KR20080063611A - Display device - Google Patents

Abstract

A display device is provided to avoid waste of a panel by replacing a defective sub pixel by another sub pixel and prevent influence of the defective sub pixel on other sub pixels by opening the defective sub pixel in emitting light. A display device includes first electrode layers(210), second electrode layers(212), and a plurality of sub pixels. The first electrode layers are arranged in a first direction. The second electrode layers are arranged in a second direction different from the first direction. The sub pixels are formed on regions in which one of the first electrode layers crosses one of the second electrode layers. The sub pixel in which an overcurrent is electrically shorted when the overcurrent larger than a predetermined value is flowed in the sub pixel.

Description

Display element {DISPLAY DEVICE}

1 is a view showing a conventional display element.

2A illustrates a display device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device taken along the line II ′ of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device taken along the line II-II ′ of FIG. 2A.

2D is a cross-sectional view illustrating the subpixel of FIG. 2A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a circuit diagram illustrating the display device of FIG. 2A.

4 is a view showing a display device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a diagram illustrating a display device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device including sub-pixels that are opened when an overcurrent flows using a breakdown layer.

The display element refers to an element for displaying a predetermined image.

1 is a view showing a conventional display element.

Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional display device includes a panel 100 and a driver 102.

The panel 100 includes a plurality of sub pixels 116 formed in regions where the first electrode layers 110 and the second electrode layers 112 cross each other. Here, three sub-pixels, for example, a red sub-pixel R, a green sub-pixel G, and a blue sub-pixel B constitute one pixel 120.

The partitions 114 are insulators and separate the second electrode layers 112.

The first electrode lines 104 connect the first electrode layers 110 and the driver 102, so that the driver 102 transmits the data signals to the first electrode lines 104 and the first electrode layers 110. Through the sub-pixels 116 through.

The second electrode lines 106 and 108 connect the second electrode layers 112 and the driver 102, so the driver 102 sends scan signals to the second electrode lines 106 and 108 and the second electrode layer. To the subpixels 116 via the fields 112.

That is, the driver 102 transmits data signals and scan signals to the sub pixels 116 through the electrode lines 104, 106 and 108 and the electrode layers 110 and 112. Accordingly, the subpixels 116 emit light having a predetermined wavelength to display the predetermined image on the panel 100.

In one conventional display device, when one subpixel is defective, a portion of the panel 100 corresponding to the defective subpixel is darkly displayed. That is, the desired image is not displayed on the panel 100, and such a defect is immediately recognized by the user. Therefore, such panel 100 is found to be a defective product and can no longer be used. That is, the entire panel 100 cannot be used due to a failure of one subpixel, which causes a great waste of the panel 100.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of continuously using a panel even when one subpixel is defective.

In order to achieve the above object, the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes first electrode layers, second electrode layers, and subpixels. The first electrode layers are arranged in a first direction, and the second electrode layers are arranged in a second direction different from the first direction. The subpixels are formed in a region where one electrode layer of the first electrode layers and one electrode layer of the second electrode layers intersect. Here, when an overcurrent greater than a predetermined value flows in one of the subpixels, the subpixel through which the overcurrent flows is electrically shorted.

One of the plurality of subpixels formed in an intersection area of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a light emitting layer and a breakdown layer. The light emitting layer is made of an organic material. The break down layer is formed on an upper surface of the light emitting layer and includes a break down layer that is changed from a conductor to an insulator when an overcurrent greater than a predetermined current value flows.

Since the display device according to the present invention includes a plurality of subpixels separated by a second partition wall that emits the same color, even if one of the subpixels is defective, the defective subpixel is replaced with another subpixel. Can be replaced. Therefore, waste of the panel can be reduced. In addition, even when a defective subpixel is present, the defective subpixel is opened when light is emitted, so that the defective subpixel does not affect other subpixels.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2A illustrates a display device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device taken along the line II ′ of FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device taken along the line II-II ′ of FIG. 2A. 2D is a cross-sectional view illustrating the subpixel of FIG. 2A according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the display device of the present invention includes a panel 200 and a driver 202.

