Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes: a display panel having a first region and a second region, the first region including a first pixel region and a first peripheral region surrounding the first pixel region, and the second region including a second pixel region, a transmissive region, and a second peripheral region surrounding the second pixel region and the transmissive region; an encapsulation structure located on the display panel and including at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer; a color filter located on the encapsulation structure and stacked with the first pixel region and the second pixel region; a black matrix located on the encapsulation structure and stacked with the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region; and a functional module located on the rear surface of the display panel and stacked with the second region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiment relates to a display device. More specifically, the embodiment relates to a display device including functional modules. Background Art

[0002] A display device may display an image based on an electrical signal and may provide visual information to a user. The display device may include a transmissive area, and external light incident on the display device passes through the transmissive area. Functional modules such as a camera module, a sensor module, etc., disposed on the rear surface of the display device may sense or identify an object, a user, etc., located in front of the display device through the transmissive area.

[0003] The display device may include wirings, electrodes, etc. containing metal such that external light incident on the display device may be reflected by the wirings, electrodes, etc. To reduce or prevent reflection of external light, the display device may include a polarization layer. Although the polarization layer may reduce or prevent reflection of external light, however, the transmittance in the transmissive area of the display device may deteriorate due to the polarization layer. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiment provides a display device having a reduced external light reflectance and an improved transmittance in a transmissive area.

[0005] The display device according to an embodiment may include: a display panel having a first area and a second area, the first area including a first pixel area and a first surrounding area surrounding the first pixel area, and the second area including a second pixel area, a transmissive area, and a second surrounding area surrounding the second pixel area and the transmissive area; a package structure disposed on the display panel and including at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer; a color filter disposed on the package structure and overlapping with the first pixel area and the second pixel area; a black matrix disposed on the package structure and overlapping with the first surrounding area and the second surrounding area; and a functional module disposed on the rear surface of the display panel and overlapping with the second area.

[0006] In an embodiment, the first pixel area may include a plurality of first sub-pixel areas, the second pixel area may include a plurality of second sub-pixel areas, and the number of the plurality of second sub-pixel areas per unit area may be less than the number of the plurality of first sub-pixel areas per unit area.

[0007] In an embodiment, the number of the plurality of second sub-pixel areas per unit area may be 1 / 2, 1 / 4, 1 / 9, or 1 / 16 of the number of the plurality of first sub-pixel areas per unit area.

[0008] In an embodiment, the arrangement of the plurality of second sub-pixel areas may be different from the arrangement of the plurality of first sub-pixel areas.

[0009] In an embodiment, the size of each of the plurality of second sub-pixel regions may be greater than the size of each of the plurality of first sub-pixel regions.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first region may surround at least a part of the second region.

[0011] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a cladding layer that is located on the encapsulation structure and at least overlaps with the transmissive region.

[0012] In an embodiment, the cladding layer may cover the color filter and the black matrix and may have a flattened upper surface.

[0013] In an embodiment, the display panel may include: a substrate; a plurality of conductive layers located at a plurality of different layers on the substrate; an organic insulating layer located on the plurality of conductive layers; a pixel electrode located on the organic insulating layer; a pixel defining layer located on the pixel electrode and defining a first pixel region and a second pixel region; an emission layer located on the pixel electrode; and a counter electrode located on the emission layer and the pixel defining layer. At least one of the organic insulating layer, the pixel defining layer, and the counter electrode has an opening that overlaps with the transmissive region.

[0014] In an embodiment, the pixel defining layer may be black.

[0015] In an embodiment, the display panel may further include a plurality of inorganic insulating layers that are located at a plurality of different layers on the substrate and insulate some of the conductive layers from each other. At least one of the plurality of inorganic insulating layers has an opening that overlaps with the transmissive region.

[0016] In an embodiment, the pixel defining layer may overlap with the portions of each of the plurality of conductive layers, the plurality of inorganic insulating layers, and the organic insulating layer that overlap with the transmissive region.

[0017] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a shielding layer that at least overlaps with the first surrounding region and the second surrounding region.

[0018] In an embodiment, the shielding layer may be located on the black matrix.

[0019] In an embodiment, the shielding layer may be located between the encapsulation structure and the black matrix.

[0020] In an embodiment, the shielding layer may overlap with the portions of each of the plurality of conductive layers, the plurality of inorganic insulating layers, the organic insulating layer, the pixel defining layer, and the counter electrode that overlap with the transmissive region.

[0021] In an embodiment, the encapsulation structure may include a first inorganic layer, an organic layer disposed on the first inorganic layer, and a second inorganic layer disposed on the organic layer.

[0022] In an embodiment, the encapsulation structure may further include: a first low-refractive-index inorganic layer disposed between the first inorganic layer and the organic layer, the first low-refractive-index inorganic layer having a refractive index smaller than that of the first inorganic layer and larger than that of the organic layer; and a second low-refractive-index inorganic layer disposed between the organic layer and the second inorganic layer and having a refractive index larger than that of the organic layer and smaller than that of the second inorganic layer.

[0023] In an embodiment, each of the first low-refractive-index inorganic layer and the second low-refractive-index inorganic layer may include silicon oxynitride.

[0024] In an embodiment, the encapsulation structure may further include a third low-refractive-index inorganic layer disposed on the second inorganic layer and having a refractive index smaller than that of the second inorganic layer.

[0025] In an embodiment, the third low-refractive-index inorganic layer may include silicon oxynitride.

[0026] In an embodiment, each of the difference between the refractive index of the first inorganic layer and the refractive index of the organic layer and the difference between the refractive index of the organic layer and the refractive index of the second inorganic layer may be less than about 0.2.

[0027] In an embodiment, each of the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer may include silicon oxynitride.

[0028] In an embodiment, the functional module may include at least one of a camera module, a face recognition sensor module, a pupil recognition sensor module, an acceleration sensor module, a proximity sensor module, an infrared sensor module, and an ambient light sensor module.

[0029] A display device according to an embodiment may include: a display panel having a first region and a second region, the first region including a first pixel region and a first peripheral region surrounding the first pixel region, and the second region including a second pixel region, a transmissive region, and a second peripheral region surrounding the second pixel region and the transmissive region; an encapsulation structure disposed on the display panel and including at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer; a color filter disposed on the encapsulation structure and overlapping with the first pixel region and the second pixel region; and a black matrix disposed on the encapsulation structure and overlapping with the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region. The display panel may include a transmissive window formed in at least one of a plurality of insulating layers included in the display panel and overlapping with the transmissive region.

[0030] The display device according to the embodiment may include: a color filter located on the encapsulation structure and overlapping the first pixel region and the second pixel region of the display panel; and a black matrix located on the encapsulation structure and overlapping the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region of the display panel, and the display panel may include a transmissive window overlapping the transmissive region. Accordingly, the polarizing layer may be omitted, and thus, the transmittance of the transmissive region may be increased and reflection of external light may be prevented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The drawings, together with the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a display panel according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 is a plan view showing a first region according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the second region according to the embodiment.

