Display device and electronic apparatus

Abstract

A display device and an electronic device are provided. The display device includes a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, the display area including a first display area and a second display area. The display device also includes a substrate and a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels being arranged above the substrate and including first pixels and second pixels, the first pixels being included in the first display area and the second pixels being included in the second display area, wherein the first pixel includes a repeating arrangement of first pixel units, each of the first pixel units including pixels of a different color, and the second pixel includes a repeating arrangement of second pixel units, each of the second pixel units including a greater number of pixels than the number of pixels included in each of the first pixel units.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0006753, filed on January 17, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments / implementations of the present invention generally relate to display devices and electronic devices including the display devices. Background Technology

[0004] In recent years, the use of display devices has become more diversified. Furthermore, as display devices become thinner and lighter, their applications are expanding.

[0005] As the area occupied by the display area in display devices expands, various functions have been added in conjunction with or associated with the display devices. To add various functions while expanding the area, research is underway on display devices that have areas for adding various functions beyond image display within the display area.

[0006] To add various functions to a display device, components such as cameras or sensors can be installed. To arrange these components while ensuring a large display area, they can be arranged to overlap with the display area.

[0007] The information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background technology of the inventive concept, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] As one method of arranging components, although a display device may include a transmissive area through which wavelengths such as light or sound can pass, providing a transmissive area may reduce the resolution.

[0009] Exemplary embodiments provide display devices and electronic apparatuses configured to prevent or minimize resolution degradation and ensure a wide display area, wherein components such as sensors or cameras may be arranged. However, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein are to be considered merely descriptive and not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0010] Other features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the proposed embodiments of the inventive concept.

[0011] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a display device comprising a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, the display area comprising a first display area and a second display area, wherein the display device comprises a substrate and a plurality of pixels disposed above the substrate and comprising a first pixel and a second pixel, the first pixel being included in the first display area and the second pixel being included in the second display area, wherein the first pixel comprises a repeating arrangement of first pixel units, each of the first pixel units comprising pixels of different colors, and the second pixel comprises a repeating arrangement of second pixel units, each of the second pixel units comprising a greater number of pixels than the number of pixels included in each of the first pixel units.

[0012] The second display area may include a transmissive area located between repeatedly arranged second pixel units.

[0013] The first distance between adjacent pixels of the same color in the first pixel can be greater than the second distance between adjacent pixels of the same color in the second pixel.

[0014] The third distance between adjacent pixels of different colors in the first pixel can be equal to or greater than the fourth distance between adjacent pixels of different colors in the second pixel.

[0015] The size or shape of the first pixel can be different from the size or shape of the second pixel.

[0016] In the first pixel, pixels of the same color that are adjacent to each other can be arranged with pixels of different colors.

[0017] Each of the second pixel units may include at least two pixels of the same color.

[0018] The display device may also include a plurality of light-emitting diodes corresponding to the first pixel and the second pixel respectively, wherein each of the plurality of light-emitting diodes may have a stacked structure of a pixel electrode, a light-emitting layer and a counter electrode.

[0019] The first separation distance between the pixel electrodes corresponding to the adjacent pixels of the same color in the first pixel can be greater than the second separation distance between the pixel electrodes corresponding to the adjacent pixels of the same color in the second pixel.

[0020] The light-emitting layers corresponding to the adjacent pixels of the same color in the second pixel can be formed as a single entity.

[0021] The counter electrodes corresponding to the first pixel and the second pixel can be formed as a single body and include holes corresponding to the transmission region.

[0022] The display device may also include a bottom metal layer disposed between the substrate and the plurality of pixels and located in the second display area.

[0023] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device comprising a display device having a first display area and a second display area, and a component overlapping a transmissive area of ​​the second display area. The display device includes a plurality of pixels, including first pixels and second pixels. The first pixels are included in the first display area, and the second pixels are included in the second display area. The first pixels include a repeating arrangement of first pixel units, each first pixel unit including pixels of a different color. The second pixels include a repeating arrangement of second pixel units, each second pixel unit including a greater number of pixels than the number of pixels included in each of the first pixel units. A transmissive area is disposed between the repeating second pixel units.

[0024] The first distance between adjacent pixels of the same color in the first pixel can be greater than the second distance between adjacent pixels of the same color in the second pixel.

[0025] The third distance between adjacent pixels of different colors in the first pixel can be equal to or greater than the fourth distance between adjacent pixels of different colors in the second pixel.

[0026] The size or shape of the first pixel can be different from the size or shape of the second pixel.

[0027] The electronic device may also include a plurality of light-emitting diodes corresponding to a first pixel and a second pixel, and a plurality of thin-film transistors connected to the plurality of light-emitting diodes, wherein each of the plurality of light-emitting diodes may have a stacked structure of a pixel electrode, a light-emitting layer and a counter electrode.

[0028] The electronic device may also include a bottom metal layer located below the thin-film transistors in the second display area, which are arranged among a plurality of thin-film transistors.

[0029] The first separation distance between the pixel electrodes corresponding to the adjacent pixels of the same color in the first pixel can be greater than the second separation distance between the pixel electrodes corresponding to the adjacent pixels of the same color in the second pixel.

[0030] The light-emitting layers corresponding to the adjacent pixels of the same color in the second pixel can be formed as a single entity.

[0031] A single body of the light-emitting layer can cover the top surface of the pixel-defining layer, which covers the edges of the pixel electrodes corresponding to the pixels of the same color that are adjacent to each other in the second pixel.

[0032] In the first pixel, pixels of the same color that are adjacent to each other can be positioned with pixels of different colors.

[0033] Each of the first pixel units may include at least one first red pixel, at least one first green pixel, and at least one first blue pixel. Each of the second pixel units may include at least one second red pixel, at least one second green pixel, and at least one second blue pixel. The sum of the number of at least one second red pixel, the number of at least one second green pixel, and the number of at least one second blue pixel may be twice or more than the sum of the number of at least one first red pixel, the number of at least one first green pixel, and the number of at least one first blue pixel.

[0034] Components may include sensors or cameras.

[0035] These and / or other aspects will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of the embodiments, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

[0036] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The accompanying drawings (which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification) illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the specification, serve to explain the inventive concept.

[0038] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a perspective view showing an electronic device including a display device according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of an electronic device including a display device according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a plan view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 4 This is an equivalent circuit diagram showing the circuit connected to the organic light-emitting diodes of the display device according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 5A This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 5B This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a plan view showing a portion of the first display area of ​​a display device according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a plan view showing a portion of the second display area of ​​a display device according to an embodiment.

[0046] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 A sectional view taken from line VIII-VIII'.

[0047] Figure 9 It is along Figure 7 A sectional view taken from line IX-IX'.

[0048] Figure 10A It is shown Figure 8 A planar view of the light-emitting layer and the counter electrode.

[0049] Figure 10B It is shown Figure 9 A planar view of the light-emitting layer and the counter electrode.

[0050] Figure 11 This is a plan view showing a portion of the first display area of ​​a display device according to an embodiment.

[0051] Figure 12 This is a plan view showing a portion of the second display area of ​​a display device according to an embodiment.

[0052] Figure 13 This is a plan view showing a portion of the first display area of ​​a display device according to an embodiment.

