KR20230095239A - Display apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate including a display area including a plurality of sub-pixels and a non-display area outside the display area, a plurality of anodes disposed in the plurality of sub-pixels, and edges of the plurality of anodes. A bank disposed to cover a plurality of anodes, an organic light emitting layer disposed on the plurality of anodes, a plurality of first cathodes disposed on the organic light emitting layer and corresponding to the plurality of anodes, and a plurality of first cathodes corresponding to the signal wires extending in the first direction. It includes a cathode including two cathodes, an encapsulation part disposed on the cathode, and a touch part on the encapsulation part. Therefore, the cathode can be patterned to minimize the problem of excitation of the cathode.

Description

Display device {DISPLAY APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device in which lifting of a cathode is minimized and reliability is improved.

Currently, as we enter the information age in earnest, the field of display devices that visually display electrical information signals is rapidly developing, and research is continuing to develop performance such as thinning, lightening, and low power consumption for various display devices.

Among these various display devices, an organic display device is a self-emissive display device and, unlike a liquid crystal display device, does not require a separate light source and can be manufactured as a lightweight and thin device. In addition, organic display devices are not only advantageous in terms of power consumption due to low voltage driving, but also excellent in color implementation, response speed, viewing angle, and contrast ratio (CR), and are being studied as next-generation displays.

An object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of minimizing the lifting of a cathode.

Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a display device with improved reliability by minimizing moisture permeation through an organic light emitting layer.

Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a display device with reduced touch noise.

The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate including a display area including a plurality of sub-pixels and a non-display area outside the display area, a plurality of anodes disposed in the plurality of sub-pixels, and edges of the plurality of anodes. A bank disposed to cover a plurality of anodes, an organic light emitting layer disposed on the plurality of anodes, a plurality of first cathodes disposed on the organic light emitting layer and corresponding to the plurality of anodes, and a plurality of first cathodes corresponding to the signal wires extending in the first direction. It includes a cathode including two cathodes, an encapsulation part disposed on the cathode, and a touch part on the encapsulation part.

Other embodiment specifics are included in the detailed description and drawings.

In the present invention, the organic light emitting layer may be in contact with the encapsulation to improve adhesion between the cathode and the organic light emitting layer.

In the present invention, the cathodes are patterned, and an encapsulant is disposed in a space between the cathodes, thereby suppressing the cathodes from being lifted.

According to the present invention, since the length of the inorganic encapsulation layer is increased, moisture permeation of the display device can be minimized.

According to the present invention, signal interference between the touch unit and the signal line can be minimized by arranging a cathode corresponding to the signal line.

Effects according to the present invention are not limited by the contents exemplified above, and more various effects are included in the present invention.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an enlarged plan view of a display area of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' of FIG. 2 .
4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
6 is an enlarged plan view of a display area of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The advantages and features of the present invention, and how to achieve them, will become clear with reference to the embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but will be implemented in a variety of different shapes, only these embodiments make the disclosure of the present invention complete, and common knowledge in the art to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to completely inform the person who has the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

The shapes, areas, ratios, angles, numbers, etc. disclosed in the drawings for explaining the embodiments of the present invention are illustrative, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Like reference numbers designate like elements throughout the specification. In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. When 'includes', 'has', 'consists', etc. mentioned in the present invention is used, other parts may be added unless 'only' is used. In the case where a component is expressed in the singular, the case including the plural is included unless otherwise explicitly stated.

In interpreting the components, even if there is no separate explicit description, it is interpreted as including the error range.

In the case of a description of a positional relationship, for example, 'on top of', 'on top of', 'at the bottom of', 'next to', etc. Or, unless 'directly' is used, one or more other parts may be located between the two parts.

When an element or layer is referred to as “on” another element or layer, it includes all cases where another element or layer is directly on top of another element or another layer or other element intervenes therebetween.

In addition, although first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component mentioned below may also be the second component within the technical spirit of the present invention.

Like reference numbers designate like elements throughout the specification.

The area and thickness of each component shown in the drawings is shown for convenience of description, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to the area and thickness of the illustrated component.

