Foldable display device

Abstract

A foldable display device may include a first display panel and a component. The first display panel may include a first display portion and a second display portion. The first display portion may include a first pixel set and a first transmissive structure surrounded by the first pixel set. The second display portion may include a second pixel set, may include a second transmissive structure surrounded by the second pixel set, and may rotate around a folding axis relative to the first display portion. The distance from the folding axis to the center of the first transmissive structure may be substantially equal to the distance from the folding axis to the center of the second transmissive structure. The component may overlap with the first transmissive structure. When the foldable display device is in a folded state, the second transmissive structure may overlap with the first transmissive structure and the component.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0051821 filed on May 2, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The technical field relates to a foldable display device. Background Art

[0004] Display devices have been used for various purposes. In order to be used for various purposes, various designs for display devices have been developed. Summary of the invention

[0005] One or more embodiments may relate to a foldable display device.

[0006] According to one or more embodiments, a foldable display device includes: a first display panel having a display area arranged on a surface thereof, the display area being configured to display an image; a shell supporting the first display panel; and a component located between the shell and the first display panel, wherein the first display panel includes a first transmission area and a second transmission area, the first transmission area and the second transmission area are arranged inside the display area and symmetrically arranged based on a folding axis in the entire display area, and when the foldable display device is folded, each of the first transmission area and the second transmission area overlaps with the component.

[0007] The width of the second transmission region may be equal to or greater than the width of the first transmission region.

[0008] The foldable display device may further include a second display panel configured to display an image in a different direction from the first display panel.

[0009] The second display panel may include a third transmission area overlapping the second transmission area, and a width of the third transmission area may be equal to or greater than a width of the second transmission area.

[0010] The second display panel may include a display area configured to display an image, and the third transmission area may be located inside the display area of ​​the second display panel.

[0011] The foldable display device may further include a circuit portion that is disposed outside the second display panel and is electrically connected to each of the first display panel and the second display panel.

[0012] The first display panel may include a first hole and a second hole penetrating the first display panel, the first hole and the second hole being located in the first transmission area and the second transmission area, respectively.

[0013] The first display panel may include: a first substrate; a pixel circuit layer, which is arranged on the first substrate and includes a transistor and a storage capacitor located in a display area; a display element layer, which is arranged on the pixel circuit layer and includes a display element located in the display area; and a thin film encapsulation layer, which is arranged on the display element layer.

[0014] The display element layer may include: pixel electrodes corresponding to the display elements respectively; emission layers corresponding to the pixel electrodes respectively; and a common electrode on the emission layers.

[0015] The common electrode may have holes respectively located in the first transmission area and the second transmission area.

[0016] Components may include cameras, sensors, speakers, microphones, or lights.

[0017] According to one or more embodiments, a foldable display device includes: a flexible display panel, including a display area and at least one first transmission area and at least one second transmission area, each of which is arranged inside the display area; and a component, overlapping the first transmission area, wherein when the foldable display device is folded, at least one second transmission area overlaps with at least one first transmission area and the component, and light emitted from or received by the component passes through the at least one first transmission area and the at least one second transmission area.

[0018] The width of the at least one second transmission region may be equal to or greater than the width of the at least one first transmission region.

[0019] The flexible display panel may further include: a touch electrode layer including a touch electrode and an optical function layer.

[0020] The foldable display device may further include a second display panel disposed to overlap a portion of the flexible display panel.

[0021] The foldable display device may further include a circuit portion that is disposed outside the second display panel and is electrically connected to each of the flexible display panel and the second display panel.

[0022] The second display panel may include: a display area configured to display an image; and at least one third transmission area located inside the display area.

[0023] When the foldable display device is unfolded, at least one third transmission area may overlap with at least one second transmission area. In addition, when the foldable display device is folded, at least one third transmission area may overlap with at least one second transmission area, at least one first transmission area and the component.

[0024] At least one first transmission area may include two adjacent first transmission areas, and at least one second transmission area may include two adjacent second transmission areas. In addition, the display area of ​​the flexible display panel may include: a first pixel arranged between two adjacent first transmission areas; and a second pixel arranged between two adjacent second transmission areas.

[0025] When the foldable display device is folded, the component may be disposed to overlap with two adjacent first transmission areas, two adjacent second transmission areas, the first pixel, and the second pixel.

[0026] The flexible display panel may have a first hole and a second hole, which respectively correspond to the at least one first transmission area and the at least one second transmission area and penetrate the flexible display panel.

[0027] Embodiments may relate to a foldable display device. The foldable display device may include: a first display panel and a component. The first display panel may include a first display portion and a second display portion. The first display portion may include a first pixel set and a first transmissive structure surrounded by the first pixel set. The second display portion may include a second pixel set, may include a second transmissive structure surrounded by the second pixel set, and may be rotated around a folding axis relative to the first display portion. The distance from the folding axis to the center of the first transmissive structure may be approximately equal to the distance from the folding axis to the center of the second transmissive structure. The component may overlap with the first transmissive structure. When the foldable display device is in a folded state, the second transmissive structure may overlap with the first transmissive structure and the component to transmit signals between the component and an external entity of the foldable display device.

[0028] Each of the first and second transmissive structures may not include a light emitting element and may not emit light.

[0029] A width of the second transmissive structure in the first direction may be equal to or greater than a width of the first transmissive structure in the first direction. The first direction may be parallel to a display surface of the first display panel.

[0030] The foldable display device may include a second display panel overlapping the first display panel. The first display panel may display a first image in a first display direction. The second display panel may display a second image in a second display direction different from the first display direction.

[0031] The second display panel may include a third transmissive structure overlapping the second transmissive structure. A width of the third transmissive structure in the first direction may be equal to or greater than a width of the second transmissive structure in the first direction.

[0032] The second display panel may further include a third pixel set. The third transmissive structure may be surrounded by the third pixel set.

[0033] The foldable display device may include a circuit that is disposed outside the second display panel and is electrically connected to each of the first display panel and the second display panel.

[0034] The first transmissive structure may include a first hole extending through the layers of the first display panel. The second transmissive structure may include a second hole extending through the layers of the first display panel.

[0035] The first display panel may include the following elements: a first substrate; a pixel circuit layer, which is arranged on the first substrate and may include transistors and storage capacitors; a display element layer, which is arranged on the pixel circuit layer and may include display elements, wherein some elements of the pixel circuit layer and some elements of the display element layer form a first pixel set and a second pixel set; and a thin film encapsulation layer, which is arranged on the display element layer.

[0036] The display element layer may include pixel electrodes corresponding to the display elements, may include emission layers corresponding to the pixel electrodes, and may include a common electrode on the emission layers. The common electrode may have a first hole and a second hole respectively located in the first transmission structure and the second transmission structure.

[0037] The component may include at least one of a camera, a sensor, a speaker, a microphone, and a light.

[0038] The first display panel may be flexible. The first display portion may be directly connected to the second display portion.

[0039] When the foldable display device may be in a folded state, in a plan view of the foldable display device, the periphery of the second transmissive structure may surround the periphery of the first transmissive structure.

