Mask assembly and method for manufacturing display device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mask assembly and a method of manufacturing a display device. The mask assembly includes a mask frame having an opening portion and a mask sheet on the mask frame, wherein the mask sheet includes a first body portion having a first opening portion, a second body portion connected to the first body portion and having a second opening portion different from the first opening portion, and a third body portion connected to the first body portion and having a third opening portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0021143, filed on February 20, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, as fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments / implementations of the present invention generally relate to apparatuses and methods, and more specifically, to mask assemblies and methods of manufacturing display devices. Background Technology

[0004] Mobile electronic devices are now widely used. Tablet PCs and small electronic devices such as mobile phones have recently become widely used as mobile electronic devices.

[0005] Mobile electronic devices include display devices for providing users with visual information such as images to support various functions. Recently, as other components configured to drive the display device have been miniaturized, the percentage of display devices in mobile electronic devices has gradually increased, and the structure has been developed to be flexible at a certain angle from a planar state.

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

[0007] Additional aspects 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 practice of the embodiments presented in this disclosure.

[0008] An exemplary embodiment provides an apparatus for manufacturing a display device, the apparatus including a cavity, a mask assembly disposed inside the cavity to face a display substrate, and a deposition source facing the mask assembly and configured to supply deposition material to the display substrate, wherein the mask assembly includes a mask frame including an opening portion and a mask sheet spanning the mask frame, wherein the mask sheet includes a first body portion including a first opening portion, a second body portion connected to the first body portion and including a second opening portion different from the first opening portion, and a third body portion connected to the first body portion and including a third opening portion.

[0009] The shape of the second opening can be the same as the shape of the third opening.

[0010] The mask assembly may further include a support frame disposed in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the mask sheet and supporting the mask sheet, wherein the third main body portion overlaps with the support frame in the plan view.

[0011] The second and third main body portions can be arranged opposite each other relative to a straight line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mask and passing through the center of the mask.

[0012] The distance from the edge of the second opening portion located at the outermost part of the second main body to the edge of the mask can be the same as the distance from the edge of the third opening portion located at the outermost part of the third main body to the edge of the mask.

[0013] Multiple second main body parts and multiple third main body parts can be provided, wherein the multiple second main body parts are aligned with each other, and the multiple third main body parts are aligned with each other.

[0014] Each second main body and each third main body can be arranged in a serpentine shape.

[0015] The sum of the areas of the second opening portions of the multiple second main bodies can be the same as the sum of the areas of the third opening portions of the multiple third main bodies.

[0016] Some of the third body parts and other third body parts can be arranged symmetrically with respect to any straight line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mask and passing through the center of the mask.

[0017] The mask assembly may further include a support frame disposed in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the mask sheet and supporting the mask sheet, wherein a plurality of support frames and a plurality of second body portions are provided, wherein a channel region through which the deposited material passes is defined by the edges of adjacent support frames and first body portions among the plurality of support frames, or by the edges of one support frame, mask frame and first body portion among the plurality of support frames, wherein each second body portion is disposed at a corner portion of the channel region.

[0018] An exemplary embodiment also provides a method of manufacturing a display device, comprising: disposing a display substrate and a mask assembly inside a cavity, and depositing a deposition material on the display substrate through the mask assembly, wherein the mask assembly includes a mask frame including an opening portion and a mask sheet on the mask frame, wherein the mask sheet includes a first body portion including a first opening portion, a second body portion connected to the first body portion and including a second opening portion different from the first opening portion, and a third body portion connected to the first body portion and including a third opening portion, wherein at least one of the shape of the second opening portion, the size of the second opening portion, and the distance between adjacent second opening portions is different from at least one of the shape of the first opening portion, the size of the first opening portion, and the distance between adjacent first opening portions.

[0019] The shape of the second opening can be the same as the shape of the third opening.

[0020] The mask assembly may further include a support frame disposed in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the mask sheet and supporting the mask sheet, wherein the third main body portion overlaps with the support frame in the plan view.

[0021] The second and third main body parts can be arranged opposite each other relative to any straight line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mask and passing through the center of the mask.

[0022] The distance from the edge of the second opening portion located at the outermost part of the second main body to the edge of the mask can be the same as the distance from the edge of the third opening portion located at the outermost part of the third main body to the edge of the mask.

[0023] Multiple second main body parts and multiple third main body parts can be provided, wherein the multiple second main body parts are aligned with each other, and the multiple third main body parts are aligned with each other.

[0024] Each second main body and each third main body can be arranged in a serpentine shape.

[0025] The sum of the areas of the second opening portions of the multiple second main bodies can be the same as the sum of the areas of the third opening portions of the multiple third main bodies.

[0026] Some of the third body parts and other third body parts can be arranged symmetrically with respect to any straight line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mask and passing through the center of the mask.

[0027] The mask assembly may further include a support frame disposed in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the mask sheet and supporting the mask sheet, wherein a plurality of support frames and a plurality of second body portions are provided, wherein a channel region through which the deposited material passes is defined by the edges of adjacent support frames and first body portions among the plurality of support frames, or by the edges of one support frame, mask frame and first body portion among the plurality of support frames, wherein each second body portion is disposed at a corner portion of the channel region.

[0028] An exemplary embodiment also provides a mask assembly including a mask frame having an opening portion and a mask sheet on the mask frame, wherein the mask sheet includes a first body portion having a first opening portion, a second body portion connected to the first body portion and having a second opening portion different from the first opening portion, and a third body portion connected to the first body portion and having a third opening portion, wherein at least one of the shape of the second opening portion, the size of the second opening portion, and the distance between adjacent second opening portions is different from at least one of the shape of the first opening portion, the size of the first opening portion, and the distance between adjacent first opening portions.

[0029] The shape of the second opening can be the same as the shape of the third opening.

[0030] The mask assembly may further include a support frame disposed in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the mask sheet and supporting the mask sheet, wherein the third main body portion overlaps with the support frame in the plan view.

[0031] The second and third main body parts can be arranged opposite each other relative to any straight line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mask and passing through the center of the mask.

[0032] The distance from the edge of the second opening portion located at the outermost part of the second main body to the edge of the mask can be the same as the distance from the edge of the third opening portion located at the outermost part of the third main body to the edge of the mask.

[0033] Multiple second main body parts and multiple third main body parts can be provided, wherein the multiple second main body parts are aligned with each other, and the multiple third main body parts are aligned with each other.

[0034] Each second main body and each third main body can be arranged in a serpentine shape.

[0035] The sum of the areas of the second opening portions of the multiple second main bodies can be the same as the sum of the areas of the third opening portions of the multiple third main bodies.

[0036] Some of the third body parts and other third body parts can be arranged symmetrically with respect to any straight line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mask and passing through the center of the mask.

[0037] The mask assembly may further include a support frame disposed in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the mask sheet and supporting the mask sheet, wherein a plurality of support frames and a plurality of second body portions are provided, wherein a channel region through which the deposited material passes is defined by the edges of adjacent support frames and first body portions among the plurality of support frames, or by the edges of one support frame, mask frame and first body portion among the plurality of support frames, wherein each second body portion is disposed at a corner portion of the channel region.

[0038] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the drawings, claims and detailed description.

[0039] These general and specific embodiments can be implemented by using systems, methods, computer programs, or combinations thereof.

[0040] 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 claimed invention. Attached Figure Description

[0041] 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 description, serve to explain the inventive concept.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line A-A'.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a plan view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 4A This is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating pixels that can be located in a first display area and / or a second display area of ​​a display device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 4B This is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating pixels that can be located in a first display area and / or a second display area of ​​a display device, according to another embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 5 It is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of the transmissive area and sub-pixels in the first and second display areas.

[0048] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The cross-sectional views taken from lines I-I' and II-II'.

[0049] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to another embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to yet another embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 10 It is a diagram. Figure 9 A perspective view of the mask component.

[0053] Figure 11 It is a diagram. Figure 10 A plan view of the mask sheet.

[0054] Figure 12A and Figure 12BThis is a plan view of a portion of a first mask sheet for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 13A and Figure 13B This is a plan view of a portion of a second mask sheet for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 14A and Figure 14B This is a plan view of a portion of a third mask sheet for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 15 This is a plan view illustrating a portion of a first mask sheet of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 16 This is a plan view of a first mask sheet for manufacturing a display device according to another embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 17 This is a plan view illustrating a portion of a mask sheet for manufacturing a display device according to another embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 18 This is a plan view illustrating a portion of a mask sheet for manufacturing a display device according to another embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 19 This is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of sub-pixels and transmissive regions in a second display area of ​​a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 20 This is a plan view illustrating a portion of a first mask sheet of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 21 This is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of sub-pixels and transmissive regions in a second display area of ​​a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 22 This is a plan view illustrating a portion of a first mask sheet of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 23 This is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of sub-pixels and transmissive regions in a second display area of ​​a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 24 This is a plan view illustrating a portion of a first mask sheet of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0067] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the invention. As used herein, “embodiment” and “implementation” are interchangeable terms for non-limiting examples of apparatus or methods employing one or more inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, the various exemplary embodiments may be different, but are not necessarily exclusive. For example, a particular shape, configuration, and characteristic of an exemplary embodiment may be used in or implemented in another exemplary embodiment without departing from the inventive concept.

[0068] Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated exemplary embodiments should be understood as providing exemplary features of different details of some ways in which the inventive concept can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, areas and / or aspects of various embodiments (hereinafter collectively referred to as “elements”) may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged in other ways without departing from the inventive concept.

[0069] In the accompanying drawings, the use of crosshairs and / or shading is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, unless specified, the presence or absence of crosshairs or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for the specific material, material properties, dimensions, scale, commonalities between illustrated elements, and / or any other characteristics, properties, or nature of the elements. Furthermore, in the drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When exemplary embodiments can be implemented 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. Moreover, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0070] When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another element or layer, the element may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly attached to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly" on, "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another element or layer, there are no intermediate elements or layers present. Therefore, the term "connection" can refer to a physical, electrical, and / or fluid connection with or without intermediate elements. Furthermore, the D1, D2, and D3 axes are not limited to the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system, such as the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the D1, D2, and D3 axes can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" can be interpreted as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, 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 associated listed items.

[0071] 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.

[0072] For descriptive purposes, spatially relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “down,” “above,” “above,” “higher,” and “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”) may be used herein to describe the relationship of one(s) element(s) relative to another element(s), as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, the spatially relative terms are 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 will consequently be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or oriented in other orientations), and therefore, the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0073] 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” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. Furthermore, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree, and are therefore utilized to account for the inherent biases of values ​​that will be generally accepted by those skilled in the art for measurement, calculation, and / or provision.

[0074] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional and / or exploded views as schematic representations of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Thus, variations in the illustrated shapes are contemplated as a result of, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the specific illustrated shapes of the areas, but should include deviations in shape resulting from, for example, manufacturing processes. In this way, the areas illustrated in the figures can be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these areas may not reflect the actual shapes of the areas of the device, and are therefore not intended to be limiting.

[0075] 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 is a part. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0076] Typically, a mask sheet is stretched and fixed, and then used for the deposition of a precise pattern in the manufacture of a display device. In this case, a portion of the mask sheet may deform when it is stretched. Since display devices with inaccurate patterns may be manufactured due to deformation, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide a mask assembly and an apparatus and method for manufacturing a display device capable of producing a display device with a precise pattern.

[0077] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0078] refer to Figure 1The display device 1 includes a first display area DA1 in which an image is formed and a non-display area NDA in which no image is formed. The display device 1 can provide a main image by using light emitted by a plurality of principal sub-pixels Pm disposed in the first display area DA1.

[0079] Display device 1 includes a second display area DA2. The second display area DA2 may be as follows (reference provided) Figure 2 The described component, such as a sensor using infrared, visible light, or sound, is disposed in the area below it. The second display area DA2 may include a transmission area TA through which light and / or sound emitted from the component to the outside or propagating from the outside toward the component can be transmitted. According to embodiments of the present invention, when light is transmitted through the second display area DA2, the transmittance through the second display area DA2 can be equal to or greater than about 30%, more preferably equal to or greater than 50%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90%.

