Foldable display device, rollable display device, and display device

Abstract

A foldable display device, a rollable display device, and a display device are provided. The foldable display device includes a display panel, the display panel includes a front surface and a rear surface opposite to the front surface, the front surface includes: a first component area including a first transmission portion, a second component area including a second transmission portion, and a main display area at least partially surrounding the first component area and the second component area, wherein when the foldable display device is folded around a first folding axis intersecting the main display area so that two areas of the front surface or two areas of the rear surface face each other, the first component area and the second component area overlap each other on a plane.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0062644 filed on May 25, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0003] One or more embodiments relate to a foldable display device, a rollable display device, and a display device, and more particularly, to a foldable display device, a rollable display device, and a display device, each having an expanded display area so as to display an image even in an area where components as electronic elements are arranged. Background Art

[0004] Recently, display devices have been used in an increasingly diverse range of applications. In addition, as the range of uses for display devices increases, the thickness and weight of display devices have been reduced for certain applications.

[0005] As display devices are developed for various applications, there may be various methods for designing the shape of the display device. In addition, as the area occupied by the display area of ​​the display device increases, various functions combined or associated with the display device are also added. In order to add various functions while increasing the area (e.g., the display area), research on display devices having component areas that perform various functions while displaying an image is underway. Summary of the invention

[0006] Aspects of one or more example embodiments are directed to a foldable display device, a rollable display device, and a display device, each of which has an expanded display area so as to display an image even in an area where a component as an electronic element is placed.

[0007] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, a foldable display device includes a display panel, the display panel includes a front surface and a rear surface opposite to the front surface, the front surface includes: a first component area including a first transmission portion, a second component area including a second transmission portion, and a main display area at least partially surrounding the first component area and the second component area, wherein when the foldable display device is folded around a first folding axis intersecting the main display area so that two areas of the front surface or two areas of the rear surface face each other, the first component area and the second component area overlap each other on a plane.

[0009] The display panel may include a plurality of main sub-pixels arranged in a main display area, and a plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixels and a plurality of second auxiliary sub-pixels arranged in a first component area and a second component area, respectively.

[0010] When the foldable display device is folded about a first folding axis intersecting the main display area so that two areas of the front surface or two areas of the rear surface face each other, multiple first auxiliary sub-pixels may overlap with the second transmission portion on a plane, and multiple second auxiliary sub-pixels may overlap with the first transmission portion on a plane.

[0011] The front surface may also include a third component area at least partially surrounded by the main display area, the third component area including a third transmission portion, wherein, when the foldable display device is folded around a first folding axis and a second folding axis intersecting the main display area, the first component area, the second component area and the third component area may overlap with each other on a plane.

[0012] The display panel may include: a plurality of main sub-pixels arranged in a main display area; and a plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixels, a plurality of second auxiliary sub-pixels, and a plurality of third auxiliary sub-pixels, which are arranged in a first component area, a second component area, and a third component area, respectively, wherein, in a state where the foldable display device is folded around a first folding axis and a second folding axis, the plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixels may overlap with the second transmission portion on a plane, the plurality of second auxiliary sub-pixels may overlap with the third transmission portion on a plane, and the plurality of third auxiliary sub-pixels may overlap with the first transmission portion on a plane.

[0013] The display panel may include: a plurality of main sub-pixels arranged in a main display area; and a plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixels, a plurality of second auxiliary sub-pixels and a plurality of third auxiliary sub-pixels, which are arranged in a first component area, a second component area and a third component area, respectively, wherein, when the foldable display device is folded around a first folding axis and a second folding axis, one of the plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixels, the plurality of second auxiliary sub-pixels and the plurality of third auxiliary sub-pixels may overlap with another of the plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixels, the plurality of second auxiliary sub-pixels and the plurality of third auxiliary sub-pixels on a plane.

[0014] The display panel may further include a lower metal layer, wherein the lower metal layer may include: a first lower hole defining a first transmission portion, a second lower hole defining a second transmission portion, and a third lower hole defining a third transmission portion, and wherein one of the first lower hole, the second lower hole, and the third lower hole may be different in size from another one of the first lower hole, the second lower hole, and the third lower hole.

[0015] The foldable display device can be folded about one of the first and second folding axes so that two areas of the front surface face each other, and can be folded about the other of the first and second folding axes so that two areas of the rear surface face each other.

[0016] A main display element implementing one main sub-pixel among multiple main sub-pixels may include a first pixel electrode, wherein an auxiliary display element implementing one second auxiliary sub-pixel among multiple second auxiliary sub-pixels may include a transparent pixel electrode, wherein the first pixel electrode may be greater in thickness than the transparent pixel electrode, and wherein the first pixel electrode may include a reflective layer.

[0017] The foldable display device may also include a virtual pixel circuit and a transparent wiring, wherein the virtual pixel circuit is connected to the auxiliary display element to implement one of the second auxiliary sub-pixels, the virtual pixel circuit includes a virtual thin film transistor, and the transparent wiring connects the auxiliary display element to the virtual thin film transistor, wherein the virtual thin film transistor may be spaced apart from the second component area.

[0018] The display panel may include a substrate and a display layer arranged on a first surface of the substrate, and wherein the foldable display device may further include a component arranged on a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface.

[0019] The substrate may include a through hole overlapping the first component region.

[0020] The display panel may further include a panel protection member disposed on the second surface of the substrate, and wherein the foldable display device may further include: a lower package disposed below the panel protection member, wherein the component may be attached to the lower package.

