Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes a display area and a sensing area including a transmissive portion. The display device includes a substrate, display elements disposed on the substrate, a plurality of pixel circuits, and a light-shielding layer. The display elements include a first display element and a second display element, which are separated from each other by a transmissive portion between them. The plurality of pixel circuits include a first pixel circuit electrically connected to the first display element and a second pixel circuit electrically connected to the second display element. The light-shielding layer includes a portion overlapping the first and second pixel circuits and includes a hole corresponding to the transmissive portion. The width of the hole in the light-shielding layer is smaller than the separation distance between the first and second display elements.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0060807, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 23, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] One or more embodiments relate to a display device, and to a display device having a sensing area. Background Technology

[0004] In display devices, the need for a larger display area for output images is constantly increasing. For example, compared to the smaller area of ​​the display, display devices increasingly require outputting images from a larger area of ​​the front surface (and / or side surfaces).

[0005] Display devices are widely used in a variety of applications and are designed to provide a wide range of sensor-related functions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] For example, a display device requires a sensing area near the sensor location that can output or receive light. As the display area increases, the sensing area can be located within the display area. The display device may have a transmissive portion without pixels in at least a portion of the sensing area. Therefore, the sensor performance will not be degraded due to light output from pixels.

[0007] When a display device includes a transmissive element in the sensing area, light emitted from a pixel adjacent to the transmissive element in the sensing area can be refracted by the transmissive element. Therefore, image distortion can occur when the image is output from the display device.

[0008] One or more embodiments include a display device that can prevent degradation of image output performance even when the sensing area is within the display area.

[0009] However, the above purpose is for illustrative purposes only, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0010] Some aspects will be set forth in the following description, and some aspects will become apparent from the description or may be learned by practicing embodiments of this disclosure.

[0011] Therefore, a display device with multiple functions and improved quality can be provided. However, the above effects are exemplary, and the effects according to one or more embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the following description.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments, a display device may include a display area and a sensing area within the display area and a sensing area that may include a transmissive portion. A plurality of display elements are arranged on a substrate and include a first display element and a second display element. The first display element and the second display element are separated from each other by a transmissive portion between the first display element and the second display element. A plurality of pixel circuits include a first pixel circuit electrically connected to the first display element and a second pixel circuit electrically connected to the second display element. A light-shielding layer may include a portion overlapping with the first pixel circuit and the second pixel circuit. The light-shielding layer includes holes corresponding to the transmissive portion, wherein the width of the holes in the light-shielding layer may be smaller than the separation distance between the first display element and the second display element.

[0013] The holes in the light-shielding layer can overlap with the transmissive part.

[0014] The encapsulation layer can be arranged to face the light-shielding layer.

[0015] The encapsulation layer may include multiple inorganic encapsulation layers and an organic encapsulation layer between the multiple inorganic encapsulation layers.

[0016] The protective film may include openings corresponding to the sensing area.

[0017] For example, the substrate may include a first polymer resin layer and a second polymer resin layer, and a light-shielding layer may be located between the first polymer resin layer and the second polymer resin layer.

[0018] The light-shielding layer can be placed between the substrate and the buffer layer.

[0019] The light-shielding layer can be located between the insulating layer and the encapsulation layer on the substrate.

[0020] In another example, the light-shielding layer can be located between the substrate and multiple pixel circuits.

[0021] At least one of the multiple display elements can be located in the sensing area.

[0022] For example, the light-shielding layer may include a conductive material.

[0023] The light-shielding layer can be electrically connected to one of the multiple wirings that apply voltage to the multiple pixel circuits.

[0024] One of the multiple wirings electrically connected to the light-shielding layer may include an initialization voltage line or a power line.

[0025] The display device may include a planarization layer positioned on a plurality of pixel circuits and including an opening corresponding to a transmissive portion, wherein the width of the aperture of the light-shielding layer may be smaller than the width of the opening of the planarization layer.

[0026] The light-shielding layer can cover the entire first pixel circuit and the second pixel circuit.

[0027] The multiple display elements may include multiple pixels, and the multiple pixels may include a pixel electrode, an emission layer on the pixel electrode, and a counter electrode on the emission layer. The counter electrode is a single body corresponding to the multiple display elements, and the counter electrode includes an opening corresponding to the transmissive portion.

[0028] Multiple pixels can be multiple auxiliary pixels, multiple main pixels, or a combination of auxiliary pixels and main pixels.

[0029] Multiple main pixels can be in the display area, and multiple auxiliary pixels can be in the sensing area, with a transmissive portion between the auxiliary pixels and the main pixels.

[0030] At least one auxiliary pixel may be included in the auxiliary pixel region of the sensing region, and the sensing region may also include a transmission region that may include a transmission portion.

[0031] The auxiliary pixel area may include a red emission area, a green emission area, and a blue emission area.

[0032] The emission area can be either Pentile or striped.

[0033] The holes in the light-shielding layer can limit the transmission area.

[0034] The transmissive part can be rectangular or substantially circular in shape.

[0035] The light-shielding layer may include an absorbent material.

[0036] The display device may also include components disposed beneath a substrate corresponding to the sensing area and may include electronic elements that emit or receive light.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the display device may include a display area and a sensing area. The sensing area includes a transmissive portion. The display device may include a substrate, a plurality of display elements, a light-shielding layer, and components. The plurality of display elements are arranged on the substrate and include a first display element and a second display element. The first display element and the second display element are separated from each other by the transmissive portion between the first display element and the second display element. The components are arranged in the sensing area.

[0038] The encapsulation layer can be arranged to face the light-shielding layer.

[0039] The first pixel circuit may be electrically connected to the first display element and the second pixel circuit may be electrically connected to the second display element, and the planarization layer may be between the first pixel circuit and the first display element and between the second pixel circuit and the second display element, and the planarization layer may include an opening corresponding to the transmissive portion.

[0040] The pixel defining layer may face the planarization layer and the pixel defining layer may include an opening corresponding to the transmissive portion.

[0041] Each of the plurality of display elements may include a pixel electrode, an emission layer on the pixel electrode, and an opposing electrode on the emission layer, and a light-shielding layer may be between the pixel electrode of each of the plurality of display elements and the emission layer of each of the plurality of display elements and may include an opening overlapping the pixel electrode, and the width of the first opening of the light-shielding layer may be smaller than the width of the first opening of the planarization layer.

[0042] The light-shielding layer includes carbon black.

[0043] The relative electrode may be a single body corresponding to multiple display elements, and the relative electrode includes an opening corresponding to the transmissive portion.

[0044] The width of the first hole in the light-shielding layer can be smaller than the width of the opening of the opposite electrode or the width of the opening of the planarization layer.

[0045] The display device may further include a pixel defining layer on the planarization layer, and the pixel defining layer includes an opening corresponding to the transmissive portion.

[0046] The display device also includes a plurality of pixel circuits, including a first pixel circuit electrically connected to a first display element and a second pixel circuit electrically connected to a second display element.

[0047] The light-shielding layer can be located between the substrate and the first pixel circuit, and between the substrate and the second pixel circuit.

[0048] The light-shielding layer may include conductive materials.

[0049] The light-shielding layer may be electrically connected to one of a plurality of wirings that apply voltage to at least one of a plurality of pixel circuits.

[0050] At least one of the multiple display elements may overlap with the component.

[0051] Other aspects, features, and advantages that differ from the foregoing description will become apparent from the following figures, claims, and detailed description.