Each feature of the various embodiments of the present invention can be partially or entirely combined or combined with each other, technically various interlocking and driving are possible, and each embodiment can be implemented independently of each other or can be implemented together in a related relationship. may be

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

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1 , only the display panel PN, the gate driver GD, the data driver DD, and the timing controller TC among various components of the display device 100 are illustrated for convenience of explanation.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the display device 100 includes a display panel PN including a plurality of sub-pixels SPX, a gate driver GD and a data driver DD supplying various signals to the display panel PN. , and a timing controller TC controlling the gate driver GD and the data driver DD.

The gate driver GD supplies a plurality of scan signals to the plurality of scan wires SL according to the plurality of gate control signals GCS provided from the timing controller TC. The plurality of scan signals may include a first scan signal SCAN1 and a second scan signal SCAN2 , and the scan signal may include a light emitting control signal. 1 shows that one gate driver GD is spaced apart from one side of the display panel PN, but the gate driver GD may be disposed in a GIP (Gate In Panel) method, and the gate driver ( The number and arrangement of GD) is not limited thereto.

The data driver DD converts the image data RGB input from the timing controller TC into data signals using a reference gamma voltage according to the plurality of data control signals DCS provided from the timing controller TC. Also, the data driver DD may supply the converted data signal to the plurality of data lines DL.

The timing controller TC aligns image data RGB input from the outside and supplies it to the data driver DD. The timing controller (TC) generates a gate control signal (GCS) and a data control signal (DCS) using a synchronization signal (SYNC) input from the outside, for example, a dot clock signal, a data enable signal, and a horizontal/vertical synchronization signal. can do. The timing controller TC supplies the generated gate control signal GCS and data control signal DCS to the gate driver GD and the data driver DD, respectively, to operate the gate driver GD and the data driver DD. You can control it.

The display panel PN is configured to display an image to a user and includes a plurality of sub-pixels SPX. In the display panel PN, the plurality of scan lines SL and the plurality of data lines DL cross each other, and each of the plurality of sub-pixels SPX is connected to the scan lines SL and the data lines DL. In addition, although not shown in the drawing, each of the plurality of sub-pixels SPX may be connected to a high potential power line PL, a low potential power line, an initialization signal line IL, an emission control signal line EL, and the like.

The plurality of sub pixels SPX is a minimum unit constituting a screen, and each of the plurality of sub pixels SPX includes a light emitting element and a pixel circuit for driving the light emitting element. The plurality of light emitting elements may be defined differently depending on the type of display panel PN. For example, when the display panel PN is an organic light emitting display panel, the light emitting element may include an organic light emitting element including an anode, an organic layer, and a cathode. It may be a light emitting device. In addition, a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) including a quantum dot (QD) may be further used as a light emitting device. Hereinafter, a description will be made on the assumption that the light emitting element is an organic light emitting element, but the type of light emitting element is not limited thereto.

The pixel circuit is a circuit for controlling the driving of the light emitting element. The pixel circuit may include, for example, a plurality of transistors and capacitors, but is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, the sub-pixel SPX of the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 .

2 is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' of FIG. 2 . 2 and 3 , the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate 110, a buffer layer 111, a gate insulating layer 112, an interlayer insulating layer 113, a passivation layer ( 114), planarization layer 115, bank 116, first inorganic insulating layer 151, first organic insulating layer 152, second inorganic insulating layer 153, touch sensing layer 161, first A touch electrode 162, a second touch electrode 163, a connection electrode 164, a transistor T, and a light emitting element OLED are included. In FIG. 2 , only the cathode 140 of the components disposed in the sub-pixel SPX is illustrated for convenience of description. In addition, in FIG. 3, only one transistor T among a plurality of transistors and capacitors of the pixel circuit is shown for convenience of description.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a plurality of sub-pixels SPX are individual units that emit light, and a light emitting element is disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels SPX. The plurality of sub-pixels SPX include a first sub-pixel SP1 , a second sub-pixel SP2 , and a third sub-pixel SP3 emitting light of different colors. For example, the first sub-pixel SP1 may be a red sub-pixel, the second sub-pixel SP2 may be a green sub-pixel, and the third sub-pixel SP3 may be a blue sub-pixel, but is not limited thereto. .