[0021] The components may be attached to the display panel.

[0022] According to one or more embodiments, a foldable display device includes a display panel, the display panel including: a component area, including a first transmission portion; a main display area, at least partially surrounding the component area; and a transparent display area, the second transmission portion is arranged in the transparent display area, and the transparent display area is connected to the main display area, wherein, when the foldable display device is folded, the transparent display area overlaps with the component area and the main display area on a plane.

[0023] The display panel may include: a plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixels arranged in a component area; and a plurality of transparent auxiliary sub-pixels arranged in a transparent display area, wherein the plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixels in the component area may include a first pixel arrangement structure, wherein the plurality of transparent auxiliary sub-pixels in the transparent display area may have a second pixel arrangement structure, and wherein the first pixel arrangement structure may be different from the second pixel arrangement structure.

[0024] In a state in which the foldable display device is folded, the plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixels may overlap the second transmission portion on a plane, and the plurality of transparent auxiliary sub-pixels may overlap the first transmission portion on a plane.

[0025] According to one or more embodiments, a rollable display device includes: a display panel, including a component area and a main display area, the component area including a transmissive portion, and the main display area at least partially surrounding the component area; a roller for rolling the display panel; and a component overlapping the component area, wherein a position of the component overlapping the component area on a plane changes according to unrolling the display panel.

[0026] The rollable display device may further include a module part under the display panel, the module part supporting the display panel, wherein the components may be arranged in the module part.

[0027] The rollable display device may further include: a housing portion accommodating the roller; and a spacing adjuster between the module portion and the housing portion, the spacing adjuster being configured to adjust a spacing between the module portion and the housing portion.

[0028] The assembly area may extend in a first direction in which the display panel is to be rolled out and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein a length of the assembly area in the first direction may be greater than a length of the assembly area in the second direction.

[0029] According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: a first display panel, including a first component area and a first main display area, the first component area including a first transmission portion, and the first main display area at least partially surrounding the first component area; a second display panel, arranged on a rear surface of the first display panel and movable relative to the first display panel, the second display panel including a second component area, the second component area including a second transmission portion; a component overlapping the second component area; a first state in which the first component area and the second component area overlap each other on a plane; and a second state in which the first component area and the second component area are spaced apart from each other on a plane.

[0030] The first display panel may include a plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixels arranged in a first component region, and wherein the second display panel may include a plurality of second auxiliary sub-pixels arranged in a second component region.

[0031] In the first state, the plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixels may overlap the second transmission portion in plane, and the plurality of second auxiliary sub-pixels may overlap the first transmission portion in plane.

[0032] In the first state, the plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixels may overlap with the plurality of second auxiliary sub-pixels on a plane.

[0033] The first display panel may include a first lower metal layer including a first lower hole defining a first transmission portion, wherein the second display panel may include a second lower metal layer including a second lower hole defining a second transmission portion, wherein the first lower hole may be smaller in size than the second lower hole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent through the following description made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view showing a display panel according to an embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4E is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 5 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a main display area according to an embodiment;

[0040] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a component area according to various embodiments;

[0041] 7A to 7D is a schematic plan view showing the shape of a lower metal layer that may be arranged in a component area;

[0042] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display panel according to an embodiment;

[0043] Fig. 9 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a main display area and a component area according to an embodiment;

[0044] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view showing a main display area and a component area according to an embodiment;

[0045] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B is a schematic perspective view showing a foldable display device according to an embodiment;

[0046] Fig. 11C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a foldable display device according to an embodiment;

[0047] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a foldable display device according to an embodiment;

[0048] Fig.13 is a schematic plan view showing a display panel of a foldable display device according to an embodiment;

[0049] Fig.14 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a component area according to an embodiment;

[0050] Fig.15A is a plan view showing a state in which a display panel according to an embodiment is folded;

[0051] Fig. 15B is a cross-sectional view showing a component region in a state where a display panel according to an embodiment is folded;

[0052] Fig.16 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a folded state of a display panel according to an embodiment;

[0053] Fig.17 is a plan view showing the shape of a lower metal layer that may be arranged in a component area according to an embodiment;

[0054] Fig.18 is a plan view showing shapes of lower metal layers overlapping each other in an assembly region in a state in which a display panel according to an embodiment is folded;

[0055] Fig.19 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a component area according to another embodiment;

[0056] Fig. 20A is a cross-sectional view showing a component region in a state where a display panel according to another embodiment is folded;

[0057] Fig. 20B is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a folded state of a display panel according to another embodiment;

[0058] Fig.21 is a plan view showing the shape of a lower metal layer that may be arranged in a component area according to another embodiment;

[0059] Fig. 22 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a component area according to another embodiment;

[0060] Fig.23is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a folded state of a display panel according to another embodiment;

[0061] Fig.24 is a plan view showing the shape of a lower metal layer that may be arranged in a component area according to another embodiment;

[0062] Fig.25 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a component region according to an embodiment;

[0063] Fig.26 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a foldable display device according to an embodiment;

[0064] Fig. 27 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display panel according to an embodiment;

[0065] Fig.28A and Fig.28B is a schematic perspective view showing a foldable display device according to another embodiment;

[0066] Fig.28C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a foldable display device according to another embodiment;

[0067] Fig.29A is a schematic perspective view showing a foldable display device according to another embodiment;

[0068] Fig.29B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a foldable display device according to another embodiment;

[0069] Fig. 30A and Fig. 30B is a schematic perspective view showing a foldable display device according to another embodiment;