[0080] In this embodiment, the second display area DA2 may include an auxiliary emission area Pg in which a plurality of auxiliary sub-pixels Pa are disposed, and an image may be provided by using light emitted by the plurality of auxiliary sub-pixels Pa. The image provided in the second display area DA2 may be an auxiliary image and may have a lower resolution than the image provided in the first display area DA1. That is, since the second display area DA2 includes a transmission area TA through which light and / or sound can be transmitted, the number of auxiliary sub-pixels Pa that can be disposed per unit area may be less than the number of main sub-pixels Pm disposed per unit area in the first display area DA1.

[0081] The second display area DA2 can be disposed to one side of the first display area DA1, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The second display area DA2 can be placed near either side of the display device 1 or towards the center of the display device 1. In an embodiment, the second display area DA2 is disposed to the left of the first display area DA1, so as to be provided on Figure 1 The non-display area NDA is between the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto. Various modifications can be made. For example, the second display area DA2 can be surrounded by the first display area DA1. Although in Figure 1 The second display area DA2 is positioned to the left of the first display area DA1, which has a quadrilateral shape, but the invention is not limited thereto. The shape of the first display area DA1 can be circular, elliptical, or a polygonal shape such as a triangle or pentagon. As indicated, the second display area DA2 can be positioned to the right of the first display area DA1. That is, the second display area DA2 can be spaced a certain distance from the center of the first display area DA1.

[0082] Although the organic light-emitting display device will be described as a display device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device 1 of the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the display device 1 of the present invention may be any of a variety of display devices such as inorganic electroluminescent (EL) displays or quantum dot light-emitting displays.

[0083] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken by line A-A'.

[0084] refer to Figure 2 The display device 1 may include a display panel 10 containing display elements and a component 20 corresponding to the second display area DA2.

[0085] The display panel 10 may include a substrate 100, a display element layer 200 disposed on the substrate 100, and a thin film encapsulation layer 300 serving as a sealing member for sealing the display element layer 200. Furthermore, the display panel 10 may further include a lower protective film 175 disposed beneath the substrate 100.

[0086] Substrate 100 may comprise glass or a polymer resin. The polymer resin may comprise polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, or 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 the polymer resin and an inorganic layer (not shown).

[0087] The display element layer 200 may include a circuit layer, which includes a first thin-film transistor TFT and a second thin-film transistor TFT', an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) as a display element, and an insulating layer IL or IL' disposed between the circuit layer and the OLED.

[0088] A primary sub-pixel Pm of an OLED, including a first thin-film transistor TFT and connected to the first thin-film transistor TFT, can be disposed in a first display area DA1, and an auxiliary sub-pixel Pa of an OLED, including a second thin-film transistor TFT' and connected to the second thin-film transistor TFT', can be disposed in a second display area DA2.

[0089] Furthermore, a transmissive region TA, in which no display element is disposed, can be located in the second display region DA2. The transmissive region TA can be the area through which light / signal emitted from component 20 or light / signal incident on component 20 is transmitted. In this case, the transmissive region TA and the auxiliary emission region Pg can be arranged alternately. That is, the transmissive region TA can be located between adjacent auxiliary emission regions Pg, and the auxiliary emission regions Pg can be located between adjacent transmissive regions TA.

[0090] Component 20 can be disposed in the second display area DA2. Component 20 can be an electronic component that uses light or sound. Examples of component 20 may include sensors (such as infrared sensors) for receiving and using light, sensors for outputting and detecting light or sound to measure distance or identify fingerprints, a small lamp for outputting light, a speaker for outputting sound, and a camera. When component 20 is an electronic component that uses light, component 20 can use light of various wavelengths, such as visible light, infrared light, or ultraviolet light. Multiple components 20 can be provided in the second display area DA2. For example, a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element can be provided together as component 20 in the second display area DA2. Alternatively, a light emitter and a light receiver can be provided simultaneously in a single component 20.

[0091] The lower electrode layer BSM can be disposed in the second display area DA2. The lower electrode layer BSM can be disposed below the second thin-film transistor TFT' to correspond to the second thin-film transistor TFT'. The lower electrode layer BSM can prevent external light from reaching the auxiliary sub-pixel Pa, which includes the second thin-film transistor TFT'. For example, the lower electrode layer BSM can prevent light emitted from component 20 from reaching the auxiliary sub-pixel Pa.

[0092] In some embodiments, a constant voltage or signal may be applied to the lower electrode layer BSM to prevent damage to the pixel circuitry due to electrostatic discharge.

[0093] The thin-film encapsulation layer 300 may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. In this regard, Figure 2 The illustration shows a first inorganic encapsulation layer 310, a second inorganic encapsulation layer 330, and an organic encapsulation layer 320 disposed between the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330.

[0094] Each of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 may include at least one inorganic insulating material selected from aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. The organic encapsulation layer 320 may include polymeric materials. Examples of polymeric materials may include acrylic resins, epoxy resins, polyimides, and polyethylene.

[0095] The lower protective film 175 can be attached to the bottom of the substrate 100 and can support and protect the substrate 100. The lower protective film 175 may have an opening 175OP corresponding to the second display area DA2. Since the opening 175OP is formed in the lower protective film 175, the light transmittance of the second display area DA2 can be increased. The lower protective film 175 may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI).

[0096] The area of ​​the second display area DA2 can be larger than the area of ​​the area in which the component 20 is disposed. Therefore, the area of ​​the opening 175OP of the lower protective film 175 can be different from the area of ​​the second display area DA2. For example, the area of ​​the opening 175OP can be smaller than the area of ​​the second display area DA2.

[0097] Furthermore, multiple components 20 can be arranged in the second display area DA2. These multiple components 20 can have different functions. For example, one of the multiple components 20 can be a camera, and another of the multiple components 20 can be an infrared sensor.

[0098] Despite Figure 2 Although not shown in the figure, input sensing components for sensing touch input, including polarizers, delayers, color filters or black matrices, anti-reflective components, and transparent windows can be further disposed on the display panel 10.

[0099] Although the thin-film encapsulation layer 300 is used as a sealing member for sealing the display element layer 200 in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a sealing substrate attached to the substrate 100 by using a sealant or glass frit can be used as a member for sealing the display element layer 200.

[0100] Figure 3 This is a plan view illustrating a display panel according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0101] refer to Figure 3 The display panel 10 includes a plurality of primary sub-pixels Pm disposed in a first display area DA1. Each of the primary sub-pixels Pm may include a display element such as an OLED. Each primary sub-pixel Pm may emit, for example, red, green, blue, or white light from the OLED. The first display area DA1 may be defined by a reference. Figure 2 The described sealing component covers and prevents external air or moisture from entering.

[0102] A second display area DA2 can be disposed on one side of the first display area DA1, and an auxiliary emission area Pg, in which a plurality of auxiliary sub-pixels Pa are disposed, is disposed in the second display area DA2. Each of the auxiliary sub-pixels Pa can include a display element such as an OLED. Each auxiliary sub-pixel Pa can emit, for example, red, green, blue, or white light from the OLED. In this case, two or more auxiliary sub-pixels Pa emitting light of the same color can be disposed in the auxiliary emission area Pg. A transmission area TA can be disposed between the auxiliary emission areas Pg in the second display area DA2. At least one component 20 can be disposed below the second display area DA2 of the display panel 10 to correspond to the second display area DA2.

[0103] In one embodiment, a primary sub-pixel Pm and an auxiliary sub-pixel Pa may include the same pixel circuitry. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto. The pixel circuitry included in the primary sub-pixel Pm and the pixel circuitry included in the auxiliary sub-pixel Pa may be different from each other. Since the second display area DA2 includes the transmissive area TA, the resolution of the second display area DA2 may be less than the resolution of the first display area DA1.

[0104] The primary sub-pixel Pm and the auxiliary sub-pixel Pa can be electrically connected to an external circuit located in the non-display area NDA. The first scan drive circuit 110, the second scan drive circuit 120, the terminal 140, the first power supply wiring 160, and the second power supply wiring 170 can be located in the non-display area NDA.

[0105] The first scan driving circuit 110 can apply a scan signal to each sub-pixel in the main sub-pixel Pm and the auxiliary sub-pixel Pa via the scan line SL. The first scan driving circuit 110 can apply an emission control signal to each sub-pixel via the emission control line EL. The second scan driving circuit 120 can be parallel to the first scan driving circuit 110, with the first display area DA1 located between them. Some sub-pixels in the main sub-pixel Pm and the auxiliary sub-pixel Pa located in the first display area DA1 can be electrically connected to the first scan driving circuit 110, and other sub-pixels can be connected to the second scan driving circuit 120. In another embodiment, the second scan driving circuit 120 can be omitted.

[0106] Terminal 140 may be disposed on one side of substrate 100. Terminal 140 may be exposed without being covered by an insulating layer and may be electrically connected to a printed circuit board (PCB). Terminal PCB-P of the PCB may be electrically connected to terminal 140 of display panel 10. The PCB transmits signals or power from a controller (not shown) to display panel 10. Control signals generated by the controller may be transmitted via the PCB to each of the first scan drive circuit 110 and the second scan drive circuit 120. The controller may transmit first power ELVDD and second power ELVSS (see [reference]) via first connection wiring 161 and second connection wiring 171. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The first power supply (ELVDD) is supplied to the first power supply wiring 160 and the second power supply wiring 170, respectively. The first power supply (ELVDD) can be supplied to each of the main sub-pixel Pm and the auxiliary sub-pixel Pa via the drive voltage line PL connected to the first power supply wiring 160, and the second power supply (ELVSS) can be supplied to the counter electrode of each of the main sub-pixel Pm and the auxiliary sub-pixel Pa connected to the second power supply wiring 170.

[0107] The data driving circuit 150 is electrically connected to the data line DL. The data signal from the data driving circuit 150 can be applied to each of the main sub-pixel Pm and the auxiliary sub-pixel Pa via the connection wiring 151 connected to terminal 140 and the data line DL connected to the connection wiring 151. Although in Figure 3 In one embodiment, the data driving circuit 150 is disposed on the PCB, but in another embodiment, the data driving circuit 150 may be disposed on the substrate 100. For example, the data driving circuit 150 may be disposed between the terminal 140 and the first power supply wiring 160.

[0108] The first power supply wiring 160 may include a first sub-wiring 162 and a second sub-wiring 163 extending parallel to each other in the X direction, with the first display area DA1 between the first sub-wiring 162 and the second sub-wiring 163. The second power supply wiring 170 may partially surround the first display area DA1 in an annular shape having an open side.

[0109] Figure 4A This is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating pixels that can be located in a first display area and / or a second display area of ​​a display device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] refer to Figure 4A Each of the main sub-pixel Pm and the auxiliary sub-pixel Pa includes a pixel circuit PC connected to the scan line SL and the data line DL, as well as an OLED connected to the pixel circuit PC.

[0111] The pixel circuit PC includes a driving thin-film transistor (TFT) T1, a switching TFT T2, and a storage capacitor Cst. The switching TFT T2 is connected to the scan line SL and the data line DL, and transmits the data signal Dm input through the data line DL to the driving TFT T1 according to the scan signal Sn input through the scan line SL.

[0112] The storage capacitor Cst is connected to the switch TFT T2 and the drive voltage line PL, and stores a voltage corresponding to the difference between the voltage received from the switch TFT T2 and the first power (or drive voltage) ELVDD supplied to the drive voltage line PL.

[0113] The driving TFT T1 can be connected to the driving voltage line PL and the storage capacitor Cst, and the driving current flowing through the OLED from the driving voltage line PL can be controlled in response to the value of the voltage stored in the storage capacitor Cst. The OLED can emit light with a certain brightness according to the driving current.

[0114] refer to Figure 4B The pixel circuit PC may include a driving TFT T1, a switching TFT T2, a compensation TFT T3, a first initialization TFT T4, an operation control TFT T5, an emission control TFT T6, and a second initialization TFT T7.

[0115] Although each pixel circuit PC includes signal lines (e.g., scan line SL, previous scan line SL-1, subsequent scan line SL+1, transmit control line EL, and data line DL), initialization voltage line VL, and drive voltage line PL, the inventive concept is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, at least one of the signal lines (e.g., scan line SL, previous scan line SL-1, subsequent scan line SL+1, transmit control line EL, and data line DL) and initialization voltage line VL may be shared by neighboring pixels.

