Display device

Abstract

A display device includes a substrate including a display area and a non-display area, and a plurality of sub-pixels arranged in the display area and including a portion of an electrode disposed throughout the display area. The plurality of sub-pixels includes first and second sub-pixels to emit the same color of light, a first portion of the electrode of the first sub-pixel has a thickness different from a thickness of a second portion of the electrode of the second sub-pixel, and the first sub-pixel has a size different from a size of the second sub-pixel.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0083434, filed on July 10, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to display devices, and more specifically, to display devices comprising a plurality of sub-pixels. Background Technology

[0004] Recently, the uses of display devices have become more diversified. Furthermore, as display devices have become thinner and lighter, their applications have gradually expanded.

[0005] Display devices can be designed in various shapes and sizes when used in a variety of ways. Furthermore, the functions that can be combined with or associated with display devices are constantly increasing. For example, display devices typically include pinch holes to house cameras, infrared sensors, and the like.

[0006] The information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background of the inventive concept, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The applicant discovered that display devices with subpixels can have subpixels of different sizes due to various reasons (e.g., the incorporation of clip holes), and that variations in subpixel size can lead to deviations and inhomogeneities in brightness between the subpixels.

[0008] Display devices constructed according to the principles and exemplary embodiments of the present invention can minimize or at least reduce brightness deviations between pixels. For example, a display device constructed according to the principles and exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes sub-pixels with different sizes according to the thickness of their conductive layers (e.g., opposing electrodes) to minimize or at least reduce said brightness deviations. Sizing of sub-pixels according to the principles of the present invention can also reduce the degradation of light-emitting elements (e.g., organic light-emitting diodes) and improve their lifespan.

[0009] A display device constructed according to the principles and exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include an area in which a camera, sensor or similar component may be arranged to increase functionality that can be combined with or associated with the display device.

[0010] Other features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the following description and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display device includes: a substrate including a display area and a non-display area; and a plurality of sub-pixels disposed in the display area and including portions of electrodes disposed throughout the display area, wherein the plurality of sub-pixels includes a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel to emit light of the same color, a first portion of the electrode of the first sub-pixel having a thickness different from the thickness of a second portion of the electrode of the second sub-pixel, and the first sub-pixel having a size different from the size of the second sub-pixel.

[0012] The display device may further include a pixel defining layer, wherein the electrodes include opposing electrodes, the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel further include pixel electrodes disposed below the opposing electrodes, the pixel defining layer covers the edges of the pixel electrodes and defines an opening for exposing portions of the pixel electrodes, and the size of the first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel is defined by the opening.

[0013] The display area may include a first region extending in a first direction, wherein the first sub-pixel is disposed in the first region.

[0014] The display area may further include a second area, wherein the second sub-pixel is disposed in the second area, and the first area may be arranged to span the second area.

[0015] The display area may further include a second area, wherein the second sub-pixel is disposed in the second area, and the thickness of the electrode in the first area may be greater than its thickness in the second area.

[0016] The first region may further extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the display region may further include a second region, the second sub-pixel is disposed in the second region, and the thickness of the electrode in the first region may be less than its thickness in the second region.

[0017] The non-display area may include a first non-display area and a second non-display area. The display area may surround the first non-display area, and the second non-display area may surround the display area. The display area may include a first area extending in a first direction. The first sub-pixel is disposed in the first area, and the first area may be arranged between the first non-display area and the second non-display area.

[0018] The first non-display area may include a first area and a second area, and the first area may be further arranged between the first area and the second area.

[0019] The plurality of sub-pixels may include at least one red sub-pixel, at least one green sub-pixel, and at least one blue sub-pixel.

[0020] The plurality of sub-pixels can form a virtual quadrilateral, and the at least one red sub-pixel, the at least one green sub-pixel, and the at least one blue sub-pixel can be arranged at the vertex of one of the virtual quadrilaterals.

[0021] The plurality of sub-pixels can form a virtual quadrilateral, and the at least one red sub-pixel and the at least one blue sub-pixel can be arranged at the vertex of one of the virtual quadrilaterals to face the center point of the one of the virtual quadrilaterals, and the at least one green sub-pixel can be arranged at the center point of the one of the virtual quadrilaterals.

[0022] The plurality of sub-pixels may further include white sub-pixels, the plurality of sub-pixels may form a virtual quadrilateral, and the at least one red sub-pixel, the at least one green sub-pixel, the at least one blue sub-pixel and the white sub-pixel may be arranged at the vertex of one of the virtual quadrilaterals.

[0023] The red sub-pixel, the green sub-pixel, and the blue sub-pixel can be arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, a display device includes: a substrate including a display area and a non-display area; and a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) disposed in the display area and including portions of electrodes disposed throughout the display area, wherein the plurality of OLEDs includes a first OLED and a second OLED to emit light of the same color, a first portion of the electrode of the first OLED having a thickness different from the thickness of a second portion of the electrode of the second OLED, and a light-emitting area of ​​the first OLED having a size different from the size of the light-emitting area of ​​the second OLED.

[0025] The display device may further include a pixel defining layer, wherein the electrodes include opposing electrodes, each of the plurality of organic light-emitting diodes further includes a pixel electrode and a light-emitting layer, the pixel defining layer covers the edge of the pixel electrode of the plurality of organic light-emitting diodes to define an opening for exposing a portion of the pixel electrode, and the light-emitting area of ​​the plurality of organic light-emitting diodes is defined by the opening.

[0026] The display area may include a first area and a second area, the first organic light-emitting diode may be disposed in the first area, the second organic light-emitting diode may be disposed in the second area, and the first area may extend in a first direction to be arranged across the second area.

[0027] The first portion of the electrode in the first region may have a greater thickness than the second portion of the electrode in the second region.

[0028] The first region may further extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction that extends across the second region, and the first portion of the electrode in the first region may have a thickness smaller than the thickness of the second portion of the electrode in the second region.

[0029] The non-display area may include a first non-display area and a second non-display area. The display area may surround the first non-display area, the second non-display area may surround the display area, and the first area may be located between the first non-display area and the second non-display area.

[0030] Each of the plurality of organic light-emitting diodes can be configured to emit light of one of the colors red, green and blue, and arranged in a pentile matrix.

[0031] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed invention. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the inventive concept.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2A According to the exemplary implementation scheme along Figure 1A cross-sectional view taken from line II-II'.

[0035] Figure 2B It is according to another exemplary implementation along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line II-II'.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display panel constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Equivalent circuit diagram of an exemplary implementation of a representative sub-pixel.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the arrangement of multiple sub-pixels of a display panel constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the arrangement of multiple sub-pixels in the first and second regions.

[0040] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken from lines A-A', B-B', and C-C'.

[0041] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a mask used to form opposing electrodes in a display area in some exemplary manufacturing methods according to the principles of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 9 It is according to another exemplary implementation along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken by lines A-A', B-B', and C-C'.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a mask used to form opposing electrodes in a display area in a manufacturing method according to the principles of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 11 yes Figure 3 A plan view of another exemplary embodiment of the arrangement of multiple sub-pixels in the first and second regions.

[0045] Figure 12 yes Figure 3 Another exemplary embodiment is shown in a plan view of the arrangement of multiple sub-pixels in the first and second regions.

[0046] Figure 13 yes Figure 3 A plan view of another exemplary embodiment of the arrangement of multiple sub-pixels in the first and second regions. Detailed Implementation

[0047] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for purposes of explanation in order to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the invention. As used herein, "implementation" and "implementation" are interchangeable terms and are non-limiting examples of apparatus or methods employing one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent, however, that various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, the various exemplary embodiments may be different, but are not necessarily exclusive. For example, the specific shape, configuration, and characteristics of an exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment without departing from the inventive concept.

[0048] Unless otherwise specified, the exemplary embodiments illustrated are to be understood as providing exemplary features of various details in a manner in which the inventive concept can be practiced in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, areas and / or aspects of various embodiments (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”) may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged in other ways without departing from the inventive concept.