[0070] Fig. 30C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a display panel according to another embodiment;

[0071] Fig.31 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a main display area, a transparent display area, and a component area according to an embodiment;

[0072] Fig.32 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a state where a display panel is folded according to an embodiment;

[0073] Fig.33A and Fig.33B is a schematic perspective view showing a rollable display device according to an embodiment;

[0074] Fig.34is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a rollable display device according to an embodiment;

[0075] Fig.35A and Fig.35B is a schematic perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0076] Fig.36A and Fig.36B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0077] Fig.37 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a first component area and a second component area according to an embodiment;

[0078] Fig.38A is a cross-sectional view showing a first state in which a first component region and a second component region overlap each other;

[0079] Fig.38B is a plan view showing a first state in which a first component region and a second component region overlap each other;

[0080] Fig.39 is a plan view showing shapes of first and second lower metal layers that may be arranged in a first component region and a second component region according to an embodiment;

[0081] Fig.40 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a first component area and a second component area according to another embodiment;

[0082] Fig.41 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first state in which a first component region and a second component region overlap each other according to another embodiment; and

[0083] Fig.42 is a plan view illustrating shapes of first and second lower metal layers that may be arranged in a first component region and a second component region according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] The embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings will now be referred to in more detail, wherein similar reference numerals refer to similar elements throughout. In this regard, the present embodiment may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the description set forth herein. Therefore, the following only describes the embodiments with reference to the drawings to explain the aspects of this description. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. Throughout the disclosure, the statement "at least one of a, b, and c" means only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

[0085] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0086] It will be further understood that the terms “include,” “including,” “comprise,” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0087] Additionally, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of the present disclosure refers to “one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.”

[0088] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," "bottom," "top," and the like, may be used herein for convenience of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another (or multiple) element or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to also include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, the elements described as being "below" or "beneath" other elements or features will subsequently be oriented as being "above" or "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" may include both orientations of above and below. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or oriented in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0089] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measurements or calculations that those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0090] As used herein, the terms "use," "using," and "used" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilizing," and "utilized," respectively.

[0091] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an ideal or overly rigid sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0092] Since the present disclosure allows for various changes and numerous embodiments, specific embodiments will be shown in the drawings and described in more detail in the written description. In order to obtain sufficient understanding, its advantages and the purposes achieved by the implementation, reference is made to the accompanying drawings for illustrating one or more embodiments. However, the embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the description set forth herein.

[0093] The exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the figure numbers, those components that are the same or correspond are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0094] It will be understood that when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being "formed on" another layer, region, or component, the layer, region, or component may be directly or indirectly formed on the other layer, region, or component. That is, for example, there may be intermediate layers, regions, or components. For the convenience of explanation, the size of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated. In other words, since the size and thickness of the components in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of explanation, the following embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0095] The x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. As used herein, a plurality of components that overlap each other "on a plane" means that the plurality of components at least partially overlap each other in the z direction.

[0096] The display device displays a video or a still image, and can be used as a display screen for various products such as televisions, laptops, monitors, billboards, and the Internet of Things (IoT), and portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile communication terminals, electronic notebooks, electronic books, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation systems, and ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs). In addition, the display device according to the embodiment can be used in wearable devices such as smart watches, watch phones, glasses-type displays, or head-mounted displays (HMDs). In addition, the display device according to the embodiment can be used as: a dashboard of a vehicle, a central information display (CID) arranged on a central dashboard or dashboard of a vehicle, an interior mirror display that replaces a side mirror of a vehicle, an entertainment device for a rear seat of a vehicle, and a display placed on the rear of a front seat of a vehicle.

[0097] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 3 1 is a schematic plan view showing a display panel 10 according to an embodiment. Figure 1 As shown in , for convenience of description, the display device 1 according to the embodiment may be used as a smart phone. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the display device 1 may be used as any suitable device.

[0098] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the display device 1 may include a cover window 50 , a display panel 10 , an assembly 40 , and a lower cover 90 .

[0099] The display device 1 may have a rectangular shape in a plane or in a plan view. Figure 1 As shown in , the display device 1 may have a rectangular planar shape having a short side in a first direction (e.g., the x direction or the -x direction) and a long side in a second direction (e.g., the y direction) perpendicular to (or orthogonal to) the first direction. The corner where the short side in the first direction (e.g., the x direction) intersects the long side in the second direction (e.g., the y direction) may be rounded to have a certain curvature, or may be formed as a right angle. The planar shape of the display device 1 is not limited to a rectangle. For example, the planar shape of the display device 1 may be any suitable shape, such as an elliptical shape, an irregular shape, or another polygonal shape.

[0100] The cover window 50 may be disposed on the display panel 10 to cover the upper surface of the display panel 10. Thus, the cover window 50 may protect the upper surface of the display panel 10.

[0101] The cover window 50 may include a transmissive cover portion DA50 corresponding to the display panel 10 and a light blocking cover portion NDA50 corresponding to an area outside the display panel 10. The light blocking cover portion NDA50 may include an opaque material that blocks light. The light blocking cover portion NDA50 may include a pattern that can be displayed to a user when an image is not displayed.

[0102] In an embodiment, the cover window 50 may be a flexible window. The cover window 50 may protect the display panel 10 while being bent (e.g., easily bent) according to an external force without generating cracks, etc. The cover window 50 may include glass, sapphire, or plastic. The cover window 50 may include, for example, ultra-thin glass (UTG) or colorless polyimide (CPI). In an embodiment, the cover window 50 may have a structure in which a flexible polymer layer is arranged on one surface of a glass substrate, or may consist of only a polymer layer.