The plurality of sub-pixels SPX may be formed in a pentile structure. The first sub-pixel SP1 , the second sub-pixel SP2 , and the third sub-pixel SP3 may be formed in a rectangular planar shape. Also, among the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, and the third sub-pixel SP3, the size of the third sub-pixel SP3 is the largest, and the size of the first sub-pixel SP1 is the largest. can be small However, it is not limited thereto, and the plurality of sub-pixels SPX may be formed in other structures.

Referring to FIG. 3B , the substrate 110 is a support member for supporting other components of the display device 100 and may be made of an insulating material. For example, the substrate 110 may be made of glass or resin. In addition, the substrate 110 may be made of a polymer or plastic such as polyimide (PI), or may be made of a material having flexibility.

A buffer layer 111 is disposed on the substrate 110 . The buffer layer 111 may reduce penetration of moisture or impurities through the substrate 110 . The buffer layer 111 may include, for example, a single layer or a multi-layer of silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx), but is not limited thereto. However, the buffer layer 111 may be omitted depending on the type of substrate 110 or the type of transistor, but is not limited thereto.

A transistor T is disposed on the buffer layer 111 . The transistor T includes an active layer ACT, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE.

The active layer ACT may be made of a semiconductor material such as an oxide semiconductor, amorphous silicon, or polysilicon, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the active layer ACT is formed of an oxide semiconductor, the active layer ACT includes a channel region, a source region, and a drain region, and the source region and the drain region may be conductive regions, but are limited thereto. It doesn't work.

A gate insulating layer 112 is disposed on the active layer ACT. The gate insulating layer 112 is an insulating layer for insulating the active layer ACT and the gate electrode GE, and may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers of silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx), but is limited thereto. It doesn't work.

A gate electrode GE is disposed on the gate insulating layer 112 . The gate electrode GE may be formed of a conductive material such as copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), or an alloy thereof. However, it is not limited thereto.

An interlayer insulating layer 113 is disposed on the gate electrode GE. A contact hole for connecting each of the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE to the active layer ACT is formed in the interlayer insulating layer 113 . The interlayer insulating layer 113 may be formed of a single layer or multiple layers of silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx), but is not limited thereto.

A source electrode SE and a drain electrode DE are disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 113 . The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE, which are spaced apart from each other, may be electrically connected to the active layer ACT. The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may be made of a conductive material such as copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr), or It may be composed of an alloy for, but is not limited thereto.

A passivation layer 114 is disposed on the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. The passivation layer 114 is an insulating layer for protecting components under the passivation layer 114 . For example, the passivation layer 114 may include a single layer or a multi-layer of silicon oxide (SiOx) or silicon nitride (SiNx), but is not limited thereto. Also, the passivation layer 114 may be omitted according to embodiments.

A planarization layer 115 is disposed on the passivation layer 114 . The planarization layer 115 is an insulating layer that planarizes the top of the substrate 110 . The planarization layer 115 may be made of an organic material, and may include, for example, a single layer or multiple layers of polyimide or photo acryl, but is not limited thereto.

A plurality of light emitting elements OLED are disposed on the planarization layer 115 in each of the plurality of sub-pixels SPX. The light emitting device OLED includes an anode 120 , an organic light emitting layer 130 and a cathode 140 .

An anode 120 is disposed on the planarization layer 115 . The anode 120 may be electrically connected to the transistor to receive driving current. Since the anode 120 supplies holes to the organic light emitting layer 130, it may be made of a conductive material having a high work function. The anode 120 may be formed of a transparent conductive material such as, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO), but is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the display device 100 may be implemented in a top emission or bottom emission method. In the case of the top emission method, the light emitted from the organic light emitting layer 130 is reflected by the anode 120 and directed upward, that is, to the cathode (CAT) side, so that the metal having excellent reflection efficiency is placed under the anode 120 A reflective layer made of a material such as aluminum (Al) or silver (Ag) may be added. Conversely, when the display device 100 is a bottom emission type, the anode 120 may be made of only a transparent conductive material. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a top emission type.