[0049] Crosshairs and / or shading are generally used in accompanying drawings to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, the presence or absence of crosshairs or shading does not express or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material properties, size, scale, commonalities between illustrated elements, or / or any other characteristics, properties, etc., of the elements, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, in the drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of elements may be enlarged for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. The specific sequence of processes may differ from the stated sequence when exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0050] When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly attached to the other element or layer, or there can be an intermediate element or layer. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to," there is no intermediate element or layer. Therefore, the term "connection" can refer to a physical, electrical, and / or fluid connection, with or without an intermediate element. Furthermore, the D1-axis, D2-axis, and D3-axis are not limited to the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system, such as the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the D1-axis, D2-axis, and D3-axis can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" can be interpreted as having only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0051] Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element.

[0052] Spatial relative terms, such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “above,” “higher,” “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”), may be used herein for descriptive purposes and thereby to describe the relationship of one element to another, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations described in the drawings, spatial relative terms are intended to also include different orientations of the equipment in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the equipment in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features would be positioned “above” said other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can include both the upper and lower orientations. Furthermore, the equipment may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and in such cases, the spatial relative descriptive symbols used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0053] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” and / or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of a defined feature, integer, step, operation, element, component, and / or group thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as approximations and not as terms of degree, and thus are used to explain inherent deviations in measurements, calculations, and / or provided values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0054] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional and / or sectional views, which are schematic diagrams of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Thus, variations in the shapes illustrated will be expected due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be interpreted as limited to the shapes of specific illustrated areas, but should include deviations in shape resulting from, for example, manufacturing processes. In this manner, the areas illustrated in the figures may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these areas may not reflect the actual shapes of the areas of the device, and are thus not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0057] refer to Figure 1 The display device 1 includes a display area DA through which light is emitted and a non-display area NDA through which light is not emitted.

[0058] Display device 1 can display images through display area DA. Display device 1 can be one of liquid crystal displays, electrophoretic displays, organic light-emitting displays, inorganic light-emitting displays, quantum dot light-emitting displays, field emission displays, surface conduction electron emission displays, plasma displays, cathode ray displays, and other types of displays known in the art.

[0059] Although for convenience, display device 1 is described as an organic light-emitting display device as an example, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto and can be various types of display devices.

[0060] The non-display area NDA may include a first non-display area NDA1 and a second non-display area NDA2. The first non-display area NDA1 includes a first region R1 and a second region R2, and the second non-display area NDA2 at least partially surrounds the display area DA. In an exemplary embodiment, the display area DA may completely surround the first non-display area NDA1, and the second non-display area NDA2 may completely surround the display area DA.

[0061] The display device 1 includes a first region R1 and a second region R2. The first region R1 and the second region R2 can be locations in which electronic components are arranged, as shown in the following reference. Figure 2A Described. The first region R1 and the second region R2 can be open areas and / or transmission areas through which light and / or sound emitted from the electronic component to the outside or traveling from the outside to the electronic component can pass. Although in Figure 1 The diagram shows an opening area or transmission area comprising two regions (R1 and R2), but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto, and may provide one transmission area, or may provide three or more transmission areas.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, where light passes through the first region R1 and the second region R2, the light transmittance can be 50% or greater than 50%, more preferably 70% or greater than 70%, 75% or greater than 75%, 80% or greater than 80%, or 85% or greater than 85%.

[0063] Although Figure 1 The first area R1 and the second area R2 are shown arranged on the upper right side of the display area DA, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited to this. In another exemplary embodiment, the positions of the first area R1 and the second area R2 can be changed differently.

[0064] Figure 2A It is based on the exemplary implementation scheme. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line II-II'.

[0065] refer to Figure 2AThe display device 1 may include a display panel 10 and a first electronic component 20 and a second electronic component 30. The display panel 10 includes display elements, and the first electronic component 20 and the second electronic component 30 correspond to (i.e. overlap with) a first region R1 and a second region R2 of the display panel 10, respectively. The display device 1 may further include various components, such as an input sensing member, an anti-reflective member, and a transparent window arranged on the display panel 10. The input sensing member senses touch input, and the anti-reflective member includes a polarizer and a delay unit, or a color filter and a black matrix.

[0066] The display panel 10 may include a substrate 100, an encapsulation substrate 400A as an encapsulation component, and a sealing component 450 disposed therebetween, wherein the encapsulation substrate 400A faces the substrate 100.

[0067] Substrate 100 may comprise glass or polymer resin. The polymer resin may comprise at least one of polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate, polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyaryl compounds, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). Substrate 100 comprising polymer resin may be flexible, rollable, or bendable. Substrate 100 may have a multilayer structure comprising a layer comprising polymer resin and an inorganic layer. Encapsulation substrate 400A may comprise glass or polymer resin.

[0068] Thin-film transistors (TFTs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) as display elements, and signal lines (SGLs) are arranged in the display area DA of the substrate 100, with the OLEDs connected to the thin-film transistors (TFTs).

[0069] The signal line SGL can provide signals (e.g., data signals and scan signals) to display elements that are spaced apart from each other in the y direction in the display area DA, excluding the first zone R1 and the second zone R2.

[0070] The display panel 10 may include vias corresponding to (i.e., overlapping) the first region R1 and the second region R2, respectively. For example, the substrate 100 and the package substrate 400A may include vias 100H and 400AH corresponding to the first region R1 and the second region R2, respectively, and all portions of the insulating layer IL or the components disposed between the substrate 100 and the package substrate 400A that overlap with the first region R1 and the second region R2 may be removed.

[0071] Although Figure 2AThe sealing member 450 is shown arranged on two opposite sides of each of the first region R1 and the second region R2, but it can be understood that when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the substrate 100, the first region R1 and the second region R2 are each completely surrounded by the sealing member 450.

[0072] The first electronic component 20 and the second electronic component 30 can be located in the first region R1 and the second region R2, respectively. The first electronic component 20 and the second electronic component 30 can be electronic components that use light or sound. For example, the electronic component can be a sensor, such as an infrared sensor that emits and / or receives light, a camera that receives light and captures images, a sensor that outputs and senses light or sound to measure distance or identify fingerprints, a small light that outputs light, or a speaker that outputs sound. Electronic components that use light can use light in various wavelength bands, such as visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light.

[0073] like Figure 2A As shown, when the display panel 10 includes through holes corresponding to the first region R1 and the second region R2, light or sound output from or received by the first electronic component 20 and the second electronic component 30 can be utilized more effectively.

[0074] Although Figure 2A The illustration shows that the display panel 10 includes vias corresponding to the first region R1 and the second region R2, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the encapsulation substrate 400A of the display panel 10 may include vias 400AH corresponding to the first region R1 and the second region R2, while the substrate 100 may not include vias. In another example, both the substrate 100 and the encapsulation substrate 400A of the display panel 10 may not include vias corresponding to the first region R1 and the second region R2. Even if the substrate 100 and the encapsulation substrate 400A do not include vias, the light transmittance of the first electronic element 20 and the second electronic element 30 can be improved by removing the insulating layer IL disposed between the substrate 100 and the encapsulation substrate 400A or the portion of the element corresponding to the first region R1 and the second region R2.

[0075] Figure 2B It is according to another exemplary implementation along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line II-II'.

[0076] refer to Figure 2B As a reference Figure 2AThe described display device 1 may include a display panel 10' and a first electronic component 20 and a second electronic component 30. The display panel 10' includes display elements, and the first electronic component 20 and the second electronic component 30 correspond to (i.e. overlap with) a first region R1 and a second region R2 of the display panel 10', respectively. The display device 1 may further include an input sensing member, an anti-reflective member, and a window, each disposed on the display panel 10', wherein the input sensing member senses touch input.

[0077] Reference Figure 2A The described display panel 10, which includes a packaging substrate 400A (which is a packaging component) and a sealing component 450, is different. Figure 2B The display panel 10' may include a thin-film encapsulation layer 400B. In this case, the flexibility of the display panel 10' can be further improved. In the following description, for ease of description, the differences between the encapsulation structures are mainly described.

[0078] The thin-film encapsulation layer 400B may include at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer. Regarding this, Figure 2B The diagram shows a first inorganic encapsulation layer 410, a second inorganic encapsulation layer 430, and an organic encapsulation layer 420 therebetween.