[0103] The display panel 10 may be disposed under the cover window 50. The display panel 10 may overlap the transmissive cover part DA50 of the cover window 50.

[0104] The lower cover 90 may form a lower surface appearance of the display device 1. The lower cover 90 may include plastic, metal, or both plastic and metal.

[0105] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the display panel 10 may include a main display area MDA and an assembly area CA. Both the main display area MDA and the assembly area CA are areas where images are displayed, and the assembly area CA may be an area where a component 40 such as a sensor or a camera using visible light, infrared rays, sound, etc. is arranged. In an embodiment, the assembly area CA may be an area having a higher light transmittance and / or sound transmittance than the main display area MDA. In an embodiment, when light is transmitted through the assembly area CA, the light transmittance may be 25% or more, 30% or more, 50% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, or 90% or more.

[0106] The display panel 10 may be a light-emitting display panel including a light-emitting element. For example, the display panel 10 may be an organic light-emitting display panel using an organic light-emitting diode including an organic emission layer, a micro light-emitting diode display panel using a micro light-emitting diode (micro LED), a quantum dot light-emitting display panel using a quantum dot light-emitting diode including a quantum dot emission layer, or an inorganic light-emitting display panel using an inorganic light-emitting element including an inorganic semiconductor.

[0107] The display panel 10 may be a rigid display panel that is rigid and cannot be easily bent, or may be a flexible display panel that is flexible and can be easily bent, folded, or rolled. For example, the display panel 10 may be a foldable display panel that can be folded and unfolded, a curved display panel having a curved display surface, a curved display panel having a bending area other than a display surface, a rollable display panel that can be rolled or spread out, or a stretchable display panel that can be stretched.

[0108] In an embodiment, the display panel 10 may be a transparent display panel that is implemented to be transparent and allows an object or background disposed on the lower surface of the display panel 10 or disposed at one side of the lower surface of the display panel 10 to be viewed from the upper surface of the display panel 10 (e.g., the display area DA). Alternatively, at least a portion of the display panel 10 may be a transparent display panel. For example, a portion of the display panel 10 may be a transparent display panel, and the remaining portion of the display panel 10 may not be a transparent display panel. Alternatively, the display panel 10 may be a reflective display panel capable of reflecting light from an object or background on the upper surface of the display panel 10 or at one side of the upper surface of the display panel 10.

[0109] The display panel 10 may include a substrate 100 , a display layer DISL, a touch screen layer TSL, an optical function layer OFL, and a panel protection member PB.

[0110] The substrate 100 may include an insulating material such as glass, quartz or a polymer resin. The substrate 100 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate that is bendable, foldable or rollable. For example, the substrate 100 may include a polymer resin such as polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate or cellulose acetate propionate. The substrate 100 may have a multilayer structure including a layer containing the above-mentioned polymer resin and an inorganic layer. For example, the substrate 100 may include two layers, the two layers including the above-mentioned polymer resin and an inorganic barrier layer therebetween.

[0111] The display layer DISL may be disposed on the substrate 100. The display layer DISL may include pixels and may be a layer displaying an image. The display layer DISL may include a circuit layer including a thin film transistor, a display element layer where display elements are disposed, and a sealing member for sealing the display element layer.

[0112] The display layer DISL may be divided into a display area DA and a peripheral area DPA. The display area DA may be an area where pixels are arranged to display an image. The peripheral area DPA may be an area that is arranged outside the display area DA and does not display an image. The peripheral area DPA may be arranged to surround or at least partially surround the display area DA. The peripheral area DPA may be an area from the outside of the display area DA to the edge of the display panel 10. In the display area DA, not only pixels may be arranged, but also pixel circuits for driving the pixels and scan wiring, data wiring, and power wiring connected to the pixel circuits may be arranged. A scan driver for applying a scan signal to the scan wiring and a fan-out wiring connecting the data wiring to the display driver may be arranged in the peripheral area DPA.

[0113] The touch screen layer TSL may be disposed on the display layer DISL. The touch screen layer TSL may include a touch electrode and may be a layer for detecting whether a user touches a portion of the cover window 50 in the display area DA or does not touch the portion of the cover window 50 in the display area DA.

[0114] The touch screen layer TSL may be directly formed on the sealing member of the display layer DISL. Alternatively, the touch screen layer TSL may be separately formed and then coupled to the sealing member of the display layer DISL through an adhesive layer such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA).

[0115] The optical function layer OFL may be disposed on the touch screen layer TSL. The optical function layer OFL may include an anti-reflection layer. The anti-reflection layer may reduce reflectivity of light (eg, external light) incident on the anti-reflection layer from the outside of the display device 1 .

[0116] In some embodiments, the anti-reflection layer may include a polarizing film. The polarizing film may include a linear polarizer and a phase retardation film such as a quarter wave (λ / 4) plate. The phase retardation film may be disposed on the touch screen layer TSL, and the linear polarizer may be disposed on the phase retardation film.

[0117] In some embodiments, the anti-reflection layer may include a filter layer including a black matrix and a color filter. The color filter may be arranged by considering the color of light emitted from each of the pixels of the display device 1. For example, the filter layer may include a red filter, a green filter, or a blue filter corresponding to pixels for emitting red light, green light, or blue light, respectively.

[0118] In some embodiments, the anti-reflection layer may include a destructive interference structure. The destructive interference structure may include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer arranged on different layers. The first reflected light and the second reflected light respectively reflected by the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer may interfere with each other, and thus the external light reflectivity may be reduced.

