel region UP44 may include sub-pixels
displaying different colors. The sub-pixels may be provided by or
disposed at intersections of n data lines DL (n is a natural
number) and m scan lines SL (m is a natural number). One unit pixel
region may accommodate a pixel circuit of each of the sub-pixels.
The pixel circuit may include a driving transistor, at least one
switching transistor, and at least one capacitor to drive a light
emitting element of each of the sub-pixels.
[0112] For example, one unit pixel region may include a red
sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, and a blue sub-pixel. Each of the red
sub-pixel, the green sub-pixel, and the blue sub-pixel may receive
a data signal including gradation information of red, green, or
blue light from the data driver 322 and output light of a
corresponding color.
[0113] Each of the first-first unit pixel region UP11 to the
fourth-fourth unit pixel region UP44 may include first to third
sub-pixels. For example, the first sub-pixel may be a red
sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel may be a green sub-pixel, and the
third sub-pixel may be a blue sub-pixel, but the disclosure is not
limited thereto.
[0114] The first sub-pixel may include a first opening region OR,
the second sub-pixel may include a second opening region OG, and
the third sub-pixel may include a third opening region OB. The
first to third opening regions OR, OG and OB may be defined by a
pixel defining layer. A light emitting layer of each of the first
to third sub-pixels may be disposed in each of the first to third
opening regions OR, OG and OB to emit light of a specific
wavelength band. The size of each of the first to third opening
regions OR, OG and OB may be adjusted to realize white light by
mixing light emitted from each of light emitting layers. The first
to third sub-pixels may have opening regions of different sizes to
realize white light. For example, the size of the third opening
region OB may be larger than that of the first or second opening
region OR or OG, but is not necessarily limited thereto.
[0115] The first opening region OR and the second opening region OG
of each of the first-first unit pixel region UP11 to the
fourth-fourth unit pixel region UP44 may be disposed side by side
on the upper left side of the third opening region OB. The first
opening region OR may be disposed on the upper right side of the
second opening region OG. For example, the first opening region OR
may overlap the corresponding unit pixel region to output red
light.
[0116] A portion of the second opening region OG may overlap the
corresponding unit pixel region, and the other portion of the
second opening area OG may overlap the unit pixel region adjacent
to the left side of the corresponding unit pixel region to output
green light. For example, the pixel circuit of the second sub-pixel
of the first-second unit pixel region UP12 and a portion of the
second opening region OG may be disposed in the first-second unit
pixel region UP12, and the other portion of the second opening
region OG may overlap the first-first unit pixel region UP11.
[0117] A portion of the third opening region OB may overlap the
corresponding unit pixel region, another portion of the third
opening region OB may overlap the unit pixel region adjacent to the
right side of the corresponding unit pixel region, and the
remaining portion of the third opening region OB may overlap the
unit pixel region adjacent to the lower side of the corresponding
unit pixel region to output blue light. For example, the pixel
circuit of the third sub-pixel of the first-first unit pixel region
UP11 and a portion of the third opening region OB may be disposed
in the first-first unit pixel region UP11, another portion of the
third opening region OB may be overlap the first-second unit pixel
region UP12, and the remaining portion of the third opening region
OB may overlap the second-first unit pixel region UP21.
[0118] As described above, a portion of the opening region of at
least one sub-pixel of the first to third sub-pixels may overlap
the unit pixel region adjacent to the corresponding unit pixel
region. A portion of at least one opening region of the opening
regions OR, OG and OB of the sub-pixel may overlap the adjacent
unit pixel region beyond the corresponding unit pixel region.
Therefore, the display device 10 may improve the image quality of
the display device 10 by maximizing an aperture ratio of the unit
pixel region.
[0119] The first and second opening regions OR and OG may be
disposed between extension lines of both sides of the third opening
region OB. For example, the first and second opening regions OR and
OG may be disposed side by side between the extension lines of the
lower left side and the upper right side of the third opening
region OB. The long sides of each of the first and second opening
regions OR and OG may be parallel to the extension lines of the
lower left side and the upper right side of the third opening
region OB. One side of the third opening region OB may face the
short sides of each of the first and second opening regions OR and
OG.
[0120] For example, the third opening region OB may have a
substantially square shape, and the first and second opening
regions OR and OG may have a substantially rectangular shape
substantially smaller than the third opening region OB, but they
are not necessarily limited thereto.
[0121] A distance Lr between the center of gravity of the first
opening region OR of the third-first unit pixel region UP31 and the
center of gravity of the first opening region OR of the
third-second unit pixel region UP32 may be substantially equal to a
distance Lr between the center of gravity of the first opening
region OR of the third-first unit pixel region UP31 and the center
of gravity of the first opening region OR of the fourth-first unit
pixel region UP41 (Lr=Lr). A distance Lr between the center of
gravity of the first opening region OR of the third-first unit
pixel region UP31 and the center of gravity of the first opening
region OR of the third-second unit pixel region UP32 may be
substantially equal to a distance Lr between the center of gravity
of the first opening region OR of the third-second unit pixel
region UP32 and the center of gravity of the first opening region
OR of the fourth-second unit pixel region UP42 (Lr=Lr).
Accordingly, the first opening regions OR of the first-first unit
pixel region UP11 to the fourth-fourth unit pixel region UP44 may
be disposed at uniform intervals, thereby achieving uniform image
quality.
[0122] A distance Lg between the center of gravity of the second
opening region OG of the third-third unit pixel region UP33 and the
center of gravity of the second opening region OG of the
third-fourth unit pixel region UP34 may be substantially equal to a
distance Lg between the center of gravity of the second opening
region OG of the third-third unit pixel region UP33 and the center
of gravity of the second opening region OG of the fourth-third unit
pixel region UP43 (Lg=Lg). Accordingly, the second opening regions
OG of the first-first unit pixel region UP11 to the fourth-fourth
unit pixel region UP44 may be disposed at uniform intervals,
thereby achieving uniform image quality.
[0123] A distance Lb between the center of gravity of the third
opening region OB of the first-third unit pixel region UP13 and the
center of gravity of the third opening region OB of the
first-fourth unit pixel region UP14 may be substantially equal to a
distance Lb between the center of gravity of the third opening
region OB of the first-third unit pixel region UP13 and the center
of gravity of the third opening region OB of the second-third unit
pixel region UP23 (Lb=Lb). Accordingly, the third opening regions
OB of the first-first unit pixel region UP11 to the fourth-fourth
unit pixel region UP44 may be disposed at uniform intervals,
thereby achieving uniform image quality.
[0124] One side of the opening region OR, OG, OB of at least one
sub-pixel of the first to third sub-pixels may cross or intersect
the scan line SL at a predetermined angle. The first opening region
OR and the scan line SL may cross or intersect each other at a
first angle .theta.1 (not horizontal or vertical), the second
opening region OG and the scan line SL may cross or intersect each
other at a second angle .theta.2, and the third opening region OB
and the scan line SL may cross or intersect each other at a third
angle .theta.3. For example, an on-plane angle (for example,
.theta.1, .theta.2 or .theta.3) between one side of at least one
opening region of the first to third opening regions OR, OG and OB
and the scan line SL may be about 45 degrees. The long sides and
the short sides of the first opening region OR and the second
opening region OG may cross or intersect the scan line SL at an
angle of about 45 degrees, and one side of the third opening region
OB may cross or intersect the scan line SL at an angle of about 45
degrees.