[0053] Figure 14 This is a plan view showing a portion of the second display area of ​​a display device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals consistently denote the same elements. In this respect, the proposed embodiments may take different forms and should not be construed as limited to the description set forth herein. Therefore, embodiments are described below solely by reference to the accompanying drawings to explain various aspects of this specification. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout this disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b, or c” means: only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

[0055] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for purposes of explanation in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the invention. As used herein, “embodiment” and “implementation” are interchangeable terms and are non-limiting examples of devices or methods that apply one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that the exemplary embodiments may be implemented without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are illustrated in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments may be different, but not necessarily exclusive. For example, a particular shape, configuration, and feature of an exemplary embodiment may be used or performed in another exemplary embodiment without departing from the inventive concept.

[0056] Unless otherwise indicated, the exemplary embodiments shown are to be understood as exemplary features providing different details of how the inventive concept can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions and / or aspects (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”) of the various embodiments may be combined, separated, exchanged and / or rearranged without departing from the inventive concept.

[0057] The use of section lines and / or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally used to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, unless otherwise specified, the presence or absence of section lines or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, dimensions, scale, commonalities between illustrated elements, and / or any other characteristics, properties, or properties of the elements. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of elements may be enlarged for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When exemplary embodiments can be performed differently, a particular process sequence may be performed differently than the described sequence. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of their description. Additionally, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0058] When an element such as a layer is referred to as being on, connected to, or coupled to another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to said other element or layer, or there may be an intermediate element or layer. However, when an element such as a layer is referred to as being directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to another element or layer, there is no intermediate element or layer. Therefore, the term "connection" may refer to a physical connection, electrical connection, and / or fluid connection with or without an intermediate element. Furthermore, the x, y, and z directions are not limited to the directions indicated by the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system, but can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the x, y, and z directions may be perpendicular to each other, or may 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 only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, for example, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Spatial relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “over,” “higher,” and “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”), may be used herein for descriptive purposes and are therefore used to describe the relationship of one element to another, as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, spatial relative terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device during use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” those other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” may encompass both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and for this reason, the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0061] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” are intended to also include the plural forms. Furthermore, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including,” when used in this specification, indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. It is also noteworthy that, as used herein, the terms “basically,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than as terms of degree, and therefore, allowances are made for inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and / or provided values ​​that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0062] This document describes various exemplary embodiments with reference to cross-sectional views and / or exploded views, which are schematic diagrams of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Thus, variations in shape from the illustrations are contemplated 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 the regions specifically shown, but rather include shape deviations caused, for example, by manufacturing. In this way, the regions shown in the figures may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of the regions of the device, and therefore are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0063] Unless otherwise specified, 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 common dictionaries, shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0064] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a perspective view showing an electronic device 1 including a display device according to an embodiment.

[0065] refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B The electronic device 1 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA, with the non-display area NDA located outside the display area DA. The electronic device 1 may provide an image via an array of multiple pixels arranged in a two-dimensional manner. The multiple pixels may include a first pixel P1 arranged in a first display area DA1 and a second pixel P2 arranged in a second display area DA2.

[0066] Electronic device 1 can provide a first image by using light emitted from a first pixel P1 arranged in a first display area DA1, and a second image by using light emitted from a second pixel P2 arranged in a second display area DA2. In embodiments, the first image and the second image may include a portion of one of the images displayed by the display areas DA of electronic device 1. In embodiments, electronic device 1 can provide the first image and the second image independently of each other.

[0067] The second display area DA2 may include a transmissive region TA located between the second pixels P2. The transmissive region TA includes an area through which light can pass and in which no pixels are arranged.

[0068] The non-display area NDA includes an area where no image is displayed and which can completely surround the display area DA. Drivers, etc., can be arranged in the non-display area NDA, and the drivers provide electrical signals or power to the first pixel P1 and the second pixel P2. The non-display area NDA may include pads, electronic components, or printed circuit boards, etc., that can be electrically connected to the pads.

[0069] like Figure 1A As shown, the second display area DA2 can have a circular or elliptical shape in the plan view. Or, as... Figure 1B As shown, the second display area DA2 can have a polygonal shape, such as a quadrilateral or a strip.

[0070] The second display area DA2 can be arranged inside the first display area DA1 (see...). Figure 1A ) or arranged on one side of the first display area DA1 (see Figure 1B ).like Figure 1A As shown, the second display area DA2 can be completely surrounded by the first display area DA1. In an embodiment, the second display area DA2 can be partially surrounded by the first display area DA1. For example, the second display area DA2 can be located in a corner portion on one side of the first display area DA1 and is partially surrounded by the first display area DA1.

[0071] The ratio of the second display area DA2 to the display area DA can be less than the ratio of the first display area DA1 to the display area DA. For example... Figure 1A As shown, the electronic device 1 may include one second display area DA2, or two or more second display areas DA2.

[0072] Electronic device 1 may include mobile phones, tablet PCs, laptops, and smartwatches or smart bracelets worn on the wrist.

[0073] Figures 2A to 2CThis is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device 1 that includes a display device according to an embodiment.

[0074] refer to Figures 2A to 2C The electronic device 1 may include a display device 10 and a component 20 overlapping the display device 10.

[0075] The display device 10 may include a substrate 100, a display layer 200, a thin-film encapsulation layer 300, a touch input layer 40, and an optical functional layer, such as an optical plate 50A (see [link to documentation]). Figure 2A and Figure 2B ) or filter 50B (see Figure 2C The display layer 200 is located on the substrate 100, and the thin film encapsulation layer 300 is located on the display layer 200.

[0076] Substrate 100 may comprise glass or a polymer resin. For example, the polymer resin of substrate 100 may comprise polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, and cellulose acetate propionate. Substrate 100 comprising a polymer resin may be flexible, rollable, or bendable. Substrate 100 may have a multilayer structure comprising a layer containing a polymer resin and an inorganic layer (not shown).

[0077] The display layer 200 can be disposed on the front surface of the substrate 100, and the bottom protective film 175 can be disposed on the rear surface of the substrate 100. The bottom protective film 175 can be attached to the rear surface of the substrate 100. An adhesive layer (not shown) can be disposed between the bottom protective film 175 and the substrate 100. Alternatively, the bottom protective film 175 can be formed directly on the rear surface of the substrate 100. In this case, the adhesive layer may not be disposed between the bottom protective film 175 and the substrate 100.

[0078] The bottom protective film 175 can support and protect the substrate 100. The bottom protective film 175 may include an opening 175OP that overlaps with the second display area DA2. Because the bottom protective film 175 includes the opening 175OP, the transmittance of the second display area DA2, for example, the transmittance of the transmissive area TA, can be improved. The bottom protective film 175 may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI).

[0079] The display layer 200 may include a circuit layer, a display element layer, and an insulating layer IL. The circuit layer includes thin-film transistors (TFTs), and the display element layer includes organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) as display elements. The TFTs and OLEDs may be arranged in each of a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2, with the OLEDs electrically connected to the TFTs. The second display area DA2 may include a transmissive area TA in which neither the TFTs nor the OLEDs are arranged.

[0080] The transmissive region TA includes an area through which light emitted from and / or directed to component 20 can pass. In the display device 10, the transmittance of the transmissive region TA can be 30% or greater, 40% or greater, 50% or greater, 60% or greater, 75% or greater, 80% or greater, 85% or greater, or 90% or greater. The transmissive region TA can be located between the structures of two thin-film transistors (TFTs).

[0081] The display layer 200 may be composed of a thin-film encapsulation layer 300 (see...). Figure 2A and Figure 2C ) Covered by or made of packaging substrate 300B (see Figure 2B )cover.