[0119] The cover window 50 may be disposed on the optical function layer OFL. The cover window 50 may be attached to the optical function layer OFL by a transparent adhesive member such as an OCA film.

[0120] The panel protection member PB may be arranged under the substrate 100. The panel protection member PB may be attached to the lower surface of the substrate 100 by an adhesive member. The adhesive member may be a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). The panel protection member PB may include at least one of a light absorbing layer for absorbing light incident from the outside, a buffer layer for absorbing impact from the outside, and a heat dissipation layer for effectively dissipating heat of the display panel 10.

[0121] In an embodiment, the panel protection member PB may have an opening PB_OP corresponding to the assembly area CA (an area where the assembly 40 is arranged). The opening PB_OP is provided in the panel protection member PB to improve light transmittance of the assembly area CA.

[0122] The area of ​​the component region CA may be larger than the area where the component 40 is arranged. Accordingly, the area of ​​the opening PB_OP provided in the panel protection member PB may not match the area of ​​the component region CA. The component 40 may be arranged to overlap with the opening PB_OP (e.g., overlap in the z direction). In an embodiment, the component 40 may be arranged to be inserted into the opening PB_OP.

[0123] The display area DA of the display panel 10 may include an assembly area CA (e.g., an assembly area CA under which the assembly 40 is arranged) and a main display area MDA. In an embodiment, the assembly area CA may be arranged inside the display area DA, and may be surrounded or at least partially surrounded by the main display area MDA. Moreover, the assembly area CA may have a circular shape, or a plurality of assembly areas CA may be provided. In an embodiment, the assembly area CA may be arranged in various suitable shapes. For example, the assembly area CA may have a polygonal shape such as a triangle or a quadrilateral, or may have a circular shape, a semicircular shape, or a semi-elliptical shape.

[0124] although Figure 3 It is shown that the component area CA is arranged at the center of the upper part of the display area DA, but the component area CA may be arranged differently in the display area DA in a suitable manner. For example, the component area CA may be arranged at the center of the display area DA. Alternatively, the component area CA may be spaced apart from the center of the display area DA in a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) and / or a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction). In another embodiment, the component area CA may also be arranged in a strip or notch type. In other words, the component area CA may be a strip-shaped area or a notch-shaped area.

[0125] The component 40 overlapping the component area CA of the display panel 10 may be an electronic component using light or sound. For example, the electronic component may be a sensor that measures distance (such as a proximity sensor), a sensor that recognizes a part of the user's body (e.g., a fingerprint, an iris, a face, etc.), a small lamp that outputs light, or an image sensor (e.g., a camera) that captures an image. The electronic component using light may use light of various wavelengths, such as visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light. The electronic component using sound may use ultrasonic waves or sounds of other frequency bands.

[0126] In some embodiments, the assembly 40 may include subassemblies, such as a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion. The light emitting portion and the light receiving portion may be an integral structure (i.e., integral with each other). Alternatively, the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion that are physically separated from each other (i.e., spaced apart from each other) and paired may form one assembly 40.

[0127] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4E is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the display device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0128] Reference FIG. 4A to FIG. 4E The display device 1 may include a display panel 10 and an assembly 40 overlapping (eg, overlapping in the z direction) the display panel 10. The display panel 10 may include an assembly area CA as an area overlapping the assembly 40 and a main display area MDA displaying a main image.

[0129] The display panel 10 may include a substrate 100, a display layer DISL, a touch screen layer TSL, and an optical function layer OFL on the substrate 100, and a panel protection member PB disposed below the substrate 100 (for example, the panel protection member PB may be on the lower surface of the substrate 100). The display layer DISL may include: a circuit layer PCL including thin film transistors TFT and TFT'; a display element layer EDL including light emitting elements ED and ED' as display elements; and a sealing member ENCM such as a thin film encapsulation layer TFEL or a sealing substrate ENS. The insulating layer IL' may be disposed between the substrate 100 and the display layer DISL, and the insulating layer IL may be disposed in the display layer DISL.

[0130] As described above, the substrate 100 may include an insulating material such as glass, quartz, or polymer resin. The substrate 100 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate that is bendable, foldable, or rollable.

[0131] The main thin film transistor TFT and the main light emitting element ED connected thereto may be arranged in the main display area MDA of the display panel 10 to realize the main subpixel Pm, and the auxiliary thin film transistor TFT′ and the auxiliary light emitting element ED′ connected thereto may be arranged in the assembly area CA to realize the auxiliary subpixel Pa.

[0132] Moreover, if FIG. 4A to FIG. 4E As shown in , the transmission portion TA where no display element is arranged may be arranged in the component area CA. The transmission portion TA may be a region that transmits light and / or signals from or toward the component 40. For example, light and / or signals may be emitted from the component 40 arranged corresponding to the component area CA, and / or light and / or signals may be incident on the component 40. Since no display element is arranged in the transmission portion TA, the transmission portion TA may be a region with high light transmittance.

[0133] The lower metal layer BML may be arranged in the component area CA. The lower metal layer BML may be arranged to correspond to the lower portion of the auxiliary thin film transistor TFT'. For example, the lower metal layer BML may be arranged between the auxiliary thin film transistor TFT' and the substrate 100. In some embodiments, the lower metal layer BML may overlap with the lower portion of the auxiliary thin film transistor TFT' (for example, overlap in the z direction or the thickness direction). The lower metal layer BML may block or substantially block external light from reaching the auxiliary thin film transistor TFT'. In some embodiments, a constant voltage or signal may be applied to the lower metal layer BML to prevent or reduce damage to the pixel circuit due to electrostatic discharge. A lower metal layer BML having a transmission hole corresponding to the transmission portion TA may be located in the component area CA, such as Figures 4A to 4E However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of lower metal layers BML may be arranged in the component area CA, and in some cases, different voltages may be applied to the plurality of lower metal layers BML.