[0040] The first display portion may further include a touch electrode layer and an optical function layer. The touch electrode layer may include a touch electrode and may be covered by the optical function layer. The first transmission structure may include a hole located at one or more of the optical function layer and the touch electrode layer.

[0041] The foldable display device may include a second display panel that is smaller than the first display panel and partially overlaps the first display panel.

[0042] The second display portion may be positioned closer to the second display panel than the first display portion.

[0043] The second display panel may include: a third pixel set; two third transmission structures surrounded by the third pixel set; and a fourth pixel set located between the two third transmission structures. One of the two third transmission structures may overlap with the second transmission structure.

[0044] When the foldable display device is in the folded state, one of the two third transmissive structures may overlap with each of the second transmissive structure, the first transmissive structure, and the component.

[0045] The first transmission structure may include two first transmission substructures (e.g., two holes). The first display portion may include a third pixel set located between the two first transmission substructures. The second transmission structure may include two second transmission substructures (e.g., two openings). The second display portion may include a fourth pixel set located between the two second transmission substructures.

[0046] When the foldable display device is in a folded state, the component overlaps with peripheries of the two first transmission substructures, peripheries of the two second transmission substructures, the third pixel set, and the fourth pixel set.

[0047] A minimum distance between two first transmission substructures in the first direction may be greater than a minimum distance between two second transmission substructures in the first direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Figure 1 A perspective view schematically shows a display device according to an embodiment.

[0049] Figure 2 A perspective view showing a display device in a folded state according to an embodiment.

[0050] Figure 3A is a plan view showing the arrangement of pixels of a first display panel according to an embodiment.

[0051] Figure 3B is a plan view showing a region including a first transmission region of a first display panel according to an embodiment.

[0052] Figure 3C is a plan view showing a region including a second transmission region of a first display panel according to an embodiment.

[0053] Figure 4A is a plan view showing the arrangement of pixels of a second display panel according to the embodiment.

[0054] Figure 4Bis a plan view showing a region including a third transmission region of a second display panel according to an embodiment.

[0055] Figure 5 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel included in a first display panel and / or a second display panel of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0056] Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first display panel and a second display panel when a display device is in an unfolded state according to an embodiment.

[0057] Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first display panel and a second display panel when a display device is in a folded state according to an embodiment.

[0058] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a first display panel according to an embodiment.

[0059] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a second display panel according to an embodiment.

[0060] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to a first pixel of a first display panel according to an embodiment.

[0061] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to a third pixel of the second display panel according to an embodiment.

[0062] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a first display panel according to an embodiment.

[0063] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a second display panel according to an embodiment.

[0064] Fig.13A is a plan view showing a region including a first transmission region of a first display panel according to an embodiment.

[0065] Fig. 13B is a plan view showing a region including a second transmission region of a first display panel according to another embodiment.

[0066] Fig. 13C is a plan view showing a region including a third transmission region of a second display panel according to another embodiment.

[0067] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first display panel and a second display panel when a display device is in a folded state according to an embodiment.

[0068] Fig.15is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a first display panel according to an embodiment.

[0069] Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a second display panel according to an embodiment.

[0070] Fig.17 is a perspective view schematically showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0071] Fig.18 is a perspective view schematically showing a display device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] Example embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals may refer to like elements.

[0073] The terms "first", "second", etc. may be used to describe different components; these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one component from another component. Without departing from the teachings of one or more embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element. Describing an element as a "first" element may not require or imply the presence of a second element or other elements. The terms "first", "second", etc. may be used to distinguish different categories or sets of elements. For the sake of brevity, the terms "first", "second", etc. may respectively represent "first type (or first set)", "second type (or second set)", etc.

[0074] The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0075] When a first element is referred to as being “on” or “connected to” a second element, the first element may be directly on or connected to the second element or indirectly.

[0076] The sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0077] When a specific embodiment can be implemented differently, the specific processing order can be performed differently. For example, two processes described in succession can be performed substantially at the same time or can be performed in the reverse order of the described order.

[0078] In the following examples, the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis may or may not be perpendicular to each other.

[0079] The display device can display an image. The display device can be a portable mobile device, such as a cellular phone, a game console, a multimedia device, or an ultra-small personal computer (PC). The display device may include a liquid crystal display device, an electrophoretic display device, an organic light-emitting display device, an inorganic light-emitting display device, a field emission display device, a surface conduction electron emitter display device, a quantum dot display device, a plasma display device, or a cathode ray display device. As an example, an organic light-emitting display device is described.

[0080] "Transmissive area" may mean a transmissive structure for transmitting one or more signals (e.g., energy, light, and / or sound). For example, the transmissive structure may include at least one hole and / or at least one medium. A hole may mean a through hole, an opening, a recess, or a cavity. A hole may be substantially vacuum, or may contain a medium. A medium such as air may be contained in a hole. A list of items (e.g., translucent or transparent materials) may mean at least one of the listed items. Overlapping a hole with an object may mean that the space inside the hole or the position of the hole overlaps with (the position of) the object.

[0081] Figure 1 A display device 10 according to an embodiment is schematically shown. Figure 2 A folded state of the display device 10 according to the embodiment is shown. Figure 3A is a plan view showing the arrangement of pixels of the first display panel 200 according to the embodiment. Figure 3B is a plan view showing a region including the first transmission area TA1 of the first display panel 200 according to an embodiment. Figure 3C is a plan view showing a region including the second transmission area TA2 of the first display panel 200 according to an embodiment. Figure 4A is a plan view showing the arrangement of pixels of the second display panel 300 according to the embodiment. Figure 4B is a plan view showing a region including the third transmission area TA3 of the second display panel 300 according to an embodiment.

[0082] refer to Figure 1 , the display device 10 may include a housing 100 and a first display panel 200. The housing 100 may include a first portion 110 and a second portion 120 configured to respectively support a first display portion and a second display portion of the first display panel 200. The housing 100 may be folded based on a folding axis FAX between the first portion 110 and the second portion 120. According to an embodiment, a third portion 130 between the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 may have a hinge structure.

[0083] The first display panel 200 may have a display area including pixels for providing a specific image, and may have a transmissive area surrounded by pixels inside the display area. The first display panel 200 may be folded together with the housing 100. In the folded state of the display device 10, the portions of the display area of ​​the first display panel 200 (folded based on the folding axis FAX over the entire display area) may face / overlap each other. The portions of the display area may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2 located at the first display portion and the second display portion of the first display panel 200, respectively.

[0084] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3A , a plurality of pixels may be arranged in the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the first display panel 200. Each of the first pixels P1 arranged in the first display area DA1 may emit red, green, or blue light, and the first display area DA1 may provide a specific image using the light emitted from the first pixel P1. Each of the second pixels P2 arranged in the second display area DA2 may emit red, green, or blue light, and the second display area DA2 may provide a specific image using the light emitted from the second pixel P2.