[0052] Therefore, a display device with multiple functions and improved quality can be provided. However, the above effects are examples, and the effects according to one or more embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the description. Attached Figure Description

[0053] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0054] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0055] Figure 2A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0056] Figure 2B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0057] Figure 2C This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0058] Figure 2D This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0059] Figure 3 This is a plan view showing the display panel according to an embodiment.

[0060] Figure 4 This is a plan view showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0061] Figures 5A to 5D This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0062] Figure 6A and Figure 6B These are plan views showing portions of the sensing area of ​​a display device according to other embodiments;

[0063] Figure 7 It is an equivalent schematic circuit diagram of the pixels according to the implementation method.

[0064] Figure 8 It is an equivalent schematic circuit diagram of the pixels according to the implementation method;

[0065] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device according to the embodiment;

[0066] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device according to the embodiment;

[0067] Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment; and

[0068] Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0069] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, examples of which are shown, wherein similar reference numerals always indicate similar elements. In this respect, embodiments may take different forms and should not be construed as limited to the description set forth herein. Therefore, the embodiments are described below only with reference to the accompanying drawings to explain the aspects described. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “at least one,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and not individual elements within that list.

[0070] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description with reference to the drawings, similar reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding elements, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0071] It will be understood that although terms such as “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one component from another. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0072] It will be further understood that the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising" or "including" are used to describe the presence of a stated feature or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features or components. It will be understood that when a layer, area, or component is referred to as "formed on" another layer, area, or component, it may be formed directly or indirectly on that other layer, area, or component. For example, intermediate layers, areas, or components may exist.

[0073] For ease of explanation or clarity, the dimensions of the elements in the accompanying drawings may be enlarged. In other words, for ease of explanation, since the dimensions and thicknesses of the components in the drawings can be arbitrarily shown, the following embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0074] In the examples below, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system and can be interpreted in a general sense. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis can be perpendicular to each other, or they can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other.

[0075] When the implementation methods can be different, the process flow sequence can be performed differently than the described sequence. For example, two consecutively described processes can be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of their description.

[0076] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the display device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0077] Reference Figure 1 The display device 1 may include a display area DA for displaying an image and a non-display area NDA for not displaying an image. The display device 1 may output an image (hereinafter referred to as "main image") by using light emitted from a pixel located in the display area DA (hereinafter referred to as main pixel Pm).

[0078] The display device 1 may include a sensing area SA. The sensing area SA may be within the display area DA. The sensing area SA may include a light and / or sound-transmitting transmissive portion TA.

[0079] A pixel (hereinafter referred to as an auxiliary pixel Pa) may be located within a portion of the sensing area SA. To distinguish a pixel located within the sensing area SA from pixels located in areas other than the sensing area SA, the pixel located within the sensing area SA may be referred to as an auxiliary pixel Pa. The display device 1 may output an image (hereinafter referred to as an "auxiliary image") by using light emitted from the auxiliary pixel Pa.

[0080] For example, the resolution of the auxiliary image output from the sensing area SA may be lower than the resolution of the main image output from the display area DA. The resolution of the indicator used to represent image accuracy may be limited to the number of pixels positioned per unit area. The sensing area SA may include a transmissive portion TA that is permeable to light and / or sound. Therefore, the number of pixels that can be positioned per unit area, for example, the number of auxiliary pixels Pa, may be less than the number of pixels positioned per unit area in the display area DA, for example, the number of main pixels Pm.

[0081] The sensing area SA may be at least partially surrounded by the display area DA. In one implementation, the sensing area SA may be completely surrounded by the display area DA, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the image.

[0082] In the following description, an organic light-emitting display device will be used as an example of display device 1 according to an embodiment. However, the display device according to one or more embodiments is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the display device according to this disclosure may be various types of display devices, such as inorganic electroluminescent (EL) displays and quantum dot light-emitting displays. Display device 1 may be a cellular phone, a smartwatch, a laptop, etc.

[0083] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, the sensing area SA may be located on one side (e.g., the upper right side) of the display area DA, which has a substantially rectangular shape. However, the implementation is not limited to this. For example, the shape of the display area DA may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal, such as a triangle or pentagon. Other shapes of the display area DA are also possible within the spirit and scope of the invention. The position and number of sensing areas SA may also vary.

[0084] Figure 2A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the display device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 2A Can correspond to along Figure 1 The cross section intercepted by line A-A'.

[0085] Reference Figure 2A The display device 1 may include a display panel 10 having pixels and a component 20 that can be positioned below the display panel 10 and corresponds to a sensing area SA. For example, the sensing area SA may indicate a component area corresponding to an area where the component 20 can be positioned.

[0086] The display panel 10 may include a substrate 100, a display layer 200 positioned on the substrate 100 and defining pixel areas, and an encapsulation layer 300 which may be a sealing member for sealing the display layer 200. According to an embodiment, the display panel 10 may further include a lower protective film 175 positioned below the substrate 100.

[0087] Substrate 100 may comprise glass or a polymer resin. The polymer resin may comprise polyethersulfone (PES), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), or cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). For example, substrate 100 may comprise a flexible, rollable, or bendable polymer resin. Substrate 100 may have a multilayer structure comprising a layer containing the aforementioned polymer resin and an inorganic layer (not shown). For example, substrate 100 may have a multilayer structure comprising a first polymer resin layer and a second polymer resin layer. The inorganic layer may be located between the first and second polymer resin layers.

[0088] The buffer layer 111 may be positioned on the substrate 100 and may reduce or prevent the penetration of dust, moisture or outside air from the lower part of the substrate 100. The buffer layer 111 may comprise inorganic materials such as oxides or nitrides, organic materials or organic / inorganic composite materials, and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure.

[0089] Display layer 200 may include a plurality of pixels. Each of the plurality of pixels may include pixel circuitry, a display element electrically connected to the pixel circuitry, and an insulating layer IL between the pixel circuitry and the display element. The pixel circuitry includes thin-film transistors (TFTs), such as a main TFT TFTm and an auxiliary TFT TFTa. The display element may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

[0090] A main pixel Pm, including a main TFT TFTm and a display element connected thereto, can be positioned in the display area DA. An auxiliary pixel Pa, including an auxiliary TFT TFTa and a display element connected thereto, can be positioned in the sensing area SA. Although not shown, at least one wiring can be positioned in the display area DA and / or the sensing area SA.

[0091] The sensing area SA may be a region where a component 20, such as a sensor, can be located. Component 20 may correspond to the sensing area SA below the substrate 100. Component 20 may be an electronic element that outputs and / or receives light or sound. For example, component 20 may be a sensor that uses received light (such as an infrared sensor) or a sensor that outputs and detects light or sound to measure distance or identify fingerprints. In some embodiments, component 20 may include an image sensor. For example, component 20 may be a camera that includes an image sensor and a lens. When component 20 is an electronic element that uses light, component 20 can capture an image by detecting or receiving light passing through the transmissive portion TA, and component 20 may use light with various wavelength bands, such as visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet (UV) light. In some embodiments, multiple components 20 may be positioned within the sensing area SA. For example, light-emitting and light-receiving devices for multiple components 20 may be positioned at locations corresponding to one sensing area SA. As an example, the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit may be configured together as one component 20.

[0092] The auxiliary pixel Pa of the sensing area SA may overlap with the component 20, and the transmissive portion TA may overlap with the component 20. The transmissive portion TA may be the auxiliary TFT TFTa and the area where the display element is not positioned. Light or signals emitted from the component 20 and / or light or signals incident on the component 20 may pass through the transmissive portion TA.