[0036] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a package structure according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 7 is a plan view showing a display panel according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 is a plan view showing the second region according to the embodiment.

[0040] Figure 11 and Figure 12 is a plan view showing the second region according to the embodiment.

[0041] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 15 and Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 17 It is a cross-sectional view showing a package structure according to an embodiment. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0045] Hereinafter, a display device according to an embodiment will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments shown herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided as examples so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects and features of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Therefore, processes, elements, and techniques that are not necessary for those of ordinary skill in the art to fully understand the aspects and features of the present invention may not be described. Unless otherwise noted, the same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the drawings and the written description, and thus their description will not be repeated. In the drawings, the relative dimensions of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0046] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another element, component, region, layer, or part. Thus, the first element, component, region, layer, or part described below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or part without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0047] For ease of explanation, spatial relative terms such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "under", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another (other) element or feature as shown in the figures. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or in operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "beneath" or "below" or "under" other elements or features will be positioned "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary terms "beneath" and "below" can include both an upper and a lower orientation. The device may be otherwise positioned (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0048] As used herein, when two elements or components that are both disposed on the same substrate "overlap", the two elements or components are respectively above and below each other and are arranged such that a line perpendicular to the substrate passes through the two elements or components.

[0049] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there can be one or more intervening elements or layers. Additionally, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "between" two elements or layers, the element or layer can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or there can also be one or more intervening elements or layers.

[0050] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", and variations thereof when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. 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 of... " modify the entire list of elements following the expression, rather than modifying a single element in the list.

[0051] As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, when describing embodiments of the present invention, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of the present invention". As used herein, the terms "use" and variations thereof may be considered to be synonymous with the terms "utilize" and variations thereof, respectively. Additionally, the term "exemplary" is intended to indicate an example or illustration.

[0052] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in a general dictionary) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the relevant art and / or the context of this specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0053] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0054] Referring to Figure 1, the display device may include a display panel 100, a packaging structure 200, a color filter layer 300, a window WM, and a functional module 400.

[0055] The display panel 100 may have a first region A1 and a second region A2. Each of the first region A1 and the second region A2 may be a display region for displaying an image. The second region A2 may include a transmissive region that transmits external light. Accordingly, the second region A2 may transmit the external light incident on the second region A2 and may also display an image. The first region A1 and the second region A2 may be positioned adjacent to each other.

[0056] The packaging structure 200 may be disposed on the display panel 100. The packaging structure 200 may block or prevent impurities such as oxygen, moisture, etc. from penetrating into the light-emitting elements included in the display panel 100. In addition, the packaging structure 200 may protect the light-emitting elements from external impacts.

[0057] The color filter layer 300 may be disposed on the packaging structure 200. The color filter layer 300 may reduce or prevent reflection of external light incident on the display device. In addition, the color filter layer 300 may transmit the light generated from the display panel 100 and may improve the color purity of the image displayed by the display device.

[0058] The window WM may be disposed on the color filter layer 300. The window WM may protect the elements of the display device and may provide a display surface (or front surface) through which the image formed from the display panel 100 is displayed.

[0059] The functional module 400 may be disposed on the lower surface (or rear surface) 100L of the display panel 100. The functional module 400 may include, for example, a camera module for taking a picture of an object in front of the display device (or recognizing an image of an object in front of the display device), a face recognition sensor module for sensing a user's face, a pupil recognition sensor module for sensing a user's pupil, an acceleration sensor module for determining the movement of the display device, a proximity sensor module for detecting the approach of an object to the front surface of the display device and an infrared sensor module, an ambient light sensor module for measuring external brightness, etc.

[0060] The functional module 400 may be stacked with the second region A2 of the display panel 100. The second region A2 may include the transmissive region as described above, such that the functional module 400 disposed on the lower surface (or rear surface) 100L of the display panel 100 (or disposed behind the display panel 100) may sense or recognize an object or a user in front of the display device (or in front of the display panel, for example, facing the front surface or the upper surface of the display panel) through the transmissive region included in the second region A2 of the display panel 100.

[0061] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the display panel 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 may show Figure 1 an example of the display panel 100 in

[0062] Referring to Figure 2 , in an embodiment, the second region A2 may be located in any part of the display panel 100 in the plan view as long as the second region A2 is superimposed on the functional module 400 (e.g., as long as the second region A2 is superimposed on the position of the functional module 400 along the direction perpendicular to the display surface). In other words, the functional module 400 may be disposed in any part of the second region A2 in the plan view (e.g., as long as the functional module 400 is superimposed on the second region A2 along the direction perpendicular to the display surface). In addition, the second region A2 may have a shape (e.g., a predetermined shape) that is substantially independent of the shape of the functional module 400 in the plan view. Figure 2 shows that the second region A2 is located on one side of the first region A1 in the plan view and has a rectangular planar shape. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the second region A2 may be arranged to surround the first region A1 in the plan view, or may have a polygonal planar shape. Therefore, in the plan view, the functional module 400 may be disposed at various positions on the lower surface (or the rear surface) of the display panel 100 within the region superimposed on the second region A2, regardless of the shape of the functional module 400.

[0063] Figure 3 is a plan view showing the first region A1 according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is a plan view showing the second region A2 according to an embodiment. Figure 3 may show Figure 2 an example of the region I of Figure 4 may show Figure 2 an example of the region II of

[0064] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the first region A1 may include a first pixel region PA1 and a first peripheral region SA1, and the second region A2 may include a second pixel region PA2, a transmissive region TA, and a second peripheral region SA2. Each of the first pixel region PA1 and the second pixel region PA2 may be a region in which pixels are disposed and light generated from each of the pixels is emitted therefrom.

[0065] The first pixel region PA1 may include a plurality of first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 that emit light of different colors (e.g., light of different hues), and the second pixel region PA2 may include a plurality of second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 that emit light of different colors (e.g., light of different hues). In an embodiment, the first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 may include a first red pixel region SRA1 that emits red light, a first green pixel region SGA1 that emits green light, and a first blue pixel region SBA1 that emits blue light, and the second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 may include a second red pixel region SRA2 that emits red light, a second green pixel region SGA2 that emits green light, and a second blue pixel region SBA2 that emits blue light.

[0066] The transmissive region TA may be a region that transmits external light incident on the display panel 100 (e.g., incident on the transmissive region TA of the display panel 100). Since the second region A2 includes the transmissive region TA, the functional module 400 disposed on the lower surface (or rear surface) of the display panel 100 (or disposed behind the display panel 100) and overlapping with the second region A2 may sense or identify an object or a user in front of the display device by detecting the external light passing through (or transmitted through) the transmissive region TA. The first surrounding region SA1 may surround the first pixel region PA1. The second surrounding region SA2 may surround the second pixel region PA2 and the transmissive region TA. Each of the first surrounding region SA1 and the second surrounding region SA2 may be a region from which light is not emitted and through which external light does not pass.