[0079] The first inorganic encapsulation layer 410 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 430 may comprise an inorganic insulating material selected from the group consisting of alumina, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. The organic encapsulation layer 420 may comprise a polymer-based material. The polymer-based material may include at least one selected from acrylic resins, epoxy resins, polyimide, and polyethylene.

[0080] The display panel 10' may include vias corresponding to (i.e., overlapping) the first region R1 and the second region R2. For example, the substrate 100 and the thin-film encapsulation layer 400B may include vias 100H and 400BH corresponding to the first region R1 and the second region R2, respectively. A first electronic component 20 and a second electronic component 30 using light or sound may be arranged in the first region R1 and the second region R2.

[0081] Unlike the display panel 10' which includes through holes corresponding to the first zone R1 and the second zone R2, Figure 2BThe display panel 10' may not include vias. For example, the thin-film encapsulation layer 400B includes vias 400BH corresponding to the first region R1 and the second region R2, while the substrate 100 may not include vias. In another example, both the substrate 100 and the thin-film encapsulation layer 400B may not include vias corresponding to the first region R1 and the second region R2. In this way, the light transmittance of the first electronic element 20 and the second electronic element 30 can be improved by removing the portion of the insulating layer IL or the element corresponding to the first region R1 and the second region R2 disposed between the substrate 100 and the thin-film encapsulation layer 400B.

[0082] Figure 3 This is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display panel constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0083] refer to Figure 3 The display panel 10 includes a plurality of sub-pixels P arranged in the display area DA. The sub-pixels P may be connected to scan lines SLa and SLb extending in a first direction (e.g., the x direction or (-)x direction) and data lines DL and drive voltage lines PL extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction (e.g., the y direction or (-)y direction).

[0084] Each sub-pixel P may include a display element such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). Sub-pixels P can emit, for example, red, green, blue, or white light via the OLED. In the illustrated embodiment, it is understood that a sub-pixel P is a pixel unit that emits red, green, blue, or white light. The display area DA can be referenced. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The described encapsulation component covers and is therefore protected from external air or moisture.

[0085] The first scan driver 1100 and the second scan driver 1200 can be arranged in the second non-display area NDA2, and the first scan driver 1100 and the second scan driver 1200 provide scan signals to the sub-pixel P. The first scan driver 1100 can be arranged on the left side of the display area DA, and the second scan driver 1200 can be arranged on the right side of the display area DA.

[0086] The scan signal generated by the first scan driver 1100 can be provided to some sub-pixels P, and the scan signal generated by the second scan driver 1200 can be provided to the remaining sub-pixels P.

[0087] The first scan driver 1100 and the second scan driver 1200 can be arranged on two opposite sides of the display area DA and can perform dual scanning. For example, the first scan driver 1100 can generate a scan signal and transmit the scan signal to some sub-pixels P in the display area DA, and the second scan driver 1200 can generate a scan signal and transmit the scan signal to the remaining sub-pixels P in the display area DA. The first scan driver 1100 and the second scan driver 1200 can be synchronized by a synchronized clock signal.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, a sub-pixel P arranged on the left side of the first non-display area NDA1 can receive a scan signal generated by the first scan driver 1100, and a sub-pixel P arranged on the right side of the first non-display area NDA1 can receive a scan signal generated by the second scan driver 1200.

[0089] The data driver 2000, main power line, etc. can be arranged in the second non-display area NDA2. The data driver 2000 provides data signals to the sub-pixel P, and the main power line provides driving voltage and / or common voltage.

[0090] In cases where multiple sub-pixels P emit light, even when a constant driving voltage or current is applied, a brightness difference may occur due to the thickness difference of the opposing electrodes, as described below. Specifically, the display area DA includes at least one first area A1 and a second area A2, and the first area A1 is the area including opposing electrodes having a thickness different from that of the opposing electrodes in the second area A2. When a constant driving voltage or current is applied, a brightness difference may occur between the first area A1 and the second area A2.

[0091] A first region A1 may be arranged within a display region DA and may extend in a first direction. Multiple first regions A1 may be spaced apart from each other within the display region DA. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and the first regions A1 may extend in a second direction. In the following description, for ease of description, the case where the first regions A1 extend in the first direction is primarily described.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment, the first region A1 may extend in the x-direction from the second non-display region NDA2 adjacent to the first scan driver 1100 to the first non-display region NDA1. Furthermore, the first region A1 may extend in the (-)x-direction from the second non-display region NDA2 adjacent to the second scan driver 1200 to the first non-display region NDA1.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment, the first region A1 may be disposed between the first region R1 and the second region R2. The first region A1 may extend in a first direction between the first region R1 and the second region R2. In another exemplary embodiment, the first region A1 may not be disposed between the first region R1 and the second region R2.

[0094] The second region A2 may represent the portion of the display region DA that does not include the first region A1. The second region A2 may be adjacent to the first non-display region NDA1, the second non-display region NDA2, and the first region A1. In particular, the first region A1 may be arranged in a first direction to span the second region A2. Therefore, the second region A2 may be divided into a (2-1) region Aa2 and a (2-2) region Ab2 by the first region A1.

[0095] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Equivalent circuit diagram of an exemplary implementation of a representative sub-pixel.

[0096] refer to Figure 4 Each sub-pixel P includes a pixel circuit PC and an organic light-emitting diode OLED. The pixel circuit PC is connected to the scan line SL and the data line DL, and the organic light-emitting diode OLED is connected to the pixel circuit PC.

[0097] The pixel circuit PC may include a driving thin-film transistor T1, a switching thin-film transistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst. The switching thin-film transistor T2 is connected to the scan line SL and the data line DL, and in response to the scan signal Sn input through the scan line SL, transmits the data signal Dm input through the data line DL to the driving thin-film transistor T1.

[0098] The storage capacitor Cst is connected to the switching thin-film transistor T2 and the drive voltage line PL, and stores the voltage corresponding to the difference between the voltage transmitted through the switching thin-film transistor T2 and the first power supply voltage ELVDD (or drive voltage) supplied to the drive voltage line PL.

[0099] The driving thin-film transistor T1 is connected to the driving voltage line PL and the storage capacitor Cst, and can control the driving current flowing from the driving voltage line PL through the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) in response to the voltage value stored in the storage capacitor Cst. The OLED can emit light with brightness by using the driving current.

[0100] Although Figure 4 The illustrated pixel circuit PC includes two thin-film transistors and a storage capacitor, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. The pixel circuit PC may include seven thin-film transistors and a storage capacitor. Various modifications are possible.

[0101] Figure 5 This is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the arrangement of multiple sub-pixels of a display panel constructed according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 5 In the diagram, the red subpixel Pr, the green subpixel Pg, and the blue subpixel Pb represent subpixels that emit red, green, and blue light, respectively. The size of the subpixels can be defined by the openings in the pixel-limiting layer, as will be described below.

[0102] Multiple sub-pixels (e.g., red sub-pixel Pr, green sub-pixel Pg, and blue sub-pixel Pb) can represent the light-emitting regions of multiple organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The light-emitting regions of the multiple OLEDs are similar to or substantially the same as the openings in the pixel-defining layer that overlaps with the multiple OLEDs.

[0103] refer to Figure 5 Red subpixels Pr and blue subpixels Pb can be alternately arranged in a first direction (e.g., the x-direction or the (-)x-direction) on a first row 1N, and green subpixels Pg can be arranged at predetermined intervals in a second row 2N adjacent to the first row 1N in the first direction. Similarly, red subpixels Pr and blue subpixels Pb can be alternately arranged in a third row 3N, and green subpixels Pg can be arranged at predetermined intervals in a fourth row 4N adjacent to the third row 3N. This subpixel arrangement can be repeated until a predetermined row is set.

[0104] The green subpixel Pg arranged in the second row 2N can be alternated with the red subpixel Pr and blue subpixel Pb arranged in the first row 1N. Therefore, the red subpixel Pr and blue subpixel Pb can be alternately arranged in the first column 1M in a second direction (e.g., the y-direction or the (-)y-direction), and the green subpixel Pg can be arranged in the second column 2M in the second direction at predetermined intervals. This subpixel arrangement can be repeated until a predetermined column is set. In this case, the blue subpixel Pb and red subpixel Pr can be larger than the green subpixel Pg. Alternatively, the blue subpixel Pb can be larger than the red subpixel Pr and green subpixel Pg.

