Display Devices

Abstract

A display device includes a transmission area, at which a background image behind the display device is visible from the front side of the display device; a pixel area, at which light is generated and emitted to display an image; a display unit in the pixel area, the display unit in the pixel area including: a light-emitting device that generates and emits light, and a pixel circuit electrically connected to the light-emitting device; and an optical refractive layer, through which both the background image and the light emitted from the pixel area are transmitted to the outside of the display device. The optical refractive layer defines a plurality of micro holes in a plane area of ​​the pixel area corresponding to the light-emitting device and the periphery of the light-emitting device, respectively.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0171134, filed on December 27, 2018, and all rights arising therefrom, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] One or more embodiments relate to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device in which sufficient light transmittance is ensured and resolution is improved. Background Art

[0003] Generally, a display device is configured to display an image. As the use of mobile electronic devices increases, display devices are used in various environments. In the case where a display device is equipped in a mobile electronic device, the display device may have transmissivity as required. Therefore, a user may observe the background behind the display device. Summary of the invention

[0004] The background behind the transmissive display device can be seen through the transmissive display device. However, when the transmittance of light and images through the transmissive display device is relatively low, there are disadvantages such as poor visibility of the background and poor visibility of the image generated and displayed by the transmissive display device.

[0005] In order to improve the visibility of the background behind the transmissive display device and the visibility of the image displayed by it, one or more embodiments include a display device in which sufficient light transmittance and the background image passing therethrough are ensured and the resolution is improved. However, one or more embodiments are only examples, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0006] Additional features will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: a transmission area, at which a background image behind the display device is visible from the front side of the display device; a pixel area, at which light is generated and emitted to display an image of the display device; a display unit in the pixel area, the display unit including: a light-emitting device that generates and emits light, and a pixel circuit that is electrically connected to the light-emitting device and controls the light-emitting device to generate and emit light; and an optical refractive layer, through which both the background image and the light emitted from the pixel area are transmitted to the outside of the display device. The optical refractive layer defines a plurality of tiny holes in a plane area of ​​the pixel area corresponding to the light-emitting device and the periphery of the light-emitting device, respectively.

[0008] The transmission area may be adjacent to the pixel area along a first direction, and the plurality of minute holes may be arranged on a diagonal line with respect to the first direction.

[0009] The optical refractive layer may include silicon oxide.

[0010] The transmissive region may not include a light emitting device.

[0011] The plurality of minute holes may be arranged to have a constant pitch in one direction.

[0012] The optical refractive layer may further define a plurality of minute holes corresponding to the transmission area.

[0013] The powered display unit can display an image in a plane area of ​​a pixel area corresponding to the light-emitting device, and the plurality of tiny holes of the optical refractive layer can replicate the image displayed at the plane area corresponding to the light-emitting device to define a replicated image, which is displayed at a plane area of ​​the pixel area corresponding to the periphery of the light-emitting device.

[0014] According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: a plurality of pixels, where light is generated and emitted to display an image of the display device; a plurality of transmission areas, where a background image behind the display device is visible from the front side of the display device, the plurality of transmission areas are alternated with the plurality of pixels; a display unit in the plurality of pixels, the display unit including: a light emitting device that generates and emits light, and a pixel circuit electrically connected to the light emitting device and controlling the light emitting device to generate and emit light; and an optical refractive layer, through which light emitted from the pixel is transmitted to the outside of the display device to display an image. The optical refractive layer defines a plurality of microscopic holes in a plane area corresponding to each of the plurality of pixels and the periphery of the plurality of pixels.

[0015] The plurality of pixels may be arranged in a first direction or a second direction crossing the first direction, and the plurality of minute holes may be arranged in a diagonal direction crossing the first direction and the second direction.

[0016] The optical refractive layer may include silicon oxide.

[0017] Each of the plurality of transmissive regions may not include a light emitting device.

[0018] The plurality of minute holes may be arranged to have a constant pitch in one direction.

[0019] The optical refractive layer may further define a plurality of minute holes in the plurality of transmission regions.

[0020] The powered display unit may display an image at a plurality of pixels, and the plurality of minute holes of the optical refractive layer may replicate the image displayed at the plurality of pixels to define a replicated image, the replicated image being displayed at the periphery of the plurality of pixels.

[0021] In addition to those described above, other features and effects will become apparent from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] These and / or other features will become apparent and more easily understood through the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a display device 1;

[0024] Figure 2 is an equivalent circuit diagram of an embodiment of a pixel of the display device 1;

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An enlarged top view of an embodiment of a region A of a display device 1;

[0026] Figure 4 is with Figure 3 An enlarged top view of an embodiment of a pixel of a display device 1 and a portion of an area A corresponding to the periphery of the pixel;

[0027] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the display device 1 taken along line BB′;

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A top view of an embodiment of the operation of the display device 1;

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An enlarged top view of a pixel of the display device 1 and a portion of the periphery of the pixel;

[0030] Figure 8 is an enlarged top view of another embodiment of a region A' of a display device;

[0031] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line CC';

[0032] Fig.10 is a top view of another embodiment of a portion corresponding to a pixel of a display device and a periphery of the pixel; and

[0033] Fig.11 and Fig.12 is with Fig.10 An enlarged top view of another embodiment of a pixel of a display device and an area corresponding to the periphery of the pixel and a portion thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to an embodiment of which examples are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals indicate the same elements in the specification. In this regard, the present embodiment may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the description set forth herein. Therefore, the following description of the embodiment is only by reference to the accompanying drawings to explain the features of the present specification.