[0085] Each of the first transmission area TA1 and the second transmission area TA2 may be surrounded by pixels and may not include pixels. The first pixel P1 may surround the first transmission area TA1, and the second pixel P2 may surround the second transmission area TA2. The first pixel P1 may be arranged along the edge / periphery of the first transmission area TA1, and the first transmission area TA1 may be located between two opposing first pixels P1. The second pixel P2 may be arranged along the edge / periphery of the second transmission area TA2, and the second transmission area TA2 may be located between two opposing second pixels P2.

[0086] The first pixel P1 may be electrically connected to scan lines SL each extending substantially in a first direction (eg, x direction) and data lines DL each extending substantially in a second direction (eg, y direction). The scan lines SL and the data lines DL may detour around the first transmission area TA1. Figure 3B As shown in FIG. 1 , the scan line SL may extend substantially in the first direction and may detour around the edge of the first transmission area TA1, and the data line DL may extend substantially in the second direction and may detour around the edge of the first transmission area TA1. Similarly, the scan line SL and the data line DL connected to the second pixel P2 may detour around the edge of the second transmission area TA2, as shown in FIG. Figure 3C shown.

[0087] The first detour area MA1 may accommodate the detour portion of the scan line SL and / or the data line DL between the first transmission area TA1 and the first display area DA1. Similarly, the second detour area MA2 may accommodate the detour portion of the scan line SL and / or the data line DL between the second transmission area TA2 and the second display area DA2.

[0088] The display device 10 may be folded based on the folding axis FAX so that the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 may face / overlap each other. The first transmission area TA1 disposed inside the first display area DA1 and the second transmission area TA2 disposed inside the second display area DA2 may also face / overlap each other. The first transmission area TA1 and the second transmission area TA2 may be symmetrically disposed based on the folding axis FAX over the entire display area of ​​the first display panel 200. For example, the distance from the folding axis FAX to the center of the first transmission area TA1 is substantially equal to the distance from the folding axis FAX to the center of the second transmission area TA2.

[0089] The display device 10 may include a second display panel 300 configured to display an image in a direction different from the image display direction of the first display panel 200. Figure 2 In the folded display device 10, the second display panel 300 can display an image through the exposed third display area DA3, while the display area of ​​the first display panel 200 is hidden. The second display panel 300 can be supported by a portion of the housing 100. For example, the second display panel 300 can be supported by the second portion 120.

[0090] A plurality of third pixels P3 may be arranged in the third display area DA3. Each of the third pixels P3 may emit red, green, or blue light, and the third display area DA3 may provide a specific image using the light emitted from the third pixels P3.

[0091] The third transmission area TA3 may be surrounded by the third pixel P3 and may not include a pixel. The third pixel P3 may surround the third transmission area TA3. The third pixel P3 may be arranged along an edge / periphery of the third transmission area TA3, and the third transmission area TA3 may be located between two opposing third pixels P3.

[0092] The third pixel P3 may be electrically connected to the scan lines SL each extending substantially in the first direction (eg, the x direction) and the data lines DL each extending substantially in the second direction (eg, the y direction). The scan lines SL and the data lines DL may detour around the third transmission area TA3. Figure 4BAs shown, the scan line SL may extend generally in the first direction and may detour around the edge of the third transmission area TA3, and the data line DL may extend generally in the second direction and may detour around the edge of the third transmission area TA3.

[0093] The third detour area MA3 may accommodate detour portions of the scan lines SL and / or the data lines DL between the third transmission area TA3 and the third display area DA3.

[0094] Figure 5 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel P included in a first display panel and / or a second display panel of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0095] refer to Figure 5 , the pixel P may include a pixel circuit PC and an organic light emitting diode OLED, which is a display element connected to the pixel circuit PC.

[0096] The pixel circuit PC may include a first thin film transistor T1, a second thin film transistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst. Each pixel P may emit, for example, red, green, or blue light, or red, green, blue, or white light through an organic light emitting diode OLED.

[0097] The second thin film transistor T2 may include a switching thin film transistor, may be connected to the scan line SL and the data line DL, and may transmit a data voltage supplied from the data line DL to the first thin film transistor T1 based on a switching voltage supplied from the scan line SL. The storage capacitor Cst may be connected to the second thin film transistor T2 and the driving voltage line PL, and may store a voltage corresponding to a difference between a voltage received from the second thin film transistor T2 and a first power supply voltage ELVDD supplied to the driving voltage line PL.

[0098] The first thin film transistor T1 may include a driving thin film transistor and may be connected to the driving voltage line PL and the storage capacitor Cst. In addition, the first thin film transistor T1 may control the driving current flowing from the driving voltage line PL through the organic light emitting diode OLED corresponding to the voltage value stored in the storage capacitor Cst. The organic light emitting diode OLED may emit light with a specific brightness based on the driving current. The common electrode (e.g., cathode) of the organic light emitting diode OLED may receive the second power supply voltage ELVSS.

[0099] Figure 5The case where the pixel circuit PC includes two thin film transistors and one storage capacitor is shown. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of thin film transistors and the number of storage capacitors may be changed in different ways according to the design of the pixel circuit PC. For example, the pixel circuit PC may include three or more thin film transistors.

[0100] refer to Figure 5 The pixel P described above can be FIG. 3A to FIG. 4B The first pixel P1, the second pixel P2, and the third pixel P3 described correspond to one of them. For example, the first pixel P1 may include a first pixel circuit and a first organic light emitting diode connected to the first pixel circuit, the second pixel P2 may include a second pixel circuit and a second organic light emitting diode connected to the second pixel circuit, and the third pixel P3 may include a third pixel circuit and a third organic light emitting diode connected to the third pixel circuit. The first pixel circuit and the second pixel circuit may include the same number of thin film transistors and the same number of storage capacitors. The third pixel circuit may include the same number of thin film transistors and the same number of storage capacitors as the first pixel circuit and the second pixel circuit. Alternatively, the third pixel circuit may include a different number of thin film transistors and a different number of storage capacitors than the first pixel circuit and the second pixel circuit.

[0101] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B are cross-sectional views showing a first display panel 200 and a second display panel 300 of a display device 10 according to an embodiment, wherein: Fig. 6A The unfolded state of the display device 10 is shown. Figure 6B The folded state of the display device 10 is shown.

[0102] refer to Fig. 6A The first display panel 200 may include a plurality of display elements, for example, a first organic light emitting diode OLED1 in the first display area DA1 and a second organic light emitting diode OLED2 in the second display area DA2. The first display panel 200 may have a first hole 200H1 and a second hole 200H2, which correspond to / belong to the first transmission area TA1 and the second transmission area TA2, respectively.

[0103] The second display panel 300 may include a third organic light emitting diode OLED3. The third organic light emitting diode OLED3 may be arranged in the third display area DA3. The second display panel 300 may have a relatively smaller display area than the first display panel 200, and may overlap a portion of the first display panel 200. The width (e.g., the width in the x direction) of the second display panel 300 may be smaller than the width of the first display panel 200. The second display panel 300 may have a third hole 300H corresponding to / belonging to the third transmission area TA3.