[0093] The transmissive portion TA can be positioned between adjacent pixels. For example, in FIG2, auxiliary pixel Pa and main pixel Pm can be separated from each other by the transmissive portion TA. In some embodiments, the pixels separated from each other by the transmissive portion TA can be auxiliary pixels Pa. For example, at least two auxiliary pixels Pa can be separated from each other by the transmissive portion TA.

[0094] Pixels (e.g., each of the primary pixel Pm and the secondary pixel Pa) may be covered by an encapsulation layer 300. The encapsulation layer 300 may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. In this respect, Figure 2A The first inorganic encapsulation layer 310, the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330, and the organic encapsulation layer 320 therebetween are shown.

[0095] The first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 may comprise at least one inorganic insulating material, such as alumina, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride. The organic encapsulation layer 320 may comprise a polymer-based material. Polymer-based materials may include PET, PEN, PC, PI, polyethylene sulfonate, polyoxymethylene, polyarylate, hexamethyl disiloxane (HMDSO), acrolein-based resins (e.g., polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylic acid), or any combination thereof. Encapsulation layers 310, 320, and 330 may comprise any other suitable material.

[0096] The light-shielding layer 400 may include a first aperture 400OP corresponding to the transmissive portion TA. The light-shielding layer 400 defines the first aperture 400OP corresponding to the transmissive portion TA and includes a portion of the light-shielding layer 400 containing a light-shielding material (e.g., metal, black ink, or other material). This portion of the light-shielding layer 400 may be positioned to cover the main pixel Pm of the display area DA and the auxiliary pixel Pa of the sensing area SA. The portion of the light-shielding layer 400 covering the main pixel Pm of the display area DA and the portion of the auxiliary pixel Pa covering the sensing area SA may be connected as a single entity. The light-shielding layer 400 covering the main pixel Pm of the display area DA and the auxiliary pixel Pa of the sensing area SA may be a single, continuous layer. For example, the light-shielding layer 400 may cover the entire area of ​​the display panel 10 except for the transmissive portion TA of the sensing area SA. In other words, the light-shielding layer 400 may surround the transmissive portion TA.

[0097] The light-shielding layer 400 may be in a multilayer structure of the substrate 100. For example, the light-shielding layer 400 may be in a multilayer structure such as... Figure 2A Between the sublayers of the substrate 100 described herein.

[0098] The first hole 400OP of the light-shielding layer 400 may overlap with a polymer resin layer (or inorganic layer) positioned above or below the light-shielding layer 400.

[0099] The term “overlap” may include layering, stacking, face or facing, extending over, covering or partially covering, or any other suitable term that will be understood and comprehended by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0100] For example, the light-shielding layer 400 may include a metal or metal oxide, such as chromium or chromium oxide. For example, the light-shielding layer 400 may be formed as a single layer or a stack of layers by sputtering or electron beam deposition. In embodiments, the light-shielding layer 400 may include an absorbing material. For example, the light-shielding layer 400 may at least absorb external light. For example, the absorbing material may include carbon black or an organic insulating material.

[0101] A lower protective film 175 may be attached to the lower portion of the substrate 100 to support and protect the substrate 100. The lower protective film 175 may include an opening 175OP corresponding to the sensing area SA. The opening 175OP may be disposed in the lower protective film 175 to improve the light transmittance of the sensing area SA. The lower protective film 175 may include PET or PI or other materials.

[0102] The area of ​​the sensing region SA can be larger than the area of ​​the region that the component 20 can be positioned. Figure 2A In this process, the area of ​​the sensing region SA and the area of ​​the opening 175OP can be the same or similar. However, the area of ​​the opening 175OP of the lower protective film 175 can be different from the area of ​​the sensing region SA. For example, the area of ​​the opening 175OP can be smaller than the area of ​​the sensing region SA.

[0103] Although not shown, elements such as input sensing components for sensing input, anti-reflective components including polarizers, delayers or color filters and black matrices, and transparent windows are positioned on the display panel 10.

[0104] In one embodiment, the encapsulation layer 300 can be used as an encapsulation component for sealing the display layer 200. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a sealing substrate bonded to the substrate 100 using a sealant or glass frit can also be used as a component for sealing the display layer 200.

[0105] Figure 2B This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the display device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 2B Can correspond to along Figure 1 The cross section intercepted by line A-A'.

[0106] Figure 2B The display device 1 has the same Figure 2A The structure is basically similar to the structure, but with Figure 2A The display device 1 is different. In Figure 2B In the display device 1, the light-shielding layer 400 may be located between the substrate 100 and the display layer 200. The differences will be described below.

[0107] The light-shielding layer 400 may be located between the substrate 100 and the display layer 200 on the substrate 100, for example, between the substrate 100 and the buffer layer 111. As another example, the light-shielding layer 400 may also be located between the substrate 100 and the TFTs (i.e., the main TFT TFTm and the auxiliary TFT TFTa included in the display layer 200).

[0108] For example, the light-shielding layer 400 may include a metal or metal oxide, or an absorbent material including a black pigment or dye. (See above reference...) Figure 2A The given description of the light-shielding layer 400 can be applied to Figure 2BDescription of a light-shielding layer 400 having a first hole 400OP.

[0109] Figure 2C and Figure 2D This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a display device 1 according to another embodiment.

[0110] Figure 2C and 2D The display device 1 has the same Figure 2A The structure is basically similar to the structure, but with Figure 2A The display device 1 differs in the position of the light-shielding layer 400. For ease of explanation in the following text, the above references... Figure 2A The similar structure of the given display device 1 can be applied to Figure 2C and Figure 2D The display device 1 in the text will be described, and its differences will be explained.

[0111] like Figure 2C As shown, the light-shielding layer 400 may be positioned on the encapsulation layer 300. The light-shielding layer 400 may include a first aperture 400OP corresponding to the transmissive portion TA and a second aperture 401OP corresponding to the emission region of each of the plurality of display elements (e.g., OLED) of the display layer 200.

[0112] like Figure 2D As shown, the light-shielding layer 400 may be located between the insulating layer IL and the encapsulation layer 300. The light-shielding layer 400 may include a first aperture 400OP corresponding to the transmissive portion TA and a corresponding display element (e.g., such as...). Figure 2C The second hole 401OP of the emission region of the OLED (display layer 200) in the display layer 200.

[0113] The display element may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) element, but other types of display elements may be included within the spirit and scope of this invention. The display element may be defined as a first display element and a second display element, but is not limited thereto. The first and second elements are interchangeable, and there may be more than one first and one second element. For example, the description may include a third display element and a fourth display element, etc. The display elements may be separated from each other by a separation distance.

[0114] The separation distance between display elements can be defined as the distance between the emission areas of their respective display elements. A description of these elements will follow later. Figures 9 to 12 The separation distance is described above. However, the separation distance is not limited to the above description and may include other definitions that will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art and that are within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0115] Figure 3 This is a plan view showing the display panel 10 according to an embodiment.

[0116] Reference Figure 3 The display panel 10 may include main pixels Pm positioned in the display area DA. Each of the plurality of main pixels Pm may include a display element, such as an OLED. Each of the plurality of main pixels Pm may emit, for example, red, green, blue, or white light from the OLED.

[0117] The sensing area SA may be within the display area DA, and auxiliary pixels Pa may be positioned within the sensing area SA. Each of the plurality of auxiliary pixels Pa may include a display element, such as an OLED. Each of the plurality of auxiliary pixels Pa may emit, for example, red, green, blue, or white light from the OLED. A transmissive portion TA may be disposed within the sensing area SA. The transmissive portion TA may be surrounded by pixels.