[0035] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. When following a list of elements, expressions such as "at least one of..." modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

[0036] Since the present disclosure allows for various changes and numerous embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the written description. The effects and features of the present disclosure and methods for implementing the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art through the detailed description of various embodiments disclosed below in conjunction with the drawings. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0037] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same elements, and thus description thereof will not be repeated.

[0038] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These components are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0039] It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” used herein specify the presence of stated features or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features or components.

[0040] It will be understood that when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being associated with another element, such as being "on" another layer, region, or component, it can be directly or indirectly on that other layer, region, or component. That is, for example, there can be intermediate layers, regions, or components. Conversely, when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being associated with another element, such as being "directly on" another layer, region, or component, there are no intermediate layers, regions, or components.

[0041] For convenience of explanation, the sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. In other words, since the sizes and thicknesses of components in the drawings are arbitrarily illustrated for convenience of explanation, the following embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0042] In addition, relative terms, such as "lower" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top", may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another element as shown in the figure. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in one of the drawings is turned over, the element described as being on the "lower" side of the other elements will be oriented on the "upper" side of the other elements. Therefore, depending on the specific orientation of the drawings, the exemplary term "lower" can include both "lower" and "upper" orientations. Similarly, if the device in one of the drawings is turned over, the element described as being "below" or "below" the other elements will be oriented "above" the other elements. Therefore, the exemplary terms "below..." or "below..." can include both upper and lower orientations.

[0043] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and an average value determined by one of ordinary skill in the art to be within an acceptable range of deviation for a particular value, taking into account problematic measurements and errors associated with measuring a particular quantity (i.e., limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5% of a stated value.

[0044] 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 the present disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized manner or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0045] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views as schematic diagrams of ideal embodiments. As such, variations in the illustrated shapes, for example due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are to be expected. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be construed as being limited to the specific shapes of the regions illustrated herein, but should include shape deviations, for example, caused by manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. In addition, the illustrated sharp corners may be rounded. Therefore, the regions illustrated in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shapes of the regions, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the present application.

[0046] In the following examples, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to the three axes of the rectangular coordinate system and can be interpreted in a broad sense. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other.

[0047] When a certain embodiment can be implemented differently, a specific process order can be performed differently from the described order. For example, two processes described in succession can be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of the described order.

[0048] According to one or more embodiments, the display device is an electronic device that displays an image. The display device may be a liquid crystal display device, an electrophoretic display device, an organic light-emitting display device, an inorganic electroluminescent ("EL") display device, a field emission display device, a surface conduction electron emitter display device, a plasma display device, a cathode ray tube display device, etc.

[0049] Hereinafter, as an example of a display device, an organic light emitting display device is described. However, the display device in the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be any one or various types of display devices.

[0050] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a display device 1 . Figure 2 is an equivalent circuit diagram of an embodiment of a pixel of the display device 1 .

[0051] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the display device 1 is a transparent (transmissive) display device having transmittance. As a transparent (transmissive) display device, when the display device 1 is not powered, the display device 1 provides its transparent or translucent state similar to glass. When the display device 1 is powered, an image is displayed on a portion of the area of ​​the display panel 10 of the display device 1 so as to be visible from the outside of the display device 1. Even when the display device 1 is powered, the portion of the display device 1 that does not display the image still provides a transparent or translucent state. In this way, the display device 1 is implemented so that not only the image presented by the display device 1 can be seen through the display device 1, but also the background or environment outside the display device 1 can be seen.

[0052] The display device 1 includes a display panel 10 configured to generate and / or display an image. The display panel 10 includes pixels PX ( Figure 2 ), which may be referred to as a pixel PX or a plurality of pixels PX hereinafter. The pixel PX may include a pixel circuit PC ( Figure 2 ) and a display element connected to the pixel circuit PC, for example, an organic light emitting diode OLED ( Figure 2). The pixel circuit PC can drive and / or control the display element to generate and / or display an image. The pixel circuit PC includes a switching element such as a thin film transistor, which is electrically connected to other features within the pixel circuit PC, such as signal lines and power lines, storage capacitors, etc. That is, the display element can be driven or controlled by using an electrical signal, a power signal, etc. provided via features of the pixel circuit PC (such as the switching element, the signal line, the power line, the storage capacitor, etc.).

[0053] The pixel PX may emit red light, green light, blue light and / or white light via an organic light emitting diode OLED to display an image. Here, the pixel PX may be understood as a pixel PX configured to emit light having a color among red, green, blue and white as described above. Although not shown, the display panel 10 may be covered by a sealant that combines the upper substrate of the display panel 10 with its lower substrate, thereby protecting it from external air, moisture, etc. When the display element in the pixel PX is an organic light emitting diode OLED, the thin film transistor may include at least a driving thin film transistor and a switching thin film transistor.

[0054] refer to Figure 2 , the pixel PX includes a pixel circuit PC and a display element connected to the pixel circuit PC. Figure 2 An organic light emitting diode OLED is shown as a display element. The pixel circuit PC may include a first thin film transistor Td, a second thin film transistor Ts, and a storage capacitor Cst.