[0082] In an embodiment, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2C As shown, the thin-film encapsulation layer 300 may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. In an embodiment, the thin-film encapsulation layer 300 may include first and second inorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330 and an organic encapsulation layer 320 located therebetween.

[0083] In an embodiment, such as Figure 2B As shown, the encapsulation substrate 300B may face the substrate 100, and the display layer 200 is located between the encapsulation substrate 300B and the substrate 100. A gap may exist between the encapsulation substrate 300B and the display layer 200. The encapsulation substrate 300B may include glass. A sealant is disposed between the substrate 100 and the encapsulation substrate 300B. The sealant is disposed in a reference... Figure 1A or Figure 1B The non-display area NDA is described. A sealant disposed within the non-display area NDA surrounds the display area DA and prevents moisture from penetrating into the display area DA through its lateral sides.

[0084] The touch input layer 40 can, for example, acquire external input and coordinate information corresponding to touch events. The touch input layer 40 may include touch electrodes and traces connected to the touch electrodes. The touch input layer 40 can sense external input using mutual capacitance or self-capacitance methods.

[0085] The touch input layer 40 can be formed on the thin-film encapsulation layer 300. Alternatively, the touch input layer 40 can be formed separately and then bonded to the thin-film encapsulation layer 300 by an adhesive layer such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA). In embodiments, such as Figures 2A to 2C As shown, the touch input layer 40 can be directly formed on the thin-film encapsulation layer 300 or the encapsulation substrate 300B. In this case, the adhesive layer may not be disposed between the touch input layer 40 and the thin-film encapsulation layer 300.

[0086] The optical functional layer (optical plate 50A or filter plate 50B) may include an anti-reflective layer. The anti-reflective layer can reduce the reflectivity of light (external light) incident on the display device 10 from the outside.

[0087] In an embodiment, such as Figure 2A or Figure 2B As shown, the antireflective layer may include an optical plate 50A having a retarder and / or a polarizer. The retarder may include a film-type retarder or a liquid crystal-type retarder. The retarder may include a λ / 2 retarder and / or a λ / 4 retarder. The polarizer may include a film-type polarizer or a liquid crystal-type polarizer. The film-type polarizer may include a stretchable synthetic resin film, and the liquid crystal-type polarizer may include liquid crystals arranged in a predetermined layout.

[0088] In an embodiment, such as Figure 2C As shown, the anti-reflective layer may include a color filter 50B, which includes a black matrix and a color filter. The color filter 50B may include a base layer 510, a color filter 520, a black matrix 530, and an outer coating 540. The color filter 520 and the black matrix 530 may be disposed on the rear surface of the base layer 510, and the outer coating 540 may be disposed on the color filter 520 and the black matrix 530.

[0089] The color filter 520 can be arranged to take into account the color of light emitted from the pixels of the display device 10. For example, the color filter 520 can have red, green, or blue colors depending on the color of light emitted from the organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The color filter 520 and the black matrix 530 are not present in the transmission region TA. For example, the layer including the color filter 520 and the black matrix 530 can include an aperture 530OP corresponding to the transmission region TA. In a planar view, the aperture 530OP can be located between two thin-film transistors (TFTs). In a planar view, the aperture 530OP can be located between two organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The aperture 530OP can be at least partially filled by a portion of the outer coating 540. The outer coating 540 can include an organic material, such as a resin. The organic material can be transparent. The structure of the filter plate 50B can be applied to include… Figure 2B The display device 10 is shown with the encapsulation substrate 300B shown.

[0090] In an embodiment, the antireflection layer may include a destructive interference structure. The destructive interference structure may include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer disposed on different layers. First reflected light and second reflected light reflected by the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer, respectively, can be destructively interfered with, thereby reducing the reflectivity of external light.

[0091] Component 20 may be located in the second display area DA2. Component 20 may include electronic components that use light or sound. For example, the electronic components may include: a sensor for measuring distance (e.g., a proximity sensor), a sensor for identifying a part of the user's body (e.g., fingerprint, iris, face, etc.), a small light source that outputs light, or an image sensor (e.g., a camera) that captures images. Electronic components that use light may use light in various wavelength bands, such as visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light. Electronic components that use sound may use ultrasound or sound in other frequency bands.

[0092] In an embodiment, component 20 may include sub-components, such as an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. The optical transmitter and optical receiver may have an integrated structure; or a pair of optical transmitters and optical receivers with physically separate structures may constitute a component 20.

[0093] One component 20 may be arranged in the second display area DA2, or multiple components 20 may be arranged in the second display area DA2. When the electronic device 1 includes multiple components 20, the electronic device 1 may include a number of second display areas DA2 corresponding to the number of components 20. For example, the electronic device 1 may include a reference... Figure 1A The description describes a plurality of second display areas DA2. The plurality of second display areas DA2 may be spaced apart from each other. In an embodiment, where the electronic device 1 includes a plurality of components 20, the electronic device 1 may include a single second display area DA2. For example, the electronic device 1 may include a reference... Figure 1B The second display area DA2 is described. Multiple components 20 can be arranged along the length of the strip-shaped second display area DA2 (e.g., Figure 1B They are spaced apart from each other in the x-direction.

[0094] Despite Figures 2A to 2C The illustration shows a display device 10 including an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) as a display element, but the display device 10 according to the embodiment is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the display device 10 may include an inorganic light-emitting display having inorganic materials, or may include a quantum dot light-emitting display, wherein the inorganic materials include micro-light-emitting diodes. For example, the light-emitting layer of the display element of the display device 10 may include organic materials, inorganic materials, quantum dots, organic materials and quantum dots, or inorganic materials and quantum dots.

[0095] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a plan view of the display device 10 according to an embodiment.

[0096] refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The display device 10 may include an array of multiple pixels arranged on a substrate 100. The multiple pixels may include a first pixel P1 arranged in a first display area DA1 and a second pixel P2 arranged in a second display area DA2.

[0097] The display area DA may include a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2. The area of ​​the first display area DA1 may be different from the area of ​​the second display area DA2. The area of ​​the first display area DA1 may be larger than the area of ​​the second display area DA2.

[0098] The first pixel P1 can be arranged two-dimensionally in the first display area DA1, and the second pixel P2 can be arranged two-dimensionally in the second display area DA2. The transmissive area TA is arranged in the second display area DA2. The transmissive area TA can be arranged between the second pixels P2 that are close to each other.

[0099] The non-display area NDA can completely surround the display area DA. Scan drivers, data drivers, etc., can be arranged in the non-display area NDA. Pad 230 can be located in the non-display area NDA. Pad 230 can be adjacent to one of the edges of the substrate 100. Pad 230 can be exposed without being covered by an insulating layer and electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board FPCB. The flexible printed circuit board FPCB can electrically connect a controller to pad 230 and provide signals or power transmitted from the controller. In an embodiment, the data driver can be arranged on the flexible printed circuit board FPCB. To transmit signals or voltages from the flexible printed circuit board FPCB to the first pixel P1 or the second pixel P2, pad 230 can be connected to multiple wirings.

[0100] In another embodiment, instead of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), an integrated circuit can be placed on pad 230. The integrated circuit may include, for example, a data driver and can be electrically connected to pad 230 via an anisotropic conductive film comprising conductive balls.

[0101] Each of the first pixel P1 and the second pixel P2 can be achieved using an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) (see [link]). Figures 2A to 2C To emit light of a predetermined color, each organic light-emitting diode (OLED) can emit, for example, red, green, or blue light. Each OLED can be connected to a pixel circuit that includes transistors and capacitors.