[0125] As described above, one side of the opening region OR, OG,
OB of each of the sub-pixels and the scan line SL may cross or
intersect each other in a plan view. For example, one side of the
opening region OR, OG, OB of each of the sub-pixels may not be
parallel to the scan line SL in a plan view, and may not cross or
intersect the scan line SL at a right angle in a plan view. Thus,
the display device 10 may minimize external light reflected at the
boundary of the opening regions OR, OG and OB (for example, between
the pixel defining layer and the opening region).
[0126] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating unit pixel regions of a
display device according to an embodiment. The unit pixel regions
of FIG. 6 may be different from the unit pixel regions of FIG. 5 in
the arrangement of the first to third opening regions OR, OG and
OB. The same configuration as the above-described configuration
will be briefly described or omitted.
[0127] Referring to FIG. 6, the first opening region OR1, OR2 and
the second opening region OG1, OG2 of each of the first-first unit
pixel region UP11 to the fourth-fourth unit pixel region UP44 may
be disposed side by side on the lower left side of the third
opening region OB1, OB2. The first opening region OR1 of the
first-first unit pixel region UP11 may be disposed on the upper
left side of the second opening region OG1 of the first-first unit
pixel region UP11, and the first opening region OR2 of the
first-second unit pixel region UP12 may be disposed on the lower
left side of the second opening region OG2 of the first-second unit
pixel region UP12. The first to third opening regions OR, OG and OB
may be regularly arranged by grouping two adjacent unit pixel
regions into one group.
[0128] The first opening region OR1 of the first-first unit pixel
region UP11 may be disposed in the first-first unit pixel region
UP11 to output red light. The pixel circuit of the first sub-pixel
of the first-second unit pixel region UP12 and a portion of the
first opening region OR2 may be disposed in the first-second unit
pixel region UP12, and the other portion of the first opening
region OR2 may overlap the second-second unit pixel region
UP22.
[0129] The pixel circuit of the second sub-pixel of the first-first
unit pixel region UP11 and a portion of the second opening region
OG1 may be disposed in the first-first unit pixel region UP11, and
the other portion of the second opening region OG1 may overlap the
second-first unit pixel region UP21. The second opening region OG2
of the first-second unit pixel region UP12 may be disposed in the
first-second unit pixel region UP12 to output green light.
[0130] The pixel circuit of the third sub-pixel of the second-first
unit pixel region UP21 and a portion of the third opening region OB
may be disposed in the second-first unit pixel region UP21, another
portion of the third opening region OB may overlap the first-first
unit pixel region UP11, and the remaining portion of the third
opening region OB may overlap the second-second unit pixel region
UP22.
[0131] As described above, a portion of the opening region of at
least one sub-pixel of the first to third sub-pixels may overlap
the unit pixel region adjacent to the corresponding unit pixel
region. A portion of at least one opening region of the opening
regions OR, OG and OB of the sub-pixel may overlap the adjacent
unit pixel region beyond the corresponding unit pixel region.
Therefore, the display device 10 may improve the image quality of
the display device 10 by maximizing an aperture ratio of the unit
pixel region.
[0132] The first and second opening regions OR1 and OG1 of the
first-first unit pixel region UP11 may be disposed between
extension lines of both sides of the third opening region OB1. For
example, the first and second opening regions OR1 and OG1 may be
disposed side by side between the extension lines of the upper left
side and the lower right side of the third opening region OB1. The
long sides of each of the first and second opening regions OR1 and
OG1 may be parallel to the extension lines of the upper left side
and the lower right side of the third opening region OB1. One side
of the third opening region OB1 may face the short sides of each of
the first and second opening regions OR1 and OG1.
[0133] The first and second opening regions OR2 and OG2 of the
first-second unit pixel region UP12 may be disposed between
extension lines of both sides of the third opening region OB2. For
example, the first and second opening regions OR2 and OG2 may be
disposed side by side between the extension lines of the upper left
side and the lower right side of the third opening region OB2. The
long sides of each of the first and second opening regions OR1 and
OG1 may be parallel to the extension lines of the lower left side
and the upper right side of the third opening region OB1.
[0134] For example, the third opening regions OB1 and OB2 may have
a substantially square shape, and the first and second opening
regions OR1, OR2, OG1 and OG2 may have a substantially rectangular
shape substantially smaller than the third opening regions OB1 and
OB2, but they are not necessarily limited thereto.
[0135] A distance Lr2 between the center of gravity of the first
opening region OR1 of the third-first unit pixel region UP31 and
the center of gravity of the first opening region OR2 of the
third-second unit pixel region UP32 may be greater than a distance
Lr1 between the center of gravity of the first opening region OR1
of the third-first unit pixel region UP31 and the center of gravity
of the first opening region OR1 of the fourth-first unit pixel
region UP41 (Lr2>Lr1).
[0136] The first opening regions OR1 and OR2 may be regularly
arranged by grouping two adjacent unit pixel regions into one
group. For example, a distance between the center of gravity of the
first opening region OR1 of the first-first unit pixel region UP11
and the center of gravity of the first opening region OR1 of the
first-third unit pixel region UP13 may be equal to a distance
between the center of gravity of the first opening region OR1 of
the first-first unit pixel region UP11 and the center of gravity of
the first opening region OR1 of the third-first unit pixel region
UP31. Therefore, the first opening regions OR1 and OR2 of the
first-first unit pixel region UP11 to the fourth-fourth unit pixel
region UP44 may be regularly arranged by grouping two adjacent unit
pixel regions into one group, thereby achieving uniform image
quality.
[0137] A distance Lg2 between the center of gravity of the second
opening region OG1 of the third-third unit pixel region UP33 and
the center of gravity of the second opening region OG2 of the
third-fourth unit pixel region UP34 may be greater than a distance
Lg1 between the center of gravity of the second opening region OG1
of the third-third unit pixel region UP33 and the center of gravity
of the second opening region OG1 of the fourth-third unit pixel
region UP43 (Lg2>Lg1).
[0138] The second opening regions OG1 and OG2 may be regularly
arranged by grouping two adjacent unit pixel regions into one
group. For example, a distance between the center of gravity of the
second opening region OG1 of the first-first unit pixel region UP11
and the center of gravity of the second opening region OG1 of the
first-third unit pixel region UP13 may be equal to a distance
between the center of gravity of the second opening region OG1 of
the first-first unit pixel region UP11 and the center of gravity of
the second opening region OG1 of the third-first unit pixel region
UP31. Therefore, the second opening regions OG1 and OG2 of the
first-first unit pixel region UP11 to the fourth-fourth unit pixel
region UP44 may be regularly arranged by grouping two adjacent unit
pixel regions into one group, thereby achieving uniform image
quality.