The display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an organic electroluminescent device (PDP), a plasma dispaly panel (PDP), a liquid crystal display (LCD), and the like.

The panel 200 includes subpixels R, G, and B formed in regions where the first electrode layers 210 and the second electrode layers 212 cross each other. Here, the six sub pixels form one pixel 220 as shown in FIG. 2A. For example, the pixel 220 is composed of two red subpixels R, two green subpixels G, and two blue subpixels B. FIG. Of course, the pixel 220 may be formed of subpixels that emit light of colors other than the red, green, and blue subpixels.

Each of the subpixels according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a first electrode layer 210, a hole injection layer (HIL), and a breakdown layer sequentially formed on a substrate (not shown) as illustrated in FIG. 2D. Break Down Layer (BDL), Hole Transporting Layer (HTL), Light Emitting Layer (EML), Electron Transporting Layer (ETL), Electron Injecting Layer (EIL) and Second Electrode Layer (EIL) 212).

When predetermined voltages are applied to the electrode layers 210 and 212, the hole injection layer HIL smoothly injects holes provided from the first electrode layer 210 into the hole transport layer HTL through the break down layer BDL. The electron injection layer EIL smoothly injects electrons provided from the second electrode layer 212 into the electron transport layer ETL.

Subsequently, the hole transport layer HTL transports the injected holes to the light emitting layer EML, and the electron transport layer ETL transports the injected electrons to the light emitting layer EML.

Subsequently, the transported holes and electrons combine in the emission layer (EML) to form excitons, and as the excitons are decomposed, light corresponding to decomposition energy is emitted from the emission layer (EML).

In the above, the breakdown layer BDL is formed between the hole injection layer HIL and the hole transport layer ETL, but may be formed at an arbitrary position between the first electrode layer 210 and the second electrode layer 212. .

The break down layer BDL is a layer that is open when an overcurrent flows, and changes from a conductor to an insulator when an overcurrent flows, and is oxidized, for example. For example, the break down layer BDL is made of F4-TCNQ (which may include a catalyst).

The structure of the above subpixel may vary depending on the type of divergence of the display element, for example, a bottom type or a top type. However, despite the change in the structure, the subpixel includes a breakdown layer BDL that is opened when an overcurrent flows. That is, the structure of one sub-pixel including the break down layer (BDL) may be variously changed, and thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modification of the various structures does not affect the scope of the present invention. will be.

Hereinafter, the structure of the display element of the present invention will be described in detail again.

The first partitions 214 are formed between the second electrode layers 212 as shown in FIG. 2A.

The second partitions 216 are formed between the same subpixels, for example, red subpixels R, as shown in FIG. 2A.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second partitions 214 and 216 are made of the same material, for example, photoresist, and are formed together in the same process.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first partition 214 has a height greater than that of the second partition 216.

The first electrode lines 204 are conductors and are respectively connected to the first electrode layers 210.

The second electrode lines 206 and 208 are conductors and are respectively connected to the second electrode layers 212.

The driver 202 is connected to the ends of the electrode lines 204, 206 and 208 and transmits drive signals, for example data signals and scan signals, to the electrode lines 204, 206 and 208.

Hereinafter, the structure of the display device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2B and 2C.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the first electrode layer 210 is formed on the substrate 230, and the organic material layers 234 and the second electrode layers 212 are sequentially formed on the first electrode layer 210. Here, the organic layers 234 and the second electrode layers 212 are separated from each other by the second partition wall 216, but the terminal portions of the second electrode layer 212 are not completely separated by the second partition wall 216. Do not. Thus, the subpixels associated with the second electrode lines 206 and 208 emit light for the same emission time during light emission. Detailed description thereof will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the second partition 216 may have an overhang structure having an upper side longer than a lower side. However, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second partition wall 216 may have a static taper structure having an upper side shorter than a lower side. Also,

In addition, the insulating film 232 is formed on the first electrode layer 210, and the first partition wall 214 is formed on the insulating film 232. Here, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the partitions 214 and 216 are made of a material different from the insulating film 232.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the first partition wall 214 separates the second electrode layers 212 so that the second electrode layers 212 are not shorted.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the second electrode layers 212 are formed on the organics 234 while covering the second partitions 216, and the organics 234 are formed on the second partitions 216. May be separated.