A bank 116 is disposed over the anode 120 and planarization layer 115 . The bank 116 is an insulating layer disposed between the plurality of sub-pixels SPX to distinguish the plurality of sub-pixels SPX. Bank 116 includes an opening exposing a portion of anode 120 . The bank 116 may be an organic insulating material disposed to cover the edge or edge portion of the anode 120 . The bank 116 may be made of, for example, polyimide, acryl, or benzocyclobutene (BCB)-based resin, but is not limited thereto.

An organic light emitting layer 130 is disposed on the anode 120 and the bank 116 . The organic emission layer 130 is an organic layer for emitting light of a specific color, and different emission layers 123 are disposed in each of the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, and the third sub-pixel SP3. It could be. For example, a blue light emitting layer may be disposed on the first sub-pixel SP1 , a green light emitting layer may be disposed on the second sub-pixel SP2 , and a red light emitting layer may be disposed on the third sub-pixel SP3 .

The organic emission layer 130 may be continuously disposed on the entire area of the plurality of sub-pixels SPX. The organic emission layer 130 may be disposed not only corresponding to each sub-pixel SPX, but also disposed in an area between adjacent sub-pixels SPX. Accordingly, the organic emission layer 130 may also be disposed in an area corresponding to the anode 120 and an area corresponding to the bank 116 .

A cathode 140 is disposed on the organic light emitting layer 130 . Since the cathode 140 supplies electrons to the organic light emitting layer 130, it may be made of a conductive material having a low work function.

The cathode 140 is formed of, for example, a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO) or a metal alloy such as MgAg or a ytterbium (Yb) alloy. It may be, and a metal doping layer may be further included, but is not limited thereto. Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, the cathode 140 may be electrically connected to a low potential power line to receive a low potential power signal EVSS.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 together, the cathode 140 includes a first cathode 141 and a second cathode 142 .

Referring to FIG. 2 , the plurality of first cathodes 141 are disposed to correspond to the plurality of anodes 120 disposed in the plurality of sub-pixels SPX. For example, when each of the plurality of sub-pixels SPX has a rectangular planar shape, the first cathode 141 may also have a rectangular planar shape with rounded corners, but an octagonal planar shape is also possible.

The plurality of second cathodes 142 are disposed to correspond to the signal wires extending in the first direction (X). The first direction X may be a direction parallel to the scan lines SL, and the second direction Y may be a direction parallel to the data lines DL. The signal wire may be a wire through which an AC signal is transmitted. For example, the signal line may be a plurality of scan lines SL or a light emitting control line connected to the gate electrode GE of the transistor T, but is not limited thereto. Accordingly, the second cathode 142 may have a straight shape.

The plurality of second cathodes 142 are disposed to connect two adjacent first cathodes 141 in the first direction X among the plurality of first cathodes 141 . The plurality of first cathodes 141 and the plurality of second cathodes 142 may be integrally connected to each other. In FIG. 2 , it is shown that two first cathodes 141 adjacent in the first direction (X) are connected through one second cathode 142, but according to the number of signal wires, two adjacent first cathodes 141 in the first direction (X) are connected. It is also possible that one or more second cathodes 142 are disposed between the first cathodes 141 of the dog.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the end of the first cathode 141 may be disposed on the upper surface of the bank 116, but is not limited thereto, and the first cathode 141 may be disposed only up to the side of the bank 116. there is.

An encapsulation unit 150 is disposed on the cathode 140 to minimize deterioration of the light emitting device OLED due to moisture or oxygen. The encapsulation unit 150 flattens the top surface of the light emitting element OLED and fills a separation space between the cathode 140 and the touch unit 160 . The encapsulation unit 150 may have a multilayer structure in which an inorganic layer formed of an inorganic insulating material and an organic layer formed of an organic material are stacked. For example, the encapsulation unit 150 may have a triple layer structure including a first inorganic encapsulation layer 151 , a first organic encapsulation layer 152 , and a second inorganic encapsulation layer 153 .

The first inorganic encapsulation layer 151 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 153 may be formed of at least one selected from silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), and aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ), respectively. , but not limited thereto. For example, the first organic encapsulation layer 152 may be formed of at least one selected from epoxy resin, polyimide, polyethylene, and silicon oxycarbon (SiOC), but is not limited thereto.