[0139] A distance Lb between the center of gravity of the third
opening region OB1 of the first-third unit pixel region UP13 and
the center of gravity of the third opening region OB2 of the
first-fourth unit pixel region UP14 may be equal to a distance Lb
between the center of gravity of the third opening region OB1 of
the first-third unit pixel region UP13 and the center of gravity of
the third opening region OB1 of the second-third unit pixel region
UP23 (Lb=Lb). Accordingly, the third opening regions OB1 and OB2 of
the first-first unit pixel region UP11 to the fourth-fourth unit
pixel region UP44 may be disposed at uniform intervals, thereby
achieving uniform image quality.
[0140] One side of the opening region OR, OG, OB of at least one
sub-pixel of the first to third sub-pixels may cross or intersect
the scan line SL at a predetermined angle. The first opening region
OR and the scan line SL may cross or intersect each other at a
first angle .theta.1 (not horizontal or vertical), the second
opening region OG and the scan line SL may cross or intersect each
other at a second angle .theta.2, and the third opening region OB
and the scan line SL may cross or intersect each other at a third
angle .theta.3. For example, an on-plane angle (for example,
.theta.1, .theta.2 or .theta.3) between one side of at least one
opening region of the first to third opening regions OR, OG and OB
and the scan line SL may be about 45 degrees. The long sides and
the short sides of the first opening region OR and the second
opening region OG may cross or intersect the scan line SL at an
angle of about 45 degrees, and one side of the third opening region
OB may cross or intersect the scan line SL at an angle of about 45
degrees.
[0141] As described above, one side of the opening region OR, OG,
OB of each of the sub-pixels and the scan line SL may cross or
intersect each other in a plan view. For example, one side of the
opening region OR, OG, OB of each of the sub-pixels may not be
parallel to the scan line SL in a plan view, and may not cross or
intersect the scan line SL at a right angle in a plan view. Thus,
the display device 10 may minimize external light reflected at the
boundary of the opening regions OR, OG and OB (for example, between
the pixel defining layer and the opening region).
[0142] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating unit pixel regions of a
display device according to an embodiment. The unit pixel regions
of FIG. 7 may include first and second spacers S1 and S2 in the
unit pixel regions of FIG. 6. The same configuration as the
above-described configuration will be briefly described or
omitted.
[0143] Referring to FIG. 7, each of the first-first unit pixel
region UP11 to the fourth-fourth unit pixel region UP44 may include
first to third sub-pixels.
[0144] Each of the first sub-pixel of the first-first unit pixel
region UP11 and first sub-pixel of the first-third unit pixel
region UP13 may include the first opening region OR1, the second
sub-pixel may include the second opening region OG1, and the third
sub-pixel may include the third opening region OB1.
[0145] Each of the first sub-pixel of the first-second unit pixel
region UP12 and first sub-pixel of the first-fourth unit pixel
region UP14 may include the first opening region OR2, the second
sub-pixel may include the second opening region OG2, and the third
sub-pixel may include the third opening region OB2.
[0146] The first to third opening regions OR1, OG1 and OB1 of the
first-first unit pixel region UP11 and first to third opening
regions OR2, OG2 and OB2 of the first-second unit pixel region UP12
may be disposed in the same or similar manner as the first to third
opening regions OR1, OR2, OG1, OG2, OB1 and OB2 illustrated in FIG.
6.
[0147] A distance Lb2 between the center of gravity of the first
opening region OB1 of the first-third unit pixel region UP13 and
the center of gravity of the first opening region OB2 of the
first-fourth unit pixel region UP14 may be greater than a distance
Lb1 between the center of gravity of the first opening region OB1
of the first-third unit pixel region UP13 and the center of gravity
of the first opening region OB1 of the second-third unit pixel
region UP23 (Lb2>Lb1).
[0148] The first-first unit pixel region UP11 may include a first
spacer S1. The first spacer S1 may be disposed between the first
opening region OR1 and the third opening region OB1. For example,
an end of the first spacer S1 may be disposed between the first
opening region OR1 and the third opening region OB1, and another
end of the first spacer S1 may extend from one end toward the upper
left side.
[0149] The long side direction of the first spacer S1 may be
substantially perpendicular to the long side direction of the first
opening region OR1 or the second opening region OG1. The first
spacer S1 may alleviate the shock transmitted to the first-first
unit pixel region UP11 and improve the durability of the
first-first unit pixel region UP11.
[0150] The first-second unit pixel region UP12 may include a second
spacer S2. The second spacer S2 may be disposed on the upper left
side of the second opening region OG2 and the third opening region
OB2. For example, an end of the second spacer S2 may be disposed on
the upper left side of the second opening region OG2, and another
end of the second spacer S2 may be disposed on the upper left side
of the third opening region OB2. One end of the second spacer S2
may be disposed between the second opening region OG2 of the
first-second unit pixel region UP12 and the third opening region
OB1 of the first-first unit pixel region UP11.
[0151] The long side direction of the second spacer S2 may be
substantially perpendicular to the long side direction of the first
opening region OR2 or the second opening region OG2. The long side
direction of the second spacer S2 may be substantially
perpendicular to the long side direction of the first spacer S1.
The second spacer S2 may alleviate the shock transferred to the
first-second unit pixel region UP12 and improve the durability of
the first-second unit pixel region UP12.
[0152] A distance Ls between the center of gravity of the first
spacer S1 of the second-third unit pixel region UP23 and the center
of gravity of the second spacer S2 of the second-fourth unit pixel
region UP24 may be equal to a distance Ls between the center of
gravity of the first spacer S1 of the second-third unit pixel
region UP23 and the center of gravity of the first spacer S1 of the
third-third unit pixel region UP33 (Ls=Ls). The first and second
spacers S1 and S2 may be regularly arranged by grouping two
adjacent unit pixel regions into one group. Therefore, the first or
second spacer S1 or S2 of each of the first-first unit pixel region
UP11 to the fourth-fourth unit pixel region UP44 may stably support
the first-first unit pixel region UP11 to the fourth-fourth unit
pixel region UP44, thereby improving the durability of the display
device 10.
[0153] The long sides of the first and second spacers S1 and S2 may
cross or intersect the scan line SL at a predetermined angle (not
horizontal or vertical). The on-plane angle between the long sides
of the first or second spacer S1 or S2 and the scan line SL may be
about 45 degrees.
[0154] As described above, one side of the opening region OR, OG,
OB of each of the unit pixel regions and the scan line SL may cross
or intersect each other in a plan view. The first or second spacer
S1 or S2 of each of the unit pixel regions may cross or intersect
the scan line SL in a plan view. Accordingly, the first and second
spacers S1 and S2 can improve the durability and reliability of the
display device 10 without reducing the aperture ratios of the first
to third opening regions OR, OG and OB.
[0155] It is to be noted that the above description includes a
third direction and a fourth direction in addition to the first and
second directions. For example, a side of an opening region of at
least one sub-pixel of the sub-pixels may extend in a third
direction inclined with respect to each of the first direction and
the second direction. A fourth direction may be substantially
perpendicular to the third direction.
[0156] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line
I-I' of FIG. 7.