[0134] The display element layer EDL may be covered by the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL, or may be covered by the sealing substrate ENS. Figure 4A As shown in , the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. In an embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer 131, a second inorganic encapsulation layer 133 and an organic encapsulation layer 132 therebetween.

[0135] In some embodiments, the sealing substrate ENS may be arranged to face the substrate 100 with the display element layer EDL interposed therebetween. Figure 4B As shown in . A gap may exist between the sealing substrate ENS and the display element layer EDL. The sealing substrate ENS may include glass. A sealant including glass frit or the like may be arranged between the substrate 100 and the sealing substrate ENS, and the sealant may be arranged in the peripheral area DPA described above. The sealant arranged in the peripheral area DPA may prevent or substantially prevent moisture from penetrating through the side surface of the display area DA while surrounding or at least partially surrounding the display area DA.

[0136] For example, the touch screen layer TSL may acquire coordinate information according to an external input such as a touch event. The touch screen layer TSL may include touch electrodes and touch wiring connected to the touch electrodes. The touch screen layer TSL may sense an external input by using a self-capacitance method or a mutual capacitance method.

[0137] The touch screen layer TSL may be formed on the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL. Alternatively, the touch screen layer TSL may be formed separately on the touch substrate and then bonded to the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL through an adhesive layer such as OCA. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4E As shown in , the touch screen layer TSL may be directly formed on the sealing member ENCM, and in this case, the adhesive layer may not be interposed between the touch screen layer TSL and the sealing member ENCM.

[0138] The optical function layer OFL may include an anti-reflection layer. The anti-reflection layer may reduce reflectivity of light (eg, external light) incident on the display device 1 from the outside (ie, outside the display device 1).

[0139] In some embodiments, the optical function layer OFL may be a polarizing film. The optical function layer OFL may include an opening OFL_OP corresponding to the transmission portion TA. Accordingly, the light transmittance of the transmission portion TA may be improved (eg, significantly improved). The opening OFL_OP may be filled with a transparent material such as an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0140] In some embodiments, the optical function layer OFL may include a filter plate 180 including a black matrix and a color filter, such as Figure 4C The filter board 180 may include a base layer 181 , a color filter 182 on the base layer 181 , a black matrix 183 , and a cover layer 184 .

[0141] The color filter 182 may be arranged by considering the color of light emitted from each of the pixels of the display panel 10. For example, each of the color filters 182 may have red, green, or blue color depending on the color of light emitted from the light emitting elements ED and ED'. The color filter 182 and the black matrix 183 may not exist in the transmission part TA. For example, the layer including the color filter 182 and the black matrix 183 may include a hole 183OP corresponding to the transmission part TA. The hole 183OP may be at least partially filled with a portion of the cover layer 184. The cover layer 184 may include an organic material such as a resin, and the organic material may be transparent.

[0142] like Figure 4DAs shown in , the assembly 40 may be attached to the lower portion of the display panel 10. In addition, the panel protection member PB may include a protective layer PY, a light blocking layer LBY, a buffer layer CY, and a heat dissipation layer HSY. The protective layer PY may be attached to the lower surface of the substrate 100 and protect the substrate 100 from external influences. For example, the protective layer PY may absorb physical impact from the outside, or block or substantially block foreign matter or moisture from penetrating through the display layer DISL. The protective layer PY may be coated on the lower surface of the substrate 100 or attached to the lower surface of the substrate 100 in the form of a film.

[0143] In an embodiment, the protective layer PY may include a material that blocks or substantially blocks ultraviolet rays (UV). For example, the protective layer PY may include a base resin, a UV absorber, and inorganic particles. The UV absorber and the inorganic particles may be dispersed in the base resin. The base resin may be an acrylate resin, for example, polyurethane acrylate. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and a base resin that is optically transparent and capable of dispersing UV absorbers and inorganic particles may be used in the protective layer PY without limitation.

[0144] For example, the UV absorber may include at least one of benzotriazole compounds, benzophenone compounds, salicylic acid compounds, salicylate compounds, cyanoacrylate compounds, cinnamate compounds, oxalic acid anilide compounds, polystyrene compounds, azomethine compounds, and triazine compounds.

[0145] The light blocking layer LBY may be arranged on the lower surface of the protective layer PY, and the buffer layer CY may be arranged on the lower surface of the light blocking layer LBY. The light blocking layer LBY may be a double-sided adhesive arranged between the protective layer PY and the buffer layer CY. In addition, the light blocking layer LBY may absorb light transmitted from the outside. For example, the light blocking layer LBY may be set as a black layer to absorb external light. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the light blocking layer LBY may include various suitable materials capable of absorbing external light.

[0146] The buffer layer CY may be attached to the lower surface of the light blocking layer LBY to protect the display panel 10 from external influences. The buffer layer CY may include a material having elasticity. For example, the buffer layer CY may include foam including polyurethane, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or polyolefin. However, the above materials are examples, and the buffer layer CY may include a material having excellent compressive stress and excellent shock and vibration absorption.