[0116] The drain electrode of the driving TFT T1 is electrically connected to the light-emitting device ED via the emitter control TFT T6. The driving TFT T1 receives the data signal Dm according to the switching operation of the switching TFT T2 and supplies driving current to the light-emitting device ED.

[0117] The gate electrode of the switching TFT T2 is connected to the scan line SL, and the source electrode of the switching TFT T2 is connected to the data line DL. The drain electrode of the switching TFT T2 can be connected to the source electrode of the driving TFT T1, and can be connected to the driving voltage line PL by operating the control TFT T5.

[0118] Switch TFT T2 is turned on according to the scan signal Sn received through scan line SL, and performs a switching operation to transmit the data signal Dm received through data line DL to the source electrode of driving TFT T1.

[0119] The gate electrode of the compensation TFT T3 can be connected to the scan line SL. The source electrode of the compensation TFT T3 can be connected to the drain electrode of the driving TFT T1, and can be connected to the pixel electrode of the light-emitting device ED via the emission control TFT T6. The drain electrode of the compensation TFT T3 can be connected to one electrode of the storage capacitor Cst, the source electrode of the first initialization TFT T4, and the gate electrode of the driving TFT T1. The compensation TFT T3 is turned on according to the scan signal Sn received via the scan line SL, and the driving TFT T1 diode is connected by connecting the gate electrode of the driving TFT T1 to the drain electrode.

[0120] The gate electrode of the first initialization TFT T4 can be connected to the previous scan line SL-1. The drain electrode of the first initialization TFT T4 can be connected to the initialization voltage line VL. The source electrode of the first initialization TFT T4 can be connected to one electrode of the storage capacitor Cst, the drain electrode of the compensation TFT T3, and the gate electrode of the driving TFT T1. The first initialization TFT T4 can be turned on according to the previous scan signal Sn-1 received through the previous scan line SL-1, and the initialization operation of the gate electrode voltage of the driving TFT T1 can be performed by supplying the initialization voltage Vint to the gate electrode of the driving TFT T1.

[0121] The gate electrode of the operation control TFT T5 can be connected to the emitter control line EL. The source electrode of the operation control TFT T5 can be connected to the drive voltage line PL. The drain electrode of the operation control TFT T5 is connected to the source electrode of the drive TFT T1 and the drain electrode of the switch TFT T2.

[0122] The gate electrode of the emission control TFT T6 can be connected to the emission control line EL. The source electrode of the emission control TFT T6 can be connected to the drain electrode of the driving TFT T1 and the source electrode of the compensation TFT T3. The drain electrode of the emission control TFT T6 can be electrically connected to the pixel electrode of the light-emitting device ED. The operation control TFT T5 and the emission control TFT T6 are simultaneously turned on according to the emission control signal En received through the emission control line EL, and therefore, the driving voltage ELVDD is supplied to the light-emitting device ED, and the driving current flows through the light-emitting device ED.

[0123] The gate electrode of the second initialization TFT T7 can be connected to the subsequent scan line SL+1. The source electrode of the second initialization TFT T7 can be connected to the pixel electrode of the light-emitting device ED. The drain electrode of the second initialization TFT T7 can be connected to the initialization voltage line VL. The second initialization TFT T7 can be turned on according to the subsequent scan signal Sn+1 received through the subsequent scan line SL+1, and can initialize the pixel electrode of the light-emitting device ED.

[0124] Despite Figure 4B The first initialization TFT T4 and the second initialization TFT T7 are respectively connected to the previous scan line SL-1 and the subsequent scan line SL+1, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the first initialization TFT T4 and the second initialization TFT T7 can be connected to the previous scan line SL-1 and can be driven according to the previous scan signal Sn-1.

[0125] The other electrode of the storage capacitor Cst can be connected to the drive voltage line PL. One electrode of the storage capacitor Cst can be connected to the gate electrode of the driving TFT T1, the drain electrode of the compensation TFT T3, and the source electrode of the first initialization TFT T4.

[0126] The counter electrode (e.g., cathode) of the light-emitting device ED receives a common voltage (or a second power) ELVSS. The light-emitting device ED receives a drive current from the driving TFT T1 and emits light.

[0127] The number of TFTs and storage capacitors, as well as the circuit design of the pixel circuit PC, are not limited to... Figure 4A and Figure 4B Those, and can be modified in various ways.

[0128] The pixel circuit PC driving the primary sub-pixel Pm and the auxiliary sub-pixel Pa can be provided in the same or different ways. For example, Figure 4B The pixel circuit PC can be provided as each of the pixel circuit PC driving the main sub-pixel Pm and the pixel circuit PC driving the auxiliary sub-pixel Pa. In another embodiment, Figure 4B The pixel circuit PC can be used as the pixel circuit PC to drive the master sub-pixel Pm, and Figure 4A The pixel circuit PC can be used as the pixel circuit PC to drive the auxiliary sub-pixel Pa.

[0129] Figure 5 It is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of the transmissive area and sub-pixels in the first and second display areas.

[0130] refer to Figure 5The first to third main sub-pixels Pm1, Pm2 and Pm3 are disposed in the first display area DA1 of the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the auxiliary emission area Pg including the first to third auxiliary sub-pixels Pa1, Pa2 and Pa3 and the transmission area TA are disposed in the second display area DA2.

[0131] In this embodiment, the first to third main sub-pixels Pm1, Pm2, and Pm3 disposed in the first display area DA1 and the first to third auxiliary sub-pixels Pa1, Pa2, and Pa3 disposed in the second display area DA2 can have different pixel arrangement structures. The pixel arrangement structure used herein will be described based on the emission region of each sub-pixel. In this case, the emission region of each sub-pixel can be defined by an opening in a pixel-defining film, which will be described below.

[0132] like Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, the first to third principal sub-pixels Pm1, Pm2, and Pm3, located in the first display area DA1, can be arranged in a five-grid structure. The first principal sub-pixel Pm1, the second principal sub-pixel Pm2, and the third principal pixel Pm3 can represent different colors. For example, the first principal sub-pixel Pm1, the second principal sub-pixel Pm2, and the third principal pixel Pm3 can represent red, green, and blue, respectively.

[0133] Multiple first principal sub-pixels Pm1 and multiple third principal sub-pixels Pm3 are alternately arranged in the first row 1N. Multiple second principal sub-pixels Pm2 are arranged at certain intervals in the second row 2N adjacent to the first row 1N. The third principal sub-pixels Pm3 and the first principal sub-pixels Pm1 are alternately arranged in the third row 3N adjacent to the second row 2N. Multiple second principal sub-pixels Pm2 are arranged at certain intervals in the fourth row 4N adjacent to the third row 3N, and this pixel arrangement is repeated up to the Nth row. In this case, the third principal sub-pixels Pm3 and the first principal sub-pixels Pm1 can be larger than the second principal sub-pixels Pm2.

[0134] Multiple first principal sub-pixels Pm1 and third principal sub-pixels Pm3, located in the first row 1N, are alternately arranged with multiple second principal sub-pixels Pm2, located in the second row 2N. Therefore, the first principal sub-pixels Pm1 and third principal sub-pixels Pm3 are alternately arranged in the first column 1M, multiple second principal sub-pixels Pm2 are arranged at intervals in the second column 2M adjacent to the first column 1M, the third principal sub-pixels Pm3 and first principal sub-pixels Pm1 are alternately arranged in the third column 3M adjacent to the second column 2M, and multiple second principal sub-pixels Pm2 are arranged at intervals in the fourth column 4M adjacent to the third column 3M, and this pixel arrangement is repeated up to the Mth column.

[0135] In other words, among the vertices of the virtual quadrilateral shape VS, with the center point of the second principal sub-pixel Pm2 as the center point, the first principal sub-pixel Pm1 can be set at the first and third vertices facing each other, and the third principal sub-pixel Pm3 can be set at the second and fourth vertices, which are the remaining vertices. In this case, the virtual quadrilateral shape VS can be modified into many different shapes, such as a rectangle, a rhombus, or a square.

[0136] This pixel arrangement structure can be called a five-grid matrix structure, and it can use a rendering-driven method that represents color by sharing neighboring pixels, thereby displaying high-resolution images with a small number of pixels.

[0137] The first to third auxiliary sub-pixels Pa1, Pa2, and Pa3, located in the second display area DA2, can have shapes different from those of the first to third main sub-pixels Pm1, Pm2, and Pm3, and can be located in structures different from those of the main sub-pixels Pm1, Pm2, and Pm3. The first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2, and the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 can represent different colors. For example, the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2, and the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 can represent red, green, and blue, respectively.

[0138] The first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 and the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 can be sequentially aligned in the first column 1I, and the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 and the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 can be sequentially aligned in the second column 2I adjacent to the first column 1I. In this case, the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 and the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 in the first column 1I and the second column 2I can be arranged opposite each other.

[0139] Multiple second auxiliary sub-pixels Pa2 can be positioned between adjacent first auxiliary sub-pixels Pa1 and third auxiliary sub-pixels Pa3. The multiple second auxiliary sub-pixels Pa2 can be arranged at certain intervals. Specifically, the multiple second auxiliary sub-pixels Pa2 can be aligned in the Y direction and spaced apart from each other.

[0140] The first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2, and the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 can constitute an auxiliary emission region Pg. Although in Figure 5 The eight first to third auxiliary sub-pixels Pa1, Pa2 and Pa3 are included in an auxiliary emission region Pg, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the number and arrangement of the first to third auxiliary sub-pixels Pa1, Pa2 and Pa3 included in an auxiliary emission region Pg can be modified in various ways.

[0141] Multiple transmissive regions TA, which do not house display elements and have high light transmittance, can be provided in the second display region DA2. The transmissive regions TA and the auxiliary emission region Pg can be arranged alternately in a first direction (e.g., the X direction) and / or a second direction (e.g., the Y direction). Alternatively, the transmissive regions TA can surround the auxiliary emission region Pg.

[0142] In the second display area DA2, the basic unit U in which the auxiliary emission area Pg and the transmission area TA are grouped can be repeatedly set in the X and Y directions.

[0143] exist Figure 5 In this design, the basic unit U can have a quadrilateral shape in which an auxiliary emission region Pg and a transmission region TA surrounding the auxiliary emission region Pg are grouped together. The basic unit U is a repeating shape and does not imply separation of elements. For example, the transmission region TA included in one basic unit U can be integrally formed with the transmission region TA included in another adjacent basic unit U.

[0144] In some embodiments, the area occupied by the auxiliary emission region Pg in the basic unit U may be smaller than the area occupied by the transmission region TA. For example, the area occupied by the auxiliary emission region Pg may be approximately 1 / 3 of the area of ​​the transmission region TA. In other words, the area occupied by the auxiliary emission region Pg may be approximately 1 / 4 of the area of ​​the basic unit U, and the area occupied by the transmission region TA may be approximately 3 / 4 of the area of ​​the basic unit U.

[0145] A corresponding unit U' having the same area as the basic unit U can be configured in the first display area DA1. In this case, the number of the first to third main sub-pixels Pm1, Pm2, and Pm3 included in the corresponding unit U' can be greater than the number of the first to third auxiliary sub-pixels Pa1, Pa2, and Pa3 included in the basic unit U.

[0146] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 The cross-sectional views taken from lines I-I' and II-II'.

[0147] refer to Figure 6 A third primary sub-pixel Pm3 is disposed in the first display area DA1, and a third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 and a transmissive area TA are disposed in the second display area DA2. In this case, the third primary sub-pixel Pm3 and the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 can be sub-pixels used to represent the same color. In some embodiments, the third primary sub-pixel Pm3 and the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 can represent blue.

[0148] Each primary sub-pixel Pm may include a first thin-film transistor (TFT), a primary storage capacitor Cst, and a primary organic light-emitting diode (OLED). Each secondary sub-pixel Pa may include a second thin-film transistor (TFT'), a secondary storage capacitor Cst', and a secondary organic light-emitting diode (OLED'). The transmissive region TA may have an opening TAH corresponding to the transmissive region TA.

[0149] Component 20 can be positioned below the second display area DA2. Component 20 can be a camera for capturing images or an infrared (IR) sensor for transmitting / receiving infrared light.

[0150] Since the transmission region TA is located in the second display region DA2, light sent to / received from component 20 can be transmitted through the transmission region TA. For example, light emitted by component 20 can propagate in the Z direction through the transmission region TA, and light generated outside the display device and incident on component 20 can also propagate in the Z direction through the transmission region TA. In some embodiments, component 20 may include multiple image sensors, and one image sensor may be configured to correspond to one transmission region TA.