[0104] In the unfolded state of the display device 10, the second display panel 300 may overlap only a portion of the first display panel 200 corresponding to the second display area DA2. For example, in the unfolded state of the display device 10, the third display area DA3 may overlap the second display area DA2 and may not overlap the first display area DA1, and the third transmission area TA3 may overlap the second transmission area TA2 and may not overlap the first transmission area TA1. The width W3 of the third transmission area TA3 in the x direction may be equal to or greater than the width W2 of the second transmission area TA2 in the x direction, and the width W2 of the second transmission area TA2 in the x direction may be equal to or greater than the width W1 of the first transmission area TA1 in the x direction. In an embodiment, when the side surfaces of the first display panel 200 that respectively define the first hole 200H1 and the second hole 200H2 are inclined, each of the widths W1 and W2 may mean a minimum width. Similarly, when the side surface of the second display panel 300 that defines the third hole 300H is inclined, the width W3 may mean a minimum width.

[0105] When the display device 10 is in the folded state, the periphery of the second transmission area TA2 may surround the periphery of the first transmission area TA1 in a plan view of the folded display device 10. When the display device 10 is in the folded state, the periphery of the third transmission area TA3 may surround the periphery of the second transmission area TA2 in a plan view of the folded display device 10.

[0106] refer to Figure 6B When the display device 10 is folded, the first display panel 200 as a flexible display panel may also be folded. In the folded state of the display device 10, the third display area DA3 may overlap the second display area DA2 and the first display area DA1, and the third transmission area TA3 may overlap the second transmission area TA2 and the first transmission area TA1.

[0107] The display device 10 may include a component 400 that overlaps the first transmission area TA1, the second transmission area TA2, and the third transmission area TA3 when the display device 10 is in a folded state. The component 400 may be disposed between the first display panel 200 and the housing 100. The first transmission area TA1, the second transmission area TA2, and the third transmission area TA3 may correspond to the position of the component 400. The first transmission area TA1, the second transmission area TA2, and the third transmission area TA3 may be located at a component area (e.g., a camera area, a sensor area, etc.).

[0108] Component 400 may be an electronic component configured to output and / or receive sound and / or light. For example, the electronic component may include at least one of a sensor configured to output and / or receive light (such as an infrared sensor, etc.), a camera configured to capture an image by receiving light, a lamp configured to output light (such as a small lamp), a speaker configured to output sound, a microphone configured to receive sound, etc. The sensor may include a proximity sensor, a brightness sensor, an iris recognition sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, etc. The electronic component using light may use light of one or more wavelength ranges, such as visible light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, etc.

[0109] The first transmission area TA1, the second transmission area TA2, and the third transmission area TA3 may be areas through which sound or / and light traveling from the component 400 to an external entity outside the display device 10 or traveling toward the component 400 may be transmitted. Sound and / or light emitted from the component 400 may be transmitted to the external entity through the first transmission area TA1, the second transmission area TA2, and the third transmission area TA3. External sound and / or light may be transmitted to the component 400 through the first transmission area TA1, the second transmission area TA2, and the third transmission area TA3.

[0110] The width W3 of the third transmission area TA3 may be equal to or greater than the width W2 of the second transmission area TA2, and the width W2 of the second transmission area TA2 may be equal to or greater than the width W1 of the first transmission area TA1. Advantageously, interference of sound and / or light transmitted through the first, second, and third transmission areas TA1, TA2, and TA3 may be minimized.

[0111] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a first display panel 200 according to an embodiment. Figure 7 The unfolded state of the display device 10 is shown.

[0112] refer to Figure 7, the first display panel 200 may include a first display layer DL1 disposed on a first substrate SUB1. The first substrate SUB1 may be flexible. The first substrate SUB1 may include a polymer resin and may have a multi-layer structure. For example, the first substrate SUB1 may include a first base layer 201, a first barrier layer 202, a second base layer 203, and a second barrier layer 204 sequentially stacked.

[0113] Each of the first substrate layer 201 and the second substrate layer 203 may include one or more polymer resins. For example, the first substrate layer 201 and the second substrate layer 203 may include one or more of polyethersulfone (PES), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (TAC), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), etc.

[0114] The first barrier layer 202 and the second barrier layer 204 may prevent the penetration of external contaminants and may include a single layer or a multilayer including silicon nitride (SiN x , x>0), silicon oxide (SiO x , x>0) and other inorganic materials.

[0115] The first display layer DL1 may include: a first display element layer DEL1 including a plurality of display elements; and a first pixel circuit layer PCL1 including a pixel circuit and an insulating layer. The first display element layer DEL1 may include display elements, for example, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The first organic light emitting diode OLED1 and the second organic light emitting diode OLED2 are described. The first pixel circuit layer PCL1 may include a pixel circuit and an insulating layer, wherein each of the pixel circuits may be connected to each first organic light emitting diode in the first organic light emitting diode OLED1 or each second organic light emitting diode in the second organic light emitting diode OLED2. The first pixel circuit layer PCL1 may include a plurality of transistors, a plurality of storage capacitors, and an insulating layer between the transistors and the storage capacitors.

[0116] The display element may be covered by an encapsulation member such as a thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer for covering the first display element layer DEL1. The first display panel 200 may be a flexible display panel having a flexible characteristic, and the first display panel 200 includes: a first substrate SUB1 including a polymer resin, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE including an inorganic encapsulation layer and an organic encapsulation layer.

[0117] A touch electrode layer TSL including a touch electrode may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE, and an optical function layer OFL may be disposed on the touch electrode layer TSL. The touch electrode layer TSL may obtain coordinate information based on an external input (e.g., a touch event). The optical function layer OFL may reduce the reflectivity of light (external light) incident from the outside toward the first display panel 200, and / or improve the color purity of light emitted from the first display panel 200. According to an embodiment, the optical function layer OFL may include a phase retarder and a polarizer. The phase retarder may include a film-type phase retarder or a liquid crystal coating type phase retarder, and may include a λ / 2 phase retarder and / or a λ / 4 phase retarder. The polarizer may also include a film-type polarizer or a liquid crystal coating type polarizer. The film-type polarizer may include an elongated synthetic resin film, and the liquid crystal coating type polarizer may include liquid crystals arranged in a specific arrangement shape. The phase retarder and the polarizer may also include a protective film.

[0118] The optical functional layer OFL may include a black matrix and a color filter. The color filter may be arranged by considering the color of light emitted from each pixel in the first display panel 200. Each of the color filters may include a red, green or blue pigment or dye. In addition to the above-mentioned pigment or dye, each of the color filters may also include quantum dots. Some of the color filters may not include the above-mentioned pigment or dye, and may include dispersed particles, such as titanium oxide.

[0119] The optical function layer OFL may include a destructive interference structure. The destructive interference structure may include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer disposed on different layers from each other. The first reflected light and the second reflected light respectively reflected from the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer may destructively interfere, and thus, the reflectivity of the external light may be reduced.