The first inorganic encapsulation layer 151 is disposed to be in contact with upper and side surfaces of the plurality of first cathodes 141 and the plurality of second cathodes 142 . Since the cathode 140 is patterned, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 151 may contact not only the top surfaces of the first cathode 141 and the second cathode 142 , but also the side surfaces thereof. In addition, a first inorganic encapsulation layer 151 may be disposed on an upper surface of the organic emission layer 130 on which the first cathode 141 and the second cathode 142 are not disposed.

A touch unit 160 is disposed on the encapsulation unit 150 . The touch unit 160 is disposed on the second inorganic insulating layer 153 and configured to detect a position of a touch input. The touch unit 160 may include a touch insulating layer 161 , a first touch electrode 162 , a second touch electrode 163 , and a connection electrode 164 .

A first touch electrode and a second touch electrode are disposed on the encapsulation 150 . The first touch electrode 162 may be disposed in a first direction (X), and the second touch electrode 163 may be disposed in a second direction (Y) crossing the first direction (X).

In order to prevent the first touch electrode 162 and the second touch electrode 163 from being short-circuited to each other in crossing areas, the first touch electrode 162 adjacent to each other in the first direction X is connected to the connection electrode 164 can be electrically connected via Mutual capacitance may be formed in an intersection area between the first touch electrode 162 and the second touch electrode 163 .

The first touch electrode 162 and the second touch electrode 163 have a mesh structure to prevent overlapping with the first sub-pixel SP1 , the second sub-pixel SP2 , and the third sub-pixel SP3 . can be formed That is, the first touch electrode 162 and the second touch electrode 163 are on the bank 116 provided between the first sub-pixel SP1 , the second sub-pixel SP2 , and the third sub-pixel SP3 . can be formed in

First touch electrodes 162 adjacent to each other may be electrically connected through a plurality of connection electrodes 164 . Each of the connection electrodes 164 may be connected to the first touch electrodes 162 adjacent to each other through contact holes CT exposing the first touch electrodes 162 . The connection electrode 164 may overlap the first touch electrode 162 and the second touch electrode 163 . The connection electrode 164 may be formed on the bank 116 provided between the first sub-pixel SP1 , the second sub-pixel SP2 , and the third sub-pixel SP3 .

The first touch electrode 162 may be formed on the same layer as the second touch electrode 163, and the connection electrode 164 is different from the first touch electrodes 162 and the second touch electrodes 163. can be formed in layers.

A touch insulating layer 161 is disposed to insulate the first touch electrode 162 and the second touch electrode 163 from the connection electrode 164 . The touch insulating layer 161 may be formed of at least one selected from silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx), and aluminum oxide (Al ₂ O ₃ ), but is not limited thereto.

In general, among components disposed on a substrate, a buffer layer to an organic light emitting layer are manufactured through a high-temperature process. However, components disposed on the organic light-emitting layer are manufactured through a low-temperature process to protect the organic light-emitting layer. That is, since the organic light emitting layer may be damaged when components disposed on the organic light emitting layer are formed by a high temperature process, components such as a cathode and an encapsulation are manufactured by a low temperature process. However, in the case of layers manufactured by a low-temperature process, film quality is relatively inferior to that of layers manufactured by a high-temperature process. Accordingly, there is a problem in that the cathode is lifted due to weak adhesion between the cathode manufactured through the low-temperature process and the organic light emitting layer manufactured through the high-temperature process.

Thus, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a problem in which the cathode 140 is lifted from the organic light emitting layer 130 may be minimized by patterning the cathode 140 . 2 and 3 , the cathode 140 includes a first cathode 141 corresponding to a plurality of sub-pixels SPX and a second cathode 142 corresponding to a signal line, Since the area surrounded by the sealing portion 150 is increased, lifting of the cathode 140 can be suppressed.

In addition, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the length of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 151 is increased due to the patterning of the cathode 140 compared to the case where the cathode 140 is not patterned, so that the moisture permeation path can be increased. Accordingly, moisture permeation into the organic light emitting layer 130 may be suppressed, and reliability of the display device 100 may be improved.