[0151] The structure in which the elements included in the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention are stacked will be described.

[0152] Substrate 100 may comprise glass or a polymer resin. The polymer resin may comprise polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate, polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), or cellulose acetate propionate (CAP). Substrate 100 comprising a polymer resin may be flexible, rollable, or bendable. Substrate 100 may have a multilayer structure comprising a layer containing the polymer resin and an inorganic layer (not shown).

[0153] A buffer layer 111 may be disposed on the substrate 100 and may reduce or prevent the penetration of foreign matter, moisture, or external air from the bottom of the substrate 100, and may planarize the substrate 100. The buffer layer 111 may comprise inorganic materials such as oxides or nitrides, organic materials, or a combination of organic and inorganic materials, and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure comprising inorganic and organic materials. A barrier layer (not shown) for preventing the penetration of external air may be further provided between the substrate 100 and the buffer layer 111. In some embodiments, the buffer layer 111 may comprise silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN). x The first buffer layer 111a and the second buffer layer 111b of the buffer layer 111 can be stacked.

[0154] In the second display area DA2, the lower electrode layer BSM can be disposed between the first buffer layer 111a and the second buffer layer 111b. In another embodiment, the lower electrode layer BSM can be disposed between the substrate 100 and the first buffer layer 111a. The lower electrode layer BSM can be disposed below the second thin-film transistor TFT' to prevent the characteristics of the second thin-film transistor TFT' from being degraded due to light emitted from the component 20, etc.

[0155] Furthermore, the lower electrode layer (BSM) can be connected to the wiring GCL disposed on another layer via contact holes. The lower electrode layer (BSM) can receive a constant voltage or signal from the wiring GCL. For example, the lower electrode layer (BSM) can receive a drive voltage ELVDD or a scan signal. Because the lower electrode layer (BSM) receives a constant voltage or signal, the risk of electrostatic discharge can be significantly reduced. The lower electrode layer (BSM) can include aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and / or copper (Cu). The lower electrode layer (BSM) can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure formed from the above materials.

[0156] A first thin-film transistor (TFT) and a second thin-film transistor (TFT') can be disposed on a buffer layer 111. The first TFT includes a first semiconductor layer A1, a first gate electrode G1, a first source electrode S1, and a first drain electrode D1, and the second TFT' includes a second semiconductor layer A2, a second gate electrode G2, a second source electrode S2, and a second drain electrode D2. The first TFT can be connected to the main organic light-emitting diode (OLED) in the first display area DA1 and can drive the main OLED. The second TFT can be connected to the auxiliary organic light-emitting diode (OLED') in the second display area DA2 and can drive the auxiliary OLED.

[0157] The first semiconductor layer A1 and the second semiconductor layer A2 may be disposed on the buffer layer 111, and each may comprise polycrystalline silicon. In another embodiment, each of the first semiconductor layer A1 and the second semiconductor layer A2 may comprise amorphous silicon. In another embodiment, each of the first semiconductor layer A1 and the second semiconductor layer A2 may comprise an oxide of at least one material selected from the group consisting of indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and zinc (Zn). Each of the first semiconductor layer A1 and the second semiconductor layer A2 may comprise a channel region and impurity-doped source and drain regions.

[0158] The second semiconductor layer A2 may overlap with the lower electrode layer BSM, with the second buffer layer 111b between them. In an embodiment, the width of the second semiconductor layer A2 may be smaller than the width of the lower electrode layer BSM, and therefore, the second semiconductor layer A2 may overlap with the lower electrode layer BSM in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 100.

[0159] A first gate insulating layer 112 may be provided to cover the first semiconductor layer A1 and the second semiconductor layer A2. The first gate insulating layer 112 may include silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN). x The first gate insulating layer 112 may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure comprising the above inorganic insulating materials, including silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO2).

[0160] A first gate electrode G1 and a second gate electrode G2 are disposed on a first gate insulating layer 112, overlapping with a first semiconductor layer A1 and a second semiconductor layer A2, respectively. Each of the first gate electrode G1 and the second gate electrode G2 may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure comprising molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), or titanium (Ti). For example, each of the first gate electrode G1 and the second gate electrode G2 may have a single-layer structure comprising Mo.

[0161] A second gate insulating layer 113 may be provided to cover the first gate electrode G1 and the second gate electrode G2. The second gate insulating layer 113 may comprise an inorganic insulating material, such as silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN). x The materials used are silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO2). The second gate insulating layer 113 may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure comprising the above inorganic insulating materials.

[0162] The first upper electrode CE2 of the main storage capacitor Cst and the second upper electrode CE2' of the auxiliary storage capacitor Cst' can be disposed on the second gate insulating layer 113.

[0163] In the first display area DA1, the first upper electrode CE2 may overlap with the first gate electrode G1 disposed below the first upper electrode CE2. The first gate electrode G1 and the first upper electrode CE2, which overlap each other and are separated by the second gate insulating layer 113, may constitute the main storage capacitor Cst. The first gate electrode G1 may be the first lower electrode CE1 of the main storage capacitor Cst.

[0164] In the second display area DA2, the second upper electrode CE2' may overlap with the second gate electrode G2 disposed below the second upper electrode CE2'. The second gate electrode G2 and the second upper electrode CE2' overlapping each other with the second gate insulating layer 113 between them can constitute an auxiliary storage capacitor Cst'. The second gate electrode G2 can be the second lower electrode CE1' of the auxiliary storage capacitor Cst'.

[0165] Each of the first upper electrode CE2 and the second upper electrode CE2' may include aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and / or copper (Cu), and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure comprising the above materials.

[0166] An interlayer insulating layer 115 may be formed to cover the first upper electrode CE2 and the second upper electrode CE2'. The interlayer insulating layer 115 may include silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN). x ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO2).

[0167] When the first gate insulating layer 112, the second gate insulating layer 113, and the interlayer insulating layer 115 are collectively referred to as the inorganic insulating layer IL, the stacked structure of the inorganic insulating layer IL on the substrate 100 can have a transmittance of approximately 90% or higher for infrared wavelengths. For example, light with wavelengths in the range of approximately 900 nm to approximately 1100 nm passing through the substrate 100 and the inorganic insulating layer IL can have a transmittance of approximately 90%.

[0168] The first source electrode S1, the second source electrode S2, the first drain electrode D1, and the second drain electrode D2 are disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 115. Each of the first source electrode S1, the second source electrode S2, the first drain electrode D1, and the second drain electrode D2 may include a conductive material comprising molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), or titanium (Ti), and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure comprising the conductive material. For example, each of the first source electrode S1, the second source electrode S2, the first drain electrode D1, and the second drain electrode D2 may have a multi-layer structure comprising Ti / Al / Ti.

[0169] The planarization layer 117 can be configured to cover the first source electrode S1 and the second source electrode S2, as well as the first drain electrode D1 and the second drain electrode D2. The planarization layer 117 can have a flat top surface, such that the main pixel electrode 221 and the auxiliary pixel electrode 221' disposed on the planarization layer 117 are flat.

[0170] The planarization layer 117 may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure formed of organic materials. The planarization layer 117 may include benzocyclobutene (BCB), polyimide, hexamethyldisilane (HMDSO), general polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polystyrene (PS), polymer derivatives having phenolic groups, acrylic polymers, imide polymers, aryl ether polymers, amide polymers, fluorinated polymers, p-xylene polymers, vinyl alcohol polymers, or blends thereof.

[0171] Either the first source electrode S1 or the first drain electrode D1 of the first thin-film transistor TFT can be formed in the planarization layer 117 through its exposed opening portion, and the main pixel electrode 221 can contact the first source electrode S1 or the first drain electrode D1 through the opening portion and can be electrically connected to the first thin-film transistor TFT.

[0172] Furthermore, either the second source electrode S2 or the second drain electrode D2 of the second thin film transistor TFT' can be formed in the planarization layer 117 through its exposed opening portion, and the auxiliary pixel electrode 221' can contact the second source electrode S2 or the second drain electrode D2 through the opening portion and can be electrically connected to the second thin film transistor TFT'.

[0173] Each of the main pixel electrode 221 and the auxiliary pixel electrode 221' may include a conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), indium gallium oxide (IGO), or zinc aluminum oxide (AZO). In another embodiment, each of the main pixel electrode 221 and the auxiliary pixel electrode 221' may include a reflective film comprising silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), or compounds thereof. In another embodiment, each of the main pixel electrode 221 and the auxiliary pixel electrode 221' may further include a film formed of ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3 above / below the reflective film. In some embodiments, each of the main pixel electrode 221 and the auxiliary pixel electrode 221' may have a stacked structure comprising ITO / Ag / ITO.

[0174] The pixel defining film 119 can cover the edges of each of the main pixel electrode 221 and the auxiliary pixel electrode 221'. The pixel defining film 119 overlaps with each of the main pixel electrode 221 and the auxiliary pixel electrode 221', and has a first opening OP1 and a second opening OP2 that respectively define the emission regions of sub-pixels Pm3 and Pa3. The pixel defining film 119 can prevent the generation of electric arcs or the like on the edges of each of the main pixel electrode 221 and the auxiliary pixel electrode 221' by increasing the distance between the edges of each of the main pixel electrode 221 and the counter electrode 223 disposed above the main pixel electrode 221 and the auxiliary pixel electrode 221'. The pixel defining film 119 can be formed using an organic insulating material such as polyimide, polyamide, acrylic resin, benzocyclobutene, hexamethyldisilane (HMDSO), or phenolic resin by spin coating or the like.

[0175] When the planarization layer 117 and the pixel defining film 119 are referred to as organic insulating layers, the organic insulating layer can have a transmittance of approximately 90% or higher for infrared wavelengths. For example, light with wavelengths from approximately 900 nm to approximately 1100 nm passing through the organic insulating layer can have a transmittance of approximately 90%.

[0176] A main intermediate layer (not shown) and an auxiliary intermediate layer (not shown) can be disposed in a first opening OP1 and a second opening OP2 of the pixel defining film 119, corresponding to the main pixel electrode 221 and the auxiliary pixel electrode 221', respectively. In this case, the main intermediate layer includes a main emitting layer 222b, and the auxiliary intermediate layer includes an auxiliary emitting layer 222b'. Each of the main emitting layer 222b and the auxiliary emitting layer 222b' can include a high molecular weight material or a low molecular weight material, and can emit red, green, blue, or white light.

[0177] The primary intermediate layer and / or auxiliary intermediate layer may include an organic functional layer 222e disposed above and / or below the primary emission layer 222b and the auxiliary emission layer 222b'. The organic functional layer 222e may include a first functional layer 222a and / or a second functional layer 222c. The first functional layer 222a or the second functional layer 222c may be omitted.

[0178] The first functional layer 222a can be disposed below the main emitting layer 222b and the auxiliary emitting layer 222b'. In this case, in an embodiment, the first functional layer 222a can be patterned to correspond to the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2, like the main emitting layer 222b and the auxiliary emitting layer 222b', and can be disposed within the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2. In another embodiment, the first functional layer 222a can be configured to completely cover the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. In another embodiment, the first functional layer 222a can be patterned to correspond to the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2, and can be disposed within the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2, and may not be disposed within the transmission area TA. In another embodiment, the first functional layer 222a can be configured to completely obscure the portion of the second display area DA2 except for the transmission area TA and the first display area DA1. For ease of explanation, the following description will assume that the first functional layer 222a is configured to completely cover the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2.

[0179] The first functional layer 222a may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure formed of organic material. The first functional layer 222a may be a hole transport layer (HTL) with a single-layer structure. Alternatively, the first functional layer 222a may include a hole injection layer (HIL) and a hole transport layer (HTL). The first functional layer 222a may be integrally formed to correspond to a third primary sub-pixel Pm3 included in the first display area DA1 and a third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 included in the second display area DA2. Therefore, the first functional layer 222a may be configured to correspond to the transmission area TA.