[0105] This type of subpixel arrangement can be represented in other languages, where: the green subpixel Pg is located at the center of the virtual quadrilateral VS, the red subpixel Pr is arranged at the first and third vertices of the virtual quadrilateral VS that face each other, and the blue subpixel Pb is arranged at the second and fourth vertices of the remaining vertices of the virtual quadrilateral VS. Specifically, the red subpixel Pr and the blue subpixel Pb are arranged relative to each other around the center point of the virtual quadrilateral VS. In this case, the virtual quadrilateral VS can be a rectangle, rhombus, square, etc. Various modifications can be made.

[0106] Subpixel arrangement is not limited to this. For example, in Figure 5 In the virtual quadrilateral VS, instead of the green sub-pixel Pg, the blue sub-pixel Pb can be located at the center of the virtual quadrilateral VS, the red sub-pixel Pr can be placed at the first and third vertices facing each other in the vertices of the virtual quadrilateral VS, and the green sub-pixel Pg can be placed at the second and fourth vertices of the remaining vertices of the virtual quadrilateral VS.

[0107] This type of subpixel arrangement structure is called a pentile matrix structure, which can achieve high resolution with a small number of subpixels by applying a rendering driver that expresses color by sharing adjacent subpixels.

[0108] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the arrangement of multiple sub-pixels in the first and second regions. Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken by lines A-A', B-B', and C-C'.

[0109] refer to Figure 6 Red sub-pixels Pr and blue sub-pixels Pb can be alternately arranged in the display area DA in a first direction (e.g., the x-direction), and green sub-pixels Pg can be arranged in the first direction at predetermined intervals. That is, multiple sub-pixels P can be arranged in a pentile matrix structure.

[0110] The first region A1 can be arranged in a first direction (e.g., the x-direction) to span the second region A2. In particular, the first region A1 can divide the second region A2 into a (2-1)th region Aa2 and a (2-2)th region Ab2.

[0111] Multiple sub-pixels P can be arranged in a first region A1 and a second region A2. Specifically, the first region A1 may include a first sub-pixel. The (2-1)th region Aa2 and the (2-2)th region Ab2 included in the second region A2 may include a second sub-pixel. In particular, the size of the first sub-pixel arranged in the first region A1 may be different from the size of the second sub-pixel arranged in the second region A2, and it produces light of substantially the same color as the light produced by the first sub-pixel. Here, the size of the sub-pixel may refer to the planar area of ​​the light-emitting area realized by the display element. For example, the size of the sub-pixel may refer to the planar area of ​​the opening defined by the pixel defining layer described below. In the following figures, for ease of understanding of planar area, the length of the sub-pixel is indicated.

[0112] For example, the size Wr1 of the first red sub-pixel Pr1 arranged in the first region A1 can be larger than the size Wr2 of the second red sub-pixel Pr2 arranged in the second region A2. As another example, the size Wg1 of the first green sub-pixel Pg1 arranged in the first region A1 can be larger than the size Wg2 of the second green sub-pixel Pg2 arranged in the second region A2. As yet another example, the size Wb1 of the first blue sub-pixel Pb1 arranged in the first region A1 can be larger than the size Wb2 of the second blue sub-pixel Pb2 arranged in the second region A2.

[0113] The shortest distance between adjacent first and second sub-pixels in the first region A1 may differ from the shortest distance between adjacent third and fourth sub-pixels in the second region A2, where the third and fourth sub-pixels produce substantially the same color as the first and second sub-pixels, respectively. Here, the shortest distance may refer to the planar distance between openings in the pixel-defining layer. For example, the first shortest distance dis1 between the first red sub-pixel Pr1 and the first green sub-pixel Pg1 in the first region A1 may differ from the second shortest distance dis2 between the second red sub-pixel Pr2 and the second green sub-pixel Pg2 in the second region A2. Specifically, the first shortest distance dis1 may be less than the second shortest distance dis2.

[0114] See below for reference. Figure 7 The stacking structure of display device 1 is described. Figure 7 In the middle, due to with Figure 6 Reference numbers that are the same in the reference numerals represent the same element, so repeated descriptions are omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0115] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The substrate 100 may comprise glass or a polymer resin. The polymer resin may comprise polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate, polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). The substrate 100 comprising the polymer resin may be flexible, rollable, or bendable. The substrate 100 may have a multilayer structure comprising a layer comprising the polymer resin and an inorganic layer.

[0116] A buffer layer 111 may be disposed on the substrate 100 to reduce or prevent the penetration of foreign substances, moisture, or external air from beneath the substrate 100, and may provide a flat surface on the substrate 100. The buffer layer 111 may comprise inorganic materials (e.g., oxides or nitrides), organic materials, or organic / inorganic composite materials, and may include a single-layer or multi-layer structure of inorganic and organic materials. A barrier layer may be further provided between the substrate 100 and the buffer layer 111 to block the penetration of external air. In an exemplary embodiment, the buffer layer 111 may comprise SiO2 or SiN. x (0.5≤x≤1.5). Buffer layer 111 may include a stacked first buffer layer 111a and a second buffer layer 111b.

[0117] Thin-film transistors (TFTs) can be disposed on buffer layer 111. Each TFT includes a semiconductor layer Act1, a gate electrode G1, a source electrode S1, and a drain electrode D1. The TFT can be connected to an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) in the display area DA to drive the OLED.

[0118] Semiconductor layer Act1 may be disposed on buffer layer 111 and may comprise polysilicon. In another exemplary embodiment, semiconductor layer Act1 may comprise amorphous silicon. In another exemplary embodiment, semiconductor layer Act1 may comprise an oxide of at least one of In, Ga, Sn, Zr, V, Hf, Cd, Ge, Cr, Ti, and Zn. Semiconductor layer Act1 may include a channel region, a source region, and a drain region, the source region and drain region being doped with impurities.

[0119] The first gate insulating layer 112 may cover the semiconductor layer Act1. The first gate insulating layer 112 may contain an inorganic insulating material, including SiO2 and SiN. x (0.5≤x≤1.5), SiON, Al2O3, TiO2, Ta2O5, HfO2, and ZnO2. The first gate insulating layer 112 may include a single layer or multiple layers containing the above inorganic insulating materials.

[0120] The gate electrode G1 is disposed on the first gate insulating layer 112 so as to overlap with the semiconductor layer Act1. The gate electrode G1 may comprise a single layer or multiple layers, wherein the single layer or multiple layers comprise at least one of Mo, Al, Cu and Ti. For example, the gate electrode G1 may be a single Mo layer.

[0121] The second gate insulating layer 113 may cover the gate electrode G1. The second gate insulating layer 113 may contain SiO2 or SiN. x(0.5≤x≤1.5), at least one inorganic insulating material selected from SiON, Al2O3, TiO2, Ta2O5, HfO2, and ZnO2. The second gate insulating layer 113 may include a single layer or multiple layers containing the above inorganic insulating materials.

[0122] The top electrode C2 of the storage capacitor Cst can be arranged on the second gate insulating layer 113.

[0123] The top electrode C2 may overlap with the gate electrode G1 below it. The gate electrode G1 and the top electrode C2 may form a storage capacitor Cst, with the gate electrode G1 and the top electrode C2 overlapping each other and the second gate insulating layer 113 located between them. That is, the gate electrode G1 may serve as the bottom electrode C1 of the storage capacitor Cst.

[0124] The top electrode C2 may comprise a single layer or multiple layers, wherein the single layer or multiple layers comprise at least one of Al, Pt, Pd, Ag, Mg, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, Mo, Ti, W and Cu.

[0125] The interlayer insulating layer 115 may cover the top electrode C2. The interlayer insulating layer 115 may contain SiO2 or SiN. x (0.5≤x≤1.5), at least one of SiON, Al2O3, TiO2, Ta2O5, HfO2 and ZnO2.