[0120] The first display panel 200 may have a first hole 200H1 and a second hole 200H2, which correspond to / belong to the first transmission area TA1 and the second transmission area TA2, respectively. The plurality of layers included in the first display panel 200, namely, the first substrate SUB1, the first display layer DL1, and the thin film encapsulation layer TFE, may include through holes SUB1-H1, SUB1-H2, DL1-H1, DL1-H2, TFE-H1, and TFE-H2, which correspond to and / or constitute the first hole 200H1 and the second hole 200H2, respectively.

[0121] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a second display panel 300 according to an embodiment.

[0122] refer to Figure 8, the second display panel 300 may include a second display layer DL2 disposed on a second substrate SUB2. The second substrate SUB2 may include a glass material or a polymer resin. When the second substrate SUB2 includes a polymer resin, the second substrate SUB2 may have the same Figure 7 The multilayer structure described is similar to the multilayer structure.

[0123] The second display layer DL2 may be disposed on the second substrate SUB2. The second display layer DL2 may include: a second display element layer DEL2 including a plurality of display elements; and a second pixel circuit layer PCL2 including a pixel circuit and an insulating layer.

[0124] The second display element layer DEL2 may include display elements, for example, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The third organic light emitting diode OLED3 described. The second pixel circuit layer PCL2 may include a pixel circuit and an insulating layer, wherein each of the pixel circuits may be connected to each of the third organic light emitting diodes OLED3. The second pixel circuit layer PCL2 may include a plurality of transistors, a plurality of storage capacitors, and an insulating layer between the transistors and the storage capacitors.

[0125] The display element may be covered by an encapsulation member such as an encapsulation substrate ENSUB. The encapsulation substrate ENSUB may include a glass material or a polymer resin. The encapsulation substrate ENSUB may be arranged to face the second substrate SUB2 with the second display layer DL2 interposed therebetween, and a sealing member SM may be arranged between the second substrate SUB2 and the encapsulation substrate ENSUB. The sealing member SM may include glass frit or a material such as epoxy resin. The second display element layer DEL2 arranged between the sealing member SM, the second substrate SUB2 and the encapsulation substrate ENSUB may be protected from external moisture.

[0126] The touch electrode layer TSL and the optical function layer OFL may be disposed on the encapsulation substrate ENSUB.

[0127] The second display panel 300 may have a third hole 300H corresponding to / belonging to the third transmission area TA3. The plurality of layers included in the second display panel 300, namely the second substrate SUB2, the second display layer DL2, and the encapsulation substrate ENSUB, may include through holes SUB2-H, DL2-H, and ENSUB-H, which respectively correspond to and / or constitute the third hole 300H.

[0128] The second display panel 300 may be a rigid display panel including: a second substrate SUB2 including a glass material, and an encapsulation substrate ENSUB. The second display panel 300 may be a flexible display panel including: a second substrate SUB2 including a polymer resin, and Figure 7 The second display panel 300 may be a hybrid display panel, which includes: a second substrate SUB2 including a glass material, and a reference Figure 7 The thin film encapsulation layer TFE is described, and in this case, the thickness of the second display panel 300 can be relatively reduced.

[0129] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a cross section corresponding to a first pixel P1 which is one of pixels of a first display panel according to an embodiment.

[0130] refer to Fig. 9 , the first substrate SUB1 may include the above reference Figure 7 The first base layer 201, the first barrier layer 202, the second base layer 203 and the second barrier layer 204 are stacked in sequence.

[0131] The first pixel circuit layer PCL1 may be disposed on the first substrate SUB1. Fig. 9 The first pixel circuit layer PCL1 may include a thin film transistor TFT and an insulating layer, each of which is arranged above and / or below the element of the thin film transistor TFT. The insulating layer may include a first buffer layer 211, a first gate insulating layer 213, a first interlayer insulating layer 215 and a first planarizing insulating layer 217.

[0132] The first buffer layer 211 may include SiN x , silicon oxynitride (SiON) and SiO x and an inorganic insulating material, and may include a single layer or multiple layers containing the above-mentioned inorganic insulating material.

[0133] The thin film transistor TFT may include a first semiconductor layer 212, and the first semiconductor layer 212 may include polycrystalline silicon. Alternatively, the first semiconductor layer 212 may include amorphous silicon, an oxide semiconductor, or an organic semiconductor. The first semiconductor layer 212 may include a channel region 212c and a drain region 212a and a source region 212b disposed on both sides of the channel region 212c. The first gate electrode 214 may overlap the channel region 212c.

[0134] The first gate electrode 214 may include a low resistance metal material. The first gate electrode 214 may include a conductive material including Mo, Al, Cu, Ti, etc., and may include a multi-layer or single layer including the above conductive material.

[0135] The first gate insulating layer 213 between the first semiconductor layer 212 and the first gate electrode 214 may include a layer such as SiO x 、SiN x , SiON, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, etc. The first gate insulating layer 213 may include a single layer or multiple layers including the above materials.

[0136] The first interlayer insulating layer 215 may cover the first gate electrode 214. The first interlayer insulating layer 215 may include an inorganic insulating material such as SiO x 、SiN x , SiON, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, etc.

[0137] Each of the first drain electrode 216a and the first source electrode 216b may be located on the first interlayer insulating layer 215. The first drain electrode 216a and the first source electrode 216b may include a highly conductive material. The first drain electrode 216a and the first source electrode 216b may include a conductive material such as Mo, Al, Cu, Ti, etc., and may include a multilayer or a single layer including the above materials. According to an embodiment, the first drain electrode 216a and the first source electrode 216b may have a multilayer structure of Ti / Al / Ti.

[0138] The first planarization insulating layer 217 may include an organic insulating layer. The first planarization insulating layer 217 may include an organic insulating material, such as, for example, a general polymer such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polystyrene (PS), a polymer derivative having a phenol group, an acrylic polymer, an imide polymer, an aryl ether polymer, an amide polymer, a fluorine polymer, a p-xylene polymer, a vinyl alcohol polymer, and a mixture thereof.

[0139] The first display element layer DEL1 may be disposed on the first pixel circuit layer PCL1 having the above structure. The first display element layer DEL1 may include a first organic light emitting diode OLED1, wherein a pixel electrode 221 of the first organic light emitting diode OLED1 may be electrically connected to a thin film transistor TFT through a contact hole of the first planarization insulating layer 217.

[0140] The pixel electrode 221 may include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In 2 O 3), indium gallium oxide (IGO) or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). According to another embodiment, the pixel electrode 221 may include a reflective layer containing Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, or a compound thereof. According to another embodiment, the pixel electrode 221 may also include a conductive oxide containing ITO, IZO, ZnO or In above / below the reflective layer. 2 O 3 layer.

[0141] A pixel defining layer 219 having an opening 219OP exposing a central portion of the pixel electrode 221 may be disposed on the pixel electrode 221. The pixel defining layer 219 may include an organic insulating material and / or an inorganic insulating material. The opening 219OP may define an emission region (hereinafter referred to as a first emission region EA1) of light emitted from the first organic light emitting diode OLED1. For example, the width of the opening 219OP may correspond to the width of the first emission region EA1.