[0055] The second thin film transistor Ts is a switching thin film transistor and is connected to the scan line SL and the data line DL. According to the switching voltage input from the scan line SL, when the data voltage is input from the data line DL, the second thin film transistor Ts transmits the data voltage to the first thin film transistor Td. The storage capacitor Cst is connected to the second thin film transistor Ts and the driving voltage line PL. The storage capacitor Cst stores a voltage corresponding to the difference between the voltage transmitted from the second thin film transistor Ts and the first power supply voltage ELVDD supplied to the driving voltage line PL.

[0056] The first thin film transistor Td is a driving thin film transistor and is connected to the driving voltage line PL and the storage capacitor Cst. The first thin film transistor Td can control the driving current flowing from the driving voltage line PL to the organic light emitting diode OLED corresponding to the voltage value stored in the storage capacitor Cst. The organic light emitting diode OLED can emit light with a certain brightness according to the driving current. The counter electrode (e.g., cathode) of the organic light emitting diode OLED can receive the second power supply voltage ELVSS.

[0057] refer to Figure 2The pixel circuit PC described includes two thin film transistors and a storage capacitor. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of thin film transistors and the number of storage capacitors may be variously modified according to the design of the pixel circuit PC.

[0058] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An enlarged top view of an embodiment of a display device 1 of area A. Figure 4 is with Figure 3 FIG. 1 is an enlarged top view of an embodiment of a portion of a pixel PX of a display device 1 and an area A corresponding to the periphery of the pixel PX. Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the display device 1 taken along line BB′.

[0059] refer to Figures 3 to 5 The display device 1 includes a lower substrate 100, a display unit DU on the lower substrate 100, an upper substrate 400 facing the lower substrate 100 (with the display unit DU therebetween), and optical refractive layers 500 provided in plural on the upper substrate 400, which may be referred to as an optical refractive layer 500 or multiple optical refractive layers 500 hereinafter.

[0060] refer to Figure 5 The lower substrate 100 may include various materials, such as a glass material, a metal material, a plastic material (eg, polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), polyethylene naphthalate (“PEN”), polyimide, etc.). Figure 5 The display device 1 of FIG. 1 is a relatively rigid type display device 1. However, according to an embodiment, the display device 1 may be implemented as a flexible type display device.

[0061] The lower substrate 100 includes a display area DA where an image is displayed and a peripheral area (not shown) outside the display area DA. Figure 1 , the area A is disposed in the display area DA of the display device 1. The display area DA includes a pixel area PA provided in plural (which may be referred to as a pixel area PA or a plurality of pixel areas PA hereinafter) and a transmission area TA provided in plural (which may be referred to as a transmission area TA or a plurality of transmission areas TA hereinafter). The transmission area TA is an area where a background image behind the display device 1 is visible from the front side of the display device 1. The pixel area PA is an area where light is emitted to display an image of the display device 1. The transmission area TA may alternate with the pixel area PA.

[0062] The pixel region PA may include a pixel circuit PC, a light emitting device 300 electrically connected to the pixel circuit PC, and one or more wires connecting the pixel circuit PC to the light emitting device 300. The pixel circuit PC includes Figure 2However, for ease of illustration, Figure 5 Only thin film transistor 200 is shown. Features or devices within display area DA may hinder or reduce the transmittance of light at display area DA. For example, such features or devices may block or reflect light so that display area DA may not be considered a transparent or semi-transparent area (through which light is transmissive to define the display device 1 designated as transmissive).

[0063] The transmission area TA is the remaining area of ​​the display area DA except for its pixel area PA. The transmission area TA refers to a plane area in which the pixel circuit PC, the light-emitting device 300 and the wire are not arranged (for example, do not exist or are excluded). That is, the pixel circuit PC, the light-emitting device 300 and the wire may not be set in any of the transmission areas TA. The transmission area TA refers to a transparent or translucent plane area through which light can be transmitted. Features or devices that can hinder or reduce transmittance, such as by blocking light, need to be restrictively arranged in the transmission area TA. The layers stacked in the transmission area TA along the thickness direction of the display device 1 may also include transparent or translucent materials through which light can be transmitted. In this way, because Figure 1 In the display panel 10, the display area DA includes both the pixel area PA and the transmission area TA, so not only can the image presented by the display device 1 be seen from the outside of the display device 1, but also the image of the background or environment outside the display device 1 can be seen on its front side or viewing side.

[0064] The display unit DU is disposed on the lower substrate 100. A buffer layer 110 including an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride may be disposed on the lower substrate 100. The buffer layer 110 may increase the smoothness of the upper surface of the lower substrate 100, or may prevent or greatly reduce the penetration of impurities from the lower substrate 100 or the like into the thin film transistor 200.

[0065] On the buffer layer 110, a thin film transistor 200 may be disposed. The thin film transistor 200 may include a semiconductor layer 211, a gate electrode 213, a source electrode 215a, and a drain electrode 215b. The semiconductor layer 211 may include amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or an organic semiconductor material.

[0066] The gate insulating layer 120 may be disposed between the semiconductor layer 211 and the gate electrode 213 to insulate these features from each other. The gate insulating layer 120 includes an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride.

[0067] In addition, an interlayer insulating layer 130 may be disposed on the gate electrode 213. The interlayer insulating layer 130 includes an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride. A source electrode 215a and a drain electrode 215b may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 130.

[0068] The first insulating layer 140 may be disposed on the thin film transistor 200. Figure 5 As shown, for example, when the light emitting device 300 as an organic light emitting diode or the organic light emitting device 300 is arranged on the thin film transistor 200, the first insulating layer 140 can planarize the upper surface of the protective layer covering the thin film transistor 200. The first insulating layer 140 may include, for example, an organic material such as acrylic acid, benzocyclobutene ("BCB"), hexamethyldisiloxane ("HMDSO"), etc.