Also, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, signal interference that may occur between the touch unit 160 and the signal line can be suppressed by the second cathode 142 . That is, the second cathode 142 is disposed to correspond to a signal line to which an AC signal is applied, such as the scan line SL, and the second cathode 142 connects the first cathode 141 to the signal line and the touch line. Signal interference that may occur between units 160 may be minimized.

4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The display device 400 of FIG. 4 is different from the display device 100 of FIGS. 1 to 3 except for the organic light emitting layer 430 and the encapsulation 450, and other components are substantially the same, so duplicate descriptions are omitted. do.

Referring to FIG. 4 , at least a portion of the organic light emitting layer 430 of the light emitting device OLED corresponds to the plurality of first cathodes 141 or the plurality of second cathodes 141 . Specifically, at least some of the edges of the organic emission layer 430 may be positioned on the same plane as the edges of the plurality of first cathodes 141 or the plurality of second cathodes 142 . For example, the organic light emitting layer 430 may be disposed to correspond to the plurality of first cathodes 141, and ends of the organic light emitting layer 430 are formed on the upper surface of the bank 116 as in the shape of the first cathode 141. can be placed on top. However, when the first cathode 141 is disposed only up to the side of the bank 116, the organic emission layer 430 may also be disposed only up to the side of the bank 116.

The first inorganic encapsulation layer 451 of the encapsulation unit 450 includes side surfaces of the plurality of first cathodes 141 , side surfaces of the plurality of second cathodes 142 , side surfaces of the plurality of organic emission layers 430 , and banks 160 . touch the upper surface Since the cathode 140 and the organic emission layer 430 are patterned, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 151 may contact not only the upper surface of the cathode 140 but also the side surfaces of the cathode 140 and the organic emission layer 430 .

Accordingly, in the display device 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the cathode 140 includes the first cathode 141 corresponding to the plurality of sub-pixels SPX and the second cathode 142 corresponding to the signal line. patterned with Accordingly, a problem in which the cathode 140 is lifted from the organic light emitting layer 430 can be minimized, and signal interference that may occur between the touch unit 160 and the signal line can be suppressed by the second cathode 142 .

In addition, in the display device 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention, due to the patterning of the organic light emitting layer 430 as well as the cathode 140, the first inorganic encapsulation layer ( 451) is increased, the moisture permeation path may be increased. Accordingly, moisture permeation into the organic light emitting layer 430 may be suppressed, and reliability of the display device 400 may be improved.

5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The display device 500 of FIG. 5 is different from the display device 400 of FIG. 4 except for the first cathode 541 and the encapsulation part 550, and other components are substantially the same, so duplicate descriptions are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 5 , at least some of the edges of the organic light emitting layer 430 of the light emitting element OLED are disposed inside the edges of the plurality of first cathodes 551 . The plurality of first cathodes 541 are disposed to correspond to the plurality of anodes 120 disposed in the plurality of sub-pixels SPX, but the first cathodes 541 are disposed in a first region higher than the region overlapping the organic emission layer 430. The cathode 541 may have a wide size.

An encapsulation unit 550 is disposed on the first cathode 541 and the second cathode 142 . The encapsulation unit 550 includes a second organic encapsulation layer 554, a first inorganic encapsulation layer 551 on the second organic encapsulation layer 554, and a first organic encapsulation layer 152 on the first inorganic encapsulation layer 551. and a second inorganic encapsulation layer 153 on the first organic encapsulation layer 152 . The second organic encapsulation layer 554 may be formed of at least one selected from epoxy resin, polyimide, polyethylene, and silicon oxycarbon (SiOC), but is not limited thereto.

A space defined by the organic emission layer 430 , the plurality of first cathodes 541 , and the bank 116 is filled by the second organic encapsulation layer 554 . The second organic encapsulation layer 554 may planarize an upper portion of the first cathode 541 and the bank 116 while contacting an edge of the organic emission layer 430 . Since the second organic encapsulation layer 554 is disposed above the plurality of first cathodes 541 instead of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 151, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 151 does not break and the organic light emitting layer 430 ), the encapsulation unit 550 may be disposed up to the inner space of the first cathode 541 surrounded by the edge of the first cathode 541 .