[0142] The emission layer 222 may be disposed in the opening 219OP of the pixel defining layer 219. The emission layer 222 may include a high molecular weight or low molecular weight organic material for emitting light of a specific color. Although not shown, the first functional layer and the second functional layer may be disposed below and above the emission layer 222, respectively. The first functional layer may include, for example, a hole transport layer (HTL) and / or a hole injection layer (HIL). The second functional layer may be disposed above the emission layer 222 and may be optional. The second functional layer may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and / or an electron injection layer (EIL). The first functional layer and / or the second functional layer may be a common layer formed to substantially cover the first substrate SUB1, such as the common electrode 223 described below.

[0143] The common electrode 223 may include a conductive material having a low work function. For example, the common electrode 223 may include a (semi) transparent layer, which includes Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, or an alloy thereof. The common electrode 223 may further include a conductive material such as ITO, IZO, ZnO or In on the (semi) transparent layer including the above materials. 2 O 3 layer.

[0144] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. Fig. 9 It is shown that the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer 231 , an organic encapsulation layer 232 , and a second inorganic encapsulation layer 233 , which are sequentially stacked.

[0145] The first inorganic encapsulation layer 231 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 233 may include aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, ZnO, SiO x 、SiN x At least one inorganic material of SiON and SiON. The organic encapsulation layer 232 may include a polymer-based material. The polymer-based material may include an acrylic-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, PI, and polyethylene. According to an embodiment, the organic encapsulation layer 232 may include acrylate.

[0146] So far, reference Fig. 9 The cross-sectional structure corresponding to the first pixel P1 as part of the first display panel 200 is described. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The second pixel P2 as part of the first display panel 200 may have a cross-sectional structure corresponding to the first pixel P1 as part of the first display panel 200. Fig. 9 For example, the second organic light emitting diode OLED2 of the second pixel P2 may include a pixel electrode, an emission layer, and a common electrode. In addition, the second emission region of the second organic light emitting diode OLED2 may be defined by an opening of the pixel defining layer, and the opening of the pixel defining layer may be defined by the same structure as that of the first pixel P1 described above. Fig. 9 The pixel electrode of the second organic light emitting diode OLED2 is exposed in the same manner as described above.

[0147] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to a third pixel P3 which is any one of the pixels of the second display panel 300 according to an embodiment.

[0148] refer to Fig.10 , the second substrate SUB2 may include the above reference Figure 8 The glass material or polymer resin described above. The second display layer DL2 can be arranged on the second substrate SUB2, and the second display layer DL2 includes a second pixel circuit layer PCL2 and a second display element layer DEL2. The second pixel circuit layer PCL2 may include a thin film transistor TFT and an insulating layer, each insulating layer being arranged above and / or below the element of the thin film transistor TFT. The element of the thin film transistor TFT may include a semiconductor layer 312, a gate electrode 314, a drain electrode 316a and a source electrode 316b. The insulating layer may be arranged below and / or above each of these elements. The characteristics of the semiconductor layer 312, the gate electrode 314, the drain electrode 316a and the source electrode 316b are the same as those of the above reference Fig. 9 The description of the first semiconductor layer 212, the first gate electrode 214, the first drain electrode 216a, and the first source electrode 216b is the same as given above. The second pixel circuit layer PCL2 may include a second buffer layer 311, a second gate insulating layer 313, a second interlayer insulating layer 315, and a second planarizing insulating layer 317. Their descriptions may be the same as those of the above reference Fig. 9The same description is given to the first buffer layer 211 , the first gate insulating layer 213 , the first interlayer insulating layer 215 , and the first planarizing insulating layer 217 .

[0149] The second display element layer DEL2 may include a third organic light emitting diode OLED3, and the third organic light emitting diode OLED3 may include a pixel electrode 321, an emission layer 322, and a common electrode 323. A first functional layer including a HIL and / or a HTL may also be disposed between the pixel electrode 321 and the emission layer 322. A second functional layer including an EIL and / or an ETL may also be disposed between the emission layer 322 and the common electrode 323.

[0150] A pixel defining layer 319 having an opening 319OP exposing a central portion of the pixel electrode 321 may be disposed on the pixel electrode 321 of the third organic light emitting diode OLED3. The pixel defining layer 319 may include an organic insulating material and / or an inorganic insulating material. The opening 319OP may define an emission region (hereinafter referred to as a third emission region EA3) of light emitted from the third organic light emitting diode OLED3. For example, the width of the opening 319OP may correspond to the width of the third emission region EA3. The encapsulation substrate ENSUB may include the above reference Figure 8 The glass material.

[0151] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a first display panel 200' according to an embodiment, Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a second display panel 300 ′ according to an embodiment. Fig.11 and Fig.12 The unfolded state of the display device 10 is shown.

[0152] References Figure 7 The first display panel 200 described above may have through holes corresponding to the first transmission area TA1 and the second transmission area TA2, that is, the first hole 200H1 and the second hole 200H2. Figure 8 The second display panel 300 described above may have a through hole corresponding to the third transmission area TA3, that is, a third hole 300H3. Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the first display panel 200 ′ and the second display panel 300 ′ may not include a through hole for the transmissive region extending through the thickness of the display panels 200 ′ and 300 ′ in the z-direction.

[0153] like Fig.11As shown, the first display panel 200' may include a first substrate SUB1, a first display layer DL1 including a first pixel circuit layer PCL1 and a first display element layer DEL1, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE, which are sequentially stacked. Each of the first substrate SUB1, the first pixel circuit layer PCL1, and the thin film encapsulation layer TFE of the first display panel 200' may not include a through hole corresponding to the first transmission area TA1 or the second transmission area TA2 extending through the thickness of the first display panel 200'. The first display element layer DEL1 of the first display panel 200' may include through holes DEL1-H1 and DEL1-H2 corresponding to the first transmission area TA1 and the second transmission area TA2, respectively. No display element (for example, no organic light emitting diode) in the first display element layer DEL1 of the first display panel 200' may be located at the through holes DEL1-H1 and DEL1-H2, so that no display element in the first display element layer DEL1 may correspond to the first transmission area TA1 and the second transmission area TA2. For example, the pixel electrode and / or the common electrode included in the first display element layer DEL1 may include holes corresponding to the first transmission area TA1 and the second transmission area TA2 .

[0154] The touch electrode layer TSL and / or the optical function layer OFL on the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may or may not include through holes corresponding to the first and second transmission areas TA1 and TA2 .

[0155] refer to Fig.12 , the second display panel 300' may include a second substrate SUB2, a second display layer DL2 including a second pixel circuit layer PCL2 and a second display element layer DEL2, and an encapsulation substrate ENSUB, which are sequentially stacked. Each of the second substrate SUB2, the second pixel circuit layer PCL2, and the encapsulation substrate ENSUB of the second display panel 300' may not include a through hole corresponding to the third transmission area TA3. The second display element layer DEL2 of the second display panel 300' may include a through hole DEL2-H corresponding to the third transmission area TA3. No display element in the second display element layer DEL2 of the second display panel 300' may be located at the through hole DEL2-H, so that no display element in the second display element layer DEL2 may correspond to the third transmission area TA3. For example, the pixel electrode and / or the common electrode included in the second display element layer DEL2 may include a hole corresponding to the third transmission area TA3. The touch electrode layer TSL and / or the optical function layer OFL on the encapsulation substrate ENSUB may or may not include a through hole corresponding to the third transmission area TA3.