[0180] The second functional layer 222c can be disposed above the main emitting layer 222b and the auxiliary emitting layer 222b'. In this case, in an embodiment, the second functional layer 222c can be patterned to correspond to the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2, like the main emitting layer 222b and the auxiliary emitting layer 222b', and can be disposed within the first opening layer OP1 and the second opening OP2. In another embodiment, the second functional layer 222c can be configured to completely cover the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. In another embodiment, the second functional layer 222c can be patterned to correspond to the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2, and can be disposed within the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2, and may not be disposed within the transmission area TA. In another embodiment, the second functional layer 222c can be configured to completely obscure the portion of the second display area DA2 except for the transmission area TA and the first display area DA1. For ease of explanation, the following description will assume that the second functional layer 222c is configured to completely cover the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2.

[0181] The second functional layer 222c may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure formed of organic materials. The second functional layer 222c may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and / or an electron injection layer (EIL). The second functional layer 222c may be integrally formed to correspond to a third primary sub-pixel Pm3 included in the first display area DA1 and a third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 included in the second display area DA2. Therefore, the second functional layer 222c can be configured to correspond to the transmissive area TA.

[0182] Counter electrode 223 is disposed on the second functional layer 222c. Counter electrode 223 may comprise a conductive material having a low work function. For example, counter electrode 223 may comprise a translucent layer comprising silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), or alloys thereof. Alternatively, counter electrode 223 may further comprise a layer formed of ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3 on the translucent layer comprising the above materials. Counter electrode 223 may be integrally formed to correspond to a third primary sub-pixel Pm3 included in the first display area DA1 and a third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 included in the second display area DA2.

[0183] The layer formed in the first display area DA1 from the main pixel electrode 221 to the counter electrode 223 can constitute a main organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The layer formed in the second display area DA2 from the auxiliary pixel electrode 221' to the counter electrode 223 can constitute an auxiliary organic light-emitting diode (OLED').

[0184] An upper layer 250, comprising an organic material, can be formed on the counter electrode 223. The upper layer 250 can be a layer used to protect the counter electrode 223 and improve light extraction efficiency. The upper layer 250 can comprise an organic material having a refractive index higher than that of the counter electrode 223. Alternatively, the upper layer 250 can be provided by stacking layers with different refractive indices. For example, the upper layer 250 can be provided by stacking a high-refractive-index layer, a low-refractive-index layer, and a high-refractive-index layer. In this case, the refractive index of the high-refractive-index layer can be equal to or greater than 1.7, and the refractive index of the low-refractive-index layer can be equal to or less than 1.3.

[0185] The upper layer 250 may additionally include LiF. Alternatively, the upper layer 250 may additionally include silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN). x Inorganic insulating materials.

[0186] In this embodiment, the first functional layer 222a, the second functional layer 222c, the counter electrode 223, and the upper layer 250 may include an opening portion TAH corresponding to the transmission region TA. That is, the first functional layer 222a, the second functional layer 222c, the counter electrode 223, and the upper layer 250 may each have an opening corresponding to the transmission region TA. The openings of the first functional layer 222a, the second functional layer 222c, the counter electrode 223, and the upper layer 250 can be formed using a laser. In some embodiments, the widths of the openings constituting the opening portion TAH may be substantially the same. For example, the width of the opening of the counter electrode 223 may be substantially the same as the width of the opening portion TAH.

[0187] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first functional layer 222a, the second functional layer 222c, and the upper layer 250 can be omitted. In this case, the opening of the counter electrode 223 can be changed to an opening portion TAH.

[0188] When the opening portion TAH corresponds to the transmission region TA, this can mean that the opening portion TAH overlaps with the transmission region TA. In this case, the area of ​​the opening portion TAH can be smaller than the area of ​​the first hole H1 formed in the inorganic insulating layer IL. Therefore, in Figure 6 In the diagram, the width Wt of the opening TAH is smaller than the width W1 of the first hole H1. The areas of the opening TAH and the first hole H1 can be defined as the areas of the narrowest opening.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first functional layer 222a, the second functional layer 222c, the counter electrode 223, and the upper layer 250 may be disposed on the side surfaces of the first hole H1, the second hole H2, and the third hole H3. In some embodiments, the gradient of the side surfaces of the first hole H1, the second hole H2, and the third hole H3 relative to the top surface of the substrate 100 may be gentler than the gradient of the side surface of the opening portion TAH relative to the top surface of the substrate 100.

[0190] When the opening portion TAH is formed, it means that components such as counter electrode 223 are removed from the transmission region TA, and therefore, the transmittance of the transmission region TA can be significantly increased.

[0191] The main organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and the auxiliary organic light-emitting diode (OLED) can be sealed by a thin-film encapsulation layer 300. The thin-film encapsulation layer 300 can be disposed on the upper layer 250. The thin-film encapsulation layer 300 can prevent external moisture or foreign matter from penetrating into the main OLED and the auxiliary OLED.

[0192] The thin-film encapsulation layer 300 may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer, and in this regard, in Figure 6 In this embodiment, the thin-film encapsulation layer 300 may include a stacked first inorganic encapsulation layer 310, an organic encapsulation layer 320, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer 330. In another embodiment, the number of organic encapsulation layers, the number of inorganic encapsulation layers, and the stacking order of the organic and inorganic encapsulation layers may be modified.

[0193] Each of the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 may include at least one inorganic insulating material such as aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride, and may be formed by using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or the like. The organic encapsulation layer 320 may include polymeric materials. Polymeric materials may include silicone resins, acrylic resins, epoxy resins, polyimides, and polyethylene.

[0194] The first inorganic encapsulation layer 310, the organic encapsulation layer 320, and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 can be integrally formed to cover the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2. Therefore, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310, the organic encapsulation layer 320, and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 can be disposed in the opening portion TAH.

[0195] In another embodiment, the organic encapsulation layer 320 may be integrally formed to cover the second display area DA2 and may not be disposed in the transmissive area TA. In other words, the organic encapsulation layer 320 may have an opening corresponding to the transmissive area TA. In this case, the first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 may contact each other in the opening portion TAH.

[0196] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 In, with Figure 6 The same components are referred to by the same reference numerals, and therefore repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0197] refer to Figure 7 The display device may include a first display area DA1 in which a third main sub-pixel Pm3 is disposed, and a second display area DA2 in which an auxiliary emission area (not shown) including a third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 and a transmission area TA are disposed. Furthermore, in the display device according to this embodiment, the pixel arrangement structure of the third main sub-pixel Pm3 is different from the pixel arrangement structure of the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3.

[0198] In this embodiment, at least one of the first functional layer 222a, the second functional layer 222c, and the upper layer 250 can be configured to correspond to the transmission region TA. That is, at least one of the first functional layer 222a, the second functional layer 222c, and the upper layer 250 can be disposed in the opening portion TAH.

[0199] The counter electrode 223 may have an opening corresponding to the transmission region TA, and the width of the opening may be substantially the same as the width of the opening portion TAH. In this case, the counter electrode 223 can be formed by using a mask that includes a covering portion covering the transmission region TA.

[0200] In another embodiment, after the counter electrode 223 is integrally formed, an opening can be formed in the counter electrode 223 by using a laser to remove the portion of the counter electrode 223 corresponding to the transmission region TA.

[0201] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 In, with Figure 6 The same components are referred to by the same reference numerals, and therefore repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0202] refer to Figure 8The display device may include a first display area DA1 in which a third main sub-pixel Pm3 is disposed, and a second display area DA2 in which a third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 and a transmissive area TA are disposed. Furthermore, in the display device according to this embodiment, the pixel arrangement structure of the third main sub-pixel Pm3 is different from the pixel arrangement structure of the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3.

[0203] In this embodiment, the main organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and the auxiliary organic light-emitting diode (OLED) can be covered by an encapsulation substrate 300. The encapsulation substrate 300 includes a transparent material. For example, the encapsulation substrate 300 may include a glass material. Alternatively, the encapsulation substrate 300 may include a polymer resin. The encapsulation substrate 300 prevents external moisture or foreign matter from penetrating into the main OLED and the auxiliary OLED.

[0204] A sealing material, such as a sealant, can be disposed between the encapsulation substrate 300' and the substrate 100 on which the main organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and auxiliary organic light-emitting diode (OLED) are formed. The sealing material can prevent external moisture or foreign matter from penetrating between the substrate 100 and the encapsulation substrate 300'.

[0205] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a display device according to a concept of the present invention. Figure 10 It is a diagram. Figure 9 A perspective view of the mask component. Figure 11 It is a diagram. Figure 10 A plan view of the mask sheet.

[0206] refer to Figures 9 to 11 The display device (not shown) can be manufactured by the equipment 400 used to manufacture the display device.

[0207] The device 400 may include a cavity 410, a mask assembly 420, a first support 430, a second support 440, a deposition source 450, a magnetic generator 460, a vision unit 470, and a pressure regulator 480.

[0208] Cavity 410 may have an internal space, and cavity 410 may be configured such that a portion of cavity 410 is open. In this case, gate valve 411 may be provided in the open portion of cavity 410 to be opened / closed.

[0209] The mask assembly 420 may be selectively disposed within the cavity 410. In this case, the mask assembly 420 may include a mask frame 421, a mask sheet 422, and a support frame 423.

[0210] The mask frame 421 can be formed by connecting multiple frames and may include an opening 425 formed inside the mask frame 421. In this case, the mask frame 421 may include one opening 425 or multiple openings 425 spaced apart from each other. In this case, the mask frame 421 may be formed in a grid shape, such as a window frame shape. For ease of explanation, the following description will assume that the mask frame 421 includes an opening 425 formed at the center.

[0211] Mask sheet 422 can be elongated and fixed to mask frame 421. In this case, mask sheet 422 may include an opening through which deposited material is configured. One or more mask sheets 422 may be provided. When one mask sheet 422 is provided, it can be disposed on mask frame 421 and can cover the opening 425 of mask frame 421. In another embodiment, when multiple mask sheets 422 are provided, they can be disposed adjacent to each other along one side of mask frame 421 and can cover the opening 425 of mask frame 421. For ease of explanation, the following description will assume that multiple mask sheets 422 are provided.

[0212] The mask 422 may include a first main body portion 422a including a main sub-pixel opening portion 424a, a second main body portion 422b including an auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion 424b, and a third main body portion 422c including a correction opening portion 424c. The auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion 424b and the correction opening portion 424c may be larger than the main sub-pixel opening portion 424a.

[0213] The second main body portion 422b can have many different shapes. The shape of the second main body portion 422b can correspond to the shape of the second display area (not shown). For example, when the second display area has a circular shape, the second main body portion 422b can have a circular shape. In another embodiment, when the second display area has a polygonal shape, the second main body portion 422b can have a polygonal shape. For ease of explanation, the following description will assume that the second display area and the second main body portion 422b have circular shapes.

[0214] In the plan view, the second body portion 422b can be positioned close to the side surface of the mask sheet 422. For example, the second body portion 422b can be positioned at the corner of a channel region (the area through which the deposited material passes) defined by the edges 426 of the adjacent mask sheets 422 and the support frame 423. In this case, the channel region can be defined by the mask frame 421, the edges 426 of the mask sheet 422, and the support frame 423 at the ends of the mask sheet 422.

[0215] The second main body portion 422b and the third main body portion 422c can be defined by a main sub-pixel opening portion 424a. For example, the shape of each of the second main body portion 422b and the third main body portion 422c can be defined by connecting the vertices of the main sub-pixel opening portions 424a surrounding the edges of each of the second main body portion 422b and the third main body portion 422c. In another embodiment, when the edge of the component overlaps with the mask 422, each of the second main body portion 422b and the third main body portion 422c can be defined as a portion overlapping the edge of the component. In this case, the second main body portion 422b can be defined by connecting any line passing through the space between adjacent main sub-pixel opening portions 424a and auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions 424b. Furthermore, the third main body portion 422c can be defined by connecting any line passing through the space between adjacent main sub-pixel opening portions 424a and correction opening portions 424c. In this case, the arbitrary line can have the same shape as the edge of the component. For ease of explanation, the following description will assume that each of the second main body portion 422b and the third main body portion 422c is defined by using components.

[0216] The shapes of each main sub-pixel opening 424a and each auxiliary sub-pixel opening 424b can be different from each other. Furthermore, the shapes of each main sub-pixel opening 424a and each correction opening 424c can also be different from each other. In this case, the shapes and sizes of the auxiliary sub-pixel openings 424b and correction openings 424c can be the same. For example, the planar shape of the main sub-pixel opening 424a can be rhomboid, and the planar shapes of the auxiliary sub-pixel openings 424b and correction openings 424c can be rectangular or square.