[0157] Referring to FIG. 8, the display panel 300 may include a
first substrate SUB1, a buffer layer BF, first to third transistors
T1, T2 and T3, a gate insulating layer GI, an interlayer insulating
layer ILD, a passivation layer PAS, first and second connection
electrodes CE1 and CE2, a planarization layer OC, first and second
light emitting elements EL1 and EL2, a pixel defining layer PDL, a
first spacer S1, an encapsulation layer TFE, and a second substrate
SUB2.
[0158] The first substrate SUB1 may be a base substrate, and may be
made of an insulating material such as polymer resin. For example,
the first substrate SUB1 may be a rigid substrate. In an example,
the first substrate SUB1 may be a flexible substrate which may be
bent, folded or rolled. In a case that the first substrate SUB1 is
a flexible substrate, the first substrate SUB1 may be formed of
polyimide (PI), but is not necessarily limited thereto.
[0159] The buffer layer BF may be disposed on the first substrate
SUB1. The buffer layer BF may be formed of an inorganic layer that
may prevent infiltration of air or moisture. For example, the
buffer layer BF may include inorganic layers that may be
alternately stacked. The buffer layer BF may be formed of multiple
layers in which one or more inorganic layers of a silicon nitride
layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a
titanium oxide layer and an aluminum oxide layer may be alternately
stacked, but is not necessarily limited thereto.
[0160] The first transistor T1 may be disposed on the buffer layer
BF and may constitute the pixel circuit of the first sub-pixel. For
example, the first transistor T1 may be a driving transistor or a
switching transistor of the first sub-pixel. The first transistor
T1 may include a semiconductor layer ACT1, a gate electrode GE1, a
source electrode SE1, and a drain electrode DE1.
[0161] The semiconductor layer ACT1 may be provided or disposed on
the buffer layer BF. The semiconductor layer ACT1 may overlap the
gate electrode GE1, the source electrode SE1, and the drain
electrode DE1. The semiconductor layer ACT1 may be in direct
contact with the source electrode SE1 and the drain electrode DE1,
and may face the gate electrode GE1 with the gate insulating layer
GI interposed therebetween.
[0162] The gate electrode GE1 may be disposed on the gate
insulating layer GI. The gate electrode GE1 may overlap the
semiconductor layer ACT1 with the gate insulating layer GI
interposed therebetween.
[0163] The source electrode SE1 and the drain electrode DE1 may be
spaced apart from each other on the interlayer insulating layer
ILD. The source electrode SE1 may be in contact with an end of the
semiconductor layer ACT1 through a contact hole provided or
disposed in the gate insulating layer GI and the interlayer
insulating layer ILD. The drain electrode DE1 may be in contact
with the other end of the semiconductor layer ACT1 through a
contact hole provided or disposed in the gate insulating layer GI
and the interlayer insulating layer ILD. The drain electrode DE1
may be electrically connected to an anode electrode AND1 of the
first light emitting element EL1 through the first connection
electrode CE1.
[0164] The second transistor T2 may be disposed on the buffer layer
BF and may constitute the pixel circuit of the second sub-pixel.
For example, the second transistor T2 may be a driving transistor
or a switching transistor of the second sub-pixel. The second
transistor T2 may include a semiconductor layer ACT2, a gate
electrode GE2, a source electrode SE2, and a drain electrode
DE2.
[0165] The third transistor T3 may be disposed on the buffer layer
BF and may constitute the pixel circuit of the third sub-pixel. For
example, the third transistor T3 may be a driving transistor or a
switching transistor of the third sub-pixel. The third transistor
T3 may include a semiconductor layer ACT3, a gate electrode GE3, a
source electrode SE3, and a drain electrode DE3. The drain
electrode DE3 of the third transistor T3 may be electrically
connected to an anode electrode AND2 of the second light emitting
element EL2 through the second connection electrode CE2.
[0166] The gate insulating layer GI may be provided or disposed on
the semiconductor layers ACT1, ACT2 and ACT3. For example, the gate
insulating layer GI may be disposed on the semiconductor layers
ACT1, ACT2 and ACT3 and the buffer layer BF, and may insulate the
semiconductor layers ACT1, ACT2 and ACT3 from the gate electrodes
GE1, GE2 and GE3. The gate insulating layer GI may include contact
holes through which the source electrodes SE1, SE2 and SE3 may
pass, and contact holes through which the drain electrodes DE1,
DE2, and DE3 may pass.
[0167] The interlayer insulating layer ILD may be disposed on the
gate electrodes GE1, GE2 and GE3. For example, the interlayer
insulating layer ILD may include contact holes through which the
source electrodes SE1, SE2 and SE3 may pass, and contact holes
through which the drain electrodes DE1, DE2, and DE3 may pass
through. The contact holes of the interlayer insulating layer ILD
may be electrically connected to the contact holes of the gate
insulating layer GI.
[0168] The passivation layer PAS may be provided or disposed on the
first to third transistors T1, T2 and T3 to protect the first to
third transistors T1, T2 and T3. For example, the passivation layer
PAS may include contact holes through which the first and second
connection electrodes CE1 and CE2 may pass.
[0169] The planarization layer OC may be provided or disposed on
the passivation layer PAS to planarize the upper ends of the first
to third transistors T1, T2 and T3. For example, the planarization
layer OC may include contact holes through which the anode
electrodes AND1 and AND2 of the first and second light emitting
elements EL1 and EL2 may pass.
[0170] The first light emitting element EL1 may be provided or
disposed on the first transistor T1. The first light emitting
element EL1 may include an anode electrode AND1, a light emitting
layer E1, and a cathode electrode CAT.
[0171] The anode electrode AND1 may be provided or disposed on the
planarization layer OC. For example, the anode electrode AND1 may
be disposed to overlap the first opening region OR defined by the
pixel defining layer PDL. The anode electrode AND1 may be
electrically connected to the drain electrode DE1 of the first
transistor T1 through the first connection electrode CE1.
[0172] The light emitting layer E1 may be provided or disposed on
the anode electrode AND1. The light emitting layer E1 may include a
hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a light receiving
layer, an electron blocking layer, an electron transport layer, an
electron injection layer, and the like within the spirit and the
scope of the disclosure. For example, the light emitting layer E1
may be an organic light emitting layer made of an organic material,
but is not necessarily limited thereto. In a case where the light
emitting layer E1 is an organic light emitting layer, when the
first transistor T1 applies a predetermined voltage to the anode
electrode AND1 of the first light emitting element EL1 and the
cathode electrode CAT of the first light emitting element EL1
receives a common voltage or a cathode voltage, each of the holes
and the electrons may move to the organic light emitting layer E1
through the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer,
and the holes and the electrons may combine with each other in the
organic light emitting layer E1 to emit light.
[0173] The cathode electrode CAT may be provided or disposed on the
light emitting layer E1. For example, the cathode electrode CAT may
be implemented as an electrode common to all of the sub-pixels SP
without distinction for each sub-pixel SP. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the
cathode electrode CAT may be disposed on the light emitting layers
E1 and E2 in the opening regions OR, OG and OB, and may be disposed
on the pixel defining layer PDL or the spacers S1 and S2 in a
non-opening region.