[0102] Figure 4This is an equivalent circuit diagram showing the circuit connected to the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) of the display device 10 according to an embodiment.

[0103] refer to Figure 4 The organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is electrically connected to the pixel circuit PC. The pixel circuit PC may include a first thin-film transistor T1, a second thin-film transistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst.

[0104] The second thin-film transistor T2 is a switching thin-film transistor that can be connected to the scan line SL and the data line DL. It can transmit the data voltage (or data signal Dm) input from the data line DL to the first thin-film transistor T1 based on the switching voltage (or switching signal Sn) input from the scan line SL. A storage capacitor Cst can be connected to the second thin-film transistor T2 and the drive voltage line PL, and can store a voltage corresponding to the difference between the voltage transmitted from the second thin-film transistor T2 and the first power supply voltage ELVDD provided to the drive voltage line PL.

[0105] The first thin-film transistor T1 is a driving thin-film transistor that can be 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 stored in the storage capacitor Cst. The OLED can emit light with a predetermined brightness by using the driving current. The counter electrode (e.g., cathode) of the OLED can receive a second power supply voltage ELVSS.

[0106] Despite Figure 4 The pixel circuit PC shown includes two thin-film transistors and one storage capacitor, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The number of thin-film transistors and the number of storage capacitors can vary depending on the design of the pixel circuit PC. For example, the pixel circuit PC may include three, four, five or more thin-film transistors.

[0107] Figure 5A This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the display device 10 according to an embodiment. Figure 5A A portion of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 is shown.

[0108] refer to Figure 5A The substrate 100 may have a multilayer structure. The substrate 100 may include a first base layer 101, a first inorganic layer 102, a second base layer 103 and a second inorganic layer 104 that are sequentially stacked in the thickness direction (e.g., the z-direction).

[0109] Each of the first base layer 101 and the second base layer 103 may include a polymer resin. The polymer resin may include polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate, cellulose triacetate (TAC), and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). The polymer resin may be transparent.

[0110] Each of the first inorganic layer 102 and the second inorganic layer 104 includes a barrier layer to prevent the penetration of external impurities, and may include a single layer or multiple layers of inorganic material, such as silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride and / or silicon oxide.

[0111] The buffer layer 111 can reduce or block the penetration of impurities, moisture or external air from below the substrate 100 and provide a flat surface on the substrate 100. The buffer layer 111 may include inorganic insulating materials, such as silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride and silicon nitride, and has a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure including the above materials.

[0112] A pixel circuit PC can be disposed on the buffer layer 111. The pixel circuit PC includes a thin-film transistor (TFT) and a storage capacitor Cst. The pixel circuit PC can be arranged in a first display region DA1 and a second display region DA2. The pixel circuit PC in the first display region DA1 can have the same structure as the pixel circuit PC in the second display region DA2. A bottom metal layer BML can be disposed between the pixel circuit PC and the substrate 100 in the second display region DA2. In the second display region DA2, the bottom metal layer BML can prevent light from diffracting through the narrow gap between the wiring connected to the pixel circuit PC and can improve the performance of the thin-film transistor (TFT), where light diffracts from the reference... Figures 2A to 2C The described component 20 emits or is directed to itself. There is no bottom metal layer BML in the transmission region TA. For example, the bottom metal layer BML may include an aperture located in the transmission region TA.

[0113] The bottom metal layer BML can be electrically connected to the connection line CL. The connection line CL can be electrically connected to the storage capacitor Cst or the thin-film transistor TFT connected to the pixel circuit PC. For example, the bottom metal layer BML can be electrically connected to the gate electrode, source electrode, or drain electrode of the thin-film transistor TFT, or it can be electrically connected to the referenced above. Figure 4 The described drive voltage line PL (see Figure 4 (or one of the capacitor plates of the storage capacitor Cst)

[0114] A thin-film transistor (TFT) may include a semiconductor layer A1, a gate electrode G1, a source electrode S1, and a drain electrode D1. The gate electrode G1 overlaps with the channel region of the semiconductor layer A1, and the source electrode S1 and drain electrode D1 are respectively connected to the source region and drain region of the semiconductor layer A1. A gate insulating layer 112 may be disposed between the semiconductor layer A1 and the gate electrode G1. A first interlayer insulating layer 113 and a second interlayer insulating layer 115 may be disposed between the gate electrode G1 and the source electrode S1, or between the gate electrode G1 and the drain electrode D1.

[0115] The storage capacitor Cst may overlap with the thin-film transistor (TFT). The storage capacitor Cst may include a first capacitor plate CE1 and a second capacitor plate CE2 that overlap each other. In an embodiment, the gate electrode G1 of the thin-film transistor TFT may be the first capacitor plate CE1 of the storage capacitor Cst. A first interlayer insulating layer 113 may be disposed between the first capacitor plate CE1 and the second capacitor plate CE2.

[0116] Semiconductor layer A1 may include polycrystalline silicon. In an embodiment, semiconductor layer A1 may include amorphous silicon. In an embodiment, semiconductor layer A1 may include an oxide of at least one of indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and zinc (Zn). Semiconductor layer A1 may include a channel region, a source region, and a drain region, wherein the source and drain regions are doped with impurities.

[0117] The gate insulating layer 112 may include inorganic insulating materials, such as silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, and silicon nitride, and has a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure including the above materials.

[0118] The gate electrode G1 or the first capacitor plate CE1 may include a low-resistance conductive material, such as molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu) and / or titanium (Ti), and have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure including the above materials.

[0119] The first interlayer insulation layer 113 may include inorganic insulating materials, such as silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, and silicon nitride, and has a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure including the above materials.

[0120] The second capacitor plate CE2 may include aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and / or copper (Cu), and has a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure comprising the above materials.

[0121] The second interlayer insulation layer 115 may include inorganic insulating materials, such as silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, and silicon nitride, and has a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure including the above materials.

[0122] The source electrode S1 or drain electrode D1 comprises aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and / or copper (Cu), and has a single-layer or multi-layer structure comprising the above materials. For example, the source electrode S1 or drain electrode D1 may have a three-layer structure of titanium layer / aluminum layer / titanium layer.

[0123] The pixel circuit PC can be electrically connected to the pixel electrode 221. The pixel circuit PC includes a thin-film transistor (TFT) and a storage capacitor Cst. In an embodiment, as shown... Figure 5A As shown, the pixel circuit PC can be electrically connected to the pixel electrode 221 via the contact metal CM.

[0124] The contact metal CM can be disposed on the first planarization insulating layer 117 and connected to the pixel circuit PC through contact holes formed in the first planarization insulating layer 117. The contact metal CM may include aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and / or copper (Cu), and has a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure comprising the above materials.

[0125] The first planarization insulating layer 117 may include an organic insulating material. The first planarization insulating layer 117 may include an organic insulating material, such as acryloyl, benzocyclobutene (BCB), polyimide, or hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO). The organic insulating material of the first planarization insulating layer 117 may include a photosensitive organic insulating material.

[0126] A second planarization insulating layer 118 is disposed on the contact metal CM. The second planarization insulating layer 118 may include an organic insulating material. The second planarization insulating layer 118 may include an organic insulating material, such as acryloyl, benzocyclobutene (BCB), polyimide, or hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO). The organic insulating material of the second planarization insulating layer 118 may include a photosensitive organic insulating material.

[0127] The pixel electrode 221 can be disposed on the second planarization insulating layer 118. The pixel electrode 221 can be connected to the contact metal CM through the contact holes of the second planarization insulating layer 118.