[0118] Because the sensing area SA may include the transmissive portion TA, as described above, the resolution of the image from the sensing area SA may be lower than the resolution of the image from the display area DA. For example, the resolution of the sensing area SA may be about half that of the display area DA. In an embodiment, the resolution of the display area DA may be 400 ppi or higher, and the resolution of the sensing area SA may be about 200 ppi.

[0119] Each of the main pixel Pm and the auxiliary pixel Pa can be electrically connected to external circuitry located in the non-display area NDA. The first scan drive circuit 110, the second scan drive circuit 120, the terminal 140, the data drive circuit 150, the first power line 160, and the second power line 170 can be located in the non-display area NDA.

[0120] The first scan driving circuit 110 can provide scan signals to each of the main pixel Pm and the auxiliary pixel Pa via scan line SL. The first scan driving circuit 110 can also provide emission control signals to each of the main pixel Pm and the auxiliary pixel Pa via emission control line EL. The second scan driving circuit 120 can be positioned parallel to the first scan driving circuit 110, with a display area DA therebetween. Some of the plurality of main pixels Pm and the plurality of auxiliary pixels Pa positioned in the display area DA can be electrically connected to the first scan driving circuit 110, while other pixels can be connected to the second scan driving circuit 120. In some embodiments, the second scan driving circuit 120 may be omitted.

[0121] Terminal 140 may be positioned on one edge of substrate 100. Terminal 140 may not be covered by an insulating layer, but may be exposed and thus electrically connected to a printed circuit board (PCB). Terminal PCB-P of the PCB may be electrically connected to terminal 140 of display panel 10. The PCB may transmit signals or power from a controller (not shown) to display panel 10. Control signals from the controller may be transmitted via the PCB to each of the first scan drive circuit 110 and the second scan drive circuit 120. The controller may provide first power and second power to the first power line 160 and the second power line 170 via first connection line 161 and second connection line 171, respectively. The first power supply voltage may be provided to each of the main pixel Pm and the auxiliary pixel Pa via a drive voltage line PL connected to the first power line 160, and the second power supply voltage may be provided to the opposite electrodes of each of the main pixel Pm and the auxiliary pixel Pa connected to the second power line 170.

[0122] The data driving circuit 150 can be electrically connected to the data line DL. The data signal of the data driving circuit 150 can be provided to each of the main pixel Pm and the auxiliary pixel Pa via the connection line 151 connected to the terminal 140 and the data line DL connected to the connection line 151. Figure 3 The data driving circuit 150 is shown positioned on the PCB. However, in some embodiments, the data driving circuit 150 may be positioned on the substrate 100. For example, a chip-on-panel (CoP) type data driving circuit 150 may be positioned on the substrate 100.

[0123] The first power line 160 may include a first sub-line 162 and a second sub-line 163, which extend parallel to each other in the x-direction and have the display area DA between them. The second power line 170 may partially surround the display area DA in the form of a loop with a side opening.

[0124] The light-shielding layer 400 may include a first aperture 400OP corresponding to the transmissive portion TA. A portion (e.g., a main body portion) of the light-shielding layer 400 defining the first aperture 400OP may cover the pixels surrounding the transmissive portion TA. In an embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, this portion of the light-shielding layer 400 can overlap with the entire display area DA and a portion of the sensing area SA.

[0125] For example, the light-shielding layer 400 may include a metal or metal oxide, or a light-shielding material comprising black ink or pigment. In an embodiment, the same voltage as one of the voltages applied to the display element may be applied to the light-shielding layer 400 comprising the metal or metal oxide. For example, the voltage may be applied via an initialization voltage line (e.g., Figure 8An initialization voltage line (VL), a first power supply line 160, and a second power supply line 170 are applied to the light-shielding layer 400. This voltage may be one of an initialization voltage Vint, a first power supply voltage (e.g., a drive voltage) ELVDD, and a second power supply voltage (e.g., a common voltage) ELVSS.

[0126] Figure 4 This is a plan view showing the display panel 10 according to an embodiment.

[0127] Reference Figure 4 The light-shielding layer 400 may correspond to the sensing area SA of the display area DA. For example, the light-shielding layer 400 may be positioned within at least a portion of the sensing area SA. (Refer to the above...) Figure 3 The given description can be applied to configurations other than the light-shielding layer 400.

[0128] like Figure 4 As shown, the light-shielding layer 400 in the sensing area SA can be located between adjacent layers among the multiple layers constituting the display panel 10. (Refer to...) Figures 5A to 5D To describe this in more detail.

[0129] Figures 5A to 5D This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the display device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0130] As per the above reference Figure 4 As described, the light-shielding layer 400 may include a first hole 400OP, which may be positioned in the sensing area SA and correspond to the transmissive part TA.

[0131] like Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the light-shielding layer 400 may be between multiple layers in the substrate 100 or between the substrate 100 and the display layer 200.

[0132] In the implementation method, such as Figures 5C to 5D As shown, the light-shielding layer 400 can be positioned on the encapsulation layer 300 (see...). Figure 5C Or between the insulating layer IL and the encapsulation layer 300 used to cover the TFT (e.g., auxiliary TFT TFTa) (see...) Figure 5D For example, in order to allow light emitted from a display element (e.g., an OLED positioned in an auxiliary pixel Pa) to pass through, the light-shielding layer 400 may include a second aperture 401OP corresponding to each display element.

[0133] Figures 2A to 2D The implementation method can be similar to Figures 5A to 5D The implementation method, in addition to Figures 5A to 5DIn addition to the embodiments described above, the light-shielding layer 400 may not be included in the display area DA or may not overlap with the display area DA, but may surround the transmissive portion TA in the sensing area SA.

[0134] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a plan view showing a portion of the sensing area SA of a display device according to other embodiments.

[0135] The sensing area SA may include: an auxiliary pixel area PaA including at least one auxiliary pixel Pa and a transmission area TAA including at least one transmission portion TA.

[0136] For example, the auxiliary pixel region PaA and the transmission region TAA can be in the form of a grid in which they intersect each other in the x-axis and y-axis directions.

[0137] In an implementation, the auxiliary pixel region PaA may include a red emitting region Par that emits red light, a green emitting region Pag that emits green light, and a blue emitting region Pab that emits blue light. Figure 6A and 6B In the middle, the launch area is The type is not specified. However, the emission area may be of the stripe type or other suitable arrangement and type as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0138] like Figure 6A and 6B As shown, the light-shielding layer 400 may include at least one first aperture 400OP corresponding to the transmissive portion TA of the sensing region SA. The first aperture 400OP may be defined by a portion (e.g., a main body portion) including material for forming the light-shielding layer 400, and the periphery of the transmissive portion TA may be covered by a portion including material for forming the light-shielding layer 400.

[0139] For example, the transmissive portion TA may be defined by the first hole 400OP of the light-shielding layer 400. The transmissive portion TA may have a rectangular shape in a direction perpendicular to the top surface of the light-shielding layer 400 (see...). Figure 6A ), circular shape (see Figure 6B (e.g., oval shape, or other shapes that a person skilled in the art will understand.) Figure 6A and Figure 6B The shapes shown are merely examples, but are not limited to these.

[0140] Figure 7 It is an equivalent schematic circuit diagram of the pixels according to the implementation method. Figure 8 This is an equivalent schematic circuit diagram of pixels according to an implementation method. For example, Figure 7 or Figure 8The equivalent schematic circuit diagram can be applied to the specifications of the main pixel Pm and / or auxiliary pixel Pa.