[0067] Since the second region A2 includes the transmissive region TA, the number of the second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 per unit area may be less than the number of the first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 per unit area. In other words, the resolution of the second region A2 may be less than the resolution of the first region A1 (e.g., the second region A2 may have a lower resolution than the resolution of the first region A1 or the density of the second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 of the second region A2 may be lower than the density of the first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 of the first region A1).

[0068] In an embodiment, the number of the second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 per unit area may be 1 / 2 (or one half) of the number of the first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 per unit area. For example, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown in Figure 3Shows sixteen (16) first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 per unit area UA, and Figure 4 shows eight (8) second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 per unit area UA (e.g., a unit area UA having the same size as the unit area UA shown in Figure 3 ).

[0069] In the first region A1, the first green pixel region SGA1 can be separated (or spaced apart) from the first red pixel region SRA1 in (or along) a first direction DR1 or a second direction DR2 perpendicular to the first direction DR1. Additionally, the first blue pixel region SBA1 can be separated (or spaced apart) from the first red pixel region SRA1 in (or along) a third direction DR3 located between the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 (e.g., bisecting the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2) or a fourth direction DR4 perpendicular to the third direction DR3. For example, the third direction DR3 can form a 45-degree angle with the first direction DR1 in the clockwise direction, and the fourth direction DR4 can form a 45-degree angle with the second direction DR2 in the clockwise direction.

[0070] In an embodiment, the arrangement of the second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 can be substantially the same as the arrangement of the first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1. In such an embodiment, in the second region A2, the second green pixel region SGA2 can be separated (or spaced apart) from the second red pixel region SRA2 in (or along) the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2. Additionally, the second blue pixel region SBA2 can be separated (or spaced apart) from the second red pixel region SRA2 in the third direction DR3 or the fourth direction DR4.

[0071] In an embodiment, the size of each of the second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 can be substantially the same as the size of the corresponding first sub-pixel region of each of the first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1. For example, the size of the second red pixel region SRA2, the size of the second green pixel region SGA2, and the size of the second blue pixel region SBA2 can be substantially the same as the size of the first red pixel region SRA1, the size of the first green pixel region SGA1, and the size of the first blue pixel region SBA1, respectively.

[0072] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 5 May show an example of the second region A2 taken along the line III-III' in Figure 4 .

[0073] Although Figure 5 The cross-sectional structure of the second region A2 is shown, but except for the transmissive region TA, the cross-sectional structure of the first region A1 can be substantially the same as that of the second region A2. In other words, the cross-sectional structure of the first pixel region PA1 and the cross-sectional structure of the first surrounding region SA1 can be substantially the same as the cross-sectional structure of the second pixel region PA2 and the cross-sectional structure of the second surrounding region SA2, respectively.

[0074] Referring Figure 5 , the display device may include a display panel 100, a packaging structure 200, a color filter layer 300, and a cover layer 500. The display panel 100 may include a substrate 110, a plurality of conductive layers 120, 131, 132, 141, 142, and 143 (the conductive layers may include one or more semiconductor layers), a plurality of inorganic insulating layers 125 and 135, an organic insulating layer 145, a pixel electrode 150, a pixel defining layer 160, an emission layer 170, and a counter electrode 180.

[0075] The substrate 110 may be a transparent insulating substrate. For example, the substrate 110 may be formed of glass, quartz, plastic, or the like.

[0076] The conductive layers 120, 131, 132, 141, 142, and 143 located on different layers from each other may be disposed on the substrate 110. The conductive layers 120, 131, 132, 141, 142, and 143 may include an active layer 120, a gate line 131, a gate electrode 132, a data line 141, a source electrode 142, and a drain electrode 143. In addition, the inorganic insulating layers 125 and 135 located on different layers from each other and insulating some of the conductive layers 120, 131, 132, 141, 142, and 143 from each other may be disposed on the substrate 110. The inorganic insulating layers 125 and 135 may include a gate insulating layer 125 and an insulating interlayer 135.

[0077] The active layer 120 may be disposed on the substrate 110. The active layer 120 may be formed of amorphous silicon, polysilicon, an oxide semiconductor, or the like. The active layer 120 may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region disposed between the source region and the drain region. The source region and the drain region may be doped with P-type or N-type impurities, and the channel region may be doped with an impurity of a different type from the impurities doped in the source region and the drain region (for example, if the source region and the drain region are doped with P-type impurities, the channel region may be doped with N-type impurities; similarly, if the source region and the drain region are doped with N-type impurities, the channel region may be doped with P-type impurities).

[0078] The gate insulating layer 125 may be disposed on the active layer 120. The gate insulating layer 125 may cover the active layer 120 and may be formed on the substrate 110. The gate insulating layer 125 may insulate the gate line 131 and the gate electrode 132 from the active layer 120. The gate insulating layer 125 may be formed of an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, etc.

[0079] The gate line 131 and the gate electrode 132 may be disposed on the gate insulating layer 125. The gate line 131 may extend in a certain direction (e.g., the row direction of the display panel) and may transmit a gate signal. The gate electrode 132 may be stacked with the channel region of the active layer 120. The gate line 131 and the gate electrode 132 may be formed of a conductive material such as a metal, an alloy of a metal, etc.

[0080] The insulating interlayer 135 may be disposed on the gate line 131 and the gate electrode 132. The insulating interlayer 135 may cover the gate line 131 and the gate electrode 132 and may be formed on the gate insulating layer 125. The insulating interlayer 135 may insulate the data line 141, the source electrode 142, and the drain electrode 143 from the gate line 131 and the gate electrode 132. The insulating interlayer 135 may be formed of an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, etc.

[0081] The data line 141, the source electrode 142, and the drain electrode 143 may be disposed on the insulating interlayer 135. The data line 141 may extend in a direction intersecting the gate line 131 (e.g., the column direction of the display panel) and may transmit a data signal. The source electrode 142 may be connected to the source region of the active layer 120, and the drain electrode 143 may be connected to the drain region of the active layer 120. The data line 141, the source electrode 142, and the drain electrode 143 may be formed of a conductive material such as a metal, an alloy of a metal, etc. The active layer 120, the gate electrode 132, the source electrode 142, and the drain electrode 143 may form a transistor TR.

[0082] The organic insulating layer 145 may be disposed on the data line 141, the source electrode 142, and the drain electrode 143. The organic insulating layer 145 may cover the data line 141, the source electrode 142, and the drain electrode 143 and may be formed on the insulating interlayer 135. The organic insulating layer 145 may protect the gate line 131, the data line 141, and the transistor TR and may provide a planarized surface (or a flat surface) thereon. The organic insulating layer 145 may be formed of an inorganic insulating material such as polyimide (PI), etc.

[0083] The pixel electrode 150 may be disposed on the organic insulating layer 145. The pixel electrode 150 may be connected to the source electrode 142 or the drain electrode 143. The pixel electrode 150 of each sub-pixel may be formed to correspond to the sizes and shapes of the corresponding first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 of the first pixel region PA1 and the corresponding second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 of the second pixel region PA2. The pixel electrode 150 may be formed of a conductive material such as metal, transparent conductive oxide, or the like.