Referring to FIG. 2C, the first electrode layers 210 are arranged in a predetermined pattern on the substrate 230, and the insulating layers 232 are formed between the first electrode layers 210.

In addition, the organic materials 234 are formed on the first electrode layers 210, and the metal material layer 236 is formed on the insulating layers 232 and the organic materials 234. Here, reference numeral 238 denotes a region corresponding to one sub pixel, and a portion corresponding to one sub pixel of the metal material layer 236 is the second electrode layer 212.

Hereinafter, the structure and driving process of the display device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

3 is a circuit diagram illustrating the display device of FIG. 2A.

First, look at the structure of the display device of the present invention.

The first electrode layers 210 and the first electrode lines 204 correspond to the data lines D1 to D6, and the second electrode layers 212 and the second electrode lines 206 and 208 are scan lines. Corresponds to S1 to S12.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the subpixels formed in one pixel 220 are separated by the second partition 216 to form a plurality of scan lines, for example, S1 and S2, but corresponding scan lines ( S1 and S2 are connected to the driver 202 while being interconnected. As a result, the sub-pixels formed in one pixel 220 emit light simultaneously as described below.

The driver 202 includes scan drivers 300 and 302 connected to the scan lines S1 to S12 and a data driver 304 connected to the data lines D1 to D6.

Next, the driving process of the display element of the present invention will be described in detail.

The first scan driver 300 transmits the first scan signals to a portion S1, S2, S5, S6, S9, and S10 of the scan lines S1 to S12, and the second scan driver 302 is configured as a second scan driver. The scan signals are transmitted to the remaining scan lines S3, S4, S7, S8, S11 and S12. As a result, the scan lines S1 to S12 are sequentially selected in units of two scan lines.

First, S1 and S2 of the scan lines S1 to S12 are selected, that is, S1 and S2 are connected to a light emitting source, for example, ground. In this case, the remaining scan lines S3 to S12 are connected to a non-light emitting source having a voltage having the same magnitude as the driving voltage of the display element of the present invention.

Subsequently, the data driver 304 provides first data currents to the data lines D1 to D6. These data currents flow to the light emitting source through the sub-pixels associated with the data lines D1 to D6 and the scan lines S1 and S2 and the scan lines S1 and S2. As a result, only the subpixels associated with the scan lines S1 and S2 emit light.

Subsequently, S3 and S4 of the scan lines S1 to S12 are selected.

Thereafter, the data driver 304 provides the second data currents to the data lines D1 to D6. These data currents flow to the light emitting source through the sub pixels and the scan lines S3 and S4 associated with the data lines D1 to D6 and the scan lines S3 and S4. As a result, only the sub pixels associated with the scan lines S3 and S4 emit light.

Subsequently, S5 and S6 of the scan lines S1 to S12 are selected.

Thereafter, the data driver 304 provides third data currents to the data lines D1 to D6. These data currents flow to the light emitting source through the sub-pixels associated with the data lines D1 to D6 and the scan lines S5 and S6 and the scan lines S5 and S6. As a result, only the sub pixels associated with the scan lines S5 and S6 emit light.

The above process proceeds to the last scan lines S11 and S12, and then the light emission process is continuously repeated in units of frames, that is, in units of scan lines S1 to S12.