[0156] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B1 and 2 are plan views respectively illustrating regions including a first transmission area TA1 and a second transmission area TA2 of a first display panel according to an embodiment. Fig. 13C is a plan view showing a region including a third transmission area TA3 of a second display panel according to another embodiment. Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view showing a first display panel and a second display panel when the display device 10 ′ is in a folded state according to an embodiment.

[0157] refer to Fig.13A , a plurality of first transmission areas TA1 may be spaced apart from each other, and the first pixels P1 may be arranged around the first transmission areas TA1. Two adjacent / opposite first pixels P1 may be spaced apart from each other with a first transmission area TA1 interposed therebetween. Some first pixels P1 may be arranged between adjacent first transmission areas TA1.

[0158] The first pixel P1 may be electrically connected to scan lines SL each extending substantially in the first direction and data lines DL each extending substantially in the second direction. The scan lines SL and the data lines DL may detour around the first transmission area TA1. The first detour area MA1 may accommodate detour portions of the scan lines SL and / or the data lines DL and may be disposed between the first transmission area TA1 and the first display area DA1.

[0159] refer to Fig. 13B , a plurality of second transmission areas TA2 may be provided in the second display area DA2 and may be spaced apart from each other. The second pixels P2 may be arranged around the second transmission area TA2. Two adjacent / opposite second pixels P2 may be spaced apart from each other with a second transmission area TA2 interposed therebetween. Some second pixels P2 may be arranged between adjacent second transmission areas TA2.

[0160] The second pixel P2 may be electrically connected to the scan lines SL each extending substantially in the first direction and the data lines DL each extending substantially in the second direction. The scan lines SL and the data lines DL may detour around the second transmission area TA2. The second detour area MA2 may accommodate detour portions of the scan lines SL and / or the data lines DL and may be disposed between the second transmission area TA2 and the second display area DA2.

[0161] refer to Fig. 13C , a plurality of third transmission areas TA3 may be disposed in the third display area DA3 of the second display panel and may be spaced apart from each other. The third pixels P3 may be arranged around the third transmission area TA3. Two adjacent / opposite third pixels P3 may be spaced apart from each other with a third transmission area TA3 interposed therebetween. Some third pixels P3 may be arranged between adjacent third transmission areas TA3.

[0162] The third pixel P3 may be electrically connected to the scan lines SL each extending substantially in the first direction and the data lines DL each extending substantially in the second direction. The scan lines SL and the data lines DL may detour around the third transmission area TA3. The third detour area MA3 may accommodate detour portions of the scan lines SL and / or the data lines DL and may be disposed between the third transmission area TA3 and the third display area DA3.

[0163] like Fig.14 As shown, when the display device 10' is folded, the third transmission area TA3 may overlap with the corresponding second transmission area TA2 and the corresponding first transmission area TA1. In order to reduce interference of light emitted from or traveling to the component 400', the width W3' of the third transmission area TA3 in the x direction (refer to Fig. 13C ) may be equal to or greater than the width W2′ of the second transmission area TA2 in the x direction (refer to Fig. 13B ), and the width W2′ of the second transmission area TA2 in the x direction may be equal to or greater than the width W1′ of the first transmission area TA1 in the x direction (refer to Fig.13A ).

[0164] The display device 10' may include a first display panel 200 and a second display panel 300. The first display panel 200 and the second display panel 300 of the display device 10' may have reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 Alternatively, the first display panel 200 and the second display panel 300 of the display device 10' may have reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 The structures of the first display panel and the second display panel are described.

[0165] refer to Fig.13A , Fig. 13B , Fig. 13C and Fig.14 The minimum distance between the two first transmission areas TA1 in the first direction is greater than the minimum distance between the two second transmission areas TA2 in the first direction. The minimum distance between the two second transmission areas TA2 in the first direction is greater than the minimum distance between the two third transmission areas TA3 in the first direction.

[0166] The component 400' may correspond to a transmission area. For example, one component 400' may overlap the first transmission area TA1, the second transmission area TA2, and the third transmission area TA3. According to an embodiment, when the display device 10' is in a folded state, the component 400' may overlap the periphery of the two first transmission areas TA1, the periphery of the two second transmission areas TA2, the first pixel P1 between the two first transmission areas TA1, and the second pixel P2 between the two second transmission areas TA2. For example, when the display device 10' is in a folded state, the component 400' may overlap the two first transmission areas TA1, the two second transmission areas TA2, the first pixel P1 between the two first transmission areas TA1, and the second pixel P2 between the two second transmission areas TA2.

[0167] In an embodiment, the transmittance of each of the first transmission area TA1, the second transmission area TA2, and the third transmission area TA3 may be relatively smaller than the reference area. Figure 6B The transmittance of each of the first, second, and third transmission areas TA1, TA2, and TA3 of the display device 10 is described. The component 400' may include a sensor operating with a relatively small transmittance, for example, a sensor using light of an infrared wavelength range.

[0168] Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a first display panel 200' according to an embodiment, and Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a second display panel 300 ′ according to an embodiment.

[0169] refer to Fig.15 The first display panel 200' may include a first substrate SUB1, a first pixel circuit layer PCL1, a first display element layer DEL1, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The first organic light emitting diode OLED1 of the first display element layer DEL1 may be located in the first display area DA1, and no first organic light emitting diode OLED1 may be located in the first transmission area TA1. Fig.15 The stacking structure of the first display area DA1 is the same as that of the above reference Fig. 9 The stacked structure of the components corresponding to the first pixel P1 is described to be the same.

[0170] refer to Fig.15 In the first transmission area TA1, no pixel electrode 221 may be disposed in the first transmission area TA1, and the common electrode 223 may include a hole 223H in the first transmission area TA1. In contrast, the first substrate SUB1, the first pixel circuit layer PCL1, and the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may continuously extend in the first transmission area TA1 and may not include a hole in the first transmission area TA1.

[0171] Fig.15 It is shown that the insulating layers included in the first pixel circuit layer PCL1 are continuously formed in the first transmission area TA1 and the first display area DA1. According to an embodiment, some of the layers included in the first pixel circuit layer PCL1, such as one or more of the first buffer layer 211, the first gate insulating layer 213, the first interlayer insulating layer 215, and the first planarizing insulating layer 217, may include a hole located in the first transmission area TA1.

[0172] refer to Fig.15 One or more of the described structures may be applied to the second transmission area TA2.

[0173] refer to Fig.16 The second display panel 300' may include a second substrate SUB2, a second pixel circuit layer PCL2, a second display element layer DEL2, and an encapsulation substrate ENSUB. The third organic light emitting diode OLED3 of the second display element layer DEL2 may be located in the third display area DA3, and no third organic light emitting diode OLED3 may be located in the third transmission area TA3. Fig.16 The stacking structure of the third display area DA3 is the same as that of the above reference Fig.10 The stacked structure of the components corresponding to the third pixel P3 is described to be the same.