[0084] The pixel defining layer 160 may be disposed on the pixel electrode 150. The pixel defining layer 160 may include pixel openings that expose the central portion of the pixel electrode 150 to define the first pixel region PA1 and the second pixel region PA2. In addition, the pixel defining layer 160 may separate the counter electrode 180 from the edge of the pixel electrode 150, thereby reducing the possibility of arcing or the like occurring between the edge of the pixel electrode 150 and the counter electrode 180 or preventing arcing or the like from occurring between the edge of the pixel electrode 150 and the counter electrode 180.

[0085] The emission layer 170 may be disposed on the pixel electrode 150. The emission layer 170 may be disposed on the portion of the pixel electrode 150 exposed by the pixel opening (e.g., the central portion of the pixel electrode 150). The emission layer 170 may include at least one of an organic light-emitting material and quantum dots.

[0086] In an embodiment, the organic light-emitting material may include a low molecular weight polymer or a high molecular weight polymer. For example, the low molecular weight polymer may include copper phthalocyanine, N,N'-diphenylbenzidine, tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum, etc., and the high molecular weight polymer may include poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), polyaniline, polyphenylene vinylene, polyfluorene, etc.

[0087] In an embodiment, the quantum dots may include a core containing a II-VI group compound, a III-V group compound, a IV-VI group compound, a group IV element, a group IV compound, and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the quantum dots may have a core-shell structure including a core and a shell surrounding the core. The shell may serve as a protective layer for reducing or preventing chemical degradation of the core to maintain the semiconductor properties of the core and a charged layer for imparting electrophoretic properties to the quantum dots.

[0088] The counter electrode 180 may be disposed on the emission layer 170. The counter electrode 180 may also be disposed on the pixel defining layer 160. The counter electrode 180 may be opposite to the pixel electrode 150 (e.g., facing the pixel electrode 150 or extending in a plane parallel to and overlapping with the pixel electrode 150), and the emission layer 170 may be located between the counter electrode 180 and the pixel electrode 150 (or therebetween). The counter electrode 180 may be formed of a conductive material such as a metal, a transparent conductive oxide, etc. The pixel electrode 150, the emission layer 170, and the counter electrode 180 may form a light-emitting element LE.

[0089] In an embodiment, the display panel 100 may further include a functional layer 190 disposed on the counter electrode 180. The functional layer 190 may increase the efficiency of the light emitted from the light-emitting element LE and may protect the light-emitting element LE. The structure of the functional layer 190 will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 6 the structure of the functional layer 190 will be described in more detail below with reference to

[0090] The display panel 100 may include a transmissive window TW overlapping with the transmissive region TA. The transmissive window TW may be defined by an opening of an element of the display panel 100, where the opening overlaps with the transmissive region TA. In an embodiment, the transmissive window TW may be formed in at least one of the insulating layers (e.g., the gate insulating layer 125, the insulating interlayer 135, the organic insulating layer 145, the pixel defining layer 160, etc.) included in the display panel 100.

[0091] At least one of the organic insulating layer 145, the pixel defining layer 160, and the counter electrode 180 may have an opening overlapping with the transmissive region TA. In addition, when the functional layer 190 is disposed on the counter electrode 180, the functional layer 190 may have an opening overlapping with the transmissive region TA.

[0092] In an embodiment, the functional layer 190, the counter electrode 180, the pixel defining layer 160, and the organic insulating layer 145 may respectively have a first opening OP1, a second opening OP2, a third opening OP3, and a fourth opening OP4. In such an embodiment, the first opening OP1 of the functional layer 190, the second opening OP2 of the counter electrode 180, the third opening OP3 of the pixel defining layer 160, and the fourth opening OP4 of the organic insulating layer 145 may form the transmissive window TW.

[0093] When the insulating layer is stacked in the transmissive region TA, the reflectance of external light reflected at the interface between adjacent insulating layers increases. In addition, when the conductive layer is provided in the transmissive region TA, the external light reflected by the conductive layer increases the reflectance of the transmissive region TA. However, the display panel 100 according to an embodiment may include a transmissive window TW stacked on the transmissive region TA, such that the number of interfaces between adjacent insulating layers in the transmissive region TA can be reduced, or the size of the conductive layer provided in the transmissive region TA can be reduced compared to a comparative display panel. Accordingly, compared to the comparative display panel, the reflectance of external light reflected at the interface between adjacent insulating layers or reflected by the conductive layer can be decreased or reduced.

[0094] The encapsulation structure 200 may be provided on the display panel 100. The encapsulation structure 200 may include at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer.

[0095] The portion of the encapsulation structure 200 that overlaps with the first pixel region PA1, the first surrounding region SA1, the second pixel region PA2, and the second surrounding region SA2 may be provided on the light-emitting element LE, thereby preventing or blocking impurities from penetrating into the light-emitting element LE from the outside and protecting the light-emitting element LE from external impact. In addition, the portion of the encapsulation structure 200 that overlaps with the transmissive region TA may fill the transmissive window TW. The encapsulation structure 200 may have a planarized upper surface (or a flat upper surface) extending over the first pixel region PA1, the first surrounding region SA1, the second pixel region PA2, the transmissive region TA, and the second surrounding region SA2. The components of the encapsulation structure 200 will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 6 the components of the encapsulation structure 200 will be described in more detail below with reference to

[0096] The color filter layer 300 may be provided on the encapsulation structure 200. The color filter layer 300 may include color filters 310 and a black matrix 320.

[0097] The color filters 310 may overlap with the first pixel region PA1 and the second pixel region PA2. The color filters 310 may include a red color filter, a green color filter, and a blue color filter. The red color filter may overlap with the first red pixel region SRA1 and the second red pixel region SRA2, the green color filter may overlap with the first green pixel region SGA1 and the second green pixel region SGA2, and the blue color filter may overlap with the first blue pixel region SBA1 and the second blue pixel region SBA2.

[0098] The color filter 310 can absorb light of wavelengths other than (or except) the wavelengths corresponding to the respective colors of the color filter 310 (or the wavelengths or a part of the visible light spectrum) from external light. Thus, when the light emitted from the light-emitting element LE passes through the color filter 310 and is emitted to the outside, since the light is not mixed with external light of another wavelength (e.g., another color), the color filter 310 can reduce or prevent the reflection of external light, thereby improving or enhancing the color purity of the light emitted from the light-emitting element LE. The color filter 310 can be formed of an acrylic resin, a polyimide resin, or the like.

[0099] The black matrix 320 can be superimposed on the first surrounding area SA1 and the second surrounding area SA2. The black matrix 320 can have a black color. The black matrix 320 can absorb most of the external light incident on the black matrix 320. Thus, the black matrix 320 can reduce or prevent the reflection of external light. The black matrix 320 can be formed of chromium (Cr), chromium oxide (CrO x ), chromium nitride (CrN x ), carbon black, a pigment mixture, a dye mixture, or the like.