[0217] The second main body portion 422b and the third main body portion 422c can be configured relative to the longitudinal direction passing through the first main body portion 422a (e.g., Figure 11 The first center lines CL1 (in the Y direction) are opposite to each other. Furthermore, the second main body portion 422b and the third main body portion 422c may not be in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first main body portion 422a (e.g., in the Y direction). Figure 11 On any straight line parallel to the X direction. In this case, the second main body 422b and the third main body 422c can be arranged alternately. Specifically, when multiple second main body 422b and multiple third main body 422c are provided, the second main body 422b and the third main body 422c can be arranged in a zigzag shape or a serpentine shape.

[0218] The second main body portion 422b and the third main body portion 422c can be disposed at different distances from one end of the mask sheet 422 in the longitudinal direction of the mask sheet 422. For example, assuming one end of the mask sheet 422 is... Figure 11 On the upper side, the distance from the second main body portion 422b to the end of the mask piece 422 can be smaller than the distance from the third main body portion 422c to the end of the mask piece 422. In another embodiment, although in Figure 11 Although not shown in the figure, the distance from the second main body 422b to the end of the mask 422 can be greater than the distance from the third main body 422c to the end of the mask 422.

[0219] A plurality of second body portions 422b may be provided, and the plurality of second body portions 422b may be aligned to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the mask sheet 422. In addition, a plurality of third body portions 422c may be provided, and the plurality of third body portions 422c may be aligned to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the mask sheet 422.

[0220] The second main body portion 422b and the third main body portion 422c can be disposed at the same distance from the edge 426 (or the boundary of the side surface) of the mask 422. For example, the first distance d1 from the edge of the auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion 424b disposed at the outermost part of the second main body portion 422b to the edge 426 of the mask 422 and the second distance d2 from the edge of the correction opening portion 424c disposed at the outermost part of the third main body portion 422c to the edge 426 of the mask 422 can be the same. In this case, the outermost part of each main body portion can be the portion having the shortest straight-line distance to the edge 426 of the mask 422. The second main body portion 422b and the third main body portion 422c can have relatively identical dimensions and shapes.

[0221] Multiple auxiliary sub-pixel openings 424b and multiple correction openings 424c can be provided. In this case, the auxiliary sub-pixel openings 424b can be arranged to correspond to the arrangement of auxiliary sub-pixels representing a color. In the above case, the sum of the areas of the multiple auxiliary sub-pixel openings 424b provided in a second main body portion 422b can be the same as the sum of the areas of the multiple correction openings 424c provided in a third main body portion 422c. In another embodiment, the sum of the areas of the multiple auxiliary sub-pixel openings 424b provided in a plurality of second main body portions 422b can be the same as the sum of the areas of the multiple correction openings 424c provided in a plurality of third main body portions 422c. For ease of explanation, the following description will assume that the sum of the areas of the multiple auxiliary sub-pixel openings 424b provided in a second main body portion 422b is the same as the sum of the areas of the multiple correction openings 424c provided in a third main body portion 422c.

[0222] The support frame 423 can be disposed at the opening 425 of the mask frame 421 and can shield the space between adjacent mask pieces 422, or it can be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mask pieces 422.

[0223] In this case, the component of the support frame 423, which is located in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mask sheet 422, can be configured to completely cover the third main body portion 422c. That is, since the support frame 423 is configured to completely cover the correction opening portion 424c of the third main body portion 422c, it is possible to prevent the deposited material from passing through the correction opening portion 424c.

[0224] The mask assembly 420 can be manufactured by combining a mask sheet 422 and a support frame 423 on a mask frame 421. In this case, the mask sheet 422 can be elongated and can be fixed to the mask frame 421 by welding.

[0225] In this case, when only the second main body portion 422b is provided in the mask sheet 422, the mask sheet 422 may deform due to the second main body portion 422b. For example, since the shapes of the main sub-pixel opening portion 424a and the auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion 424b are different from each other, the entire surface of the mask sheet 422 may deform unevenly, and stress may concentrate on a portion of the mask sheet 422 when the mask sheet 422 is stretched and fixed on the mask frame 421. Furthermore, since the second main body portion 422b is disposed close to the outer side 426 of the mask sheet 422, the mask sheet 422 may be accidentally deformed due to the second main body portion 422b. In this case, even when the mask assembly 420 is fully manufactured and then a deposition process is performed on the display substrate D through the mask assembly 420, the process may find it difficult to deposit the deposition material on the display substrate D in a uniform pattern.

[0226] However, as described above, since the third main body portion 422c is configured to be opposite to the second main body portion 422b, the deformation of the mask sheet 422 caused by the second main body portion 422b can also occur similarly in the portion in which the third main body portion 422c is disposed.

[0227] Therefore, when the mask sheet 422 is fixed to the mask frame 421, the mask assembly 420 can prevent abnormal deformation of the mask sheet 422.

[0228] The display substrate D can be mounted on the first support 430. In this case, the first support 430 can adjust the position of the display substrate D. For example, the first support 430 may include a UVW stage.

[0229] The mask assembly 420 can be mounted on the second support 440. In this case, the second support 440 can adjust the position of the mask assembly 420 in the same way as the first support 430.

[0230] At least one of the first support member 430 and the second support member 440 can be raised or lowered within the cavity 410. In this case, at least one of the first support member 430 and the second support member 440 can adjust the spacing between the display substrate D and the mask frame 421.

[0231] The deposition source 450 can receive deposition material and then supply the deposition material to the cavity 410 by evaporating or sublimating it. In this case, the deposition source 450 may include a heater inside the deposition source 450, and the deposition source 450 can melt or sublimate the deposition material inside the deposition source 450 by heating it with the heater. In the above case, the deposition source 450 may be located at the center or edge of the cavity 410. For ease of explanation, the following description will assume that the deposition source 450 is located at the edge of the cavity 410.

[0232] The magnetic generator 460 can be disposed in the cavity 410 and can be attached to the display substrate D and the mask assembly 420. In this case, the magnetic generator 460 may include an electromagnet or a permanent magnet that generates magnetic force.

[0233] The vision unit 470 can be disposed at the cavity 410 and can capture images of the positions of the mask assembly 420 and the display substrate D. In this case, the vision unit 470 can capture images of alignment marks of at least one of the mask assembly 420 and the display substrate D.

[0234] The pressure regulator 480 can be connected to the cavity 410 and can regulate the pressure inside the cavity 410. In this case, the pressure regulator 480 may include a connecting pipe 481 connected to the cavity 410 and a pump 482 disposed on the connecting pipe 481.

[0235] During the inspection of the operation of the device 400, the display substrate D and the mask assembly 420 can be introduced into the cavity 410. In this case, the display substrate D can be a buffer layer 111 on the substrate 100 to... Figures 6 to 8 The stacked structure of the first functional layer 222a in the middle.

[0236] Images of the display substrate D and the mask assembly 420 can be captured using the vision unit 470, and the display substrate D and the mask assembly 420 can be aligned by adjusting the position of at least one of the display substrate D and the mask assembly 420 based on the images. Next, the mask assembly 420 and the display substrate D can be attached using a magnetic generator 460.

[0237] When the deposition source 450 supplies deposition material, the deposition material can pass through the mask assembly 420 and be deposited on the display substrate D. In this case, the deposition material can be deposited on the display substrate D to form a main emission layer (not shown) and an auxiliary emission layer (not shown). In the above case, the pressure regulator 480 can discharge the gas inside the cavity 410 to the outside.

[0238] Blue, red, and green emitting layers can be sequentially formed in different devices (not shown) to manufacture a display device. In this case, different mask assemblies 420 can be used depending on the emitting layers. For example, a mask assembly including a first mask sheet (not shown) can be used to form a blue emitting layer on the display substrate D, and a mask assembly including a second mask sheet (not shown) can be used to form a red emitting layer on the display substrate D. Furthermore, a mask assembly including a third mask sheet (not shown) can be used to form a green emitting layer on the display substrate D.

[0239] After each emitting layer is formed, the display device can be manufactured by sequentially forming a second functional layer (not shown), a counter electrode (not shown), and a sealing member.

[0240] Therefore, since the device 400 uses a mask assembly 420 with minimal deformation, the device 400 can form an emission layer on the display substrate D with a precise pattern.

[0241] Device 400 can minimize defects in the manufacturing of display devices.

[0242] Figure 12A and Figure 12B This is a plan view of a portion of a first mask sheet for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0243] refer to Figure 12A and Figure 12B The first mask (not shown) can be used with Figure 10Similar to the mask 422. In this case, the first main sub-pixel opening portion 424a-1 can be disposed in the first main body portion 422a-1 of the first mask, and the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion 424b-1 can be disposed in the second main body portion 422b-1 of the first mask. Furthermore, the first correction opening portion 424c-1 can be disposed in the third main body portion 422c-1 of the first mask. In this case, the first main sub-pixel opening portion 424a-1 can be formed to correspond to the first main sub-pixel (not shown). Furthermore, the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion 424b-1 can be formed to correspond to the first auxiliary sub-pixel (not shown). The deposited material passing through the first main sub-pixel opening portion 424a-1 and the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion 424b-1 can form an emission layer disposed in the first main sub-pixel and the first auxiliary sub-pixel.

[0244] In the above case, the first correction opening portion 424c-1 of the third main body portion 422c-1 of the first mask can be arranged in the same pattern with the same size and shape as the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion 424b-1.

[0245] In the above cases, the distance from the edge of the second main body 422b-1 to the edge of the first mask piece and the distance from the edge of the third main body 422c-1 to the edge of the first mask piece can be the same, such as... Figure 11 As shown in the diagram.

[0246] Furthermore, when multiple second body parts 422b-1 and third body parts 422c-1 are provided, the second body parts 422b-1 and third body parts 422c-1 can be arranged in a zigzag shape, such as... Figure 11 As illustrated in the diagram. Specifically, a plurality of second main body portions 422b-1 can be aligned with each other, and a plurality of third main body portions 422c-1 can be aligned with each other. In this case, the plurality of second main body portions 422b-1 and the plurality of third main body portions 422c-1 can be arranged opposite each other with respect to any straight line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first mask and passing through the center of the first mask.

[0247] Figure 13A and Figure 13B This is a plan view of a portion of a second mask sheet for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0248] refer to Figure 13A and Figure 13BThe second main sub-pixel opening portion 424a-2 can be disposed within the first main body portion 422a-2 of the second mask (not shown). In this case, the second main sub-pixel opening portion 424a-2 can be disposed at a position different from that of the first main sub-pixel opening portion 424a-1. In this case, the deposition material passing through the second main sub-pixel opening portion 424a-2 can form an emission layer disposed in the second main sub-pixel (not shown). In this case, the deposition materials passing through the first main sub-pixel opening portion 424a-1 and the second main sub-pixel opening portion 424a-2 can be different from each other.

[0249] The second auxiliary sub-pixel opening 424b-2 disposed in the second main body portion 422b-2 of the second mask can be configured to correspond to a second auxiliary sub-pixel (not shown). The second auxiliary sub-pixel opening 424b-2 can be formed such that the second auxiliary sub-pixel opening 424b-2 and the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening 424b-1 do not overlap when the first mask (not shown) and the second mask are stacked. Furthermore, the shape and size of the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening 424b-1 can be different from the shape and size of the second auxiliary sub-pixel opening 424b-2.

[0250] In the above cases, the distance from the edge of the second main body 422b-2 to the edge of the second mask sheet and the distance from the edge of the third main body 422c-2 to the edge of the second mask sheet can be the same, such as... Figure 11 As shown in the diagram.

[0251] Furthermore, when multiple second body parts 422b-2 and third body parts 422c-2 are provided, the second body parts 422b-2 and third body parts 422c-2 can be arranged in a zigzag shape, such as... Figure 11 As illustrated in the diagram. Specifically, a plurality of second body portions 422b-2 can be aligned with each other, and a plurality of third body portions 422c-2 can be aligned with each other. In this case, the plurality of second body portions 422b-2 and the plurality of third body portions 422c-2 can be arranged to be opposite each other with respect to any straight line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second mask and passing through the center of the second mask.