[0174] The second light emitting element EL2 may be provided or
disposed on the third transistor T3. The second light emitting
element EL2 may include an anode electrode AND2, a light emitting
layer E2, and a cathode electrode CAT.
[0175] The anode electrode AND2 may be provided or disposed on the
planarization layer OC. For example, the anode electrode AND2 may
be disposed to overlap the third opening region OB defined by the
pixel defining layer PDL. The anode electrode AND2 may be
electrically connected to the drain electrode DE3 of the third
transistor T3 through the second connection electrode CE2. The
light emitting layer E2 may be provided or disposed on the anode
electrode AND2, and the cathode electrode CAT may be provided or
disposed on the light emitting layer E2.
[0176] The pixel defining layer PDL may define the first to third
opening regions OR, OG and OB. The pixel defining layer PDL may
separate and insulate the anode electrodes AND1 and AND2 of the
first and second light emitting elements EL1 and EL2,
respectively.
[0177] For example, the pixel defining layer PDL may include a
light absorbing material such as a black pigment or a black dye
that may absorb light. The pixel defining layer PDL may include a
light absorbing material, thereby minimizing external light
reflected at the boundary of the opening region.
[0178] The first spacer S1 may be disposed on the pixel defining
layer PDL. The first spacer S1 may maintain a constant distance
between the first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. The
first spacer S1 may alleviate the shock transmission between the
first substrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2. For example,
the first spacer S1 may include a material having excellent shock
absorbency and flexibility to improve the durability of the display
device 10.
[0179] The encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the cathode
electrode CAT to cover or overlap the first to third transistors
T1, T2 and T3 and the first and second light emitting elements EL1
and EL2. The encapsulation layer TFE may prevent oxygen or moisture
from infiltrating into the first and second light emitting elements
EL1 and EL2.
[0180] The second substrate SUB2 may be disposed on the
encapsulation layer TFE to face the first substrate SUB1. The
second substrate SUB2 may block the first to third transistors T1,
T2 and T3 and the first and second light emitting elements EL1 and
EL2 from external moisture, air and the like within the spirit and
the scope of the disclosure. The second substrate SUB2 may be
supported by the first spacer S1. For example, the second substrate
SUB2 may be a rigid substrate. In an example, the second substrate
SUB2 may be a flexible substrate which may be bent, folded or
rolled. In a case that the second substrate SUB2 is a flexible
substrate, the second substrate SUB2 may be formed of polyimide
(PI), but is not necessarily limited thereto.
[0181] FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating unit pixel regions of a
display device according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is an enlarged
view of the unit pixel regions of FIG. 9.
[0182] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the first opening region OR1,
OR2 and the second opening region OG1, OG2 of each of the
first-first unit pixel region UP11 to the fourth-fourth unit pixel
region UP44 may be disposed side by side on the lower left side of
the third opening region OB1, OB2. The first opening region OR1 of
the first-first unit pixel region UP11 may be disposed on the upper
left side of the second opening region OG1 of the first-first unit
pixel region UP11, and the first opening region OR2 of the
first-second unit pixel region UP12 may be disposed on the lower
left side of the second opening region OG2 of the first-second unit
pixel region UP12. The first to third opening regions OR, OG and OB
may be regularly arranged by grouping two adjacent unit pixel
regions into one group.
[0183] The first opening region OR1 of the first-first unit pixel
region UP11 may be disposed in the first-first unit pixel region
UP11 to output red light. The pixel circuit of the first sub-pixel
of the first-second unit pixel region UP12 and a portion of the
first opening region OR2 may be disposed in the first-second unit
pixel region UP12, another portion of the first opening region OR2
may overlap the first-first unit pixel region UP11, and the
remaining portion of the first opening region OR2 may overlap the
second-second unit pixel region UP22.
[0184] The first opening region OR1 of the first-first unit pixel
region UP11 may include a central portion OR1a and first to third
protrusions OR1b, OR1c and OR1d. The first protrusion OR1b may
protrude from the central portion OR1a to the upper left side. The
second protrusion OR1c may protrude from the central portion OR1a
toward the third opening region OB1. The third protrusion OR1d may
protrude from the central portion OR1a in a direction opposite to
the second protrusion OR1c.
[0185] The first opening region OR2 of the first-second unit pixel
region UP12 may include a central portion OR2a and first to third
protrusions OR2b, OR2c and OR2d. The first protrusion OR2b may
protrude from the central portion OR2a toward the lower left side.
The second protrusion OR2c may protrude from the central portion
OR2a toward the upper left side. The third protrusion OR2d may
protrude from the central portion OR2a in a direction opposite to
the second protrusion OR2c.
[0186] The pixel circuit of the second sub-pixel of the first-first
unit pixel region UP11 and a portion of the second opening region
OG1 may be disposed in the first-first unit pixel region UP11, and
the other portion of the second opening region OG1 may overlap the
second-first unit pixel region UP21. The second opening region OG2
of the first-second unit pixel region UP12 may be disposed in the
first-second unit pixel region UP12 to output green light.
[0187] The second opening region OG1 of the first-first unit pixel
region UP11 may include a central portion OG1a and first to third
protrusions OG1b, OG1c and OG1d. The first protrusion OG1b may
protrude from the central portion OG1a to the lower right side. The
second protrusion OG1c may protrude from the central portion OG1a
toward the third opening region OB1. The third protrusion OG1d may
protrude from the central portion OG1a in a direction opposite to
the second protrusion OG1c.
[0188] The second opening region OG2 of the first-second unit pixel
region UP12 may include a central portion OG2a and first to third
protrusions OG2b, OG2c and OG2d. The first protrusion OG2b may
protrude from the central portion OG2a toward the upper right side.
The second protrusion OG2c may protrude from the central portion
OR2a toward the upper left side. The third protrusion OG2d may
protrude from the central portion OG2a in a direction opposite to
the second protrusion OG2c.
[0189] The pixel circuit of the third sub-pixel of the second-first
unit pixel region UP21 and a portion of the third opening region OB
may be disposed in the second-first unit pixel region UP21, another
portion of the third opening region OB may overlap the first-first
unit pixel region UP11, and the remaining portion of the third
opening region OB may overlap the second-second unit pixel region
UP22.
[0190] The third opening region OB1 of the first-first unit pixel
region UP11 may include a central portion OB1a and first to fourth
protrusions OB1b, OB1c, OB1d and OB1e. The first protrusion OB1b
may protrude from the central portion OB1a toward the first and
second opening regions OR1 and OG1. The second protrusion OB1c may
protrude from the central portion OB1a toward the lower right side.
The third protrusion OB1d may protrude from the central portion
OB1a in a direction opposite to the first protrusion OB1b. The
fourth protrusion OB1e may protrude from the central portion OB1a
in a direction opposite to the second protrusion OB1c.