[0100] The cladding 500 can be provided on the encapsulation structure 200. The cladding 500 can be superimposed at least on the transmissive area TA, thereby removing or flattening the steps formed by the color filter layer 300 on the encapsulation structure 200. The cladding 500 can be formed of an acrylic resin, a polyimide resin, or the like.

[0101] In an embodiment, the cladding 500 can cover the color filter 310 and the black matrix 320, and can have a flattened upper surface 500U. In such an embodiment, the cladding 500 can be superimposed on the first pixel area PA1, the first surrounding area SA1, the second pixel area PA2, the transmissive area TA, and the second surrounding area SA2. The cladding 500 can protect the color filter 310 and the black matrix 320, thereby improving the reliability of the color filter 310 and the black matrix 320.

[0102] A comparative display device can include a polarization layer provided on the display panel 100 to reduce or prevent the reflection of external light. When the polarization layer is superimposed on the transmissive area TA, the transmittance of the transmissive area TA decreases, and thus, the transmittance of the second area A2 superimposed on the functional module 400 decreases. However, a display device according to an embodiment can include the color filter 310 superimposed on the first pixel area PA1 and the second pixel area PA2 and the black matrix 320 superimposed on the first surrounding area SA1 and the second surrounding area SA2 to reduce or prevent the reflection of external light. In some embodiments, the color filter 310 and the black matrix 320 are not superimposed on the transmissive area TA, such that the transmittance of the transmissive area TA can be increased, and thus, compared with the comparative display device, the transmittance of the second area A2 superimposed on the functional module 400 can be increased.

[0103] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing the encapsulation structure 200 according to an embodiment. Figure 6 An example of the encapsulation structure 200 in Figure 5 can be shown.

[0104] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the encapsulation structure 200 can be disposed on the functional layer 190. The functional layer 190 may include a cover layer 191 and a capping layer 192 disposed on the cover layer 191. The cover layer 191 can increase the efficiency of the light emitted from the light-emitting element LE by refractive index matching. The capping layer 192 can protect or prevent the light-emitting element LE from being damaged in subsequent processes such as using plasma. The cover layer 191 may include an organic material, and the capping layer 192 may include lithium fluoride (LiF).

[0105] The encapsulation structure 200 may include a first inorganic layer 210, an organic layer 220, and a second inorganic layer 230. The organic layer 220 may be disposed on the first inorganic layer 210, and the second inorganic layer 230 may be disposed on the organic layer 220.

[0106] The first inorganic layer 210 and the second inorganic layer 230 can prevent or reduce the penetration of impurities such as oxygen and moisture into the light-emitting element LE. The organic layer 220 can improve the encapsulation characteristics of the encapsulation structure 200, can relieve the internal stress of the first inorganic layer 210 and the second inorganic layer 230, can reduce the influence of defects of the first inorganic layer 210 and the second inorganic layer 230, and can provide a planarized upper surface to the second inorganic layer 230.

[0107] In an embodiment, the difference between the refractive index of the first inorganic layer 210 and the refractive index of the organic layer 220 and the difference between the refractive index of the organic layer 220 and the refractive index of the second inorganic layer 230 may be about 0.2 or greater. For example, the first inorganic layer 210 may include silicon nitride (SiN x ) or silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ) and have a refractive index of about 1.78, the organic layer 220 may include an organic material such as an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, a polyimide resin, etc. and have a refractive index of about 1.53, and the second inorganic layer 230 may include silicon nitride (SiN x ) and have a refractive index of about 1.94. When the difference between the refractive indices of adjacent layers included in the encapsulation structure 200 is relatively large, the reflectance of external light reflected at the interface between adjacent layers increases (e.g., compared to the case where the difference between the refractive indices of adjacent layers is relatively small).

[0108] In an embodiment, the encapsulation structure 200 may further include a first low-refractive-index inorganic layer 240 disposed between the first inorganic layer 210 and the organic layer 220 and a second low-refractive-index inorganic layer 250 disposed between the organic layer 220 and the second inorganic layer 230.

[0109] The refractive index of the first low-refractive-index inorganic layer 240 may be less than the refractive index of the first inorganic layer 210 and greater than the refractive index of the organic layer 220 (for example, the first low-refractive-index inorganic layer 240 may have an intermediate refractive index between the refractive index of the first inorganic layer 210 and the refractive index of the organic layer 220). For example, the refractive index of the first low-refractive-index inorganic layer 240 may be about 1.66. The refractive index of the second low-refractive-index inorganic layer 250 may be greater than the refractive index of the organic layer 220 and less than the refractive index of the second inorganic layer 230 (for example, the second low-refractive-index inorganic layer 250 may have an intermediate refractive index between the refractive index of the second inorganic layer 230 and the refractive index of the organic layer 220). For example, the refractive index of the second low-refractive-index inorganic layer 250 may be about 1.71.

[0110] Each of the first low-refractive-index inorganic layer 240 and the second low-refractive-index inorganic layer 250 may include silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ). The ratio of oxygen to nitrogen in the silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ) included in each of the first low-refractive-index inorganic layer 240 and the second low-refractive-index inorganic layer 250 may be changed to control the refractive index of each of the first low-refractive-index inorganic layer 240 and the second low-refractive-index inorganic layer 250. For example, when the ratio of nitrogen in the silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ) is relatively large, the refractive index increases, and when the ratio of oxygen in the silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ) is relatively large, the refractive index decreases.

[0111] The first low-refractive-index inorganic layer 240 may be disposed between the first inorganic layer 210 and the organic layer 220 and the second low-refractive-index inorganic layer 250 may be disposed between the organic layer 220 and the second inorganic layer 230 such that the difference between the refractive indices of adjacent layers included in the encapsulation structure 200 is less than about 0.2. Accordingly, compared with an encapsulation structure that does not include the first low-refractive-index inorganic layer 240 and the second low-refractive-index inorganic layer 250, the reflectance of external light reflected at the interface between adjacent layers may be reduced. Accordingly, the transmittance of the portion of the encapsulation structure 200 that overlaps with the transmission region TA may be increased, and the transmittance of the second region A2 that overlaps with the functional module 400 may be increased.

[0112] In an embodiment, the encapsulation structure 200 may further include a third low refractive index inorganic layer 260 disposed on the second inorganic layer 230. The refractive index of the third low refractive index inorganic layer 260 may be less than the refractive index of the second inorganic layer 230. For example, the refractive index of the third low refractive index inorganic layer 260 may be about 1.71. The third low refractive index inorganic layer 260 may include silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ).

[0113] An adhesive layer ADL for attaching an element of a display device disposed on the encapsulation structure 200 to the upper surface of the encapsulation structure 200 may be disposed on the encapsulation structure 200. The adhesive layer ADL may be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), etc., and the refractive index of the adhesive layer ADL may be, for example, about 1.53.