[0147] The heat dissipation layer HSY may be disposed under the buffer layer CY. The heat dissipation layer HSY may include a first heat dissipation layer including a metal thin film such as copper, nickel, ferrite, and silver that can shield electromagnetic waves and has excellent thermal conductivity, and a second heat dissipation layer including graphite, carbon nanotubes, etc.

[0148] The positions of the protective layer PY, the light blocking layer LBY, the buffer layer CY, and the heat dissipation layer HSY constituting the panel protection member PB may be variously modified in an appropriate manner.

[0149] In some embodiments, a metal plate may be further arranged under the panel protection member PB. The metal plate may include a high modulus material. For example, the metal plate may include at least one selected from the group consisting of Invar, Nobinite, stainless steel, and alloys thereof. When the display panel 10 is a foldable display panel, the metal plate may be arranged under the foldable display panel. In this case, because the metal plate may include a high modulus material, the metal plate will not be deformed even if the operation of folding the display panel 10 is repeated.

[0150] As described above, the panel protection member PB may have an opening PB_OP corresponding to the assembly area CA, and the assembly 40 may be arranged in the opening PB_OP. In some embodiments, the protection layer PY may not include an opening corresponding to the assembly area CA and may be arranged continuously. For example, in some embodiments, the opening PB_OP may not extend through the protection layer PY of the panel protection member PB.

[0151] The component 40 may be mounted on the package 40SP, and the package 40SP may be attached to the lower surface of the substrate 100 through an adhesive member 40RS. The package 40SP may include a control circuit connected (eg, electrically connected) to the component 40.

[0152] The optically transparent resin OCR may be filled between the component 40 and the lower surface of the substrate 100. The optically transparent resin OCR may have optical transparency to minimize or reduce loss of light incident on the component 40.

[0153] The adhesive member 40RS fixes the package 40SP to the lower surface of the substrate 100. The adhesive member 40RS may include a resin. That is, after the resin is arranged to contact the lower surface of the package 40SP and the substrate 100, curing by UV may be performed. The adhesive member 40RS may include a light absorbing material.

[0154] like Figure 4E As shown in FIG. 1 , the circuit layer PCL may include a dummy thin film transistor TFTd. The dummy thin film transistor TFTd may be spaced apart from the component area CA and may be connected to the auxiliary light emitting element ED'. In this case, the dummy thin film transistor TFTd and the auxiliary light emitting element ED' may be connected to each other through a transparent wiring. The transparent wiring may include a transparent conductive material. For example, the transparent wiring may include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In 2 O 3), at least one of indium gallium oxide (IGO) and aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). Therefore, the transmittance of the component area CA can be further improved. In addition, when the pixel electrode of the auxiliary light-emitting element ED' does not include a reflective layer, the auxiliary light-emitting element ED' can be transparent and can emit light from both sides thereof. Therefore, the auxiliary light-emitting element ED' can emit light to the top and / or bottom of the display device 1.

[0155] Figure 5 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a main display area MDA according to an embodiment.

[0156] A plurality of main sub-pixels Pm may be arranged in the main display area MDA. In this specification, a sub-pixel refers to a light-emitting area as the smallest unit for realizing an image. The pixel arrangement structure may be described based on the light-emitting area of ​​each sub-pixel. When an organic light-emitting diode is used as a display element, the light-emitting area may be defined by an opening of a pixel defining layer, which may be described in more detail below.

[0157] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the main sub-pixels Pm arranged in the main display area MDA may be in a pentile structure (ie, is a registered trademark of Samsung Display Co., Ltd. of South Korea The red sub-pixel Pr, the green sub-pixel Pg, and the blue sub-pixel Pb can respectively realize or provide red light, green light, and blue light.

[0158] In some embodiments, a plurality of red sub-pixels Pr and a plurality of blue sub-pixels Pb are alternately arranged in a first row 1N, a plurality of green sub-pixels Pg are spaced apart from each other in a second row 2N adjacent to the first row 1N, a plurality of blue sub-pixels Pb and a plurality of red sub-pixels Pr are alternately arranged in a third row 3N adjacent to the second row 2N, and a plurality of green sub-pixels Pg are spaced apart from each other in a fourth row 4N adjacent to the third row 3N, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown in . This pixel arrangement is repeated until the Nth row (where N represents a natural number). In this case, the blue sub-pixel Pb and the red sub-pixel Pr may have a size (eg, area) larger than the green sub-pixel Pg.

[0159] A plurality of red sub-pixels Pr and a plurality of blue sub-pixels Pb arranged in the first row 1N and a plurality of green sub-pixels Pg arranged in the second row 2N are staggered. In other words, the plurality of red sub-pixels Pr and the plurality of blue sub-pixels Pb arranged in the first row 1N may be offset relative to the plurality of green sub-pixels Pg arranged in the second row 2N (i.e., not sharing a column with the plurality of green sub-pixels Pg arranged in the second row 2N). Therefore, a plurality of red sub-pixels Pr and a plurality of blue sub-pixels Pb are alternately arranged in the first column 1M, a plurality of green sub-pixels Pg are spaced apart from each other in a second column 2M adjacent to the first column 1M, a plurality of blue sub-pixels Pb and a plurality of red sub-pixels Pr are alternately arranged in a third column 3M adjacent to the second column 2M, and a plurality of green sub-pixels Pg are spaced apart from each other in a fourth column 4M adjacent to the third column 3M. This pixel arrangement is repeated until the Mth column (where M represents a natural number).