[0191] The third opening region OB2 of the first-second unit pixel
region UP12 may include a central portion OB2a and first to fourth
protrusions OB2b, OB2c, OB2d and OB2e. The first protrusion OB2b
may protrude from the central portion OB2a toward the second
opening region OG2. The second protrusion OB2c may protrude from
the central portion OB2a toward the lower right side. The third
protrusion OB2d may protrude from the central portion OB2a in a
direction opposite to the first protrusion OB2b. The fourth
protrusion OB2e may protrude from the central portion OB2a in a
direction opposite to the second protrusion OB2c.
[0192] As described above, the first opening region OR1 of the
first-first unit pixel region UP11 may include the central portion
OR1a and the first to third protrusions OR1b, OR1c and OR1d. The
second opening region OG1 may include the central portion OG1a and
the first to third protrusions OG1b, OG1c and OG1d, and the third
opening region OB1 may include the central portion OB1a and the
first to fourth protrusions OB1b, OB1c, OB1d and OB1e, thereby
maximizing the aperture ratio of the unit pixel region. A portion
of at least one opening region of the opening regions OR, OG and OB
of the sub-pixel may overlap the adjacent unit pixel region beyond
the corresponding unit pixel region. Therefore, the display device
10 may improve the image quality of the display device 10 by
maximizing an aperture ratio of the unit pixel region.
[0193] The first and second opening regions OR1 and OG1 of the
first-first unit pixel region UP11 may be disposed between
extension lines of both sides of the third opening region OB1. For
example, the first and second opening regions OR1 and OG1 may be
disposed side by side between the extension lines of the upper left
side and the lower right side of the third opening region OB1. The
long sides of each of the first and second opening regions OR1 and
OG1 may be substantially parallel to the extension lines of the
upper left side and the lower right side of the third opening
region OB1. The first protrusion OB1b of the third opening region
OB1 may face the second protrusion OR1c of the first opening region
OR1 and the second protrusion OG1c of the second opening region
OG1.
[0194] For example, the central portion OB1a of the third opening
region OB1 may have a substantially square shape, and the central
portions OR1a and OG1a of the first and second opening regions OR1
and OG1 may have a substantially rectangular shape smaller than the
central portion OB1a of the third opening region OB1, but they are
not necessarily limited thereto.
[0195] The first-first unit pixel region UP11 may include the first
and second spacers S1 and S2. The first spacer S1 may be disposed
on the upper side of the first opening region OR1 and may be
disposed on the left side of the third opening region OB1. The
second spacer S2 may be disposed on the right side of the second
opening region OG1 and may be disposed on the lower side of the
third opening region OB1. The first and second spacers S1 and S2
may be spaced apart from each other with the first to third opening
regions OR1, OG1 and OB1 interposed therebetween, thereby stably
supporting the first-first unit pixel region UP11 and improving the
durability.
[0196] The first-second unit pixel region UP12 may include third
and fourth spacers S3 and S4. The third spacer S3 may be disposed
on the upper side of the second opening region OG2 and may be
disposed on the left side of the third opening region OB2. The
fourth spacer S4 may be disposed on the right side of the second
opening region OG2 and may be disposed on the lower side of the
third opening region OB2. The third and fourth spacers S3 and S4
may be spaced apart from each other with the first to third opening
regions OR2, OG2 and OB2 interposed therebetween, thereby stably
supporting the first-second unit pixel region UP12 and improving
the durability.
[0197] A distance Lr2 between the center of gravity of the first
opening region OR1 of the third-first unit pixel region UP31 and
the center of gravity of the first opening region OR2 of the
third-second unit pixel region UP32 may be greater than a distance
Lr1 between the center of gravity of the first opening region OR1
of the third-first unit pixel region UP31 and the center of gravity
of the first opening region OR1 of the fourth-first unit pixel
region UP41 (Lr2>Lr1).
[0198] The first opening regions OR1 and OR2 may be regularly
arranged by grouping two adjacent unit pixel regions into one
group. For example, a distance between the center of gravity of the
first opening region OR1 of the first-first unit pixel region UP11
and the center of gravity of the first opening region OR1 of the
first-third unit pixel region UP13 may be equal to a distance
between the center of gravity of the first opening region OR1 of
the first-first unit pixel region UP11 and the center of gravity of
the first opening region OR1 of the third-first unit pixel region
UP31. Therefore, the first opening regions OR1 and OR2 of the
first-first unit pixel region UP11 to the fourth-fourth unit pixel
region UP44 may be regularly arranged by grouping two adjacent unit
pixel regions into one group, thereby achieving uniform image
quality.
[0199] A distance Lg2 between the center of gravity of the second
opening region OG1 of the third-third unit pixel region UP33 and
the center of gravity of the second opening region OG2 of the
third-fourth unit pixel region UP34 may be greater than a distance
Lg1 between the center of gravity of the second opening region OG1
of the third-third unit pixel region UP33 and the center of gravity
of the second opening region OG1 of the fourth-third unit pixel
region UP43 (Lg2>Lg1).
[0200] The second opening regions OG1 and OG2 may be regularly
arranged by grouping two adjacent unit pixel regions into one
group. For example, a distance between the center of gravity of the
second opening region OG1 of the first-first unit pixel region UP11
and the center of gravity of the second opening region OG1 of the
first-third unit pixel region UP13 may be equal to a distance
between the center of gravity of the second opening region OG1 of
the first-first unit pixel region UP11 and the center of gravity of
the second opening region OG1 of the third-first unit pixel region
UP31. Therefore, the second opening regions OG1 and OG2 of the
first-first unit pixel region UP11 to the fourth-fourth unit pixel
region UP44 may be regularly arranged by grouping two adjacent unit
pixel regions into one group, thereby achieving uniform image
quality.
[0201] A distance Lb between the center of gravity of the third
opening region OB1 of the first-third unit pixel region UP13 and
the center of gravity of the third opening region OB2 of the
first-fourth unit pixel region UP14 may be equal to a distance Lb
between the center of gravity of the third opening region OB1 of
the first-third unit pixel region UP13 and the center of gravity of
the third opening region OB1 of the second-third unit pixel region
UP23 (Lb=Lb). Accordingly, the third opening regions OB1 and OB2 of
the first-first unit pixel region UP11 to the fourth-fourth unit
pixel region UP44 may be disposed at uniform intervals, thereby
achieving uniform image quality.
[0202] A distance Ls between the center of gravity of the third
spacer S3 of the second-second unit pixel region UP22 and the
center of gravity of the first spacer S1 of the second-third unit
pixel region UP23 may be equal to a distance Ls between the center
of gravity of the third spacer S3 of the second-second unit pixel
region UP22 and the center of gravity of the third spacer S3 of the
third-second unit pixel region UP32 (Ls=Ls). The first to fourth
spacers S1, S2, S3 and S4 may be disposed at uniform intervals,
thereby stably supporting the first-first unit pixel region UP11 to
the fourth-fourth unit pixel region UP44 and improving the
durability of the display device 10.