[0141] Reference Figure 7 Each of the main pixel Pm and the auxiliary pixel Pa may include a pixel circuit PC connected to the scan line SL and the data line DL, as well as an OLED connected to the pixel circuit PC.

[0142] The pixel circuit PC may include a driving TFT T1, a switching TFT T2, and a storage capacitor Cst. The switching TFT T2 may be connected to the scan line SL and the data line DL, and may transmit the data signal Dm input through the data line DL to the driving TFT T1 according to the scan signal Sn input through the scan line SL.

[0143] The storage capacitor Cst can be connected to the switch TFT T2 and the drive voltage line PL, and can store the voltage difference between the voltage supplied from the switch TFT T2 and the first power supply voltage ELVDD (or drive voltage) supplied to the drive voltage line PL.

[0144] The driving TFT T1 can be connected to the driving voltage line PL and the storage capacitor Cst, and the driving current flowing through the OLED from the driving voltage line PL can be controlled in response to the voltage value stored in the storage capacitor Cst. The OLED can then emit light with brightness due to the driving current.

[0145] exist Figure 7 In this design, the pixel circuit PC may include two TFTs and a storage capacitor. However, the implementation is not limited to this. Figure 8 As shown, the pixel circuit PC may include seven TFTs and a storage capacitor.

[0146] Reference Figure 8 Each of the main pixel Pm and auxiliary pixel Pa may include a pixel circuit PC and an OLED connected to the pixel circuit PC. The pixel circuit PC may include a TFT and a storage capacitor. The TFT and storage capacitor may be connected to signal lines SL, SL-1, EL and DL, initialization voltage line VL, and drive voltage line PL.

[0147] exist Figure 8 In this embodiment, each of the main pixel Pm and the auxiliary pixel Pa can be connected to signal lines SL, SL-1, EL and DL, initialization voltage line VL, and drive voltage line PL. However, the implementation is not limited to this. In another implementation, at least one of the signal lines SL, SL-1, EL and DL, initialization voltage line VL, and drive voltage line PL can be shared with adjacent pixels.

[0148] The TFT may include a driving TFT T1, a switching TFT T2, a compensation TFT T3, a first initialization TFT T4, an operation control TFT T5, an emission control TFT T6, and a second initialization TFT T7.

[0149] The signal lines may include a scan line SL for transmitting a scan signal Sn, a previous scan line SL-1 for transmitting a previous scan signal Sn-1 to a first initialization TFT T4 and a second initialization TFT T7, an emission control line EL for transmitting an emission control signal En to an operation control TFT T5 and an emission control TFT T6, and a data line DL for transmitting a data signal Dm while intersecting with the scan line SL. A drive voltage line PL may transmit a first power supply voltage ELVDD (e.g., a drive voltage) to a drive TFT T1, and an initialization voltage line VL may transmit an initialization voltage Vint for initializing the pixel electrode and the drive TFT T1.

[0150] The driving gate electrode G1 of the driving TFT T1 can be connected to the first storage plate Cst1 of the storage capacitor Cst. The driving source electrode S1 of the driving TFT T1 can be connected to the driving voltage line PL via the operation control TFT T5. Furthermore, the driving drain electrode D1 of the driving TFT T1 can be electrically connected to the pixel electrode of the OLED via the light emission control TFT T6. The driving TFT T1 can supply a driving current I to the OLED by receiving a data signal Dm according to the switching operation of the switching TFT T2. OLED .

[0151] The switching gate electrode G2 of the switching TFT T2 can be connected to the scan line SL, the switching source electrode S2 of the switching TFT T2 can be connected to the data line DL, and the switching drain electrode D2 of the switching TFT T2 can be connected to the driving source electrode S1 of the driving TFT T1 and can be connected to the driving voltage line PL via the operation control TFT T5. The switching TFT T2 can be turned on according to the scan signal Sn received via the scan line SL, and can perform a switching operation to send the data signal Dm sent to the data line DL to the driving source electrode S1 of the driving TFT T1.

[0152] The compensation gate electrode G3 of the compensation TFT T3 can be connected to the scan line SL. The compensation source electrode S3 of the compensation TFT T3 can be connected to the driving drain electrode D1 of the driving TFT T1 and connected to the pixel electrode of the OLED via the emission control TFT T6. Furthermore, the compensation drain electrode D3 of the compensation TFT T3 can be connected to the first storage plate Cst1 of the storage capacitor Cst, the first initialization drain electrode D4 of the first initialization TFT T4, and the driving gate electrode G1 of the driving TFT T1. The compensation TFT T3 can be turned on according to the scan signal received via the scan line SL and can electrically connect the driving gate electrode G1 and the driving drain electrode D1 of the driving TFT T1, thereby connecting the driving TFT T1 diode.

[0153] The first initialization gate electrode G4 of the first initialization TFT T4 can be connected to the previous scan line SL-1. The first initialization source electrode S4 of the first initialization TFT T4 can be connected to the second initialization drain electrode D7 and the initialization voltage line VL of the second initialization TFT T7. Furthermore, the first initialization drain electrode D4 of the first initialization TFT T4 can be connected to the first storage plate Cst1 of the storage capacitor Cst, the compensation drain electrode D3 of the compensation TFT T3, and the driving gate electrode G1 of the driving TFT T1. The first initialization TFT T4 can be turned on according to the previous scan signal Sn-1 received via the previous scan line SL-1, and can perform an initialization operation to send the initialization voltage Vint to the driving gate electrode G1 of the driving TFT T1 to initialize the driving gate electrode G1 of the driving TFT T1.

[0154] The operation control gate electrode G5 of the operation control TFT T5 can be connected to the emission control line EL, the operation control source electrode S5 of the operation control TFT T5 can be connected to the driving voltage line PL, and the operation control drain electrode D5 of the operation control TFT T5 can be connected to the driving source electrode S1 of the driving TFT T1 and the switching drain electrode D2 of the switching TFT T2.

[0155] The emission control gate electrode G6 of the emission control TFT T6 can be connected to the emission control line EL, the emission control source electrode S6 of the emission control TFT T6 can be connected to the driving drain electrode D1 of the driving TFT T1 and the compensation source electrode S3 of the compensation TFT T3, and the emission control drain electrode D6 of the emission control TFT T6 can be electrically connected to the second initialization source electrode S7 of the second initialization TFT T7 and the pixel electrode of the OLED.

[0156] The operation control TFT T5 and the light emission control TFT T6 can be simultaneously turned on according to the emission control signal En transmitted via the emission control line EL, and can supply a first power supply voltage ELVDD (e.g., driving voltage) to the OLED to drive the current I.OLED It can flow through OLED.

[0157] The second initialization gate electrode G7 of the second initialization TFT T7 can be connected to the previous scan line SL-1. The second initialization source electrode S7 of the second initialization TFT T7 can be connected to the emission control drain electrode D6 of the emission control TFT T6 and the pixel electrode of the OLED. Furthermore, the second initialization drain electrode D7 of the second initialization TFT T7 can be connected to the first initialization source electrode S4 of the first initialization TFT T4 and the initialization voltage line VL. The second initialization TFT T7 can be turned on according to the previous scan signal Sn-1 transmitted via the previous scan line SL-1 and can initialize the pixel electrode of the OLED.