[0069] On the first insulating layer 140, an organic light-emitting device 300 may be disposed. The organic light-emitting device 300 includes a pixel electrode 310, an opposite electrode 330, and an intermediate layer 320 disposed therebetween and including a light-emitting layer. Figure 5 As shown, the pixel electrode 310 contacts one of the source electrode 215 a and the drain electrode 215 b at a contact hole in the first insulating layer 140 or the like, thereby being electrically connected to the thin film transistor 200 .

[0070] On the first insulating layer 140, a second insulating layer 150 may be disposed. The second insulating layer 150 defines or provides an opening OP corresponding to a portion of the pixel electrode 310 (such as a central portion thereof), thereby defining a pixel PX. In addition, the second insulating layer 150 on the pixel electrode 310 increases the distance between the edge of the pixel electrode 310 and the counter electrode 330 disposed above the pixel electrode 310, thereby reducing or effectively preventing arcing, etc., from being generated at the edge of the pixel electrode 310. The second insulating layer 150 may include, for example, an organic material such as polyimide, HMDSO, etc.

[0071] The intermediate layer 320 of the organic light-emitting device 300 may include a relatively low molecular weight material or a polymer material. When the intermediate layer 320 includes a relatively low molecular weight material, the intermediate layer 320 may include a single layer structure or a multilayer structure in which a hole injection layer ("HIL"), a hole transport layer ("HTL"), an emission layer ("EML"), an electron transport layer ("ETL"), an electron injection layer ("EIL"), etc. are stacked. The intermediate layer 320 may include various organic materials such as copper phthalocyanine (CuPc), N,N'-di(naphthalene-1-yl)-N,N'-diphenylbenzidine ("NPB"), tri-8-hydroxyquinoline aluminum (Alq3), etc. In an embodiment of manufacturing the display device 1, such a layer may be formed by using a vacuum deposition method.

[0072] When the intermediate layer 320 includes a polymer material, the intermediate layer 320 may generally have a structure including an HTL and an EML. In this case, the HTL may include poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) ("PEDOT"), and the EML may include a polymer material such as poly (phenylene vinylene) ("PPV"), polyfluorene, etc. In an embodiment of manufacturing the display device 1, the intermediate layer 320 may be provided or formed by using a screen printing method, an inkjet printing method, a laser induced thermal imaging ("LITI") method, etc. The intermediate layer 320 may include a layer generally arranged on the pixel electrodes 310 arranged in a plurality, or may include a discrete patterned layer corresponding to each of the pixel electrodes 310 arranged in a plurality.

[0073] The counter electrode 330 may be arranged in the upper portion of the display area DA and on the entire surface of the display area DA along the thickness direction of the display device 1. The counter electrode 330 may be arranged collectively in the display area DA to correspond to each of the pixel electrodes 310 arranged in plural within the display area DA.

[0074] Since the organic light-emitting device 300 may be easily damaged by external moisture, oxygen, etc., the upper substrate 400 is disposed above the organic light-emitting device 300 to protect the organic light-emitting device 300. Although not shown, the lower substrate 100 may be combined with the upper substrate 400 in a peripheral region of the lower substrate 100 adjacent to the display area DA thereof. A sealant (not shown) configured to seal the display unit DU from the outside may be disposed in the peripheral region.

[0075] The optical refractive layer 500 may be arranged on the upper substrate 400. According to an embodiment, the display device 1 is a top emission type device in which light is emitted toward the upper substrate 400. Therefore, the optical refractive layer 500 may be arranged on the upper substrate 400 in the direction in which the light is emitted. As another embodiment, when the display device 1 is a bottom emission type device, the optical refractive layer 500 may be arranged on the lower substrate 100. In the present embodiment, the optical refractive layer 500 may be arranged to correspond to the pixel areas PA where the pixels PX are provided, respectively. At least some of the optical refractive layer 500 may overlap with the transmission area TA. The optical refractive layer 500 may include, for example, a material having a predetermined transmittance or more, such as silicon oxide (SiO 2 ).

[0076] The optical refractive layer 500 may include micro-holes MH provided in plural, which may be referred to as micro-holes MH or a plurality of micro-holes MH hereinafter. The micro-holes MH within a single optical refractive layer of the optical refractive layer 500 may be separated from each other by its solid part, thereby forming a mesh structure. In the present embodiment, the micro-holes MH are provided or arranged in all the optical refractive layers 500. However, as another embodiment, the micro-holes MH may be provided or arranged only in some of the optical refractive layers 500.

[0077] When light is emitted from the organic light-emitting device 300, the light is emitted toward the outside of the display device 1 and passes through the optical refractive layer 500. As the light is refracted (e.g., diffracted) via the micro-holes MH, the image of the pixel PX seems to be provided at the periphery of the organic light-emitting device 300. This refers to a phenomenon in which, when light is emitted from the pixel PX, due to a diffraction phenomenon occurring according to a specific pattern replicated in the optical refractive layer 500 by the pixel, the same light or image as the light or image provided by the pixel X is visible at the periphery of the pixel X. These lights or images that are the same as the light or image provided by the pixel X and are replicated at the replicated pixels may be referred to as replicated images. Such replicated pixels at the periphery of the pixel PX do not actually include the light-emitting device 300, so that an image formed by such replicated pixels is visible according to the diffraction phenomenon of the light actually provided by the light-emitting device 300.