[0126] The source electrode S1 and drain electrode D1 can be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 115. The source electrode S1 and drain electrode D1 can contain conductive materials containing Mo, Al, Cu, and Ti, and can include a single layer or multiple layers containing the above materials. For example, the source electrode S1 and drain electrode D1 can have a Ti / Al / Ti multilayer structure.

[0127] The planarization layer 117 can cover the source electrode S1 and the drain electrode D1. The planarization layer 117 can have a flat top surface, such that the first pixel electrode 221a and the second pixel electrode 221b disposed thereon are formed flatly.

[0128] The planarization layer 117 may comprise a single layer or multiple layers containing organic or inorganic materials. The planarization layer 117 may comprise general-purpose polymers such as benzocyclobutene (BCB), polyimide, hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or polystyrene (PS), polymer derivatives having phenol-based groups, acryloyl-based polymers, imide-based polymers, aryl ether-based polymers, amide-based polymers, fluorine-based polymers, p-xylene-based polymers, vinyl alcohol-based polymers, and blends thereof. The planarization layer 117 may comprise SiO2, SiN...x (0.5≤x≤1.5), SiON, Al2O3, TiO2, Ta2O5, HfO2, or ZnO2. After forming the planarization layer 117, chemical mechanical polishing can be performed to provide a flat top surface.

[0129] The planarization layer 117 includes an opening that exposes one of the source electrode S1 and drain electrode D1 of the thin-film transistor TFT. The first pixel electrode 221a or the second pixel electrode 221b can be electrically connected to the thin-film transistor TFT by contacting the source electrode S1 or the drain electrode D1 through the opening. Specifically, the first pixel electrode 221a can be disposed in a first region A1, and the second pixel electrode 221b can be disposed in a second region A2.

[0130] The first pixel electrode 221a and the second pixel electrode 221b may comprise conductive oxides, including indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In₂O₃), indium gallium oxide (IGO), and zinc aluminum oxide (AZO). In another exemplary embodiment, the first pixel electrode 221a and the second pixel electrode 221b may comprise a reflective layer comprising Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, or compounds thereof. In another exemplary embodiment, the first pixel electrode 221a and the second pixel electrode 221b may further comprise a layer comprising ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In₂O₃ on or under the reflective layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the first pixel electrode 221a and the second pixel electrode 221b may have an ITO / Ag / ITO stacked structure.

[0131] A pixel defining layer 119 may be disposed on the planarization layer 117 and cover the edges of each of the first pixel electrode 221a and the second pixel electrode 221b. The pixel defining layer 119 includes openings that overlap with the first pixel electrode 221a and the second pixel electrode 221b, respectively, to define the size of the respective sub-pixels. The pixel defining layer 119 can prevent arcing or the like at the edges of the pixel electrodes (e.g., the first pixel electrode 221a and the second pixel electrode 221b) by increasing the distance between the edges of the first pixel electrode 221a and the second pixel electrode 221b and the opposing electrodes above the first pixel electrode 221a and the second pixel electrode 221b. The pixel defining layer 119 may comprise an organic insulating material, such as polyimide, polyamide, acrylic resin, BCB, HMDSO, and phenolic resin. The pixel defining layer 119 may be formed by a method such as spin coating.

[0132] The openings in the pixel defining layer 119 may include a red sub-pixel opening overlapping with an OLED emitting red light, a green sub-pixel opening overlapping with an OLED emitting green light, and a blue sub-pixel opening overlapping with an OLED emitting blue light. (Reference) Figure 7 The pixel defining layer 119 may include a first red sub-pixel opening OPr1 and a first green sub-pixel opening OPg1 disposed on the first pixel electrode 221a. Furthermore, the pixel defining layer 119 may include a second red sub-pixel opening OPr2 and a second green sub-pixel opening OPg2 disposed on the second pixel electrode 221b.

[0133] The size of the red sub-pixel opening within the first region A1 can be larger than the size of the red sub-pixel opening within the second region A2. For example, the size of the first red sub-pixel opening OPr1 can be larger than the size of the second red sub-pixel opening OPr2. Furthermore, the size of the green sub-pixel opening within the first region A1 can be larger than the size of the green sub-pixel opening within the second region A2. For example, the size of the first green sub-pixel opening OPg1 can be larger than the size of the second green sub-pixel opening OPg2.

[0134] The size of the red subpixel opening can be larger than the size of the green subpixel opening in the same area. For example, the size of the first red subpixel opening OPr1 can be larger than the size of the first green subpixel opening OPg1. As another example, the size of the second red subpixel opening OPr2 can be larger than the size of the second green subpixel opening OPg2.

[0135] The first functional layer 222a may be disposed on the first pixel electrode 221a and the second pixel electrode 221b exposed by the opening of the pixel defining layer 119. The first functional layer 222a may extend to the top surface of the pixel defining layer 119. The first functional layer 222a may include a single layer or multiple layers. The first functional layer 222a may include a hole transport layer (HTL) having a single-layer structure. Alternatively, the first functional layer 222a may include a hole injection layer (HIL) and an HTL. The first functional layer 222a may be provided as a single unit to correspond to a sub-pixel P in the display area DA.

[0136] A light-emitting layer 222b is disposed on the first functional layer 222a to correspond to each of the first pixel electrode 221a and the second pixel electrode 221b. The light-emitting layer 222b may contain a polymer material or a low molecular weight material and emits red light, green light, blue light or white light.

[0137] The second functional layer 222c can be disposed on the light-emitting layer 222b. The second functional layer 222c can include a single layer or multiple layers. The second functional layer 222c can include an electron transport layer (ETL) and / or an electron injection layer (EIL). The second functional layer 222c can be provided as a single unit to correspond to the sub-pixel P in the display area DA. The first functional layer 222a and / or the second functional layer 222c can be omitted.

[0138] The counter electrode 223 is disposed above the second functional layer 222c. The counter electrode 223 may comprise a conductive material with a low work function. For example, the counter electrode 223 may comprise a (semi-)transparent layer comprising Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, or alloys thereof. Alternatively, the counter electrode 223 may further comprise a layer comprising ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3 on / below the (semi-)transparent layer comprising the above materials.

[0139] An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) can be formed by one of the first pixel electrode 221a and the second pixel electrode 221b, the light-emitting layer 222b, and the portion of the opposing electrode 223 overlapping with the light-emitting layer 222b. The OLED may further include the portion of the first functional layer 222a overlapping with the light-emitting layer 222b and the portion of the second functional layer 222c overlapping with the light-emitting layer 222b. The OLED emits light through a light-emitting region, which is the portion of the light-emitting layer 222b exposed by the opening in the pixel defining layer 119. The light-emitting region can determine the size of the corresponding sub-pixel.

[0140] The relative electrodes 223 may have different thicknesses in the first region A1 and the second region A2. The relative electrodes 223 may include a first relative electrode 223a and a second relative electrode 223b. The first relative electrode 223a may correspond to (i.e., overlap with) a first sub-pixel disposed in the first region A1, and the second relative electrode 223b may correspond to (i.e., overlap with) a second sub-pixel disposed in the second region A2, and produce light of substantially the same color as the light produced by the first sub-pixel. For example, the first relative electrode 223a may correspond to a first red sub-pixel Pr1, and the second relative electrode 223b may correspond to a second red sub-pixel Pr2. As another example, the first relative electrode 223a may correspond to a first green sub-pixel Pg1, and the second relative electrode 223b may correspond to a second green sub-pixel Pg2.

[0141] Since the first region A1 includes the first red sub-pixel Pr1 and the first green sub-pixel Pg1 (see...) Figure 6Therefore, the first relative electrode 223a can correspond to (i.e., overlap with) the first region A1. Since the second region A2 includes the second red sub-pixel Pr2 and the second green sub-pixel Pg2, the second relative electrode 223b can correspond to (i.e., overlap with) the second region A2. Therefore, the first relative electrode 223a can extend along the first region A1 in the first direction. Since the first region A1 can be arranged in the first direction to span the second region A2, the first relative electrode 223a can be arranged to span the second relative electrode 223b.

[0142] The first relative electrode 223a may be electrically connected to the second relative electrode 223b. In an exemplary embodiment, the first relative electrode 223a and the second relative electrode 223b may be provided as a single unit.