[0174] refer to Fig.16 In the third transmission area TA3, no pixel electrode 321 may be disposed in the third transmission area TA3, and the common electrode 323 may have a hole 323H located in the third transmission area TA3.

[0175] In contrast, the second substrate SUB2, the second pixel circuit layer PCL2, and the encapsulation substrate ENSUB may continuously extend in the third transmission area TA3, and may not include a hole in the third transmission area TA3.

[0176] Fig.16 It is shown that the insulating layers included in the second pixel circuit layer PCL2 are continuously formed in the third transmission area TA3 and the third display area DA3. According to an embodiment, some of the layers included in the second pixel circuit layer PCL2, such as one or more of the second buffer layer 311, the second gate insulating layer 313, the second interlayer insulating layer 315, and the second planarizing insulating layer 317, may include a hole located in the third transmission area TA3.

[0177] Fig.17 is a perspective view schematically showing a display device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0178] refer to Fig.17, the display device 10 may include a circuit portion 500 including an electronic circuit and disposed outside the second display panel 300. For example, the circuit portion 500 may have a hole 500H, and the second display panel 300 may be located in the hole 500H. The circuit portion 500 may be covered by the housing 100. Therefore, Fig.17 Circuit portion 500 is shown using dashed lines.

[0179] The circuit portion 500 may be electrically connected to the first display panel 200 (refer to Figure 1 ) and each of the second display panels 300, and may provide specific signals (e.g., scan signals, data signals, and control signals) and / or specific voltages to the first display panel 200 and the second display panel 300. The circuit portion 500 may include devices and wirings for providing the described signals or voltages. These devices and wirings may be arranged on a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) included in the circuit portion 500.

[0180] Fig.18 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a display device 10 ″ according to an embodiment.

[0181] refer to Fig.18 The second display panel of the display device 10" may have a third display area DA3, and the third display area DA3 has a larger area than the reference area. Fig.17 The third display area DA3 of the described display device 10 has a relatively larger area. The circuit portion may be located on the side surface of the display device 10". For example, the first circuit portion 500A and the second circuit portion 500B may be located on the side surface of the display device 10". The first circuit portion 500A and the second circuit portion 500B may be electrically connected to the first display panel and the second display panel, respectively. According to an embodiment, the display device 10" may include one circuit portion of the first circuit portion 500A and the second circuit portion 500B, and one circuit portion of the first circuit portion 500A and the second circuit portion 500B may be electrically connected to each of the first display panel and the second display panel.

[0182] According to the embodiment, space usage of a display area of ​​a display device can be optimized.

[0183] The described embodiments should be considered illustrative and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects associated with one embodiment may apply to other embodiments. Although example embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, various modifications may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A foldable display device, comprising: a first display panel comprising a first display portion and a second display portion, wherein the first display portion comprises a first pixel set and a first transmissive structure surrounded by the first pixel set, wherein the second display portion comprises a second pixel set, comprises a second transmissive structure surrounded by the second pixel set, and is configured to rotate about a folding axis relative to the first display portion, and wherein a distance from the folding axis to a center of the first transmissive structure is equal to a distance from the folding axis to a center of the second transmissive structure; as well as A component overlaps with the first transmission structure, wherein when the foldable display device is in a folded state, the second transmission structure is configured to overlap with the first transmission structure and the component to transmit a signal between the component and an external entity.

2. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: A width of the second transmission structure in a first direction is equal to or greater than a width of the first transmission structure in the first direction, and wherein the first direction is parallel to a display surface of the first display panel.

3. The foldable display device according to claim 2, further comprising: A second display panel overlaps the first display panel, wherein the first display panel is configured to display a first image in a first display direction, and wherein the second display panel is configured to display a second image in a second display direction different from the first display direction.

4. The foldable display device according to claim 3, wherein: The second display panel includes a third transmission structure overlapping the second transmission structure, and wherein a width of the third transmission structure in the first direction is equal to or greater than the width of the second transmission structure in the first direction.

5. The foldable display device according to claim 4, wherein: The second display panel further includes a third pixel set, and wherein the third transmissive structure is surrounded by the third pixel set.

6. The foldable display device according to claim 3, further comprising: A circuit is disposed outside the second display panel and is electrically connected to each of the first display panel and the second display panel.

7. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first transmissive structure comprises a first hole extending through a layer of the first display panel, and wherein the second transmissive structure comprises a second hole extending through the layer of the first display panel.

8. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first display panel comprises: a first substrate; A pixel circuit layer, disposed on the first substrate and comprising a transistor and a storage capacitor; a display element layer disposed on the pixel circuit layer and comprising display elements, wherein some elements of the pixel circuit layer and some elements of the display element layer form the first pixel set and the second pixel set; and The thin film encapsulation layer is arranged on the display element layer.

9. The foldable display device according to claim 8, wherein: The display element layer includes pixel electrodes corresponding to the display elements respectively, includes emission layers corresponding to the pixel electrodes respectively, and includes a common electrode on the emission layers, and The common electrode has a first hole and a second hole respectively located in the first transmission structure and the second transmission structure.

10. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The components include at least one of a camera, a sensor, a speaker, a microphone, and a light.

11. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first display panel is flexible, and wherein the first display portion is directly connected to the second display portion.

12. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: When the foldable display device is in the folded state, in a plan view of the foldable display device, a periphery of the second transmissive structure surrounds a periphery of the first transmissive structure.

13. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first display portion further includes a touch electrode layer and an optical function layer, wherein the touch electrode layer includes a touch electrode and is covered by the optical function layer, and wherein the first transmission structure includes a hole located at one or more of the optical function layer and the touch electrode layer.

14. The foldable display device according to claim 1, further comprising: The second display panel is smaller than the first display panel and partially overlaps the first display panel.

15. The foldable display device according to claim 14, wherein: The second display portion is positioned closer to the second display panel than the first display portion.

16. The foldable display device according to claim 14, wherein: The second display panel includes a third pixel set, two third transmission structures surrounded by the third pixel set, and a fourth pixel set located between the two third transmission structures, and One of the two third transmission structures overlaps with the second transmission structure.

17. The foldable display device according to claim 16, wherein: When the foldable display device is in the folded state, the one of the two third transmissive structures overlaps with each of the second transmissive structure, the first transmissive structure, and the component.

18. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first transmission structure includes two first transmission substructures, wherein the first display portion further comprises a third pixel set located between the two first transmission substructures, The second transmission structure includes two second transmission substructures, and The second display portion further includes a fourth pixel set located between the two second transmission substructures.

19. The foldable display device according to claim 18, wherein: When the foldable display device is in the folded state, the component overlaps with the two first transmission substructures, the two second transmission substructures, the third pixel set, and the fourth pixel set.

20. The foldable display device according to claim 18, wherein: A minimum distance between the two first transmission substructures in the first direction is greater than a minimum distance between the two second transmission substructures in the first direction.

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