[0114] When the adhesive layer ADL having a refractive index significantly (e.g., remarkably) different from the refractive index of the second inorganic layer 230 is directly disposed on the second inorganic layer 230, the reflectance of external light reflected at the interface between the second inorganic layer 230 and the adhesive layer ADL increases. However, in one embodiment, the third low refractive index inorganic layer 260 may be disposed between the second inorganic layer 230 and the adhesive layer ADL such that the reflectance of external light reflected at each of the interfaces between the second inorganic layer 230 and the third low refractive index inorganic layer 260 and between the third low refractive index inorganic layer 260 and the adhesive layer ADL may be reduced.

[0115] Figure 7 is a plan view showing a display panel 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 7 May show Figure 1 Another example of the display panel 100 in.

[0116] Referring to Figure 7 , in an embodiment, the second region A2 may be positioned to correspond to the position of the functional module 400 in the plan view. In other words, the functional module 400 may be disposed to correspond to the second region A2 in the plan view. Further, in the plan view, the second region A2 may have a shape substantially the same as the shape of the functional module 400. In the plan view as shown in Figure 7 , when the functional module 400 has a circular planar shape and is disposed in the display panel 100 while being spaced apart from the edge of the display panel, the second region A2 may be positioned to correspond to the position of the functional module 400 and have a circular planar shape. In this case, the first region A1 may surround at least a part of the second region A2 (in Figure 7In the illustrated embodiment, the first region A1 surrounds the entire second region A2 or completely surrounds the second region A2. Accordingly, the size of the second region A2 having a relatively low resolution (e.g., compared to the first region A1) can be reduced (e.g., kept small), and the size of the first region A1 having a relatively high resolution can be increased.

[0117] Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 are plan views showing a second region A2 according to some embodiments. Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 may show Figure 2 other examples of region II in

[0118] The description of the elements of the second region A2 with reference to Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 will not be repeated in detail herein, and the elements of the second region A2 described are substantially the same as or similar to the elements of the second region A2 described with reference to Figure 4 .

[0119] Referring to Figure 3 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 , in some embodiments, the number of second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 per unit area may be 1 / 4 (one quarter), 1 / 9 (one ninth), or 1 / 16 (one sixteenth) of the number of first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 per unit area. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 8 , when the number of first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 per unit area is 16 (as shown in Figure 3 ), the number of second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 per unit area may be 4 (as shown in Figure 8 ).

[0120] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 9 , when the number of first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 per unit area is 36 (as shown in Figure 3 ), the number of second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 per unit area may be 4 (as shown in Figure 9 ). In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 10 , when the number of first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 per unit area is 64 (as shown inFigure 3 When as shown), the number of the second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 per unit area can be 4 (as Figure 10 shown).

[0121] As the ratio of the number of the second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 per unit area to the number of the first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 per unit area decreases, the size of the transmissive region TA can increase. Therefore, as the size of the transmissive region TA increases, the transmittance of the second region A2 can increase. As the ratio of the number of the second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 per unit area to the number of the first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 per unit area increases, the size of the second pixel region PA2 can increase. Therefore, as the size of the second pixel region PA2 increases, the resolution of the second region A2 can increase.

[0122] Figure 11 and Figure 12 are a plan view showing a second region A2 according to an embodiment. Figure 11 and Figure 12 can show Figure 2 other examples of region II in

[0123] The description of the elements of the second region A2 with reference to Figure 11 and Figure 12 will not be repeated. The elements of the second region A2 described with reference to Figure 4 are substantially the same as or similar to the elements of the second region A2 described with reference to

[0124] With reference to Figure 3 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 , in the embodiment, the arrangement of the second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 can be different from the arrangement of the first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1. In the embodiment, in the second region A2, the second green pixel region SGA2 can be separated from the second red pixel region SRA2 in the third direction DR3 or along the third direction DR3 as shown in Figure 11 . In addition, the second blue pixel region SBA2 can be separated from the second green pixel region SGA2 in the third direction DR3. In the embodiment, in the second region A2, the second green pixel region SGA2 can be separated from the second red pixel region SRA2 in the fourth direction DR4 as shown in Figure 12 . In addition, the second blue pixel region SBA2 can be separated from the second red pixel region SRA2 and the second green pixel region SGA2 in the third direction DR3.

[0125] In an embodiment, the size of each of the second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 may be greater than the size of each of the first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1. For example, the size of the second red pixel region SRA2, the size of the second green pixel region SGA2, and the size of the second blue pixel region SBA2 may be greater than the size of the first red pixel region SRA1, the size of the first green pixel region SGA1, and the size of the first blue pixel region SBA1, respectively.

[0126] When the size of each of the second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 is substantially the same as the size of each of the first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1, since the number of the second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 per unit area is less than the number of the first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1 per unit area, the luminance of the light emitted from the light-emitting element LE provided in the second pixel region PA2 may be greater than the luminance of the light emitted from the light-emitting element LE provided in the first pixel region PA1, so that the luminance of the image displayed in the second region A2 may be substantially equal to the luminance of the image displayed in the first region A1. In this case, the lifespan of the light-emitting element LE provided in the second pixel region PA2 will be reduced.

[0127] However, in one embodiment, since the size of each of the second sub-pixel regions SRA2, SGA2, and SBA2 is greater than the size of each of the first sub-pixel regions SRA1, SGA1, and SBA1, although the luminance of the light emitted from the light-emitting element LE provided in the second pixel region PA2 is substantially equal to the luminance of the light emitted from the light-emitting element LE provided in the first pixel region PA1, the luminance of the image displayed in the second region A2 may be substantially equal to the luminance of the image displayed in the first region A1. Therefore, the lifespan of the light-emitting element LE provided in the second pixel region PA2 can be increased or improved.

[0128] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 13 May show along Figure 4 Another example of the second region A2 taken along the line III-III' in.

[0129] Except for the structure of the gate insulating layer 1125 and the interlayer insulating layer 1135, the display device described with reference to Figure 13 May be substantially the same as the display device described with reference to Figure 5 Therefore, the description of the elements of the display device described with reference to Figure 13 Will not be repeated in detail here, and the elements of the display device described with reference to Figure 5The elements of the described display device are substantially the same or similar.

[0130] Referring to Figure 13 , at least one of the gate insulating layer 1125, the interlayer insulating layer 1135, the organic insulating layer 145, the pixel defining layer 160, the counter electrode 180, and the functional layer 190 may have an opening overlapping with the transmissive region TA.

[0131] In an embodiment, the functional layer 190, the counter electrode 180, the pixel defining layer 160, the organic insulating layer 145, the interlayer insulating layer 1135, and the gate insulating layer 1125 may have a first opening OP1, a second opening OP2, a third opening OP3, a fourth opening OP4, a fifth opening OP5, and a sixth opening OP6, respectively. In such an embodiment, the first opening OP1 of the functional layer 190, the second opening OP2 of the counter electrode 180, the third opening OP3 of the pixel defining layer 160, the fourth opening OP4 of the organic insulating layer 145, the fifth opening OP5 of the interlayer insulating layer 1135, and the sixth opening OP6 of the gate insulating layer 1125 may form a transmissive window TW.