[0078] refer to Figure 3 , a plurality of pixels PX are arranged in the pixel area PA, and the transmission area TA is arranged between the pixel areas PA. Here, the pixel PX includes a light emitting device 300 ( Figure 5 ). It may correspond to the opening OP in the second insulating layer 150 ( Figure 4 ) to define the pixel PX. The plurality of pixels PX may emit light of the same color or light of different colors. The plurality of pixels PX may, for example, emit light of one of red, green, blue, and white.

[0079] The plurality of pixels PX are arranged in the y-axis direction within the optical refractive layer 500 and may be referred to as a group of pixels PX. A single transmission area in the transmission area TA is provided between two groups of pixels PX. Figure 5 As shown, in the transmission area TA, only the insulating layers, namely the buffer layer 110, the gate insulating layer 120, the interlayer insulating layer 130, the first insulating layer 140 and the second insulating layer 150 are arranged, and the light emitting device 300, the pixel circuit PC and the wires, each of which may reduce the transmittance of light, are not arranged. The counter electrode 330 is arranged on the entire surface of the display area DA, and thus can extend from the display area DA and also be arranged in the transmission area TA. The counter electrode 330 includes a conductive layer having light transmittance.

[0080] exist Figure 3 In the pixel area PA shown, the optical refractive layer 500 has a stripe shape defined by a length along the y-axis direction and a width along the x-axis direction. The optical refractive layer 500 is arranged to correspond to a plurality of pixels PX as a group of a plurality of pixels PX. Like a plurality of pixels PX, the optical refractive layer 500 can be arranged in the y-axis direction.

[0081] refer to Figure 3 , the optical refractive layer 500 may have a continuous length along the y-axis direction, which corresponds to a group of a plurality of pixels PX or all pixels PX corresponding to the optical refractive layer 500 along the y-axis direction, and the optical refractive layer 500 may have a discrete width along the x-axis direction, which corresponds to a group of pixels PX arranged along the y-axis direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0082] refer to Figure 3 , in the entire area of ​​the optical refractive layer 500, the micro-holes MH may be arranged at intervals from each other by the solid portion of the optical refractive layer 500. In the transmission area TA, the optical refractive layer 500 does not exist or is excluded. In an embodiment, the optical refractive layer 500 may be regarded as defining an opening corresponding to the transmission area TA therein, at which no solid portion and micro-holes MH are provided. The micro-holes MH may be arranged along the row direction and along the column direction. As an embodiment, the row direction may be the x-axis direction, and the column direction may be the diagonal direction inclined relative to the y-axis direction. The angle θ relative to the y-axis direction may be, for example, about 10 degrees (°) to about 20°. However, this is only an example. Depending on the design of the number, size and / or position of the replicated pixels relative to the pixel PX, the angle θ at which the micro-holes MH can be arranged may be modified.

[0083] In addition, refer to Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 In the enlarged top view of the optical refractive layer 500, the microholes MH may be arranged on a diagonal line. In the top view, arranging the microholes MH on a diagonal line may indicate that the microholes MH are arranged along a line inclined at a predetermined angle θ relative to the y-axis direction. The width w of the microhole MH may be, for example, about 3 micrometers (μm) to about 4 μm. The period α of the microhole MH may be about 5 μm to about 6 μm. However, this is only an example. Depending on the design of the number, size and / or position of the replicated pixels relative to the pixel PX, the width w and period α of each microhole MH may be modified. Although the width w and period α taken along the x-axis direction are shown, these dimensions may also be taken along the y-axis direction or in a direction inclined relative to the x-axis direction and / or the y-axis direction. The width w may be the maximum size of the microhole MH along a particular direction, but is not limited thereto. The period α may be taken between the centers of microholes MH directly adjacent to each other, but is not limited thereto.

[0084] Figure 4 It is shown that the microhole MH has a straight line shape such as a rectangle. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Since the microhole MH has a planar size of several micrometers, it is actually difficult to implement the microhole MH in an accurate straight line shape (such as a rectangle). Therefore, the microhole MH can have various planar shapes, such as a circular shape or a polygonal shape that is approximately circular. The planar shape of the microhole MH can also be modified according to the design of the number, size or position of the replica pixel relative to the pixel PX.

[0085] Figure 6 It is a graphic Figure 3 A top view of an embodiment of the display device 1 illustrating operation. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 FIG. 1 is an enlarged top view of a portion of a pixel of the display device 1 and the periphery of the pixel.

[0086] In an embodiment, the powered display unit DU is in a plane area of ​​the pixel area PA corresponding to the light emitting device 300 (eg, in Figure 6 The plurality of micro holes MH of the optical refractive layer 500 replicate the image displayed at the plane area corresponding to the light emitting device 300 to define a replicated image, wherein the replicated image is displayed at the plane area (e.g., Figure 6 ) is displayed or visible around the pixel PX in .

[0087] refer to Figure 6 , in which the structure in which the micro-holes MH are arranged is designed to form a plurality of replica pixels PX' provided by diffracting the light emitted from the pixel PX, which may be referred to as a replica pixel PX' or a plurality of replica pixels PX' hereinafter. The replica pixel PX' corresponding to the pixel PX from which the light is emitted may appear at the periphery of the pixel PX (e.g., be visible there). Figure 6 , a total of 4 replica pixels PX' appear at the periphery of the pixel PX and are arranged along a diagonal direction relative to the pixel PX. However, the position or number of the replica pixels PX' relative to the pixel PX may be modified according to the design of the micro hole MH.