[0143] The thickness of the first relative electrode 223a may be different from the thickness of the second relative electrode 223b. In particular, the thickness of the first relative electrode 223a may be greater than the thickness of the second relative electrode 223b.

[0144] A capping layer may be provided on the counter electrode 223 to protect the counter electrode 223 and improve light extraction efficiency. The capping layer may contain LiF. Alternatively, the capping layer may contain an inorganic insulating material (e.g., silicon nitride) and / or an organic insulating material. In an exemplary embodiment, the capping layer may be omitted.

[0145] Because the thickness of the first opposing electrode 223a is different from the thickness of the second opposing electrode 223b, the brightness of the light emitted from the first sub-pixel in the first region A1 can be different from the brightness of the light emitted from the second sub-pixel in the second region A2. For example, because Figure 3 Some manufacturing methods for the display panel 10, which includes a first region A1 and a second region A2, allow for different thicknesses of the opposing electrodes 223 in the first region A1 and the second region A2. In this way, the brightness difference of light can be reduced by making the first sub-pixel larger than the second sub-pixel. Therefore, the overall brightness deviation of light is reduced, and the optical compensation process can be improved.

[0146] In another exemplary embodiment, the brightness difference between the first region A1 and the second region A2 can be reduced by increasing the driving voltage or current applied to the first region A1 compared to the second region A2. When the driving voltage or current increases, the layer containing organic material within the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) may degrade, and therefore the lifetime of the OLED may decrease. By increasing the size of the sub-pixels within the first region A1, where the driving voltage or current is increased, this degradation of the OLED can be reduced and its lifetime can be improved.

[0147] The following describes in detail a manufacturing method in which the thickness of the first relative electrode 223a may be different from the thickness of the second relative electrode 223b.

[0148] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a mask used to form opposing electrodes in a display area in some exemplary manufacturing methods according to the principles of the present invention.

[0149] refer to Figure 8A The first mask M1 may include a first opening MOP1. The first opening MOP1 may be formed as... Figure 3 The shape corresponds to the region Aa2 in region (2-1). (See reference) Figure 8B The second mask M2 may include a second opening MOP2. The second opening MOP2 may be formed as... Figure 3 The shape of region Ab2 in region (2-2) corresponds to that of region Ab2.

[0150] The first mask M1 and the second mask M2 are used to form Figure 7 The mask for the relative electrode 223 can be a fine metal mask (FMM). An FMM can be manufactured by forming holes in a metal plate and then applying tension.

[0151] The first opening MOP1 and the second opening MOP2 can be used to form the opposite electrode 223.

[0152] In an exemplary embodiment, electrode material for the relative electrode 223 can be deposited using a first mask M1 and a second mask M2. Figure 8A The first mask M1 can be used to deposit electrode material on Figure 3 In the first region A1 and the (2-1)th region Aa2. Figure 8B The second mask M2 can be used to deposit electrode material on Figure 3 In the first region A1 and the (2-2)th region Ab2.

[0153] refer to Figure 8A A second functional layer 222c is formed above the substrate 100 (see [reference]). Figure 7 After that, the first opening MOP1 is arranged to correspond to the region Aa2 in the (2-1)th region.

[0154] Next, using a deposition source, electrode material is deposited through the first opening MOP1 onto the second functional layer 222c to form a portion of the opposite electrode 223.

[0155] A portion of the relative electrode 223 may also be formed outside the first opening MOP1 of the first mask M1. This phenomenon is called shading. For example, a portion of the relative electrode 223 may be formed in a first shading region Sd1 outside the first opening MOP1. A first shading portion Sd1-1 of the first shading region Sd1 may be provided in the first region A1.

[0156] Next, as Figure 8B As shown, the second mask M2 is arranged such that the second opening MOP2 corresponds to the (2-2) region Ab2, and then the electrode material is deposited a second time. In this case, a portion of the opposing electrode 223 can be formed according to the second opening MOP2 of the second mask M2. Due to the shading phenomenon, the portion of the opposing electrode 223 can also be formed in a second shaded region Sd2 outside the second opening MOP2. For example, the second shaded portion Sd2-1 of the second shaded region Sd2 can be provided in the first region A1.

[0157] When the region where electrode material is deposited through the first opening MOP1 differs from the region where electrode material is deposited through the second opening MOP2, the electrode material deposited through the first opening MOP1 can overlap with the electrode material deposited through the second opening MOP2. Specifically, portions of the opposing electrodes 223 formed in the first shaded region Sd1-1 and the second shaded region Sd2-1 can constitute... Figure 7 The first relative electrode 223a.

[0158] The electrode material is initially deposited in region (2-1) Aa2, which does not overlap with the first shaded region Sd1-1, and then deposited a second time in region (2-2) Ab2, which does not overlap with the second shaded region Sd2-1, to form... Figure 7 The second opposing electrode 223b. Therefore, the thickness of the first opposing electrode 223a can be different from the thickness of the second opposing electrode 223b. In particular, the thickness of the first opposing electrode 223a can be greater than the thickness of the second opposing electrode 223b. However, the method of manufacturing the display device is not limited to the manufacturing method described above, and the display device can be manufactured by various methods.

[0159] Figure 9 It is according to another exemplary implementation along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken by lines A-A', B-B', and C-C'. Figure 10 This is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a mask used to form opposing electrodes in a display area in a manufacturing method according to the principles of the present invention.

[0160] exist Figure 9 In the middle, due to with Figure 7Reference numbers that are the same represent the same element, so repeated descriptions are omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0161] Figure 9 The first relative electrode 223a' and the second relative electrode 223b' are similar to Figure 7 The first relative electrode 223a and the second relative electrode 223b are provided, but the thickness of the first relative electrode 223a' can be less than the thickness of the second relative electrode 223b'.

[0162] refer to Figure 10 The display area DA may include a first area A1' and a second area A2'. The first area A1' may extend in a first direction (e.g., the x-direction or (-)x-direction) and a second direction intersecting the first direction (e.g., the y-direction or (-)y-direction). The first area A1' may include at least one (1-1)th area Aa1 extending in the first direction and at least one (1-2)th area Ab1 extending in the second direction. Specifically, the first direction may be perpendicular to the second direction. The second area A2' may be the remaining area of ​​the display area DA. For example, the second area A2' may include a (2-1)th area Aa2' and a (2-2)th area Ab2' separated by the (1-1)th area Aa1 of the first area A1'. Therefore, the first area A1' may be arranged to span the second area A2' in the display area DA in both the first and second directions. For example, the first area A1' may extend in both the x-direction and the y-direction.

[0163] The following describes a manufacturing method in which the thickness of the first relative electrode 223a' is less than the thickness of the second relative electrode 223b'.

[0164] Figure 10 The mask M' can be used to form the opposite electrode in the display area DA.

[0165] Mask M' includes an opening MOP'. Mask M' includes a first shielding portion SH1' and a second shielding portion SH2', each having a circular shape. The number of shielding portions is not limited to two, and there may be one shielding portion or three or more shielding portions. However, for ease of description, the case in which the first shielding portion SH1' and the second shielding portion SH2' are provided is mainly described.

[0166] The first shielding portion SH1' or the second shielding portion SH2' may have a circular shape. However, the first shielding portion SH1' and the second shielding portion SH2' are not limited to this, and may have polygonal shapes including triangular and quadrilateral shapes.

[0167] The first shielding portion SH1' and the second shielding portion SH2' can be designed to prevent electrode material from depositing on... Figure 3 In the first region R1 and the second region R2. Therefore, the shapes of the first shielding portion SH1' and the second shielding portion SH2' can be similar to the shapes of the first region R1 and the second region R2.

[0168] The first shielding portion SH1' or the second shielding portion SH2' may have at least one rib for support by the mask M' in the opening MOP'. For example, the first shielding portion SH1' or the second shielding portion SH2' may include a first rib Rib1' in a first direction (e.g., the x-direction or (-)x-direction) for support by the mask M'. As another example, the first shielding portion SH1' or the second shielding portion SH2' may include a second rib Rib2' in a second direction (e.g., the y-direction or (-)y-direction) for support by the mask M'. Furthermore, the first shielding portion SH1' and the second shielding portion SH2' may include a third rib Rib3' for mutual support.