In sum, in the display device of the present invention, the subpixels associated with one second electrode layer 212 are separated by a second partition 216 as shown in FIG. 2A. However, although the subpixels are connected together to the second electrode line 206 or 208 despite being separated by the second partition 216, the subpixels emit light at the same time. Therefore, even if a failure occurs in one of the subpixels facing the second partition 216, for example, the R subpixels, which emits the same color among the subpixels related to the second electrode layer 212, the remaining colors remain. One subpixel emits light. That is, the remaining subpixels may replace the defective subpixels to continuously generate light of the same color. Here, when one subpixel is defective, for example, a short circuit causes an overcurrent to flow in the subpixel, the defective subpixel is changed into an insulator, so that the defective subpixel does not affect other normal subpixels. Do not. As a result, even if a defect occurs in one subpixel, another subpixel can be replaced without being affected by the defective subpixel. Thus, unlike a conventional light emitting device in which a subpanel is defective, the entire panel cannot be used. The light emitting device of the present invention can continuously use the panel 200.

In the above, although the subpixels related to the second electrode layer 212 are separated by one second partition wall 216, the subpixels may be separated by a plurality of second partition walls. In this case, one pixel consists of at least nine subpixels.

4 is a view showing a display device according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the display element of the present embodiment includes a panel 400 and a driver 402.

The partitions 404 separate the sub pixels. However, unlike in the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the partitions 404 are present for each pixel. Therefore, the partition wall 404 does not exist between the pixels, so that during light emission, a data current flows through the space between the pixels in the second electrode layer. As a result, when data current flows to the light emitting source through the data lines, the second electrode layer, and the second electrode line connected to the second electrode layer, the resistance of the path through which the data current flows is reduced than the resistance of the first embodiment. . Therefore, the display element of the second embodiment can emit the subpixels with the same luminance even though a data current having a smaller magnitude than that of the display element of the first embodiment is applied.

5 is a diagram illustrating a display device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the display element of the present embodiment includes a panel 500 and a driver 502.

The partitions 504 are arranged between each subpixel as shown in FIG. 5. Thus, the display element of the third embodiment can lower power consumption than the display elements of the first and second embodiments.

In the above embodiments, the second electrode lines are arranged in both directions of the panel, but may be arranged in one direction of the panel.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for purposes of illustration, and those skilled in the art having ordinary knowledge of the present invention will be able to make various modifications, changes, additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, such modifications, changes and Additions should be considered to be within the scope of the following claims.

As described above, the display device according to the present invention includes a plurality of subpixels separated by a second partition wall that emits the same color. There is an advantage that can replace the defective sub-pixel. Therefore, waste of the panel can be reduced. In addition, even when a defective subpixel is present, the defective subpixel is opened when light is emitted, so that the defective subpixel does not affect other subpixels.

Claims (10)

First electrode layers arranged in a first direction; Second electrode layers arranged in a second direction different from the first direction; And It includes a plurality of sub-pixels formed in the region where one electrode layer of the first electrode layer and one electrode layer of the second electrode layer intersect, And an overcurrent greater than a predetermined value flows into one of the subpixels, wherein the subpixel through which the overcurrent flows is electrically shorted. The method of claim 1, wherein the sub-pixels, And a breakdown layer which is changed from a conductor to an insulator when the overcurrent flows. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the break down layer is made of F4-TCNQ. The method of claim 2, wherein the sub-pixels, It consists of a first electrode layer, a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), a light emitting layer (EML), an electron transport layer (ETL), an electron injection layer (EIL) and a second electrode layer sequentially formed on the substrate, The break down layer is a display device, characterized in that located between the hole injection layer (HIL) and the hole transport layer (HTL). The display device of claim 1, wherein the display device comprises: And a partition formed between the sub pixels. The display device of claim 5, wherein the subpixels emit light of the same color and are connected together to a light emitting source through corresponding scan lines. The display device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the subpixels includes a light emitting layer made of an organic material. One of the plurality of sub-pixels formed in the intersection region of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, An emission layer made of an organic material; And And a breakdown layer formed on one surface of the light emitting layer, the breakdown layer being changed from a conductor to an insulator when an overcurrent greater than a predetermined current value flows. The method of claim 8, wherein the sub-pixel A hole transport layer arranged between the first electrode layer and the light emitting layer; And It includes an electron transport layer arranged between the second electrode layer and the light emitting layer, And the break down layer is arranged at an arbitrary position between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. 9. The sub pixel of claim 8, wherein the break down layer is formed of F4-TCNQ.

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