[0088] Equation 1

[0089]

[0090] As shown in Equation 1, the period α of the microholes MH, the thickness Z of the upper substrate 400, EN and the refractive index n of the upper substrate 400 EN To define the distance β between the pixel PX that actually emits light and the replica pixel PX′.

[0091] Reference together Figure 4 and Figure 7 , showing that a total of four replicated pixels PX' are implemented at the upper left, upper right, lower left and lower right positions of the pixel PX in the diagonal direction. As a design factor for implementing the replicated pixel PX', for example, the period α of the micro-hole MH (such as Figure 4 As shown), the width w of the plurality of micro-holes MH (as shown Figure 4 As shown), the height (or depth) h of the microhole MH (as shown Figure 5 The period α of the microhole MH can control the distance β between the pixel PX that actually emits light and the replica pixel PX' implemented by the pixel PX (as shown in FIG. Figure 7 ). The width w of the microhole MH or the height h of the microhole MH can control the intensity of the replica pixel PX', for example, the brightness, resolution, etc. of the replica pixel PX'. The height h can be taken along the z-axis direction. The thickness of the display device 1 and / or its components can be defined along the z-axis direction.

[0092] As an embodiment, when the period α of the microholes MH is about 5 μm, the pitch P ( Figure 7 In this case, the distance β between the pixel PX that actually emits light and the replica pixel PX' implemented by the pixel PX may be about 23 μm. In an embodiment, the plurality of micro holes MH are arranged to have a constant pitch in one direction, but are not limited thereto.

[0093] like Figure 6 In the embodiment shown in which the replica pixel PX' appears, the arrangement angle θ of the microhole MH can be, for example, about 10° to about 20°. In addition, each microhole MH has a width w of about 3 μm to about 4 μm, and the period α or spacing between the microholes MH can be about 5 μm to about 6 μm. However, this is only an example. Depending on the design of the replica pixel PX' relative to the number, size or position of the pixel PX that actually emits light and corresponds to the replica pixel PX', the size, shape, etc. of the microhole MH can be modified.

[0094] The optical refractive layer 500 may be arranged so that a partial plane area of ​​the optical refractive layer 500 overlaps with the transmissive area TA. The plane area of ​​the optical refractive layer 500 and the transmissive area TA adjacent thereto that overlap each other define an overlapping area OA. The overlapping area OA may be provided in plural, and hereinafter may be referred to as an overlapping area OA or a plurality of overlapping areas OA.

[0095] refer to Figure 3, where the optical refractive layer 500 overlaps the transmission area TA, the light emitting area EA may extend to be disposed within the boundary of the transmission area TA to include an area of ​​the optical refractive layer 500 where no pixel PX is disposed. That is, the optical refractive layer 500 terminates within the boundary of the transmission area TA to dispose the edge of the optical refractive layer 500 at the inner area of ​​the transmission area TA. In the plane area of ​​the light emitting area EA, the pixel area PA may be defined as a plane area in which the pixel PX is disposed. The light emitting area EA may be defined as a total plane area in which both the image of the pixel PX and the image of the replica pixel PX' appear or are visible when the pixel PX emits light.

[0096] like Figure 6 As shown, in the case where the optical refractive layer 500 is arranged to overlap with the transmission area TA, the replica pixel PX' appears in the overlapping area OA. Therefore, compared with the plane area corresponding to the pixel area PA where light is actually emitted from the pixel PX, it seems that light is emitted in a larger plane area (e.g., the light emitting area EA). That is, even if the plane area where light can actually be emitted corresponds to the area in which the pixel PX is arranged, since the light diffracted by the optical refractive layer 500 appears as the replica pixel PX', the light emitting area EA can extend to the plane area spaced apart from the pixel PX and in which the replica pixel PX' is located.

[0097] In one or more embodiments, the display device 1 may include a pixel area PA having a smaller plane area to which light emitted from the pixel PX actually extends than a plane area where the emitted light is visible in the form of a replica pixel PX'. Therefore, the display device 1 includes a structure in which the light emitting area EA providing visible light has the same size as a conventional display device, but the pixel area PA actually emitting light is greatly reduced, so that the size of the transmission area TA is relatively increased compared to the size of a conventional transparent display device. Therefore, the transmittance of the display device 1 as a transparent display device can be improved.

[0098] Figure 8 is a top view of another embodiment of an area A' of a display device. Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line CC'.

[0099] Regarding the shape of the optical refractive layer 500, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The display device in the embodiment is different from the above embodiment. The components other than the optical refractive layer 500 are the same as the above embodiment. Therefore, in the following, the display device in the embodiment is described. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The difference between the display device in the embodiment and the display device 1 of the above embodiment. Figure 8and Fig. 9 For descriptions of components that are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, reference is made to the above-described embodiment.

[0100] The optical refractive layers 500 may be arranged to correspond to the entire surface of the display area DA, respectively. The optical refractive layers 500 disposed in the emission area EA may extend from the emission area EA and also be arranged in the transmission area TA of the display area DA. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the solid portion of the optical refractive layer 500 extends across the transmission area TA to connect two planar area portions in which the microholes MH are defined to each other.

[0101] The optical refractive layer 500 may have minute holes MH. The minute holes MH are arranged in a plane area to correspond to the pixel area PA. Some of the minute holes MH may overlap with the transmission area TA, such as adjacent to a boundary thereof.