[0128] Pixel electrode 221 may include a reflective layer comprising silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), or compounds thereof. Pixel electrode 221 may include a reflective layer comprising the above-described materials and a transparent conductive layer located above and / or below the reflective layer. The transparent conductive layer may include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In₂O₃), indium gallium oxide (IGO), or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). In embodiments, pixel electrode 221 may have a three-layer structure of sequentially stacked ITO layers / Ag layers / ITO layers.

[0129] A pixel defining layer 119 may be disposed on the pixel electrode 221. The pixel defining layer 119 may cover the edge of the pixel electrode 221 and includes an opening 119OP that overlaps with the central portion of the pixel electrode 221.

[0130] The pixel defining layer 119 may include organic insulating materials such as polyimide, polyamide, acrylic resin, benzocyclobutene, hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), and phenolic resin.

[0131] The intermediate layer 222 includes a light-emitting layer 222b overlapping the pixel electrode 221. The light-emitting layer 222b may include an organic material. The light-emitting layer 222b may include a polymeric organic material or a low molecular weight organic material that emits light of a predetermined color.

[0132] The first functional layer 222a and the second functional layer 222c can be respectively disposed below the light-emitting layer 222b and on the light-emitting layer 222b.

[0133] The first functional layer 222a may comprise a single layer or multiple layers. For example, when the first functional layer 222a comprises a polymer material, it may comprise a hole transport layer (HTL) having a single-layer structure, and may comprise poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) or polyaniline (PANI). When the first functional layer 222a comprises a low molecular weight material, it may comprise a hole injection layer (HIL) and a hole transport layer (HTL).

[0134] The second functional layer 222c can be omitted. For example, if the first functional layer 222a and the light-emitting layer 222b are made of polymer materials, it is preferable to form the second functional layer 222c. The second functional layer 222c may comprise a single layer or multiple layers. The second functional layer 222c may comprise an electron transport layer (ETL) and / or an electron injection layer (EIL).

[0135] Each of the first functional layer 222a and the second functional layer 222c can completely cover the display area, such as the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2.

[0136] The counter electrode 223 may comprise a conductive material having a relatively small work function. For example, the counter electrode 223 may comprise a (semi-)transparent layer comprising silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), or alloys thereof. Alternatively, the counter electrode 223 may also comprise a layer comprising ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3 on top of a (semi-)transparent layer comprising the aforementioned materials. In embodiments, the counter electrode 223 may comprise silver (Ag) and magnesium (Mg).

[0137] A stacked structure of sequentially stacked pixel electrodes 221, intermediate layer 222, and counter electrode 223 can constitute a light-emitting diode, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). An OLED can emit red, green, or blue light. The light-emitting area of ​​each OLED corresponds to a pixel. For example, a first pixel P1 corresponds to the light-emitting area of ​​the OLED arranged in the first display area DA1, and a second pixel P2 corresponds to the light-emitting area of ​​the OLED arranged in the second display area DA2. Because the opening 119OP of the pixel defining layer 119 defines the size and / or width of the light-emitting area, the size and / or width of the first pixel P1 and the second pixel P2 can depend on the opening 119OP of the pixel defining layer 119 corresponding to the first pixel P1 and the second pixel P2.

[0138] The organic light-emitting diode (OLED) can be covered by a thin-film encapsulation layer 300. The thin-film encapsulation layer 300 may include first and second inorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330 and an organic encapsulation layer 320 located therebetween.

[0139] The first and second inorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330 may comprise one or more inorganic insulating materials. The inorganic insulating materials may include aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride. The first and second inorganic encapsulation layers 310 and 330 may be formed by chemical vapor deposition.

[0140] The organic encapsulation layer 320 may include polymer-based materials. Polymer-based materials may include acryloyl-based resins, epoxy-based resins, polyimides, and polyethylene. For example, the organic encapsulation layer 320 may include acrylic resins, such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylic acid, etc. The organic encapsulation layer 320 may be formed by curing monomers or coating polymers.

[0141] refer to Figure 5AThe insulating layer on the substrate 100 may include holes formed in the transmission region TA. For example, as Figure 5A As shown, the gate insulating layer 112, the first interlayer insulating layer 113, the second interlayer insulating layer 115, the first planarization insulating layer 117, the second planarization insulating layer 118, and the pixel defining layer 119 can each be located in the transmission region TA, and can respectively include the first to sixth holes H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, and H6.

[0142] The first functional layer 222a and the second functional layer 222c may cover the transmission region TA. Conversely, the counter electrode 223 may include a hole 223H formed in the transmission region TA to improve the transmittance of the transmission region TA.

[0143] Figure 5B This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the display device 10 according to an embodiment.

[0144] Figure 5B The display device 10 is shown to have a reference Figure 5A The structure is essentially the same as described above, and it is shown that the substrate 100 has a single-layer structure and the encapsulation substrate 300B is arranged in place of the thin-film encapsulation layer 300.

[0145] Substrate 100 may include a glass material, and encapsulation substrate 300B may also include a glass material. Each of substrate 100 and encapsulation substrate 300B may include a glass substrate. An internal space IS may be defined between substrate 100 and encapsulation substrate 300B. An air layer may be present in the internal space IS. Alternatively, a transparent material layer may be present in the internal space IS. The transparent material layer may include a transparent material having a refractive index similar to that of substrate 100 and encapsulation substrate 300B. The transparent material may include a liquid transparent material. The transparent material may include epoxy resin, polyurethane acrylate, epoxy acrylate, or silicone-based resin (e.g., bisphenol A type epoxy resin, alicyclic epoxy resin, phenyl silicone resin or rubber, acrylic epoxy resin, aliphatic polyurethane acrylate, etc.). Alternatively, for transparent materials, silicon or silicone oil that does not undergo a phase change in a temperature range of about -40°C to about 100°C and has a volume change rate of about 5% can be used, wherein the silicon or silicone oil includes hexamethyldisiloxane, octamethyltrisiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane, dodecylpentasiloxane and polydimethylsiloxane.

[0146] Figure 6 This is a plan view showing a portion of the first display area DA1 of the display device 10 according to an embodiment, and Figure 7 This is a plan view showing a portion of the second display area DA2 of the display device 10 according to an embodiment.

[0147] refer to Figure 6 A first pixel P1 is disposed in a first display area DA1. The first pixel P1 may include a first red pixel Pr1, a first green pixel Pg1, and a first blue pixel Pb1. The structure of each of the first red pixel Pr1, the first green pixel Pg1, and the first blue pixel Pb1 may correspond to the above reference. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The cross-sectional structure of the first pixel P1 is described.

[0148] The array of first pixels P1 arranged in the first display area DA1 may include an arrangement structure of first pixel units U1. For example, the first pixel unit U1 corresponds to a minimum repeating unit. A minimum repeating unit is a repeating unit with the minimum number of pixels. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, a block comprising a first red pixel Pr1, a first green pixel Pg1, and a first blue pixel Pb1 can correspond to the first pixel unit U1.

[0149] refer to Figure 7 The second pixel P2 is arranged in the second display area DA2. The second pixel P2 may include a second red pixel Pr2, a second green pixel Pg2, and a second blue pixel Pb2. The structure of each of the second red pixel Pr2, the second green pixel Pg2, and the second blue pixel Pb2 may correspond to the above reference. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The cross-sectional structure of the second pixel P2 is described.