Therefore, in the display device 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the cathode is patterned into a first cathode 541 corresponding to the plurality of sub-pixels SPX and a second cathode 142 corresponding to the signal line. do. Accordingly, a problem in which the cathode is lifted from the organic light emitting layer 430 can be minimized, and signal interference that may occur between the touch unit 160 and the signal line can be suppressed by the second cathode 142 .

In addition, since the second organic encapsulation layer 554 is thickly disposed above the cathode and the bank 116, moisture permeation into the organic light emitting layer 430 can be suppressed by the second organic encapsulation layer 554, and the cathode is lifted. This can additionally be prevented.

6 is an enlarged plan view of a display area of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The display device 600 of FIG. 6 is different from the display device 100 of FIGS. 1 to 3 except for the cathode 640 and other configurations are substantially the same, so duplicate descriptions are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the cathode 640 extends in a second direction Y intersecting the first direction X, and two adjacent first cathodes 141 are disposed in the second direction Y. A plurality of third cathodes 643 arranged to connect the first cathode 141 are further included. In FIG. 6 , the third cathode 643 is illustrated as being vertically arranged with the second cathode 142, but is not limited thereto. Also, the third cathode 643 may have the same width as the second cathode 142, but is not limited thereto.

Therefore, in the display device 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the cathode 640 includes the first cathode 141 corresponding to the plurality of sub-pixels SPX and the second cathode 142 corresponding to the signal line. ) and a third cathode 643 crossing the second cathode 142 . Therefore, while the sheet resistance of the cathode 640 is lowered by the third cathode 643, it is possible to minimize a problem in which the cathode 640 is lifted from the organic light emitting layer, and a signal that may occur between the touch unit 160 and the signal line. Interference can be suppressed by the second cathode 142 .

A display device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can be described as follows.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a substrate including a display area including a plurality of sub-pixels and a non-display area outside the display area, a plurality of anodes disposed in the plurality of sub-pixels, and arrangement to cover edges of the plurality of anodes A bank, an organic light emitting layer disposed on the plurality of anodes, a plurality of first cathodes disposed on the organic light emitting layer and corresponding to the plurality of anodes, and a plurality of second cathodes corresponding to signal wires extending in a first direction. It includes a cathode, an encapsulation unit disposed on the cathode, and a touch unit on the encapsulation unit.

Another characteristic of the present invention is that the plurality of second cathodes may be arranged to connect two adjacent first cathodes in a first direction among the plurality of first cathodes.

Another feature of the present invention is that the encapsulation unit includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer, a first organic encapsulation layer on the first inorganic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer on the first organic encapsulation layer, and the first inorganic encapsulation layer includes a plurality of may be in contact with the top and side surfaces of the first cathode and the plurality of second cathodes.

Another feature of the present invention is that at least a portion of the organic light emitting layer may correspond to a plurality of first cathodes or a plurality of second cathodes.

Another feature of the present invention is that at least some of the edges of the organic light emitting layer may be positioned on the same plane as the edges of the plurality of first cathodes or the plurality of second cathodes.

Another feature of the present invention is that the encapsulation unit includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer, a first organic encapsulation layer on the first inorganic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer on the first organic encapsulation layer, and the first inorganic encapsulation layer includes a plurality of It may be in contact with the side surface of the first cathode, the side surface of the plurality of second cathodes, the side surface of the plurality of organic emission layers, and the upper surface of the bank.

Another feature of the present invention is that at least some of the edges of the organic light emitting layer may be disposed inside the edges of the plurality of first cathodes.

Another feature of the present invention is that the encapsulation unit includes a second organic encapsulation layer, a first inorganic encapsulation layer on the second organic encapsulation layer, a first organic encapsulation layer on the first inorganic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer on the first organic encapsulation layer. A space defined by the organic light emitting layer, the plurality of first cathodes, and the bank may be filled by the second organic encapsulation layer.

Another feature of the present invention is that the second organic encapsulation layer may planarize upper surfaces of the plurality of first cathodes and the plurality of second cathodes.

Another characteristic of the present invention is that the second organic encapsulation layer may be in contact with the edge of the organic light emitting layer.

Another feature of the present invention is that the cathode extends in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a plurality of third cathodes arranged to connect two adjacent first cathodes in the second direction among the plurality of first cathodes. can include more.