[0252] The second correction opening portion 424c-2 can be provided in the third main body portion 422c-2. In this case, the second correction opening portion 424c-2 can be formed in the same or similar manner as the second auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion 424b-2. Furthermore, when multiple second correction opening portions 424c-2 are provided, the second correction opening portions 424c-2 can be arranged in the third main body portion 422c-2 in the same manner as the multiple second auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions 424b-2.

[0253] Figure 14A and Figure 14B This is a plan view of a portion of a third mask sheet for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0254] refer to Figure 14A and Figure 14B The third mask (not shown) may include a first main body portion 422a-3 including a third main sub-pixel opening portion 424a-3, a second main body portion 422b-3 including a third auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion 424b-3, and a third main body portion 422c-3 including a third correction opening portion 424c-3.

[0255] Under the above circumstances, the first main body portion 422a-3 to the third main body portion 422c-3 can be coupled with... Figure 11 Those similar to those in the text.

[0256] In the above configuration, the third primary sub-pixel opening 424a-3 and the third auxiliary sub-pixel opening 424b-3 can be formed to correspond to the third primary sub-pixel (not shown) and the third auxiliary sub-pixel (not shown), respectively. In this configuration, the deposited material can pass through the third primary sub-pixel opening 424a-3 and the third auxiliary sub-pixel opening 424b-3, and can form the emission layers of the third primary sub-pixel and the third auxiliary sub-pixel.

[0257] In the above case, the distance from the edge of the second main body 422b-3 to the edge of the third mask piece and the distance from the edge of the third main body 422c-3 to the edge of the third mask piece can be the same, such as Figure 11 As shown in the diagram.

[0258] Furthermore, when multiple second body parts 422b-3 and multiple third body parts 422c-3 are provided, the second body parts 422b-3 and the third body parts 422c-3 can be arranged in a zigzag shape, such as... Figure 11 As illustrated in the diagram. Specifically, a plurality of second main body portions 422b-3 can be aligned with each other, and a plurality of third main body portions 422c-3 can be aligned with each other. In this case, the plurality of second main body portions 422b-3 and the plurality of third main body portions 422c-3 can be arranged opposite each other with respect to any straight line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the third mask and passing through the center of the third mask.

[0259] The third main body portion of the first to third mask sheets can be modified in various other ways. In this case, since the deformations of the first to third mask sheets are similar to each other, the deformation of the third main body portion of the first mask sheet will be described in detail.

[0260] Figure 15 This is a plan view illustrating a portion of a first mask sheet of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0261] refer to Figure 15 The first mask (not shown) may include a first main body portion 422a-1 including a first main sub-pixel opening portion 424a-1, a second main body portion (not shown) including a first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion (not shown), and a third main body portion 422c-1 including a first correction opening portion 424c-1. In this case, the first main body portion 422a-1 and the second main body portion are connected with... Figures 11 to 12B Those that are the same or similar, and therefore their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0262] The third main body portion 422c-1 may include a plurality of first correction opening portions 424c-1. In this case, the first correction opening portions 424c-1 and the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions may differ from each other in at least one of their size and shape. For ease of explanation, the following description will assume that the sizes of the first correction opening portions 424c-1 and the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions are different from each other.

[0263] When the size of each first correction opening portion 424c-1 is smaller than the size of each first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion, the number of first correction opening portions 424c-1 can be greater than the number of first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions. Conversely, when the size of each first correction opening portion 424c-1 is greater than the size of each first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion, the number of first correction opening portions 424c-1 can be less than the number of first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions.

[0264] In the above case, the sum of the areas of the plurality of first correction opening portions 424c-1 can be the same as the sum of the areas of the plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions.

[0265] In the above case, since the sum of the areas of the multiple first correction opening portions 424c-1 is the same as the sum of the areas of the multiple first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions, the amount of deformation generated on the two side surfaces of the first mask when the first mask is stretched can remain almost similar to each other.

[0266] Despite Figure 15 The above description is not shown in the figure, but it can also be applied to the second mask (not shown) and the third mask (not shown).

[0267] Figure 16 This is a plan view of a first mask sheet for manufacturing a display device according to another embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0268] refer to Figure 16The first mask (not shown) may include a third body portion 422c-1 containing a first correction opening portion 424c-2. In this case, the shape and size of the first correction opening portion 424c-2 may differ from the shape and size of the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion (not shown). For example, the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion may have a rectangular shape, such as... Figure 12A As shown in the diagram. In this case, the first correction opening portion 424c-2 can have a square shape, such as... Figure 16 As shown in the diagram.

[0269] In the above case, the size of the first correction opening portion 424c-2 can be larger than the size of the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion. In this case, in the plan view, the area of ​​the first correction opening portion 424c-2 can be the same as the sum of the areas of the plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions disposed inside the second main body portion (not shown).

[0270] In the above case, since the sum of the areas of the multiple first correction opening portions 424c-1 and the first correction opening portion 424c-2 is the same as the sum of the areas of the multiple first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions, the amount of deformation occurring on the two side surfaces of the first mask can remain almost similar to each other when the first mask is stretched.

[0271] Despite Figure 16 The above description is not shown in the figure, but it can also be applied to the second mask (not shown) and the third mask (not shown).

[0272] Figure 17 This is a plan view illustrating a portion of a mask sheet for manufacturing a display device according to another embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0273] refer to Figure 17 The mask sheet 422 may include a first mask sheet (not shown), a second mask sheet (not shown), and a third mask sheet (not shown) having openings formed to correspond to the positions of the emission layers, respectively.

[0274] In the above cases, the mask 422 may include a first main body portion 422a including a main sub-pixel opening portion 424a, a second main body portion 422b including an auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion 424b, and a third main body portion 422c including a correction opening portion 424c.

[0275] Under the above conditions, the first main body portion 422a and the second main body portion 422b can be formed as follows: Figure 11As shown in the diagram, the third main body portion 422c can be formed symmetrically with respect to a second center line CL2 that is perpendicular to the first center line CL1 and passes through the center of the mask 422. In this case, when multiple third main body portions 422c are provided, in the plan view, the size of the area of ​​the third main body portion 422c can be reduced or increased away from the second center line CL2. In this case, the correction opening portion 424c provided inside each third main body portion 422c can be formed to have many different shapes. For example, the correction opening portion 424c can have such... Figure 12B , Figure 15 or Figure 16 The shapes shown in the diagram. The second main body 422b and the third main body 422c may have relatively identical shapes. The third main body 422c may have various sizes of a single shape.

[0276] In the above case, the sum of the areas of the auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions 424b disposed within the plurality of second main body portions 422b can be the same as the sum of the areas of the correction opening portions 424c. That is, the sum of the areas of the auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions 424b disposed in the mask 422 can be the same as the sum of the areas of the correction opening portions 424c disposed in the mask 422.

[0277] In the above case, since the sum of the areas of the auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions 424b on the two side surfaces of the mask 422 is the same as the sum of the areas of the correction opening portions 424c, when the mask 422 is stretched, it is possible to prevent the mask 422 from deforming or stress from concentrating on a part of the mask 422.

[0278] Despite Figure 17 The above description is not illustrated, but it can also be applied to the first mask (not illustrated), the second mask (not illustrated), and the third mask (not illustrated).

[0279] Figure 18 This is a plan view illustrating a portion of a mask sheet for manufacturing a display device according to another embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0280] refer to Figure 18In the mask 422, a pair of second main body portions 422b may be formed between adjacent support frames 423. In this case, the mask 422 may include a pair of third main body portions 422c, each having the same shape as each of the second main body portions 422b. In another embodiment, when the pair of second main body portions 422b have different shapes, the pair of third main body portions 422c may have different shapes to correspond to the pair of second main body portions 422b. In this case, the auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion 424b and the correction opening portion 424c may be formed with many different shapes. In another embodiment, even when the pair of second main body portions 422b have the same shape, the pair of third main body portions 422c may be formed with different shapes. For example, each third main body portion 422c may have many different shapes as described above. In this case, the auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion 424b and the correction opening portion 424c may also be formed with many different shapes as described above.

[0281] In other cases, the shapes of the third main body portion 422c and the correction opening portion 424c can be combined in various ways as described above. In this case, as described above, the shapes and sizes of the second main body portion 422b, the auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion 424b, the third main body portion 422c, and the correction opening portion 424c can be determined such that the sum of the areas of the auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions 424b disposed in a mask 422 is the same as the sum of the areas of the correction opening portion 424c. The second main body portion 422b and the third main body portion 422c can have relatively identical sizes and shapes.

[0282] Therefore, since the mask sheet 422 deforms uniformly when it is placed on the mask frame (not shown), a precise deposition pattern can be formed. Furthermore, the deformation of the mask sheet 422 can be minimized.

[0283] Despite Figure 18 The above description is not illustrated, but it can also be applied to the first mask (not illustrated), the second mask (not illustrated), and the third mask (not illustrated).

[0284] Despite Figure 18 Not shown in the diagram, but when manufacturing a display device (not shown) using the first to third mask sheets, Figure 1 The two second display areas DA2 can be set to be adjacent to each other in the first display area DA1.

[0285] Figure 19 This is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of sub-pixels and transmissive regions in a second display area of ​​a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0286] refer to Figure 19 The pixel arrangement structure of the second display area DA2 can be an S-striped structure. In this embodiment, an auxiliary emission area Pg can include three auxiliary sub-pixels Pa, which include a second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2, a third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3, and a first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1.

[0287] In this embodiment, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 and the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 can be alternately arranged in the first column 1I, and the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 can be disposed in the second column 2I adjacent to the first column 1I. In this case, each of the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 and the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 can have a quadrilateral shape with a long side in the X direction, and the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 can have a quadrilateral shape with a long side in the Y direction. The length of the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 in the Y direction can be equal to or greater than the sum of the lengths of the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 and the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 in the Y direction. Therefore, the size of the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 can be larger than the size of each of the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 and the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3.

[0288] In this embodiment, the area occupied by an auxiliary emission region Pg in the basic unit U can be approximately 1 / 4 of the area of ​​the basic unit U. Although in Figure 19 In one embodiment, the basic unit U includes only one auxiliary emission region Pg, but in another embodiment, the basic unit U may include two or more auxiliary emission regions Pg. Furthermore, the area of ​​the auxiliary sub-pixels Pa included in the auxiliary emission regions Pg can be modified in various ways.

[0289] In the above cases, the principal sub-pixel set in the first display area (not shown) can be compared with the reference. Figure 5 The principal pixels described are the same.

[0290] Figure 20 This is a plan view illustrating a portion of a first mask sheet of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0291] refer to Figure 20 The first mask (not shown) may include a third body portion 422c-1 in which a first correction opening portion 424c-1 is provided. In this case, the first correction opening portion 424c-1 may have a... Figure 19 The shapes of the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 are basically the same or similar. In this case, the third main body portion 422c-1 and the first correction opening portion 424c-1 are not limited to this, and can have many different shapes.

[0292] When the shape of the first auxiliary sub-pixel is different from the shape of the first main sub-pixel described herein, since the opening portion 424a-1 of the first main sub-pixel forming the pattern of the first main sub-pixel and the opening portion (not shown) of the first auxiliary sub-pixel forming the pattern of the first auxiliary sub-pixel are different from each other, the first mask may deform or the first mask may deform unevenly when it is stretched.

[0293] To address these and other issues, when a third body portion 422c-1 having the same shape as the second body portion (not shown) is arranged diagonally relative to the second body portion in the longitudinal direction of the first mask, as described herein, the deformation of the first mask portion can be minimized, and, if applicable, the deformation of the first mask portion can be made somewhat uniform on its front surface. Specifically, although the side surfaces of the first mask portion and another portion of the first mask portion may deform differently due to the second body portion, if the third body portion 422c-1 is provided, the portion of the first mask portion in which the third body portion 422c-1 is disposed and the portion of the first mask portion in which the second body portion is disposed can deform similarly.

[0294] Therefore, since the first mask used to form subpixels with shapes different from those of the first display area in the second display area can be deformed or uniformly deformed as expected, a display device with a precise pattern can be manufactured.

[0295] The shape and number of the first correction opening portion 424c-1 of the third main body 422c-1 are not limited thereto, and can be modified in the same or similar manner as described above.