[0150] The array of second pixels P2 arranged in the second display area DA2 may include an arrangement structure of multiple second pixel units U2. For example, the second pixel unit U2 corresponds to a minimum repeating unit. A minimum repeating unit is a repeating unit with the minimum number of pixels. For example, as... Figure 7 As shown, a block comprising two second red pixels Pr2, two second green pixels Pg2, and two second blue pixels Pb2 can correspond to the second pixel unit U2.

[0151] The second display area DA2 may include a transmissive area TA located between the second pixel units U2. The transmissive area TA corresponds to the area in which no pixels are arranged, that is, the area in which no second pixel units U2 are arranged.

[0152] The number of pixels included in the second pixel unit U2 can be greater than the number of pixels included in the first pixel unit U1. In an embodiment, the number of pixels included in the second pixel unit U2 can be twice or more the number of pixels included in the first pixel unit U1. For example, as... Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the number of pixels included in the second pixel unit U2 can be 6, and the number of pixels included in the first pixel unit U1 can be 3.

[0153] In the second pixel P2 included in the second pixel unit U2, pixels emitting light of the same color, such as the second red pixel Pr2, the second green pixel Pg2, and the second blue pixel Pb2, can be arranged adjacent to each other. In this specification, when pixels are referred to as being arranged adjacent to each other, they can be arranged close to each other at varying distances. In this specification, pixels can be spaced apart from each other at different distances. Figure 7 As shown, the second red pixel Pr2 can be adjacent to each other at a second distance d2, the second green pixel Pg2 can be adjacent to each other at a second distance d2, and the second blue pixel Pb2 can be adjacent to each other at a second distance d2.

[0154] The distance between adjacent pixels of the same color in the second display area DA2 can be smaller than the distance between adjacent pixels of the same color in the first display area DA1. For example, Figure 7 The second distance d2 between adjacent second red pixels Pr2 in the second display area DA2 shown can be less than, for example, Figure 6 The first distance d1 between adjacent first red pixels Pr1 in the first display area DA1 is shown. Similarly, the second distance d2 between adjacent second green pixels Pg2 in the second display area DA2 can be smaller than the first distance d1 between adjacent first green pixels Pg1 in the first display area DA1. The second distance d2 between adjacent second blue pixels Pb2 in the second display area DA2 can be smaller than the first distance d1 between adjacent first blue pixels Pb1 in the first display area DA1.

[0155] For example, Figure 6 As shown, the first distance d1 can correspond to the distance between two adjacent pixel units of the same color. For example, as... Figure 7 As shown, the second distance d2 can correspond to the distance between pixels of the same color in a pixel unit.

[0156] The distance between pixels of different colors in the second display area DA2 can be equal to or less than the distance between pixels of different colors in the first display area DA1. For example, Figure 7 As shown, the fourth distance d4 between the second red pixel Pr2 and the second green pixel Pg2 in the second display area DA2 can be less than the third distance d3 between the first red pixel Pr1 and the first green pixel Pg1 in the first display area DA1. Alternatively, the fourth distance d4 can be equal to the third distance d3.

[0157] Similarly, the sixth distance d6 between the second red pixel Pr2 and the second blue pixel Pb2 in the second display area DA2 can be less than the fifth distance d5 between the first red pixel Pr1 and the first blue pixel Pb1 in the first display area DA1. Alternatively, the sixth distance d6 can be equal to the fifth distance d5.

[0158] The size or shape of the first pixel P1 may differ from the size or shape of the second pixel P2. In an embodiment, it is shown that the size of the first pixel P1 (e.g., the size of the first red pixel Pr1, the first green pixel Pg1, and the first blue pixel Pb1) differs from the corresponding sizes of the second red pixel Pr2, the second green pixel Pg2, and the second blue pixel Pb2. For example, as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the size of the first pixel P1 can be larger than the size of the second pixel P2. Although in Figure 6 and Figure 7 The diagram shows that the first pixel P1 and the second pixel P2 have quadrilateral shapes, but their shapes can be changed differently. The shape of the first pixel P1 or the second pixel P2 can be changed to a rhombus shape, a circle shape, or an ellipse shape. In this case, the shape of the first pixel P1 can be different from the shape of the second pixel P2.

[0159] Figure 8 It shows along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the first display area DA1 intercepted by line VIII-VIII'. Figure 9 It shows along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the second display area DA2, intercepted by line IX-IX'. Figure 10A It is shown Figure 8 A plan view of the light-emitting layers 222br and 222bg and the counter electrode 223, and Figure 10B It is shown Figure 9 A plan view of the light-emitting layers 222br and 222bg and the counter electrode 223.

[0160] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The pixel circuit PC is disposed on the substrate 100, and each pixel circuit PC is electrically connected to an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) disposed on the pixel circuit PC. The structure of the insulating layer disposed on the pixel circuit PC, the organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and the substrate 100 is substantially the same as described above. Figure 5A The descriptions are the same. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the bottom metal layer BML can be disposed in the second display area DA2. The bottom metal layer BML may correspond to at least one pixel circuit PC. For example, as Figure 9As shown, multiple pixel circuits PC can overlap with the bottom metal layer BML.

[0161] A pixel can correspond to a light-emitting area of ​​light emitted from an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). For example... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the light-emitting area of ​​an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) can be defined by an opening 119OP of a pixel defining layer 119, and therefore the distance between pixels is substantially the same as the distance between the openings 119OP of the pixel defining layer 119 corresponding to the relevant pixels.

[0162] Figure 8 The first distance d1 between adjacent first red pixels Pr1 in the first display area DA1 can be greater than Figure 9 The second distance d2 between adjacent second red pixels Pr2 in the second display area DA2. Similarly, the first separation distance L1 between pixel electrodes 221 corresponding to adjacent first red pixels Pr1 in the first display area DA1 can be greater than the second separation distance L2 between pixel electrodes 221 corresponding to adjacent second red pixels Pr2 in the second display area DA2. The first separation distance L1 can be less than the first distance d1, and the second separation distance L2 can be less than the second distance d2.

[0163] Figure 8 The third distance d3 between the first red pixel Pr1 and the first green pixel Pg1, which are adjacent to each other in the first display area DA1, can be equal to or greater than 1 / 3. Figure 9 The fourth distance d4 is between adjacent second red pixels Pr2 and second green pixels Pg2 in the second display area DA2. Similarly, the third separation distance L3 between the pixel electrodes 221 corresponding to adjacent first red pixels Pr1 and first green pixels Pg1 in the first display area DA1 can be equal to or greater than the fourth separation distance L4 between the pixel electrodes 221 corresponding to adjacent second red pixels Pr2 and second green pixels Pg2 in the second display area DA2. The third separation distance L3 can be less than the third distance d3, and the fourth separation distance L4 can be less than the fourth distance d4.

[0164] In the first display area DA1, pixels with different colors can be arranged between pixels of the same color that are adjacent to each other. For example, as Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the first green pixel Pg1 can be arranged between adjacent first red pixels Pr1. Therefore, in the first display area DA1, one light-emitting layer can correspond to each pixel.

[0165] For example, such as Figure 8 and Figure 10AAs shown, the red emitting layer 222br can correspond to a first red pixel Pr1. Similarly, the green emitting layer 222bg can correspond to a first green pixel Pg1, and the blue emitting layer 222bb can correspond to a first blue pixel Pb1.

[0166] Unlike the red light-emitting layer 222br, the green light-emitting layer 222bg, and the blue light-emitting layer 222bb, which each correspond to one pixel, the counter electrode 223 can be formed into a single body to cover multiple pixels.