[0158] exist Figure 8 In this embodiment, the first initialization TFT T4 and the second initialization TFT T7 can be connected to the previous scan line SL-1. However, the implementation is not limited to this. In another embodiment, the first initialization TFT T4 can be connected to the previous scan line SL-1 and driven according to the previous scan signal Sn-1. The second initialization TFT T7 can be connected to another signal line (e.g., a subsequent scan line) and driven according to the signal delivered to that signal line.

[0159] The second storage plate Cst2 of the storage capacitor Cst can be connected to the driving voltage line PL, and the opposite electrode of the OLED can be connected to the second power supply voltage ELVSS (e.g., common voltage). Therefore, the OLED can receive a driving current I from the driving TFT T1. OLED It can also emit light to display images.

[0160] exist Figure 8 In this configuration, each of the compensation TFT T3 and the first initialization TFT T4 has dual gate electrodes. However, each of the compensation TFT T3 and the first initialization TFT T4 may also have a single gate electrode.

[0161] In one implementation, the pixel circuit PC of the main pixel Pm may be the same as the pixel circuit PC of the auxiliary pixel Pa. However, the implementation is not limited to this. The pixel circuit PC of the main pixel Pm may be different from the pixel circuit PC of the auxiliary pixel Pa. For example, the main pixel Pm may use... Figure 8 The pixel circuit and auxiliary pixel Pa can be adopted Figure 7 Various modifications to the pixel circuitry.

[0162] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0163] Reference Figure 9 The pixels can be positioned around the transmissive element TA. Figure 9The diagram shows a first pixel P1, a second pixel P2, and a third pixel P3 positioned around a transmissive element TA, and the transmissive element TA can be positioned between adjacent (adjacent) first pixels P1 and second pixels P2. The arrangement of the pixels is not limited to this. For example, the transmissive element TA can be positioned between adjacent third pixels P3 and second pixels P2, or the transmissive element TA can be positioned between adjacent first pixels P1 and third pixels P3.

[0164] Figure 9 Each of the first pixel P1, the second pixel P2, and the third pixel P3 shown can be referenced. Figures 1 to 6B The auxiliary pixel Pa or the main pixel Pm is described.

[0165] For example, the first pixel P1 and the second pixel P2 can be auxiliary pixels Pa, and the third pixel P3 can be a principal pixel Pm. As an example, all of the first pixel P1, the second pixel P2, and the third pixel P3 can be auxiliary pixels Pa. For example, the first pixel P1 can be an auxiliary pixel Pa, and the second pixel P2 and the third pixel P3 can be principal pixels Pm. As an example, the first pixel P1 and the third pixel P3 can be auxiliary pixels Pa, and the second pixel P2 can be a principal pixel Pm. In another example, the second pixel P2 and the third pixel P3 can be auxiliary pixels Pa, and the first pixel P1 can be a principal pixel Pm. As an example, the second pixel P2 can be an auxiliary pixel Pa, and each of the first pixel P1 and the third pixel P3 can be an auxiliary pixel Pa.

[0166] The substrate 100 may include a first polymer resin layer 101 and a second polymer resin layer 103. A first barrier layer 102 may be located between the first polymer resin layer 101 and the second polymer resin layer 103, and a second barrier layer 104 may be located on the second polymer resin layer 103. The first barrier layer 102 and the second barrier layer 104 may include inorganic insulating materials.

[0167] The light-shielding layer 400 may be located between sublayers included in the substrate 100, for example, between the first polymer resin layer 101 and the second polymer resin layer 103. The light-shielding layer 400 may include a first aperture 400OP corresponding to the transmissive portion TA. For example, the light-shielding layer 400 may include a metal or metal oxide, or a light-shielding material including a black pigment or dye.

[0168] Semiconductor layer A may be positioned on buffer layer 111. Semiconductor layer A may include amorphous silicon. In embodiments, semiconductor layer A may include oxide semiconductors such as oxides of indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and / or zinc (Zn). For example, semiconductor layer A may include oxide semiconductors such as indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), zinc tin oxide (ZTO), or zinc indium oxide (ZIO).

[0169] The gate electrode G may be positioned on the semiconductor layer A, and the gate insulating layer 113 therebetween. The gate electrode G may include molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), and titanium (Ti), and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. In an example, the gate electrode G may have a single-layer structure of molybdenum (Mo).

[0170] The gate insulating layer 113 may include silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN). x ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO2).

[0171] The source electrode S and / or drain electrode D may be positioned on the gate electrode G, with an interlayer insulating layer 115 therebetween. The source electrode S and / or drain electrode D may comprise molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), and titanium (Ti), and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. In an example, the source electrode S and / or drain electrode D may have a Ti / Al / Ti multilayer structure. The materials of the various electrodes and insulating layers are not listed in any particular order, and any order or combination may be used as materials that will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0172] The planarization layer 117 may cover the top surface of the source electrode S and / or the drain electrode D, and may have a flat top surface so that the pixel electrode 210 can be formed planarly. The planarization layer 117 may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure including organic materials. The planarization layer 117 may include general polymers (such as benzocyclobutene (BCB), polyimide, HMDSO, PMMA, or PS) and polymer derivatives of groups including phenol-based polymers, acrolein-based polymers, imide-based polymers, aromatic ether-based polymers, amide-based polymers, fluorine-based polymers, p-xylene-based polymers, vinyl alcohol-based polymers, and mixtures thereof. The planarization layer 117 may include inorganic materials. The planarization layer 117 may include silicon oxide (SiO2), silicon nitride (SiN2), etc. xThe materials used may include silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO2). When the planarization layer 117 comprises inorganic materials, chemical planarization polishing may be performed appropriately. The planarization layer 117 may comprise all of organic and inorganic materials.

[0173] Pixel electrode 210 may be a reflective electrode. In an embodiment, pixel electrode 210 may include a reflective layer comprising silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), and / or composites thereof, and a transparent or translucent electrode layer formed on the reflective layer. The transparent or translucent electrode layer may include at least one selected from a cluster composed of indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), indium gallium oxide (IGO), and aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). In an embodiment, pixel electrode 210 may have an ITO / Ag / ITO stacked structure.

[0174] A pixel defining layer 119 may be positioned on a planarization layer 117. The pixel defining layer 119 may have an opening 119H overlapping with the pixel electrode 210. The central portion of the pixel electrode 210 may be exposed through the opening 119H, thereby defining an emission region EA for each of the first pixel P1, the second pixel P2, and the third pixel P3. Furthermore, the pixel defining layer 119 may increase the distance between the end of the pixel electrode 210 and the opposing electrode 230 on the pixel electrode 210, thereby preventing arcing at the end of the pixel electrode 210. For example, the pixel defining layer 119 may comprise an organic insulating material, such as polyamide, acrolein resin, BCB, HMDSO, and phenolic resin, and may be formed by spin coating.

[0175] The intermediate layer 220 may include an emission layer, such as an organic emission layer. The organic emission layer may include organic materials, including fluorescent or phosphorescent materials capable of emitting red, green, blue, or white light. The organic emission layer may include low molecular weight organic materials or polymeric organic materials. Functional layers, such as hole transport layer (HTL), hole injection layer (HIL), electron transport layer (ETL), and electron injection layer (EIL), may optionally be located below and above the organic emission layer.

[0176] The relative electrode 230 may be a light-transmitting electrode. In embodiments, the relative electrode 230 may be a transparent or semi-transparent electrode and may include a thin metal layer with a low work function, such as lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), LiF / Ca, LiF / Al, aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), and composites thereof. Furthermore, a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer, such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3, may be positioned on the metal thin layer. The relative electrode 230 may be positioned on the intermediate layer 220 and the pixel defining layer 119. The relative electrode 230 may be formed as a single body in the OLED and may correspond to the pixel electrode 210.