[0132] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 14 may show another example of a second region A2 taken along the line III-III' in Figure 4 .

[0133] Except for the structure of the pixel defining layer 1160, the display device described with reference to Figure 14 may be substantially the same as the display device described with reference to Figure 13 . Thus, the description of the elements of the display device described with reference to Figure 14 , which are substantially the same or similar to the elements of the display device described with reference to Figure 13 , will not be repeated in detail.

[0134] The pixel defining layer 1160 may be black. The pixel defining layer 1160 may absorb most of the external light incident on the pixel defining layer 1160. Thus, the pixel defining layer 1160 may reduce or prevent the reflection of external light. The pixel defining layer 1160 may be formed of carbon black, phenyl black, aniline black, cyanine black, nicotine black, black resin, or the like.

[0135] In an embodiment, the pixel defining layer 1160 may overlap with a portion of each of the conductive layers 120, 131, 132, 141, 142, and 143, the inorganic insulating layers 1125 and 1135, and the organic insulating layer 145 that overlaps with the transmissive region TA. For example, when a part of each of the gate line 131, the gate insulating layer 1125, the interlayer insulating layer 1135, and the organic insulating layer 145 is as Figure 14When superposed with the transmissive region TA as shown, the pixel defining layer 1160 may be superposed with the portions of each of the gate line 131, the gate insulating layer 1125, the interlayer insulating layer 1135, and the organic insulating layer 145 that are superposed with the transmissive region TA. Accordingly, external light passing through the transmissive region TA may not be diffracted at the edges of the transmissive region TA by the portions of the conductive layers 120, 131, 132, 141, 142, and 143, the inorganic insulating layers 1125 and 1135, and the organic insulating layer 145 that are superposed with the transmissive region TA. Accordingly, a decrease in the transmittance of the transmissive region TA may be alleviated or prevented.

[0136] Figure 15 and Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 15 and Figure 16 may show other examples of the second region A2 taken along the line III-III' in Figure 4 Among others, in addition to the addition of the shielding layer 600, the display device described with reference to

[0137] and Figure 15 and Figure 16 may be substantially the same as the display device described with reference to Figure 13 Accordingly, the description of the elements of the display device described with reference to Figure 15 and Figure 16 which are substantially the same as or similar to the elements of the display device described with reference to Figure 13 will not be repeated in detail.

[0138] Referring to Figure 15 and Figure 16 , the display device may include a shielding layer 600 superposed with the first peripheral region SA1 and the second peripheral region SA2. For example, the shielding layer 600 may be superposed with the first peripheral region SA1, the second peripheral region SA2, and the edge portions of the transmissive region TA adjacent to the first peripheral region SA1 and the second peripheral region SA2.

[0139] In an embodiment, the shielding layer 600 may be disposed on the black matrix 320 as shown in Figure 15 For example, the shielding layer 600 may cover the black matrix 320 and may be disposed on the encapsulation structure 200. In another embodiment, the shielding layer 600 may be disposed between the encapsulation structure 200 and the black matrix 320 as shown in Figure 16 Among others.

[0140] In an embodiment, the shielding layer 600 may be black. In such an embodiment, the shielding layer 600 may absorb most of the external light incident on the shielding layer 600. Accordingly, the shielding layer 600 may reduce or prevent the reflection of external light. For example, the shielding layer 600 may be made of chromium (Cr), chromium oxide (CrOx ) is formed of chromium nitride (CrN x ), carbon black, a pigment mixture, a dye mixture, etc. In another embodiment, the shielding layer 600 may include a metal.

[0141] In an embodiment, the shielding layer 600 may overlap with a portion of each of the conductive layers 120, 131, 132, 141, 142, and 143, the inorganic insulating layers 1125 and 1135, the organic insulating layer 145, the pixel defining layer 160, and the counter electrode 180 that overlaps with the transmissive region TA. For example, as Figure 15 and Figure 16 shown, when a portion of each of the gate line 131, the gate insulating layer 1125, the interlayer insulating layer 1135, the organic insulating layer 145, and the pixel defining layer 160 overlaps with the transmissive region TA, the shielding layer 600 may overlap with a portion of each of the gate line 131, the gate insulating layer 1125, the interlayer insulating layer 1135, the organic insulating layer 145, and the pixel defining layer 160 that overlaps with the transmissive region TA. Therefore, external light passing through the transmissive region TA may not be diffracted by a portion of the conductive layers 120, 131, 132, 141, 142, and 143, the inorganic insulating layers 1125 and 1135, the organic insulating layer 145, the pixel defining layer 160, and the counter electrode 180 that overlaps with the transmissive region TA at the edge of the transmissive region TA. Therefore, a decrease in the transmittance of the transmissive region TA can be alleviated or prevented.

[0142] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a packaging structure 1200 according to an embodiment. Figure 17 Another example of the packaging structure 200 in Figure 5 may be shown.

[0143] The description of the elements of the packaging structure 1200 described with reference to Figure 17 will not be repeated in detail. The elements are substantially the same as or similar to the elements of the packaging structure 200 described with reference to Figure 6 described.

[0144] Referring to Figure 17 , the packaging structure 1200 may be disposed on the functional layer 190. The packaging structure 1200 may include a first inorganic layer 1210, an organic layer 1220, and a second inorganic layer 1230. The organic layer 1220 may be disposed on the first inorganic layer 1210, and the second inorganic layer 1320 may be disposed on the organic layer 1220.

[0145] In an embodiment, the difference between the refractive index of the first inorganic layer 1210 and the refractive index of the organic layer 1220 and the difference between the refractive index of the organic layer 1220 and the refractive index of the second inorganic layer 1230 may be about 0.2 or less. For example, the first inorganic layer 1210 may include silicon oxynitride (SiOx N y ) and having a refractive index of about 1.60, the organic layer 1220 may include an organic material such as an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, a polyimide resin, etc. and have a refractive index of about 1.53, and the second inorganic layer 230 may include silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ) and having a refractive index of about 1.60.

[0146] It is possible to change the ratio of oxygen and nitrogen in the silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ) included in each of the first inorganic layer 1210 and the second inorganic layer 1230 to control the refractive index of each of the first inorganic layer 1210 and the second inorganic layer 1230. For example, when the ratio (or proportion) of nitrogen in the silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ) is relatively large (e.g., as the ratio of nitrogen to oxygen increases), the refractive index increases, and when the ratio (or proportion) of oxygen in the silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ) is relatively large (e.g., as the ratio of oxygen to nitrogen increases), the refractive index decreases. Accordingly, when the ratio (or proportion) of oxygen in the silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y ) included in each of the first inorganic layer 1210 and the second inorganic layer 1230 increases, the refractive indices of the first inorganic layer 1210 and the second inorganic layer 1230 decrease. Therefore, the difference between the refractive index of the first inorganic layer 1210 and the refractive index of the organic layer 1220 and the difference between the refractive index of the organic layer 1220 and the refractive index of the second inorganic layer 1230 may be about 0.2 or less. Therefore, the reflectance of external light reflected at each interface between the first inorganic layer 1210 and the organic layer 1220 and between the organic layer 1220 and the second inorganic layer 1230 can be reduced. Therefore, the transmittance of the portion of the encapsulation structure 1200 that overlaps with the transmission region TA can be increased, and the transmittance of the second region A2 that overlaps with the functional module can be increased.