[0203] One side of the opening region OR, OG, OB of at least one
sub-pixel of the first to third sub-pixels may cross or intersect
the scan line SL at a predetermined angle. The long sides of the
central portions OR1a and OR2a of the first opening regions OR1 and
OR2 may cross or intersect the scan line SL at a predetermined
angle (not horizontal or vertical). The long sides of the central
portions OG1a and OG2a of the second opening regions OG1 and OG2
may cross or intersect the scan line SL at a predetermined angle
(not horizontal or vertical). One side of the central portions OB1a
and OB2a of the third opening regions OB1 and OB2 may cross or
intersect the scan line SL at a predetermined angle (not horizontal
or vertical).
[0204] As described above, one side of the opening region OR, OG,
OB of each of the sub-pixels may not be parallel to the scan line
SL in a plan view, and may not cross or intersect the scan line SL
at a right angle in a plan view. Thus, the display device 10 may
minimize external light reflected at the boundary of the opening
regions OR, OG and OB (for example, between the pixel defining
layer and the opening region).
[0205] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating unit pixel regions of a
display device according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is an enlarged
view of the unit pixel regions of FIG. 11. The unit pixel regions
of FIGS. 11 and 12 may be different from the unit pixel regions of
FIG. 7 in the configuration of the third opening regions OB1 and
OB2. The same configuration as the above-described configuration
will be briefly described or omitted.
[0206] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the first opening region OR1,
OR2 and the second opening region OG1, OG2 of each of the
first-first unit pixel region UP11 to the fourth-fourth unit pixel
region UP44 may be disposed side by side on the lower left side of
the third opening region OB1, OB2. The first opening region OR1 of
the first-first unit pixel region UP11 may be disposed on the upper
left side of the second opening region OG1 of the first-first unit
pixel region UP11, and the first opening region OR2 of the
first-second unit pixel region UP12 may be disposed on the lower
left side of the second opening region OG2 of the first-second unit
pixel region UP12. The first to third opening regions OR, OG and OB
may be regularly arranged by grouping two adjacent unit pixel
regions into one group.
[0207] The third opening region OB1 of the first-first unit pixel
region UP11 may include a central portion OB1a and a protrusion
OB1b protruding downward from the lower corner of the central
portion OB1a. One end of the protrusion OB1b of the third opening
region OB1 of the first-first unit pixel region UP11 may face the
second opening region OG1 of the first-first unit pixel region
UP11, and the other end substantially perpendicular to one end of
the protrusion OB1b of the third opening region OB1 may face the
first opening region OR2 of the first-second unit pixel region
UP12.
[0208] As described above, the third opening region OB1, OB2 of
each of the first-first unit pixel region UP11 to the fourth-fourth
unit pixel region UP44 may include the central portion OB1a, OB2a
and the protrusion OB1b, OB2b, thereby maximizing the aperture
ratio of the unit pixel region.
[0209] For example, the central portion OB1a of the third opening
region OB1 may have a substantially square shape, and the first and
second opening regions OR1 and OG1 may have a substantially
rectangular shape smaller than the central portion OB1a of the
third opening region OB1, but they are not necessarily limited
thereto.
[0210] The first-first unit pixel region UP11 may include a first
spacer S1. The first spacer S1 may be disposed between the first
opening region OR1 and the third opening region OB1. For example,
the first spacer S1 may be surrounded by or adjacent to the first
opening region OR1, one end of the protrusion OB1b of the third
opening region OB1, and the left corner of the third opening region
OB1. The first spacer S1 may alleviate the shock transmitted to the
first-first unit pixel region UP11.
[0211] The first-second unit pixel region UP12 may include a second
spacer S2. The second spacer S2 may be disposed on the upper left
side of the second opening region OG2 and the third opening region
OB2. For example, the second spacer S2 may be surrounded by or
adjacent to the right corner of the central portion OB1a of the
third opening region OB1 of the first-first unit pixel region UP11,
the other end of the protrusion OB1b of the third opening region
OB1 of the first-first unit pixel region UP11, the second opening
region OG2 of the first-second unit pixel region UP12, and the left
corner of the central portion OB2a of the third opening region OB2
of the first-second unit pixel region UP12. The second spacer S2
may alleviate the shock transmitted to the first-second unit pixel
region UP12.
[0212] FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating unit pixel regions of a
display device according to an embodiment. The unit pixel regions
of FIG. 13 may be different from the unit pixel regions of FIG. 7
in the configuration of the third opening regions OB1 and OB2 and
the first and second spacers S1 and S2. The same configuration as
the above-described configuration will be briefly described or
omitted.
[0213] Referring to FIG. 13, the first opening region OR1, OR2 and
the second opening region OG1, OG2 of each of the first-first unit
pixel region UP11 to the fourth-fourth unit pixel region UP44 may
be disposed side by side on the lower left side of the third
opening region OB1, OB2. The first opening region OR1 of the
first-first unit pixel region UP11 may be disposed on the upper
left side of the second opening region OG1 of the first-first unit
pixel region UP11, and the first opening region OR2 of the
first-second unit pixel region UP12 may be disposed on the lower
left side of the second opening region OG2 of the first-second unit
pixel region UP12. The first to third opening regions OR, OG and OB
may be regularly arranged by grouping two adjacent unit pixel
regions into one group.
[0214] The third opening region OB1 of the first-first unit pixel
region UP11 may include an end OB1a extending toward the upper left
side from the center of gravity and the other end OB1b extending
toward the upper right side from the center of gravity. The end
OB1a extending toward the upper left side from the center of
gravity and the other end OB1b extending toward the upper right
side from the center of gravity may form a substantially chevron
shape in a plan view. The first and second opening regions OR1 and
OG1 of the first-first unit pixel region UP11 may be disposed on
the lower left side of one end OB1a of the third opening region
OB1, and the first and second opening regions OR2 and OG2 of the
first-second unit pixel region UP12 may be disposed on the lower
right side of the other end OB1b of the third opening region OB1 of
the first-first unit pixel region UP11.
[0215] As described above, the third opening region OB1, OB2 of
each of the first-first unit pixel region UP11 to the fourth-fourth
unit pixel region UP44 may include one end OB1a, OB2a and the other
end OB1b, OB2b, thereby maximizing the aperture ratio of the unit
pixel region.
[0216] The second-first unit pixel region UP21 may include a first
spacer S1. The first spacer S1 of the second-first unit pixel
region UP21 may be surrounded by or adjacent to the second and
third opening regions OG1 and OB1 of the first-first unit pixel
region UP11, the first opening region OR2 of the first-second unit
pixel region UP12, and the third opening region OB1 of the
second-first unit pixel region UP21. The first spacer S1 may
alleviate the shock transmitted to the second-first unit pixel
region UP21.
[0217] The second-second unit pixel region UP22 may include a
second spacer S2. The second spacer S2 of the second-second unit
pixel region UP22 may be surrounded by or adjacent to the second
and third opening regions OG2 and OB2 of the first-second unit
pixel region UP12, the first opening region OR1 of the first-third
unit pixel region UP13, and the third opening region OB2 of the
second-second unit pixel region UP22. The second spacer S2 may
alleviate the shock transmitted to the second-second unit pixel
region UP22.
[0218] It is to be understood that the arrangement of the spacers
with respect to the unit pixel regions and the opening regions is
not limited to the above descriptions and illustrations. Other
arrangements and configurations are within the spirit and the scope
of the disclosure.