[0102] refer to Figure 8 , the same optical refractive layer 500 may extend continuously along the x-axis direction and / or the y-axis direction to be commonly disposed corresponding to a plurality of groups of pixels PX, a plurality of transmission areas TA, etc. along various directions. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0103] Fig.10 is a top view of another embodiment of a portion corresponding to a pixel of a display device and a periphery of the pixel.

[0104] Fig.10 The illustrated display device has a structure in which the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3 are arranged in a pentile (honeycomb) type arrangement. The first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3 can each emit light of a different color. The first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3 can, for example, emit light of a color corresponding to one of red, green, blue, and white.

[0105] refer to Fig.10 , the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3 are arranged to cross each other, and the first transmission area TA1, the second transmission area TA2, the third transmission area TA3, and the fourth transmission area TA4 are arranged between the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3, respectively. For example, when the first pixel PX1 emits red light, the second pixel PX2 emits green light, and the third pixel PX3 emits blue light, the first pixel PX1 is arranged between the first transmission area TA1 and the second transmission area TA2, the second pixel PX2 is arranged between the second transmission area TA2 and the third transmission area TA3, and the third pixel PX3 is arranged between the third transmission area TA3 and the fourth transmission area TA4.

[0106] The optical refractive layer 500 as a discrete pattern is respectively arranged on the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3. Although not shown, like the above embodiment, the optical refractive layer 500 may be arranged on the upper substrate 400. As another embodiment, the optical refractive layer 500 may be arranged on the entire surface of the display area DA including the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3, such as continuously along both the x-axis and the y-axis directions rather than a discrete pattern.

[0107] The optical refractive layer 500 may include a micro hole MH. When light is emitted from each of the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3, the light is diffracted through the micro hole MH. Fig.10 As shown, the first replicated pixel PX1', the second replicated pixel PX2' or the third replicated pixel PX3' may appear in plural numbers at the periphery of the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2 or the third pixel PX3, respectively. In the present embodiment, six first replicated pixels PX1', the second replicated pixel PX2' or the third replicated pixel PX3' may appear at the periphery of the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2 or the third pixel PX3, respectively. In the top view, the first replicated pixel PX1', the second replicated pixel PX2' or the third replicated pixel PX3' may be arranged above, below, on the left and on the right relative to the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2 or the third pixel PX3, respectively. The form of the first replicated pixel PX1', the second replicated pixel PX2' or the third replicated pixel PX3' respectively relative to the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2 or the third pixel PX3 may be realized by changing the design of the micro hole MH.

[0108] As described above, the structure in which the micro-holes MH are arranged is designed to form the first replica pixel PX1', the second replica pixel PX2', and the third replica pixel PX3' by diffracting light when light is actually emitted from the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3. The first replica pixel PX1', the second replica pixel PX2', and the third replica pixel PX3' may appear at the peripheries of the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3, respectively, to expand the plane area (e.g., the light emitting area EA) to which the light is visible compared to the plane area (e.g., the pixel area PA) to which the emitted light actually extends.

[0109] The optical refractive layer 500 may be arranged such that a portion of the optical refractive layer 500 overlaps with the transmission area TA. Fig.10As shown, some of the first, second, and third replication pixels PX1', PX2', and PX3' may appear entirely in the transmission area TA, while others may appear entirely in the pixel area PA (eg, between boundaries of adjacent transmission areas TA).

[0110] In the display device of the present embodiment, a portion of the optical refractive layer 500 may be arranged to overlap with the transmission area TA, and the first replica pixel PX1', the second replica pixel PX2', and the third replica pixel PX3' may appear in the overlapping area where the portion of the optical refractive layer 500 overlaps with the transmission area TA. Therefore, the display device may be implemented so that the plane area where light is visible in the form of the first replica pixel PX1', the second replica pixel PX2', and the third replica pixel PX3' is larger than the plane area to which the light actually emitted from the first pixel PX1, the second pixel PX2, and the third pixel PX3 extends. That is, even if the plane area where light can actually be emitted or the emitted light extends to is the plane area corresponding to the pixel PX, since the light diffracted via the optical refractive layer 500 is visible as the first replica pixel PX1', the second replica pixel PX2', and the third replica pixel PX3', the plane area where the light is visible may extend to the plane area where the first replica pixel PX1', the second replica pixel PX2', and the third replica pixel PX3' are implemented.

[0111] Fig.11 and Fig.12 is with Fig.10 An enlarged top view of another embodiment of a pixel of a display device and an area corresponding to the periphery of the pixel and a portion thereof.

[0112] In reference Figures 10 to 12 In the described embodiment, a hexagonal type arrangement is shown in which a total of 6 replica pixels PX' are respectively implemented at the upper, upper left, upper right, lower, lower left and lower right positions along the diagonal direction of the pixel PX. The distance β between the pixel PX and the replica pixel PX' in the hexagonal type arrangement can satisfy the following equation 2. The spacing between the pixels PX that actually emit light is the "Pitch" in equation 2.

[0113] Equation 2

[0114]

[0115] The period α between the micropores MH can satisfy the following equation 3. The period is Fig.11 It is represented by l.

[0116] Equation 3

[0117]

[0118] For example, based on the above Equations 2 and 3, when the distance β between the pixel PX actually emitting light and the replica pixel PX′ corresponding to the pixel PX is about 24.66 μm, the period α between the micro holes MH may be designed to be about 5.8 μm.