Another characteristic of the present invention is that the signal wiring may be a wiring through which an AC signal is transmitted.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments, and may be variously modified and implemented without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. . Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The protection scope of the present invention should be construed according to the claims below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent range should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

100, 400, 500, 600: display device
110: substrate
111: buffer layer
112: gate insulating layer
113: interlayer insulating layer
114: passivation layer
115: planarization layer
116: bank
120: anode
130, 430: organic light emitting layer
140, 640: cathode
141, 541: first cathode
142: second cathode
643 third cathode
150, 450, 550: encapsulation
151, 451, 551: first inorganic encapsulation layer
152: first organic encapsulation layer
153: second inorganic encapsulation layer
554: second organic encapsulation layer
160: touch unit
161: touch insulation layer
162: first touch electrode
163: second touch electrode
164: connecting electrode
CT: contact hole
OLED: light emitting element
PN: display panel
GD: Gate Driver
DD: Data Driver
TC: Timing Controller
SPX: sub-pixel
SP1: first sub-pixel
SP2: second sub-pixel
SP3: third sub-pixel
SL: scan wiring
SL1: first scan wire
SL2: 2nd scan wire
DL: data wire
PL: high potential power wiring
EL: emission control signal wiring
IL: Initialization signal wire
Cst: capacitor
T: transistor
ACT: active layer
GE: gate electrode
DE: drain electrode
SE: source electrode
RGB: video data
GCS: gate control signal
DCS: data control signal
SYNC: sync signal
SCAN1: first scan signal
SCAN2: second scan signal

Claims (12)

a substrate including a display area including a plurality of sub-pixels and a non-display area outside the display area;
a plurality of anodes disposed in the plurality of sub-pixels;
banks disposed to cover edges of the plurality of anodes;
an organic light emitting layer disposed on the plurality of anodes;
a cathode disposed on the organic light-emitting layer and including a plurality of first cathodes corresponding to the plurality of anodes and a plurality of second cathodes corresponding to signal wires extending in a first direction;
an encapsulation unit disposed on the cathode; and
A display device comprising a touch unit on the encapsulation unit. According to claim 1,
The plurality of second cathodes are arranged to connect two first cathodes adjacent to each other in the first direction among the plurality of first cathodes. According to claim 1,
The encapsulation unit includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer, a first organic encapsulation layer on the first inorganic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer on the first organic encapsulation layer,
The first inorganic encapsulation layer is in contact with upper and side surfaces of the plurality of first cathodes and the plurality of second cathodes. According to claim 1,
At least some of the organic light-emitting layers correspond to the plurality of first cathodes or the plurality of second cathodes. According to claim 4,
At least some of the edges of the organic light emitting layer are positioned on the same plane as edges of the plurality of first cathodes or the plurality of second cathodes. According to claim 5,
The encapsulation unit includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer, a first organic encapsulation layer on the first inorganic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer on the first organic encapsulation layer,
The first inorganic encapsulation layer is in contact with the side surfaces of the plurality of first cathodes, the side surfaces of the plurality of second cathodes, the side surfaces of the plurality of organic light emitting layers, and the upper surface of the bank. According to claim 4,
At least some of the edges of the organic light emitting layer are disposed inner than edges of the plurality of first cathodes. According to claim 7,
The encapsulation unit includes a second organic encapsulation layer, a first inorganic encapsulation layer on the second organic encapsulation layer, a first organic encapsulation layer on the first inorganic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer on the first organic encapsulation layer,
A display device, wherein a space defined by the organic light emitting layer, the plurality of first cathodes, and the bank is filled by the second organic encapsulation layer. According to claim 8,
The second organic encapsulation layer flattens upper surfaces of the plurality of first cathodes and the plurality of second cathodes. According to claim 8,
The second organic encapsulation layer is in contact with an edge of the organic light emitting layer. According to claim 1,
The cathode extends in a second direction crossing the first direction and further comprises a plurality of third cathodes arranged to connect two adjacent first cathodes in the second direction among the plurality of first cathodes, display device. According to claim 1,
The signal wire is a wire through which an AC signal is transmitted.

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