[0147] The display device according to an embodiment can be applied to display devices included in computers, notebooks, mobile phones, smartphones, smart tablet computers, PMPs, PDAs, MP3 players, etc.

[0148] Although the display device according to an embodiment has been described with reference to the drawings, the illustrated embodiments are examples, and can be modified and changed by those of ordinary skill in the relevant technical field without departing from the technical spirit described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: A display panel having a first region and a second region, the first region including a first pixel region and a first peripheral region surrounding the first pixel region, and the second region including a second pixel region, a transmissive region, and a second peripheral region surrounding the second pixel region and the transmissive region; An encapsulation structure located on the display panel and including at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer; A color filter located on the encapsulation structure and overlapping with the first pixel region and the second pixel region; A black matrix located on the encapsulation structure and overlapping with the first peripheral region and the second peripheral region; And A functional module located on the rear surface of the display panel and overlapping with the second region, Wherein, the display panel includes: a substrate; a plurality of conductive layers located at a plurality of different layers on the substrate; an organic insulating layer located on the plurality of conductive layers; a pixel electrode located on the organic insulating layer; a pixel defining layer located on the pixel electrode and defining the first pixel region and the second pixel region; an emission layer located on the pixel electrode; and a counter electrode located on the emission layer and the pixel defining layer, Wherein at least one of the organic insulating layer, the pixel defining layer, and the counter electrode has an opening overlapping with the transmissive region, and Wherein the pixel defining layer overlaps with a portion of the organic insulating layer that overlaps with the transmissive region.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first pixel region includes a plurality of first sub-pixel regions, Wherein, the second pixel region includes a plurality of second sub-pixel regions, and Wherein the number of the plurality of second sub-pixel regions per unit area is less than the number of the plurality of first sub-pixel regions per unit area.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The number of the plurality of second sub-pixel regions per unit area is 1 / 2, 1 / 4, 1 / 9, or 1 / 16 of the number of the first sub-pixel regions per unit area.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The arrangement of the plurality of second sub-pixel regions is different from the arrangement of the plurality of first sub-pixel regions.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The size of each of the plurality of second sub-pixel regions is larger than the size of each of the plurality of first sub-pixel regions.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first region surrounds at least a part of the second region.

7. The display device according to claim 1, the display device further comprising a cover layer located on the encapsulation structure and at least overlapping with the transmissive region.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The cover layer covers the color filter and the black matrix and has a flattened upper surface.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The pixel defining layer has a black color.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display panel further includes a plurality of inorganic insulating layers located at a plurality of different layers on the substrate and insulating some of the plurality of conductive layers from each other, and Wherein at least one of the plurality of inorganic insulating layers has an opening overlapping with the transmissive region.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein, The pixel defining layer also overlaps with a portion of each of the plurality of conductive layers and the plurality of inorganic insulating layers that overlaps with the transmissive region.

12. The display device according to claim 10, wherein the display device further comprises a shielding layer, and the shielding layer overlaps at least with the first surrounding area and the second surrounding area.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein, The shielding layer is located on the black matrix.

14. The display device according to claim 12, wherein, The shielding layer is located between the encapsulation structure and the black matrix.

15. The display device according to claim 12, wherein, The shielding layer overlaps with the portions of each of the plurality of conductive layers, the plurality of inorganic insulating layers, the organic insulating layer, the pixel defining layer, and the counter electrode that overlap with the transmissive area.

16. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The encapsulation structure comprises: a first inorganic layer; an organic layer located on the first inorganic layer; and a second inorganic layer located on the organic layer.

17. The display device according to claim 16, wherein, The encapsulation structure further comprises: a first low refractive index inorganic layer located between the first inorganic layer and the organic layer, and having a refractive index smaller than that of the first inorganic layer and larger than that of the organic layer; and a second low refractive index inorganic layer located between the organic layer and the second inorganic layer, and having a refractive index larger than that of the organic layer and smaller than that of the second inorganic layer.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein, Each of the first low refractive index inorganic layer and the second low refractive index inorganic layer comprises silicon oxynitride.

19. The display device according to claim 16, wherein, The encapsulation structure further comprises a third low refractive index inorganic layer located on the second inorganic layer, and the third low refractive index inorganic layer has a refractive index smaller than that of the second inorganic layer.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein, The third low refractive index inorganic layer comprises silicon oxynitride.

21. The display device according to claim 16, wherein, Each of the difference between the refractive index of the first inorganic layer and the refractive index of the organic layer and the difference between the refractive index of the organic layer and the refractive index of the second inorganic layer is less than 0.

2.

22. The display device according to claim 21, wherein, Each of the first inorganic layer and the second inorganic layer comprises silicon oxynitride.

23. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The functional module includes at least one of a camera module, a face recognition sensor module, a pupil recognition sensor module, an acceleration sensor module, a proximity sensor module, an infrared sensor module, and an ambient light sensor module.

24. A display device, the display device comprising: a display panel having a first area and a second area, the first area including a first pixel area and a first surrounding area surrounding the first pixel area, the second area including a second pixel area, a transmissive area, and a second surrounding area surrounding the second pixel area and the transmissive area; an encapsulation structure located on the display panel and including at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer; a color filter located on the encapsulation structure and overlapping with the first pixel area and the second pixel area; and a black matrix located on the encapsulation structure and overlapping with the first surrounding area and the second surrounding area, wherein the display panel includes: a substrate; a plurality of conductive layers located at a plurality of different layers on the substrate; an organic insulating layer located on the plurality of conductive layers; a pixel electrode located on the organic insulating layer; a pixel defining layer located on the pixel electrode and defining the first pixel area and the second pixel area; an emission layer located on the pixel electrode; and a counter electrode located on the emission layer and the pixel defining layer. Wherein, the display panel further includes a transmissive window, the transmissive window is formed in at least one of the organic insulating layer, the pixel defining layer, and the counter electrode and overlaps with the transmissive region, and Wherein, the pixel defining layer overlaps with a portion of the organic insulating layer that overlaps with the transmissive region.

25. The display device according to claim 24, wherein, The display panel further includes a plurality of inorganic insulating layers, the plurality of inorganic insulating layers are located at a plurality of different layers on the substrate and insulate some of the plurality of conductive layers from each other, and Wherein, the transmissive window is further formed in at least one of the plurality of inorganic insulating layers.

26. The display device according to claim 25, wherein, The pixel defining layer further overlaps with a portion of each of the plurality of conductive layers and the plurality of inorganic insulating layers that overlaps with the transmissive region.

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