[0167] Alternatively, in the second display area DA2, adjacent pixels of the same color may not be arranged with pixels of different colors. (See reference) Figure 7 and Figure 9 In the second pixel unit U2 (see Figure 7 In the second display area DA2, no pixels of different colors are set between adjacent second red pixels Pr2. Therefore, in the second display area DA2, one light-emitting layer can correspond to multiple pixels.

[0168] For example, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10B As shown, the red emitting layer 222br can correspond to two second red pixels Pr2. The red emitting layer 222br can cover the top surface of the pixel defining layer 119, located between the openings 119OP defining the two second red pixels Pr2. Similarly, as Figure 10B As shown, in the x-direction, the green emitting layer 222bg can correspond to two second green pixels Pg2, and the blue emitting layer 222bb can correspond to two second blue pixels Pb2. Or, as... Figure 10B As shown, the blue luminescent layer 222bb can be formed into a body to correspond to the two columns of second blue pixels Pb2 arranged in the x and y directions.

[0169] like Figure 10B As shown, the counter electrode 223 does not cover the region corresponding to the transmission region TA. Regarding this, Figure 10B The diagram shows that the counter electrode 223 includes a hole 223H located in the transmission region TA.

[0170] The aperture 223H of the counter electrode 223 can be formed as follows. The aperture 223H of the counter electrode 223 can be formed by forming the counter electrode 223 to completely cover the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2; and then removing the area corresponding to the aperture 223H. The area corresponding to the aperture 223H can be removed using a laser or the like. Alternatively, the counter electrode 223 can be deposited using a mask that includes a shielding portion arranged in the area corresponding to the aperture 223H. Because the area of ​​the mask surrounding the shielding portion is an opening, the counter electrode 223 can be deposited in a portion of the second display area DA2 and the first display area DA1 when the deposition material passes through the opening of the mask. Because the transmission area TA is partially shielded during the deposition process, the aperture 223H can be formed in the transmission area TA.

[0171] During the deposition process, a problem may occur where deposited material accumulates in the area corresponding to the masked portion of the object on which the deposited material is deposited (e.g., the substrate 100 extending from buffer layer 111 to intermediate layer 222) due to a shading phenomenon. This problem may be related to the transmittance and area of ​​the transmission region TA. Because the second display region DA2 includes the transmission region TA, the holes 223H of the counter electrode 223 should be arranged between pixels. As the number of holes 223H increases, shading may occur more frequently. Considering the shading phenomenon, a small number of pixels may be arranged in the second display region DA2 to ensure sufficient transmission region TA. In this case, the resolution of the second display region DA2 may be reduced.

[0172] However, according to the embodiments, as referenced above... Figures 6 to 10B As mentioned above, since the second pixel unit U2 includes more pixels than the first pixel unit U1, the reduction in resolution in the second display area DA2 can be minimized.

[0173] Figure 11 This is a plan view showing a portion of the first display area DA1 of the display device according to an embodiment. Figure 12 This is a plan view showing a portion of the second display area DA2 of a display device according to an embodiment. (Reference) Figure 11 and Figure 12 The image shows pixels arranged in a pentile configuration.

[0174] refer to Figure 11 The first pixel unit U1 of the first display area DA1 may include four pixels. For example, the first pixel unit U1 may include a first red pixel Pr1, two first green pixels Pg1 and a first blue pixel Pb1.

[0175] refer to Figure 12The second pixel unit U2 of the second display area DA2 may include a greater number of pixels than the first pixel unit U1. For example, as Figure 12 As shown, the second pixel unit U2 may include eight pixels, including two second red pixels Pr2, four second green pixels Pg2 and two second blue pixels Pb2.

[0176] Among the second pixels included in the second pixel unit U2, pixels emitting the same color of light (e.g., the second red pixel Pr2, the second green pixel Pg2, and the second blue pixel Pb2) can be adjacent to each other. Figure 12 As shown, two second red pixels Pr2 can be adjacent to each other, and two second green pixels Pg2 can be adjacent to each other. The other two second green pixels Pg2 can be adjacent to each other, and the two second blue pixels Pb2 can be adjacent to each other. Although in Figure 12 The diagram shows two second green pixels Pg2 and two other second green pixels Pg2 adjacent to each other in the y direction. However, in another embodiment, the two second green pixels Pg2 and two other second green pixels Pg2 in the second pixel unit U2 may be arranged in a direction inclined relative to the x and y directions (e.g., diagonal direction ob).

[0177] In the second display area DA2, the distance between pixels of the same color that are adjacent to each other can be smaller than the distance between pixels of the same color that are adjacent to each other in the first display area DA1. For example, Figure 12 As shown, the second distance d2' between adjacent second green pixels Pg2 in the second display area DA2 can be less than, for example, Figure 11 The first distance d1' between adjacent first green pixels Pg1 in the first display area DA1 is shown. Similarly, the distance between adjacent second red pixels Pr2 in the second display area DA2 can be less than the distance between adjacent first red pixels Pr1 in the first display area DA1. The distance between adjacent second blue pixels Pb2 in the second display area DA2 can be less than the distance between adjacent first blue pixels Pb1 in the first display area DA1.

[0178] In the second display area DA2, the distance between pixels of different colors that are adjacent to each other can be equal to or less than the distance between pixels of different colors that are adjacent to each other in the first display area DA1. For example, as Figure 12As shown, the fourth distance d4' between adjacent second red pixels Pr2 and second green pixels Pg2 in the second display area DA2 can be less than the third distance d3' between adjacent first red pixels Pr1 and first green pixels Pg1 in the first display area DA1. Alternatively, the fourth distance d4' can be equal to the third distance d3'.

[0179] Similarly, the sixth distance d6' between adjacent second red pixels Pr2 and second blue pixels Pb2 in the second display area DA2 can be less than the fifth distance d5' between adjacent first red pixels Pr1 and first blue pixels Pb1 in the first display area DA1. Alternatively, the sixth distance d6' can be equal to the fifth distance d5'.

[0180] Figure 13 This is a plan view showing a portion of the first display area DA1 of a display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 14 This is a plan view showing a portion of the second display area DA2 of the display device according to an embodiment. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The pixels are shown to be arranged in a pentile pattern, for example, a diamond pentile pattern.

[0181] refer to Figure 13 The first pixel unit U1 of the first display area DA1 may include four pixels. For example, the first pixel unit U1 may include a first red pixel Pr1, two first green pixels Pg1, and a first blue pixel Pb1. The first red pixel Pr1 and the first green pixel Pg1 may be arranged in a direction inclined relative to the x and y directions (e.g., diagonal direction ob), and the first blue pixel Pb1 and the other first green pixel Pg1 may be arranged in a direction inclined relative to the x and y directions (e.g., diagonal direction ob).

[0182] refer to Figure 14 The second pixel unit U2 of the second display area DA2 may include a greater number of pixels than the first pixel unit U1. For example, as Figure 14 As shown, the second pixel unit U2 may include two second red pixels Pr2, four second green pixels Pg2 and two second blue pixels Pb2.

[0183] In the second pixel P2 included in the second pixel unit U2, pixels emitting the same color of light (e.g., the second red pixel Pr2, the second green pixel Pg2, and the second blue pixel Pb2) can be arranged adjacent to each other. Figure 14As shown, two second red pixels Pr2 can be adjacent to each other, and two second green pixels Pg2 can be adjacent to each other. Two other second green pixels Pg2 can be adjacent to each other, and two second blue pixels Pb2 can be adjacent to each other. Two second red pixels Pr2 and two second green pixels Pg2 can be arranged in a direction inclined relative to the x and y directions (e.g., diagonal direction ob), and two second blue pixels Pb2 and two other second green pixels Pg2 can be arranged in a direction inclined relative to the x and y directions (e.g., diagonal direction ob).