[0119] In addition, refer to Fig.11 , the micro holes MH may be arranged along a diagonal line forming a predetermined angle θ1 with respect to the x-axis direction. According to this arrangement of the micro holes MH, the replica pixels PX′ arranged in a hexagonal type are implemented as being arranged along a diagonal line forming a predetermined angle θ1′ with respect to the y-axis direction. In an embodiment, for example, the predetermined angles θ1 and θ1′ may be about 10° to about 20°.

[0120] Based on one or more embodiments, the display device includes a structure in which the plane area corresponding to the pixel PX that actually emits light is greatly reduced compared to the conventional display device, and the same luminous efficiency is obtained. Therefore, the size of the transmission area TA is increased compared to the conventional display device, thereby enhancing the transmittance of the display device as a transparent display device.

[0121] The embodiments of the structure of the display device have been mainly described. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It will be understood that a method of manufacturing a display device having one or more of the above structures is also included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0122] As described above, according to one or more embodiments, a display device in which sufficient light transmittance is ensured and image display resolution is improved can be realized. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such effects.

[0123] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or features within each embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or features in other embodiments.

[0124] Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a transmissive region at which a background image behind the display device is visible from the front side of the display device; a pixel region at which light is generated and emitted to display an image of the display device; a display unit in the pixel region, The display unit comprises: a light emitting device for generating and emitting said light, and a pixel circuit electrically connected to the light emitting device and controlling the light emitting device to generate and emit the light; as well as an optical refractive layer through which both the background image and the light emitted from the pixel area are transmitted to the outside of the display device, The optical refractive layer defines a plurality of minute holes in plane areas of the pixel area respectively corresponding to the light emitting device and a periphery of the light emitting device, and the optical refractive layer is arranged so that a portion of the optical refractive layer overlaps the transmission area.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The transmission area is adjacent to the pixel area along a first direction, and In the planar area of ​​the pixel area, the plurality of minute holes are arranged along a diagonal line inclined with respect to the first direction. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the optical refractive layer comprises silicon oxide. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein there is no light emitting device in the transmission area. 5 . The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of minute holes are arranged to have a constant pitch in one direction along the planar area of ​​the pixel area. 6 . The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the optical refractive layer further defines the plurality of minute holes corresponding to the transmission area.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display unit to which power is supplied displays the image in the planar area of ​​the pixel area corresponding to the light emitting device, and The plurality of minute holes of the optical refractive layer replicate the image displayed at the planar area corresponding to the light emitting device to define a replicated image displayed at the planar area of ​​the pixel area corresponding to the periphery of the light emitting device.

8. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a lower substrate and an upper substrate facing each other, wherein the display unit is located between the lower substrate and the upper substrate, The upper substrate is disposed between the display unit and the optical refractive layer. 9 . The display device of claim 1 , wherein at the transmission area, the optical refractive layer further defines a solid portion in which no minute holes are defined.

10. A display device, comprising: a plurality of pixels at which light is generated and emitted to display an image of the display device; a plurality of transmissive areas at which a background image behind the display device is visible from the front side of the display device, the plurality of transmissive areas alternating with the plurality of pixels; A display unit in the plurality of pixels, the display unit comprising: a light emitting device for generating and emitting said light, and a pixel circuit electrically connected to the light emitting device and controlling the light emitting device to generate and emit the light; as well as an optical refractive layer through which light emitted from the pixel is transmitted to the outside of the display device to display the image, wherein the optical refractive layer defines a plurality of minute holes in a plane region corresponding to each of the plurality of pixels and peripheries of the plurality of pixels, and wherein the optical refractive layer is arranged such that a portion of the optical refractive layer overlaps the transmission region.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The plurality of pixels are arranged along a first direction or a second direction intersecting the first direction, and The plurality of minute holes are arranged in a diagonal direction intersecting each of the first direction and the second direction. The display device according to claim 10 , wherein the optical refractive layer comprises silicon oxide.

13. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: No light emitting device is disposed in any of the plurality of transmission regions.

14. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The plurality of pixels are arranged along a first direction or a second direction intersecting the first direction, and The plurality of minute holes are arranged to have a constant pitch in the first direction or the second direction. 15 . The display device according to claim 10 , wherein the optical refractive layer further defines a plurality of minute holes in the transmission area.

16. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The display unit which is powered displays the image at the plurality of pixels, and The plurality of minute holes of the optical refractive layer replicate the image displayed at the plurality of pixels to define a replicated image, the replicated image being displayed at the periphery of the plurality of pixels. 17 . The display device according to claim 10 , wherein the optical refractive layer extends from the planar region corresponding to the periphery of the plurality of pixels to further define a solid portion of the optical refractive layer having no minute holes defined therein at the transmission region.

18. The display device according to claim 10, further comprising a lower substrate and an upper substrate facing each other, wherein the display unit is located between the lower substrate and the upper substrate, The upper substrate is disposed between the display unit and the optical refractive layer.

19. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The plurality of transmission areas are alternated with the plurality of pixels along a first direction, The plurality of pixels respectively include pixel groups in which pixels are arranged along a second direction crossing the first direction, and The optical refractive layer includes a plurality of discrete patterns respectively corresponding to a group of pixels in the pixel groups, and the plurality of discrete patterns are spaced apart from each other along the first direction. 20 . The display device of claim 19 , wherein the plurality of discrete patterns are spaced apart from each other along the first direction and the second direction.

Images