[0169] The first rib Rib1', the second rib Rib2', and the third rib Rib3' can be arranged to span the opening MOP'. Therefore, the first rib Rib1', the second rib Rib2', and the third rib Rib3' can separate the opening MOP'.

[0170] The mask M' can be a mask used for depositing electrode material and can be a fine metal mask (FMM). An FMM can be manufactured by forming holes in a metal plate and then applying tension.

[0171] An open MOP can be designed to be used to form a counter electrode. (Reference) Figure 10 A second functional layer 222c is formed above the substrate 100 (see [reference]). Figure 9 After that, the opening MOP' can be arranged to correspond to the second area A2'.

[0172] Next, using a deposition source, electrode material is deposited onto the second functional layer 222c through the opening MOP' to form a counter electrode. In this case, the counter electrode is formed in the region overlapping with the opening MOP' of the mask M'.

[0173] The opposing electrode may also be formed in the shaded region Sd' adjacent to the opening MOP'. For example, the opposing electrode may be formed outside the opening MOP' of the mask M', and in the region overlapping with the first rib Rib1', the second rib Rib2', the third rib Rib3', the first shielding portion SH1', and the second shielding portion SH2'. A portion of the shaded region Sd' may be included in the first region A1'.

[0174] Since the portion of the relative electrode located in the shadow region Sd' is formed by the shading phenomenon, the amount of electrode material deposited in the shadow region Sd' can be less than the amount of electrode material deposited in the second region A2'. Therefore, the thickness of the first relative electrode 223a' formed in the first region A1' can be less than the thickness of the second relative electrode 223b' formed in the second region A2'. However, the method of manufacturing the display device is not limited to the manufacturing method described above, and the display device can be manufactured using various methods.

[0175] When the thickness of the first opposing electrode 223a' is less than the thickness of the second opposing electrode 223b', due to the resistance of the metal of the opposing electrodes, the brightness of the light emitted from the first sub-pixel in the first region A1' can be less than the brightness of the light emitted from the second sub-pixel in the second region A2'. In this way, the brightness of the light generated by the first sub-pixel can be increased by making the size of the first sub-pixel larger than the size of the second sub-pixel. Therefore, the brightness deviation of the overall light is reduced, and the optical compensation process can be improved.

[0176] In another exemplary embodiment, the brightness difference between the first region A1' and the second region A2' can be reduced by increasing the driving voltage or current applied to the first region A1' compared to the second region A2'. When the driving voltage or current increases, the layer containing organic material within the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) may degrade, and therefore the lifetime of the OLED may decrease. This degradation of the OLED can be reduced and its lifetime improved by increasing the size of the sub-pixels within the first region A1' where the driving voltage or current is increased.

[0177] Figure 11 yes Figure 3 A plan view of another exemplary embodiment of the arrangement of multiple sub-pixels in the first and second regions.

[0178] refer to Figure 11 Red subpixels Pr, green subpixels Pg, and blue subpixels Pb can be alternately arranged in a first direction (e.g., the x-direction or the (-)x-direction) on a first row 1N. Red subpixels Pr, green subpixels Pg, and blue subpixels Pb can also be alternately arranged in a second row 2N in the first direction (e.g., the x-direction or the (-)x-direction). This subpixel arrangement can be repeated until a predetermined row is set.

[0179] Red sub-pixels Pr can be continuously arranged in the first column 1M along the second direction (y-direction or (-)y-direction), green sub-pixels Pg can be continuously arranged in the second column 2M adjacent to the first column 1M along the second direction (y-direction or (-)y-direction), and blue sub-pixels Pb can be continuously arranged in the second direction in the third column 3M adjacent to the second column 2M. This sub-pixel arrangement can be repeated until a predetermined column is set.

[0180] In this configuration, the red subpixel Pr, green subpixel Pg, and blue subpixel Pb can be substantially the same size. This type of subpixel arrangement is called an RGB vertical stripe structure.

[0181] because Figure 11 The first region A1-1, the (2-1)th region Aa2-1, the (2-2)th region Ab2-1, the first red sub-pixel Pr1-1, the first green sub-pixel Pg1-1, the first blue sub-pixel Pb1-1, the second red sub-pixel Pr2-1, the second green sub-pixel Pg2-1, the second blue sub-pixel Pb2-1, the size Wr1-1 of the first red sub-pixel Pr1-1, the size Wr2-1 of the second red sub-pixel Pr2-1, the size Wg1-1 of the first green sub-pixel Pg1-1, the size Wg2-1 of the second green sub-pixel Pg2-1, the size Wb1-1 of the first blue sub-pixel Pb1-1, the size Wb2-1 of the second blue sub-pixel Pb2-1, the first shortest distance dis1-1 and the second shortest distance dis2-1 are described as similar to Figure 6 The first region A1, the (2-1)th region Aa2, the (2-2)th region Ab2, the first red sub-pixel Pr1, the first green sub-pixel Pg1, the first blue sub-pixel Pb1, the second red sub-pixel Pr2, the second green sub-pixel Pg2, the second blue sub-pixel Pb2, the size Wr1 of the first red sub-pixel Pr1, the size Wr2 of the second red sub-pixel Pr2, the size Wg1 of the first green sub-pixel Pg1, the size Wg2 of the second green sub-pixel Pg2, the size Wb1 of the first blue sub-pixel Pb1, the size Wb2 of the second blue sub-pixel Pb2, the first shortest distance dis1 and the second shortest distance dis2 are omitted in detail to avoid redundancy.

[0182] Figure 12 yes Figure 3 Another exemplary embodiment is shown in a plan view of the arrangement of multiple sub-pixels in the first and second regions.

[0183] refer to Figure 12Red subpixels Pr, green subpixels Pg, blue subpixels Pb, and green subpixels Pg can be alternately arranged in the first row 1N in a first direction (e.g., the x-direction or the (-)x-direction). Blue subpixels Pb, green subpixels Pg, red subpixels Pr, and green subpixels Pg can be alternately arranged in the second row 2N adjacent to the first row 1N. This subpixel arrangement can be repeated until a predetermined row is set.

[0184] Red subpixels Pr and blue subpixels Pb can be alternately arranged in the first column 1M in a second direction (e.g., the y-direction or the (-)y-direction), and green subpixels Pg can be arranged in the second direction at predetermined intervals in the second column 2M adjacent to the first column 1M. Blue subpixels Pb and red subpixels Pr can be alternately arranged in the second direction in the third column 3M adjacent to the second column 2M. Green subpixels Pg can be arranged in the second direction at predetermined intervals in the fourth column 4M adjacent to the third column 3M. This subpixel arrangement can be repeated until a predetermined number of columns are set. In this case, blue subpixels Pb and red subpixels Pr are larger than green subpixels Pg. Alternatively, blue subpixels Pb can be larger than red subpixels Pr and green subpixels Pg. This type of subpixel arrangement is called an RGBG structure.

[0185] because Figure 12 The first region A1-2, the (2-1) region Aa2-2, the (2-2) region Ab2-2, the first red sub-pixel Pr1-2, the first green sub-pixel Pg1-2, the first blue sub-pixel Pb1-2, the second red sub-pixel Pr2-2, the second green sub-pixel Pg2-2, the second blue sub-pixel Pb2-2, the size Wr1-2 of the first red sub-pixel Pr1-2, the size Wr2-2 of the second red sub-pixel Pr2-2, the size Wg1-2 of the first green sub-pixel Pg1-2, the size Wg2-2 of the second green sub-pixel Pg2-2, the size Wb1-2 of the first blue sub-pixel Pb1-2, the size Wb2-2 of the second blue sub-pixel Pb2-2, the first shortest distance dis1-2 and the second shortest distance dis2-2 are described as similar to Figure 6The first region A1, the (2-1)th region Aa2, the (2-2)th region Ab2, the first red sub-pixel Pr1, the first green sub-pixel Pg1, the first blue sub-pixel Pb1, the second red sub-pixel Pr2, the second green sub-pixel Pg2, the second blue sub-pixel Pb2, the size Wr1 of the first red sub-pixel Pr1, the size Wr2 of the second red sub-pixel Pr2, the size Wg1 of the first green sub-pixel Pg1, the size Wg2 of the second green sub-pixel Pg2, the size Wb1 of the first blue sub-pixel Pb1, the size Wb2 of the second blue sub-pixel Pb2, the first shortest distance dis1 and the second shortest distance dis2 are omitted in detail to avoid redundancy.