[0296] Despite Figure 20 The above description is not shown in the figure, but it can also be applied to the second mask (not shown) and the third mask (not shown).

[0297] Figure 21 This is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of sub-pixels and transmissive regions in a second display area of ​​a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0298] refer to Figure 21 The pixel arrangement structure of the second display area DA2 can be a stripe structure. That is, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2, the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3, and the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 can be arranged parallel to each other in the X direction. In this case, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2, the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3, and the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 can have a long side in the Y direction.

[0299] Alternatively, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2, the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3, and the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 can be arranged parallel to each other in the Y direction. In this case, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2, the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3, and the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 can have a longer side in the X direction.

[0300] In the above cases, the principal sub-pixel set in the first display area (not shown) can be... Figure 5 The principal pixels are the same.

[0301] Figure 22 This is a plan view illustrating a portion of a first mask sheet of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0302] refer to Figure 22 The first mask (not shown) may include a third body portion 422c-1 in which a first correction opening portion 424c-1 is provided. In this case, the first correction opening portion 424c-1 may have a... Figure 21 The shapes of the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 are basically the same or similar. In this case, the third main body portion 422c-1 and the first correction opening portion 424c-1 are not limited to this, and can have many different shapes.

[0303] Multiple first correction openings 424c-1 can be provided inside the third main body 422c-1, such as Figure 22 As illustrated in the diagram, multiple first correction opening portions 424c-1 can be spaced apart from each other. As described above, various shapes and numbers of first correction opening portions 424c-1 can be provided. In this case, the shape and number of the first correction opening portions 424c-1 can be adjusted such that the sum of the areas of the first correction opening portions 424c-1 is the same as the sum of the areas of the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions (not shown).

[0304] Therefore, since the mask used to form subpixels with shapes different from those in the first display area can be deformed in a predictable or uniform manner in the second display area, a display device with a precise pattern can be manufactured.

[0305] Despite Figure 22 The above description is not shown in the figure, but it can also be applied to the second mask (not shown) and the third mask (not shown).

[0306] Figure 23 This is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of sub-pixels and transmissive regions in a second display area of ​​a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0307] refer to Figure 23Multiple auxiliary sub-pixels Pa can be set in the second display area DA2. Each of the auxiliary sub-pixels Pa can emit one of red, green, blue, and white light.

[0308] The second display area DA2 may include a transmissive area TA and an auxiliary emitting area Pg including at least one auxiliary sub-pixel Pa. The auxiliary emitting area Pg and the transmissive area TA may be arranged alternately in the X and Y directions, for example, in a grid pattern. In this case, the second display area DA2 may include multiple auxiliary emitting areas Pg and multiple transmissive areas TA.

[0309] The auxiliary emission region Pg can be defined as a preset unit in which multiple auxiliary sub-pixels Pa are grouped. For example, as Figure 23 As illustrated in the diagram, an auxiliary emission region Pg may include eight auxiliary sub-pixels Pa arranged in a five-grid structure. That is, two second auxiliary sub-pixels Pa2, four third auxiliary sub-pixels Pa3, and two first auxiliary sub-pixels Pa1 may be included in one auxiliary emission region Pg. In this case, the first auxiliary sub-pixels Pa1 may emit blue light, the second auxiliary sub-pixels Pa2 may emit red light, and the third auxiliary sub-pixels Pa3 may emit green light.

[0310] A certain number of auxiliary emission regions Pg and a certain number of transmission regions TA, grouped into basic units U, can be repeatedly set in the second display area DA2 in the X and Y directions. Figure 23 In this context, the basic unit U can have a quadrilateral shape in which two auxiliary emission regions Pg and two transmission regions TA surrounding the two auxiliary emission regions Pg are grouped together. The basic unit U is a repeating shape and does not imply separation of elements.

[0311] A corresponding unit (not shown) having the same area as the basic unit U can be configured in the first display area DA1. In this case, the number of main sub-pixels (not shown) included in the corresponding unit can be greater than the number of auxiliary sub-pixels Pa included in the basic unit U. That is, the number of auxiliary sub-pixels Pa included in the basic unit U can be 16, and the number of main sub-pixels included in the corresponding unit can be 32, and the ratio of the number of auxiliary sub-pixels Pa to the number of main sub-pixels Pm per unit area can be 1:2.

[0312] like Figure 23 As shown in the diagram, the auxiliary sub-pixels Pa are arranged in a five-cell grid structure, and the second display area DA2, with a resolution half (1 / 2) of the first display area DA1, has a half-cell honeycomb structure. The number or arrangement method of the auxiliary sub-pixels Pa included in the auxiliary emission area Pg can be modified and designed according to the resolution of the second display area DA2.

[0313] Figure 24 This is a plan view illustrating a portion of a first mask sheet of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0314] refer to Figure 24 The first mask sheet (not shown) may include a first main body portion 422a-1 in which a first main sub-pixel opening portion 424a-1 is provided, a second main body portion (not shown) in which a first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion (not shown) is provided, and a third main body portion 422c-1 in which a first correction opening portion 424c-1 is provided.

[0315] In the above cases, the first primary sub-pixel opening portion 424a-1 and the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion can have the same shape. In the above cases, the dimensions of the first primary sub-pixel opening portion 424a-1 and the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion can be the same or different from each other.

[0316] When the first main sub-pixel opening portion 424a-1 and the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion have the same shape and the same size, the number of first main sub-pixel opening portions 424a-1 per unit area of ​​the first main body portion 422a-1, or the sum of the areas of the first main sub-pixel opening portions 424a-1, can differ from the number of first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions per unit area of ​​the second main body portion. Specifically, the number of first main sub-pixel opening portions 424a-1 per unit area of ​​the first main body portion 422a-1 can be greater than the number of first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions per unit area of ​​the second main body portion. Alternatively, the sum of the areas of the first main sub-pixel opening portions 424a-1 per unit area of ​​the first main body portion 422a-1 can be greater than the sum of the areas of the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions per unit area of ​​the second main body portion.

[0317] When the number of first main sub-pixel opening portions 424a-1 per unit area or the sum of the areas of the first main sub-pixel opening portions 424a-1 is greater than the number of first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions or the sum of the areas of the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portions, the first mask may deform unevenly or may be deformed due to the second main body when the first mask is stretched.

[0318] To solve the problem, the first correction opening portion 424c-1 can be formed in the third main body portion 422c-1, such that the sum of the areas of the first correction opening portion 424c-1 can be the same as the sum of the areas of the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion in the second main body portion.

[0319] In the above case, the shape and size of the first correction opening portion 424c-1 can be the same as the shape and size of the first main sub-pixel opening portion 424a-1. However, the number of first correction opening portions 424c-1 per unit area or the sum of the areas of the first correction opening portions 424c-1 can be less than the number of first main sub-pixel opening portions 424a-1 or the sum of the areas of the first main sub-pixel opening portions 424a-1, as described above.

[0320] When the first main sub-pixel opening portion 424a-1 and the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion have the same shape but different sizes, the third main body portion 422c-1 and the second main body portion can be formed in the same or different ways.

[0321] For example, when the third main body portion 422c-1 is the same as the second main body portion, the third main body portion 422c-1 may include a first correction opening portion 424c-1 having the same shape, the same size, and the same number as the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion. In this case, the first auxiliary sub-pixel opening portion and the first correction opening portion 424c-1 can be configured to correspond to each other. Conversely, when the third main body portion 422c-1 and the second main body portion are different from each other, the third main body portion 422c-1 can be formed with many different shapes, as shown in the reference. Figure 12B as well as Figures 15 to 17 Described.

[0322] In the above case, even when the second main body and the first main body 422a-1 are formed differently, the first mask sheet can be deformed uniformly because the third main body 422c-1 is provided.

[0323] Therefore, since the mask used to form subpixels with shapes different from those of the first display area in the second display area can be deformed in a predictable or uniform manner, a display device with a precise pattern can be manufactured.

[0324] Despite Figure 24 The above description, which is not shown in the figure, can also be applied to the second mask (not shown) and the third mask (not shown).

[0325] The apparatus and method for manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention can manufacture a display device with a precise pattern.

[0326] The apparatus and method for manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention can minimize the deformation of the mask sheet.

[0327] The apparatus and method for manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention can manufacture a display device comprising display areas with different transmittances.

[0328] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered descriptive only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The description of features or aspects within each embodiment should be typically considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications of form and detail may be made to one or more embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mask assembly, comprising: Mask frame with an opening; Mask sheet, on the mask frame; as well as A support frame is provided in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the mask sheet and supports the mask sheet. The mask sheet includes: The first main body has a first opening portion; A second main body portion, connected to the first main body portion and having a second opening portion; and The third main body portion is connected to the first main body portion and has a third opening portion. The shape of the second opening, the size of the second opening, and the distance between adjacent second openings differ from at least one of the shape of the first opening, the size of the first opening, and the distance between adjacent first openings. The second opening portion does not overlap with the support frame in the plan view, while the third opening portion overlaps with the support frame in the plan view.

2. The mask assembly of claim 1, wherein, The shape of the second opening is the same as the shape of the third opening.

3. The mask assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The second main body portion and the third main body portion are arranged opposite each other with respect to a straight line that is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mask and passes through the center of the mask.

4. The mask assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The distance from the edge of the second opening portion located at the outermost part of the second main body to the edge of the mask is the same as the distance from the edge of the third opening portion located at the outermost part of the third main body to the edge of the mask.

5. The mask assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple second main body sections and multiple third main body sections are provided. The plurality of second main body parts are aligned with each other, and the plurality of third main body parts are aligned with each other.

6. The mask assembly according to claim 5, wherein, Each second main body and each third main body are arranged in a serpentine shape.

7. The mask assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The sum of the areas of the second opening portions of the plurality of second main bodies is the same as the sum of the areas of the third opening portions of the plurality of third main bodies.

8. The mask assembly according to claim 5, wherein, Some of the plurality of third body parts and the other third body parts are arranged to be symmetrical to each other with respect to any straight line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mask and passing through the center of the mask.

9. The mask assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple support frames and multiple secondary main bodies are provided. The channel region through which the deposited material passes is defined by either a neighboring support frame among the plurality of support frames and the edge of the first main body, or by one of the plurality of support frames, the mask frame, and the edge of the first main body. Each of the second main bodies is located at a corner of the passage area.

10. A method for manufacturing a display device, the method comprising: The display substrate and mask assembly are disposed inside the cavity; and The deposition material is deposited on the display substrate using the mask assembly. The mask assembly includes: Mask frame with an opening; Mask sheet, on the mask frame; and A support frame is provided in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the mask sheet and supports the mask sheet. The mask sheet includes: The first main body has a first opening portion; A second main body portion, connected to the first main body portion and having a second opening portion; and The third main body portion is connected to the first main body portion and has a third opening portion. The shape of the second opening, the size of the second opening, and the distance between adjacent second openings differ from at least one of the shape of the first opening, the size of the first opening, and the distance between adjacent first openings. The second opening portion does not overlap with the support frame in the plan view, while the third opening portion overlaps with the support frame in the plan view.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The shape of the second opening is the same as the shape of the third opening.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The second main body portion and the third main body portion are arranged opposite each other with respect to any straight line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mask sheet and passing through the center of the mask sheet.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The distance from the edge of the second opening portion located at the outermost part of the second main body to the edge of the mask is the same as the distance from the edge of the third opening portion located at the outermost part of the third main body to the edge of the mask.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein, Multiple second main body sections and multiple third main body sections are provided. The plurality of second main body parts are aligned with each other, and the plurality of third main body parts are aligned with each other.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, Each second main body and each third main body are arranged in a serpentine shape.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, The sum of the areas of the second opening portions of the plurality of second main bodies is the same as the sum of the areas of the third opening portions of the plurality of third main bodies.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein, Some of the plurality of third body parts and the other third body parts are arranged to be symmetrical to each other with respect to any straight line perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the mask and passing through the center of the mask.

18. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Multiple support frames and multiple secondary main bodies are provided. The channel region through which the deposited material passes is defined by an adjacent support frame among the plurality of support frames and the edge of the first main body, or by one of the plurality of support frames, the mask frame, and the edge of the first main body. Each of the second main bodies is located at a corner of the passage area.

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