[0219] FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating unit pixel regions of a
display device according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 is a plan view
illustrating unit pixel regions of a display device according to an
embodiment. FIG. 16 is a plan view illustrating unit pixel regions
of a display device according to an embodiment. FIG. 17 is a plan
view illustrating unit pixel regions of a display device according
to an embodiment. The unit pixel regions of FIGS. 14 to 17 may be
different from the unit pixel regions of FIG. 5 in the inclination
of the first to third opening regions OR, OG and OB. The same
configuration as the above-described configuration will be briefly
described or omitted.
[0220] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 17, each of the first-first unit
pixel region UP11 to the second-second unit pixel region UP22 may
include first to third sub-pixels.
[0221] In FIG. 14, an on-plane angle .theta.1 between the long side
of the first opening region OR and the scan line SL may be about 30
degrees. An on-plane angle .theta.2 between the long side of the
second opening region OG and the scan line SL may be about 30
degrees. An on-plane angle .theta.3 between one side of the third
opening region OB and the scan line SL may be about 30 degrees.
[0222] In FIG. 15, an on-plane angle .theta.1 between the long side
of the first opening region OR1 of the first-first unit pixel
region UP11 and the scan line SL may be about 30 degrees. An
on-plane angle .theta.2 between the long side of the second opening
region OG1 of the first-first unit pixel region UP11 and the scan
line SL may be about 30 degrees. An on-plane angle .theta.3 between
one side of the third opening region OB1 and the scan line SL may
be about 30 degrees.
[0223] An on-plane angle .theta.4 between the long side of the
first opening region OR2 of the first-second unit pixel region UP12
and the scan line SL may be about 60 degrees. An on-plane angle
.theta.5 between the long side of the second opening region OG2 of
the first-second unit pixel region UP12 and the scan line SL may be
about 60 degrees.
[0224] In FIG. 16, an on-plane angle .theta.1 between the long side
of the first opening region OR and the scan line SL may be about 60
degrees. An on-plane angle .theta.2 between the long side of the
second opening region OG and the scan line SL may be about 60
degrees. An on-plane angle .theta.3 between one side of the third
opening region OB and the scan line SL may be about 60 degrees.
[0225] In FIG. 17, an on-plane angle .theta.1 between the long side
of the first opening region OR1 of the first-first unit pixel
region UP11 and the scan line SL may be about 60 degrees. An
on-plane angle .theta.2 between the long side of the second opening
region OG1 of the first-first unit pixel region UP11 and the scan
line SL may be about 60 degrees. An on-plane angle .theta.3 between
one side of the third opening region OB and the scan line SL may be
about 60 degrees.
[0226] An on-plane angle .theta.4 between the long side of the
first opening region OR2 of the first-second unit pixel region UP12
and the scan line SL may be about 30 degrees. An on-plane angle
.theta.5 between the long side of the second opening region OG2 of
the first-second unit pixel region UP12 and the scan line SL may be
about 30 degrees.
[0227] In conjunction with FIGS. 5, 6 and 14 to 17, the first to
third opening regions OR, OG and OB of the display device 10 may
have aperture ratios as shown in Table 1 below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 PDL Gap about 23 .mu.m PDL Gap about 20
.mu.m Structure 1 30.00% 33.20% Structure 2 44.95% 50.50% Structure
3 44.99% 50.50% Structure 4 44.95% 50.50%
[0228] Here, Structure 1 represents a display device in which
opening regions may be disposed only within the corresponding unit
pixel region. Different from the display device according to the
disclosure, the opening regions of Structure 1 may be configured
such that a portion of the opening region may not overlap the
adjacent unit pixel region beyond the corresponding unit pixel
region. In Structure 1, the opening regions OR, OG and OB and the
scan line SL may cross or intersect each other at an angle of about
30 degrees.
[0229] Structure 2 represents a display device in which the opening
regions OR, OG and OB and the scan line SL may cross or intersect
each other at an angle of about 30 degrees. For example, Structure
2 may represent the display device 10 illustrated in FIG. 14 or
15.
[0230] Structure 3 represents a display device in which the opening
regions OR, OG and OB and the scan line SL may cross or intersect
each other at an angle of about 45 degrees. For example, Structure
3 may represent the display device 10 illustrated in FIG. 5 or
6.
[0231] Structure 4 represents a display device in which the opening
regions OR, OG and OB and the scan line SL may cross or intersect
each other at an angle of about 60 degrees. For example, Structure
4 may represent the display device 10 illustrated in FIG. 16 or
17.
[0232] Therefore, Structure 2, Structure 3 and Structure 4
according to the disclosure may have a higher aperture ratio than
Structure 1 in a case that the gap of the pixel defining layer PDL
is about 23 .mu.m or about 20 .mu.m. Thus, the display device 10
may be configured such that a portion of the at least one opening
region of the opening regions OR, OG and OB may overlap the
adjacent unit pixel region beyond the corresponding unit pixel
region. By maximizing the aperture ratio of the unit pixel region,
the image quality of the display device 10 may be improved.
[0233] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the unit pixel regions of the
display device 10 may have reflected light as shown in Table 2
below.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Reflected light (nit) Structure 5 660
Structure 6 154 Structure 7 78
[0234] Here, Structure 5 represents a display device in which one
side of the opening regions may be disposed horizontally or
vertically with respect to the scan line SL. Different from the
display device according to the disclosure, the opening regions of
Structure 5 may be configured such that one side of the opening
region may not cross or intersect the scan line SL at an angle
(non-vertical or horizontal) in a plan view.
[0235] Structure 6 represents a display device in which the opening
regions OR, OG and OB and the scan line SL may cross or intersect
each other at an angle of about 45 degrees. For example, Structure
6 may represent the display device 10 illustrated in FIG. 5 or
6.
[0236] Structure 7 represents a display device in which the opening
regions OR, OG and OB and the scan line SL may cross or intersect
each other at an angle of about 45 degrees, and the pixel defining
layer PDL may include a light absorbing material.
[0237] Therefore, in Structure 6 of the disclosure, since the
opening regions OR, OG and OB may not cross or intersect the scan
line SL at a right angle without being parallel to the scan line
SL, external light reflected at the boundary of the opening region
may be minimized. Since Structure 7 of the disclosure may include a
light absorbing material in Structure 6, it may be possible to
further reduce the amount of reflection of external light.
[0238] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a
display device according to an embodiment is applied to a vehicle.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a display
device according to an embodiment is applied to a vehicle.
[0239] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the display device may be used
as a display device 10a applied to the dashboard of a vehicle, a
display device 10b applied to the center fascia of a vehicle, and a
display device 10c disposed on the rear surface of the front seat
for entertainment for the rear seat of a vehicle.
[0240] The display devices 10a, 10b and 10c according to the
disclosure may maximize the aperture ratio of each of the
sub-pixels while minimizing the external light L1, L2 and L3
reflected at the boundary of the opening region, thereby improving
visibility and reliability.
[0241] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with
reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of
ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detail
may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of
the disclosure as defined by the following claims. The embodiments
should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation.
* * * * *