[0186] Figure 13 yes Figure 3 A plan view of another exemplary embodiment of the arrangement of multiple sub-pixels in the first and second regions.

[0187] refer to Figure 13 Red subpixels Pr, green subpixels Pg, blue subpixels Pb, and white subpixels Pw can be alternately arranged in the first row 1N in a first direction (e.g., the x-direction or the (-)x-direction). Blue subpixels Pb, white subpixels Pw, red subpixels Pr, and green subpixels Pg can be alternately arranged in the second row 2N adjacent to the first row 1N. This subpixel arrangement can be repeated until a predetermined row is set.

[0188] Red subpixels Pr and blue subpixels Pb can be alternately arranged in the first column 1M in a second direction (e.g., the y-direction or the (-)y-direction), and green subpixels Pg and white subpixels Pw can be alternately arranged in the second direction in the second column 2M adjacent to the first column 1M. This subpixel arrangement can be repeated until a predetermined number of columns are defined. In this case, multiple subpixels can be formed with substantially constant dimensions. This type of subpixel arrangement is called an RGBW structure.

[0189] because Figure 13The first region A1-3, the (2-1) region Aa2-3, the (2-2) region Ab2-3, the first red sub-pixel Pr1-3, the first green sub-pixel Pg1-3, the first blue sub-pixel Pb1-3, the second red sub-pixel Pr2-3, the second green sub-pixel Pg2-3, the second blue sub-pixel Pb2-3, the size Wr1-3 of the first red sub-pixel Pr1-3, the size Wr2-3 of the second red sub-pixel Pr2-3, the size Wg1-3 of the first green sub-pixel Pg1-3, the size Wg2-3 of the second green sub-pixel Pg2-3, the size Wb1-3 of the first blue sub-pixel Pb1-3, the size Wb2-3 of the second blue sub-pixel Pb2-3, the first shortest distance dis1-3 and the second shortest distance dis2-3 are described as similar to Figure 6 The first region A1, the (2-1)th region Aa2, the (2-2)th region Ab2, the first red sub-pixel Pr1, the first green sub-pixel Pg1, the first blue sub-pixel Pb1, the second red sub-pixel Pr2, the second green sub-pixel Pg2, the second blue sub-pixel Pb2, the size Wr1 of the first red sub-pixel Pr1, the size Wr2 of the second red sub-pixel Pr2, the size Wg1 of the first green sub-pixel Pg1, the size Wg2 of the second green sub-pixel Pg2, the size Wb1 of the first blue sub-pixel Pb1, the size Wb2 of the second blue sub-pixel Pb2, the first shortest distance dis1 and the second shortest distance dis2 are omitted in detail to avoid redundancy.

[0190] The size Ww1-3 of the first white sub-pixel Pw1-3 can be larger than the size Ww2-3 of the second white sub-pixel Pw2-3. Since this is similar to the case where the size Wr1-3 of the first red sub-pixel Pr1-3 is larger than the size Wr2-3 of the second red sub-pixel Pr2-3, its detailed description is omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0191] So far, although the previously mentioned display device has been described using the terms "size of the first sub-pixel" and "size of the second sub-pixel," the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, it can be understood that the size of the first sub-pixel is the size of the light-emitting region of the first organic light-emitting diode, and the size of the second sub-pixel is the size of the light-emitting region of the second organic light-emitting diode.

[0192] While certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this specification. Therefore, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but rather encompasses the broader scope of the appended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A substrate, the substrate including a display area and a non-display area, the display area including a first area and a second area, the non-display area including a first non-display area and a second non-display area, and the first non-display area including a transmissive area and disposed between the first area and the second area; as well as Multiple sub-pixels are arranged in the display area and include portions of electrodes disposed throughout the display area. The plurality of sub-pixels includes a first sub-pixel disposed in the first region and a second sub-pixel disposed in the second region to emit light of the same color. The first portion of the electrode of the first sub-pixel has a thickness different from the thickness of the second portion of the electrode of the second sub-pixel. The first sub-pixel has a different size than the second sub-pixel.

2. The display device of claim 1, further comprising a pixel defining layer, The electrodes include a counter electrode. The first sub-pixel and the second sub-pixel further include a pixel electrode disposed below the opposing electrode. The pixel defining layer covers the edge of the pixel electrode and defines an opening for the portion exposing the pixel electrode. The size of the first sub-pixel and the size of the second sub-pixel are defined by the opening.

3. The display device of claim 1, wherein the first region extends in the first direction.

4. The display device of claim 3, wherein the first region is arranged to span the second region.

5. The display device of claim 3, wherein the thickness of the electrode in the first region is greater than its thickness in the second region.

6. The display device of claim 3, wherein the first region further extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and The thickness of the electrode in the first region is less than its thickness in the second region.

7. The display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The display area surrounds the first non-display area. The second non-display area surrounds the display area. The first region extends in the first direction, and The first region is located between the first non-display region and the second non-display region.

8. The display device of claim 7, wherein the first non-display area comprises a first area and a second area, and The first region is further arranged between the first region and the second region.

9. The display device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sub-pixels includes at least one red sub-pixel, at least one green sub-pixel, and at least one blue sub-pixel.

10. The display device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of sub-pixels constitute a virtual quadrilateral, and The at least one red sub-pixel, the at least one green sub-pixel, and the at least one blue sub-pixel are arranged at the vertices of one of the virtual quadrilaterals in the virtual quadrilateral.

11. The display device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of sub-pixels constitute a virtual quadrilateral. The at least one red sub-pixel and the at least one blue sub-pixel are arranged at the vertices of one of the virtual quadrilaterals, facing the center point of that virtual quadrilateral. The at least one green sub-pixel is arranged at the center point of the virtual quadrilateral.

12. The display device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of sub-pixels further includes white sub-pixels. The multiple sub-pixels form a virtual quadrilateral, and The at least one red sub-pixel, the at least one green sub-pixel, the at least one blue sub-pixel, and the white sub-pixel are arranged at the vertices of one of the virtual quadrilaterals.

13. The display device of claim 9, wherein the red sub-pixel, the green sub-pixel, and the blue sub-pixel are arranged parallel to each other.

14. A display device, comprising: A substrate, the substrate including a display area and a non-display area, the display area including a first area and a second area, the non-display area including a first non-display area and a second non-display area, and the first non-display area including a transmissive area and disposed between the first area and the second area; as well as A plurality of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are arranged in the display area and include portions of electrodes disposed throughout the display area. The plurality of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) include a first OLED disposed in the first region and a second OLED disposed in the second region to emit light of the same color. The first portion of the electrode of the first organic light-emitting diode has a thickness different from the thickness of the second portion of the electrode of the second organic light-emitting diode. The light-emitting region of the first organic light-emitting diode has a different size than the light-emitting region of the second organic light-emitting diode.

15. The display device of claim 14, further comprising a pixel defining layer, and The electrodes include a counter electrode. Each of the plurality of organic light-emitting diodes further includes a pixel electrode and a light-emitting layer. The pixel defining layer covers the edges of the pixel electrodes of the plurality of organic light-emitting diodes to define openings in the portions exposing the pixel electrodes, and The light-emitting areas of the plurality of organic light-emitting diodes are defined by the openings.

16. The display device of claim 14, wherein the first region extends in a first direction to be arranged across the second region.

17. The display device of claim 16, wherein a first portion of the electrode in the first region has a greater thickness than a second portion of the electrode in the second region.

18. The display device of claim 16, wherein the first region further extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction extending across the second region, and The first portion of the electrode in the first region has a thickness smaller than that of the second portion of the electrode in the second region.

19. The display device of claim 16, wherein the display area surrounds the first non-display area. The second non-display area surrounds the display area, and The first region is located between the first non-display region and the second non-display region.

20. The display device of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of organic light-emitting diodes is configured to emit light having one of red, green and blue colors, and is arranged in a pentile matrix.

Images