[0177] When the pixel electrode 210 is a reflective electrode and the opposite electrode 230 is a light-transmitting electrode, light can be emitted from the intermediate layer 220 toward the opposite electrode 230.

[0178] Reference Figure 9 The planarization layer 117, pixel defining layer 119, and opposing electrode 230 may each include a first opening 117OP, a second opening 119OP, and a third opening 230OP corresponding to the transmissive portion TA. The width of the first opening 117OP may be smaller than the width of the second opening 119OP, and the width of the second opening 119OP may be smaller than the width of the third opening 230OP. The light-shielding layer 400 may include a first hole 400OP corresponding to the transmissive portion TA, and the width of the first hole 400OP may be smaller than the width of the first opening 117OP.

[0179] When the width of the first aperture 400OP is less than the separation distance between display elements or less than the width of each of the first aperture 117OP, the second aperture 119OP and the third aperture 230OP, light diffracted through the fine gaps between lines LL1 and LL2 (e.g., data lines, scan lines, drive voltage lines and initialization voltage lines, etc.) around each transmissive portion TA and / or through the fine gaps formed by the transistors and storage capacitors of the circuits disposed in each pixel around the transmissive portion TA can be cut off.

[0180] Although not in Figure 9 As shown in the diagram, however, in an embodiment, a portion of the inorganic insulating layer, namely a portion of the buffer layer 111, the gate insulating layer 113, and the interlayer insulating layer 115, can be removed to correspond to the transmission portion TA. Removing a portion of the layer corresponding to the transmission portion TA can improve the transmittance in the transmission portion TA.

[0181] Figure 10A This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 10B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 10A and Figure 10BThe display device can prevent light diffraction through the fine gaps between lines LL1 and LL2 (e.g., data lines, scan lines, drive voltage lines, and initialization voltage lines) around each transmissive portion TA and / or the fine gaps formed by the transistors and storage capacitors of the circuitry disposed in each pixel around the transmissive portion TA, as shown above. Figure 9 Description. At position 400 of the light-shielding layer, Figure 10A and Figure 10B The display device is different from the reference. Figure 9 The implementation methods described will be explained. Therefore, their differences will be described.

[0182] Reference Figure 10A and 10B The light-shielding layer 400 may be located between the substrate 100 and the pixel circuit PC. For example, the light-shielding layer 400 may be located between the substrate 100 and the buffer layer 111. The light-shielding layer 400 may be located on a given layer between the substrate 100 and the pixel circuit PC. The light-shielding layer 400 may include an absorbing material, which may include a black pigment or dye.

[0183] In some embodiments, the light-shielding layer 400 may include a metal or a metal oxide. For example... Figure 10B As shown, the light-shielding layer 400 can be connected to one of a plurality of wirings WL that are electrically connected to the terminals of the PCB of the display device, and therefore, a voltage can be applied to the light-shielding layer 400. For example, the same voltage as a given voltage applied to the display element can be applied to the light-shielding layer 400.

[0184] The wiring WL electrically connected to the light-shielding layer 400 may include one of an initialization voltage line VL, a first power supply line 160, and a second power supply line 170. The voltage applied to the light-shielding layer 400 may be one of an initialization voltage Vint, a first power supply voltage ELVDD (e.g., a drive voltage), and a second power supply voltage ELVSS (e.g., a common voltage).

[0185] Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment.

[0186] Reference Figure 11 The light-shielding layer 400 may be positioned on the opposing electrode 230 of each of the first pixel P1, the second pixel P2, and the third pixel P3. In an embodiment, the light-shielding layer 400 may also be positioned on the encapsulation layer 300 for covering the opposing electrode 230.

[0187] The light-shielding layer 400 may include a metal or metal oxide, or an absorbing material including a black pigment or dye. Although not shown, an anti-reflective layer including a polarizer and / or a retarder may be positioned on the light-shielding layer 400.

[0188] The light-shielding layer 400 may include a first aperture 400OP corresponding to the transmissive portion TA and a second aperture 401OP corresponding to the emission region of each of the first pixel P1, the second pixel P2 and the third pixel P3 in the OLED.

[0189] The width of the first aperture 400OP of the light-shielding layer 400 may be smaller than the width of the first opening 117OP of the planarization layer 117 and the width of the third opening 230OP of the opposing electrode 230, respectively. For example, the width of the third opening 230OP may be larger than the width of the first opening 117OP, and the width of the first opening 117OP may be larger than the width of the first aperture 400OP. The pixel defining layer 119 may have an opening 119OP. The width of the third opening 230OP may be larger than the width of the opening 119OP of the pixel defining layer 119, the width of the opening 119OP of the pixel defining layer 119 may be larger than the width of the first opening 117OP, and the width of the first opening 117OP may be larger than the width of the first aperture 400OP.

[0190] Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0191] Reference Figure 12 The light-shielding layer 400 may be located between the pixel electrode 210 and the intermediate layer 220 of each of the first pixel P1, the second pixel P2, and the third pixel P3. The light-shielding layer 400 may have adjacent side surfaces of the pixel electrode 210 and the intermediate layer 220 of each of the first pixel P1, the second pixel P2, and the third pixel P3. A second aperture 401OP corresponding to each emission region EA of the light-shielding layer 400 may overlap with each pixel electrode 210. In this embodiment, for example, the light-shielding layer 400 may function as a pixel defining layer. The light-shielding layer 400 may include an absorbing material. The absorbing material may be a polymer material including carbon black and organic insulating materials.

[0192] The light-shielding layer 400, which acts as a pixel limiting layer, may include a first aperture 400OP corresponding to the transmissive portion TA and a second aperture 401OP corresponding to each of the plurality of display elements (i.e., the OLED of each of the first pixel P1, the second pixel P2 and the third pixel P3).

[0193] The width of the first aperture 400OP may be smaller than the width of the first opening 117OP of the planarization layer 117. The width of the third opening 230OP of the opposite electrode 230 may be greater than the width of the first aperture 400OP and the width of the first opening 117OP of the planarization layer 117. The sides of the planarization layer 117, which defines the first opening 117OP of the planarization layer 117, may be covered with a light-shielding layer 400 including an absorbing material.

[0194] According to one or more embodiments, the display device can prevent light from diffracting through the fine gaps between the circuits disposed in each pixel, and thus provide a high-quality image and prevent image distortion due to sensor area.

[0195] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects in each embodiment should generally be considered useful for other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form, detail, and scope may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A display device including a display region and a sensing region including a transmissive portion, the display device comprising: a substrate; a plurality of display elements arranged on the substrate and including a first display element and a second display element separated from each other by the transmissive portion therebetween; a plurality of pixel circuits including a first pixel circuit electrically connected to the first display element and a second pixel circuit electrically connected to the second display element; and a light-blocking layer including a portion overlapping the first and second pixel circuits, the light-blocking layer including a hole corresponding to the transmissive portion; wherein a width of the hole of the light-blocking layer is smaller than a separation distance between the first and second display elements; and at least one of the plurality of display elements is positioned in the sensing region, wherein the plurality of display elements each include a pixel electrode, an emission layer on the pixel electrode, and an opposing electrode on the emission layer, the opposing electrode including an opening corresponding to the transmissive portion, and a width of the hole of the light-blocking layer is smaller than a width of the opening of the opposing electrode, wherein the display device further comprises: a component arranged in the sensing region. The hole of the light-blocking layer overlaps the transmissive portion.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein 3. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: an encapsulation layer arranged to cover the light-blocking layer. The encapsulation layer includes a plurality of inorganic encapsulation layers and an organic encapsulation layer between the plurality of inorganic encapsulation layers.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein 5. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a protective film including an opening corresponding to the sensing region.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate includes a first polymeric resin layer and a second polymeric resin layer, and the light-blocking layer is between the first polymeric resin layer and the second polymeric resin layer.

7. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a buffer layer, and the light-blocking layer is between the substrate and the buffer layer.

8. The display device according to claim 3, further comprising: an insulating layer on the substrate, wherein the light-blocking layer is between the insulating layer and the encapsulation layer.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the light-blocking layer is between the substrate and the plurality of pixel circuits.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the light-blocking layer includes a conductive material.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein the light-blocking layer is electrically connected to one of a plurality of wiring lines that apply a voltage to the plurality of pixel circuits.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the one of the plurality of wiring lines electrically connected to the light-blocking layer includes an initialization voltage line or a power supply line.

13. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a planarization layer on the plurality of pixel circuits and including an opening corresponding to the transmissive portion, wherein ​ A width of the hole of the light-blocking layer is smaller than a width of the opening of the planarization layer.

14. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The light-blocking layer covers an entirety of the first pixel circuit and the second pixel circuit.

15. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The counter electrode is a single body corresponding to the plurality of display elements.

16. The display device of claim 15, wherein, The display device includes a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels being a plurality of auxiliary pixels or a plurality of main pixels or a combination of auxiliary pixels and main pixels.

17. The display device of claim 16, wherein, The plurality of main pixels are in the display region and the plurality of auxiliary pixels are in the sensing region, and the transmission portion is between the auxiliary pixels and the main pixels.

18. The display device of claim 17, wherein, At least one of the plurality of auxiliary pixels is in an auxiliary pixel region of the sensing region, and the sensing region further includes a transmission region including the transmission portion.

19. The display device of claim 18, wherein, The auxiliary pixel region includes a red emission region, a green emission region, and a blue emission region.

20. The display device of claim 19, wherein, The red emission region, the green emission region, and the blue emission region are of a Pentile type or a stripe type.

21. The display device of claim 1, wherein, The hole of the light-blocking layer defines the transmission portion.

22. The display device of claim 18, wherein, The transmission portion is of a rectangular shape or a circular shape.

23. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The light-blocking layer includes an absorbing material.

24. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The component is arranged under the substrate corresponding to the sensing region and includes an electronic element that emits or receives light.

25. A display device including a display region and a sensing region, the sensing region including a transmission portion, the display device comprising: a substrate; a plurality of display elements arranged on the substrate and including a first display element and a second display element, the first display element and the second display element being separated from each other with the transmission portion between the first display element and the second display element; a light-blocking layer including a first hole corresponding to the transmission portion; and a component arranged in the sensing region, wherein at least one of the plurality of display elements overlaps the component, wherein each of the plurality of display elements includes a pixel electrode, an emission layer on the pixel electrode, and a counter electrode on the emission layer, the counter electrode including an opening corresponding to the transmission portion, a width of the first hole of the light-blocking layer is smaller than a separation distance between the first display element and the second display element, and a width of the first hole of the light-blocking layer is smaller than a width of the opening of the counter electrode.

26. The display device according to claim 25, further comprising: a sealing layer arranged to cover the light-blocking layer.

27. The display device according to claim 25, further comprising: a first pixel circuit electrically connected to the first display element and a second pixel circuit electrically connected to the second display element; and a planarization layer between the first pixel circuit and the first display element and between the second pixel circuit and the second display element, wherein ​ ​ The planarization layer includes an opening corresponding to the transmission portion.

28. The display device according to claim 27, wherein The light-blocking layer is between the pixel electrode of each of the plurality of display elements and the emission layer of each of the plurality of display elements, and includes an opening overlapping the pixel electrode, and The width of the first hole of the light-blocking layer is smaller than the width of the opening of the planarization layer.

29. The display device according to claim 28, wherein The light-blocking layer includes carbon black.

30. The display device of claim 28, wherein, The counter electrode is a single body corresponding to the plurality of display elements, and the counter electrode includes an opening corresponding to the transmission portion.

31. The display device according to claim 27, further comprising: a pixel definition layer on the planarization layer, wherein the pixel definition layer includes an opening corresponding to the transmission portion.

32. The display device according to claim 28, further comprising: a plurality of pixel circuits including a first pixel circuit electrically connected to the first display element and a second pixel circuit electrically connected to the second display element, wherein The light-blocking layer is between the substrate and the first pixel circuit and between the substrate and the second pixel circuit.

33. The display device according to claim 32, wherein The light-blocking layer includes a conductive material.

34. The display device according to claim 32, wherein The light-blocking layer is electrically connected to a wiring that applies a voltage to at least one of the plurality of pixel circuits.

35. The display device of claim 1 or 25, wherein, The display device is a cellular phone, a smart watch, or a notebook computer.

36. A display panel including a display region and a sensing region, the sensing region including a transmission portion, the display panel comprising: a substrate; a plurality of display elements arranged on the substrate and including a first display element and a second display element, the first display element and the second display element being separated from each other with the transmission portion between the first display element and the second display element; an encapsulation layer arranged on the plurality of display elements; a plurality of pixel circuits including a first pixel circuit electrically connected to the first display element and a second pixel circuit electrically connected to the second display element; a plurality of lines located around the transmission portion and electrically connected to the first pixel circuit and the second pixel circuit, the plurality of lines being arranged at different layers; and a light-blocking layer including a first hole corresponding to the transmission portion; wherein the light-blocking layer overlaps the plurality of lines in the sensing region; and at least one of the plurality of display elements is positioned in the sensing region, wherein each of the plurality of display elements includes a pixel electrode, an emission layer over the pixel electrode, and a counter electrode over the emission layer, the counter electrode includes an opening corresponding to the transmissive portion, a width of the first hole of the light-blocking layer is smaller than a separation distance between the first display element and the second display element, and a width of the first hole of the light-blocking layer is smaller than a width of the opening of the counter electrode.

37. The display panel of claim 36, further comprising: a planarization layer between the first pixel circuit and the first display element and between the second pixel circuit and the second display element, wherein the planarization layer includes an opening corresponding to the transmissive portion.

38. The display panel of claim 37, wherein the light-blocking layer is between the pixel electrode of each of the plurality of display elements and the emission layer of each of the plurality of display elements, and includes an opening overlapping the pixel electrode, and a width of the first hole of the light-blocking layer is smaller than a width of the opening of the planarization layer.

39. The display panel of claim 36, wherein the light-blocking layer is between the substrate and the first pixel circuit and between the substrate and the second pixel circuit, and the light-blocking layer includes a conductive material.

40. The display panel of claim 39, wherein the light-blocking layer is electrically connected to a wiring that applies a voltage to at least one of the plurality of pixel circuits.

41. The display panel of claim 36, wherein the substrate includes a first polymeric resin layer and a second polymeric resin layer, and the light-blocking layer is between the first polymeric resin layer and the second polymeric resin layer.

42. The display panel of claim 36, wherein the light-blocking layer is over the encapsulation layer, and the light-blocking layer includes a second hole and a third hole corresponding to the first display element and the second display element, respectively.

43. The display panel of claim 36, wherein the light-blocking layer is over the encapsulation layer, and the light-blocking layer includes a second hole and a third hole corresponding to the first display element and the second display element, respectively.

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