[0184] In the second display area DA2, the distance between pixels of the same color that are adjacent to each other can be smaller than the distance between pixels of the same color that are adjacent to each other in the first display area DA1. For example, Figure 14 As shown, the second distance d2" between adjacent second green pixels Pg2 in the second display area DA2 can be less than, for example, Figure 13 The first distance d1" between adjacent first green pixels Pg1 in the first display area DA1 is shown. Similarly, the distance between adjacent second red pixels Pr2 in the second display area DA2 can be less than the distance between adjacent first red pixels Pr1 in the first display area DA1. The distance between adjacent second blue pixels Pb2 in the second display area DA2 can be less than the distance between adjacent first blue pixels Pb1 in the first display area DA1.

[0185] In the second display area DA2, the distance between pixels of different colors that are adjacent to each other can be equal to or less than the distance between pixels of different colors that are adjacent to each other in the first display area DA1. For example, as Figure 14 As shown, the fourth distance d4" between adjacent second red pixels Pr2 and second green pixels Pg2 in the second display area DA2 can be less than the third distance d3" between adjacent first red pixels Pr1 and first green pixels Pg1 in the first display area DA1. Alternatively, the fourth distance d4" can be equal to the third distance d3".

[0186] Similarly, the sixth distance d6" between adjacent second green pixels Pg2 and second blue pixels Pb2 in the second display area DA2 can be less than the fifth distance d5" between adjacent first green pixels Pg1 and first blue pixels Pb1 in the first display area DA1. Alternatively, the sixth distance d6" can be equal to the fifth distance d5".

[0187] The second display area DA2 may include transmission areas TA, and some of the transmission areas TA may be adjacent to each other in the x and y directions. Other transmission areas TA may be adjacent to each other and arranged in directions inclined relative to the x and y directions. The arrangement of the transmission areas TA is equally applicable to the reference. Figure 12 or Figure 7 The second display area DA2 is described.

[0188] Embodiments may provide display devices and electronic devices in which components such as sensors or cameras can be arranged while ensuring a wide display area for the displayed image. Embodiments may also provide display devices and electronic devices that prevent resolution degradation while ensuring sufficient transmissive area for the components. These effects are provided as examples, and the scope of the inventive concept is not limited by these effects.

[0189] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are to be considered merely descriptive and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be taken as applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, the display area including a first display area and a second display area, the display device comprising: Substrate; as well as A plurality of pixels are arranged above the substrate and include a first pixel and a second pixel, the first pixel being included in a first display area and the second pixel being included in a second display area. The first pixel includes a repeating arrangement of first pixel units, each of which includes pixels of a different color; and the second pixel includes a repeating arrangement of second pixel units, wherein each of the second pixel units includes a greater number of pixels than each of the first pixel units. In each of the second pixel units, adjacent pixels of the first color are arranged adjacent to each other with a first spacing. Wherein, in each of the second pixel units, the second spacing between the first color pixel and the second color pixel is greater than the first spacing, and The second pixel unit includes at least two pixels of the same color for each different color, and the at least two pixels of the same color are arranged adjacent to each other and no other pixels of different colors are arranged between them.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first distance between adjacent pixels of the same color in the first pixel is greater than the second distance between adjacent pixels of the same color in the second pixel.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The third distance between adjacent pixels of different colors in the first pixel is equal to or greater than the fourth distance between adjacent pixels of different colors in the second pixel.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The size or shape of the first pixel is different from the size or shape of the second pixel.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, In the first pixel, pixels of the same color that are adjacent to each other are arranged with pixels of different colors.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second display area includes a transmissive region located between the repeatedly arranged second pixel units.

7. The display device according to claim 6, further comprising: Multiple light-emitting diodes, respectively corresponding to the first pixel and the second pixel, Each of the plurality of light-emitting diodes has a stacked structure of a pixel electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a counter electrode.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The first separation distance between the pixel electrodes corresponding to the pixels of the same color that are adjacent to each other in the first pixel is greater than the second separation distance between the pixel electrodes corresponding to the pixels of the same color that are adjacent to each other in the second pixel.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The light-emitting layers corresponding to the adjacent pixels of the same color in the second pixel are formed as a single entity.

10. The display device according to claim 7, wherein, The counter electrodes corresponding to the first pixel and the second pixel are formed as a single body and include a hole corresponding to the transmission region.

11. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A bottom metal layer is disposed between the substrate and the plurality of pixels and located in the second display area.

12. Electronic devices, including: The display device includes a first display area and a second display area; as well as Components that overlap with the transmissive area of ​​the second display area; in, The display device includes a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels including a first pixel located in the first display area and a second pixel located in the second display area. The first pixel includes a repeating arrangement of first pixel units, each of which includes pixels of a different color. The second pixel includes a repeating arrangement of second pixel units, each of which includes a greater number of pixels than each of the first pixel units. The transmission region is located between the repeatedly arranged second pixel units. In each of the second pixel units, adjacent pixels of the first color are arranged adjacent to each other with a first spacing. In each of the second pixel units, the second spacing between the first color pixel and the second color pixel is greater than the first spacing, and The second pixel unit includes at least two pixels of the same color for each different color, and the at least two pixels of the same color are arranged adjacent to each other and no other pixels of different colors are arranged between them.

13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein, The first distance between adjacent pixels of the same color in the first pixel is greater than the second distance between adjacent pixels of the same color in the second pixel.

14. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein, The third distance between adjacent pixels of different colors in the first pixel is equal to or greater than the fourth distance between adjacent pixels of different colors in the second pixel.

15. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein, The size or shape of the first pixel is different from the size or shape of the second pixel.

16. The electronic device of claim 12, further comprising: Multiple light-emitting diodes are respectively associated with the first pixel and the second pixel; as well as Multiple thin-film transistors are respectively connected to the multiple light-emitting diodes. Each of the plurality of light-emitting diodes has a stacked structure of a pixel electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a counter electrode.

17. The electronic device of claim 16, further comprising: A bottom metal layer is disposed below the thin-film transistors in the second display area among the plurality of thin-film transistors.

18. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein, The first separation distance between the pixel electrodes corresponding to the pixels of the same color that are adjacent to each other in the first pixel is greater than the second separation distance between the pixel electrodes corresponding to the pixels of the same color that are adjacent to each other in the second pixel.

19. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein, The light-emitting layers corresponding to the adjacent pixels of the same color in the second pixel are formed as a single entity.

20. The electronic device according to claim 19, wherein, The single main body of the light-emitting layer covers the top surface of the pixel-defining layer, which covers the edges of the pixel electrodes corresponding to adjacent pixels of the same color in the second pixel.

21. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein, In the first pixel, pixels of the same color that are adjacent to each other are positioned with pixels of different colors.

22. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein, Each of the first pixel units includes at least one first red pixel, at least one first green pixel, and at least one first blue pixel. Each of the second pixel units includes at least one second red pixel, at least one second green pixel, and at least one second blue pixel. The sum of the number of at least one second red pixel, the number of at least one second green pixel, and the number of at least one second blue pixel is twice or more than the sum of the number of at least one first red pixel, the number of at least one first green pixel, and the number of at least one first blue pixel.

23. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein, The components include sensors or cameras.

Images