[0160] In other words, the red sub-pixel Pr is arranged at each of the first and third vertices facing each other among the vertices of the virtual quadrilateral VS with the green sub-pixel Pg as the center point of the virtual quadrilateral VS, and the blue sub-pixel Pb is arranged at each of the second and fourth vertices as the remaining vertices. The green sub-pixel Pg may be located at the center point between the red sub-pixels Pr arranged at each of the first and third vertices, and may be located at the center point between the blue sub-pixels Pb arranged at each of the second and fourth vertices. In some embodiments, the virtual quadrilateral VS may be modified in various ways in a suitable manner. For example, the virtual quadrilateral VS may be a rectangle, a rhombus, and a square.

[0161] Such a pixel arrangement structure is called a pentile matrix structure (ie, A matrix structure) or a pentile structure, and in this case, high resolution can be achieved with a small number of pixels by using a rendering drive scheme that shares adjacent pixels to express colors.

[0162] although Figure 5 An example is shown in which the plurality of main sub-pixels Pm are arranged in a pentile matrix structure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of main sub-pixels Pm may be arranged in various suitable shapes, such as a stripe structure, a mosaic arrangement structure, and a delta arrangement structure.

[0163] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in an element area CA according to various embodiments.

[0164] Reference Fig. 6A , a plurality of auxiliary sub-pixels Pa may be arranged in the component area CA. Each of the auxiliary sub-pixels Pa may emit one of red light, green light, blue light, and white light.

[0165] The component area CA may have a pixel group PG including at least one auxiliary sub-pixel Pa and a transmission portion TA. The pixel group PG and the transmission portion TA may be arranged alternately in the x-direction and the y-direction and may be arranged in, for example, a lattice shape. In this case, the component area CA may have a plurality of pixel groups PG and a plurality of transmission portions TA.

[0166] The pixel group PG may be defined as a set of sub-pixels in which a plurality of auxiliary sub-pixels Pa are bound together in a preset unit. Fig. 6A As shown in FIG. 1 , eight auxiliary sub-pixels Pa arranged in a pentile structure may be included in one pixel group PG. That is, one pixel group PG may include two red sub-pixels Pr, four green sub-pixels Pg, and two blue sub-pixels Pb.

[0167] In the assembly area CA, a basic unit U that binds a certain number of pixel groups PG and a certain number of transmission parts TA together may be repeatedly arranged in the x-direction and the y-direction. Fig. 6A In the embodiment, the basic unit U may have a shape in which two pixel groups PG and two transmission parts TA arranged around the pixel groups PG are bound together in a quadrilateral shape. The basic unit U is obtained by dividing the component area CA into repeated shapes (repeatable units), and the basic unit U does not refer to a disconnection of the configuration of the component area CA (for example, a disconnection between the basic units U).

[0168] In the main display area MDA, a corresponding unit U' having an area equal to that of the basic unit U may be set. In this case, the number of main sub-pixels Pm in the corresponding unit U' may be greater than the number of auxiliary sub-pixels Pa in the basic unit U. That is, the number of auxiliary sub-pixels Pa in the basic unit U may be 16, and the number of main sub-pixels Pm in the corresponding unit U' may be 32. The number of auxiliary sub-pixels Pa and the number of main sub-pixels Pm arranged according to equal areas may be set at a ratio of 1:2.

[0169] like Fig. 6A As shown in , the arrangement structure of the auxiliary sub-pixels Pa is a pentile structure, and the pixel arrangement structure of the component area CA having a resolution half of the resolution of the main display area MDA is called a 1 / 2 pentile structure. The number or arrangement of the auxiliary sub-pixels Pa in the pixel group PG can be modified according to the resolution of the component area CA.

[0170] Reference Figure 6B, the arrangement structure of the auxiliary sub-pixels Pa may be a pentile structure, and the pixel arrangement structure of the component area CA may have a resolution that is one quarter of the resolution of the main display area MDA, which may be referred to as a 1 / 4 pentile structure. In the illustrated embodiment, eight auxiliary sub-pixels Pa are arranged in a pentile structure in the pixel group PG, but only one pixel group PG may be included in the basic unit U. The remaining area of ​​the basic unit U may be set as the transmission portion TA. Accordingly, the number of auxiliary sub-pixels Pa and the number of main sub-pixels Pm arranged according to equal areas may be set at a ratio of 1:4.

[0171] Reference Figure 6C , the pixel arrangement structure of the component area CA may be set to an S-stripe structure. In the illustrated embodiment, one pixel group PG may include three auxiliary sub-pixels Pa, ie, a red sub-pixel Pr, a green sub-pixel Pg, and a blue sub-pixel Pb.

[0172] In the illustrated embodiment, the red sub-pixel Pr and the green sub-pixel Pg may be alternately arranged in the first column 11, and the blue sub-pixel Pb may be arranged in the second column 21 adjacent to the first column 11. In this case, each of the red sub-pixel Pr and the green sub-pixel Pg may have a rectangular shape having a long side in the x direction and a short side in the y direction, and the blue sub-pixel Pb may have a rectangular shape having a long side in the y direction and a short side in the x direction. The length of the blue sub-pixel Pb in the y direction may be equal to or greater than the sum of the length of the red sub-pixel Pr in the y direction and the length of the green sub-pixel Pg in the y direction. Accordingly, the size (e.g., area) of the blue sub-pixel Pb may be greater than the size of the red sub-pixel Pr and the green sub-pixel Pg. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the areas of the blue sub-pixel Pb, the red sub-pixel Pr, and the green sub-pixel Pg may be variously modified in a suitable manner.

[0173] In the illustrated embodiment, an area occupied by one pixel group PG in the basic unit U may be about ¼ of the area of ​​the basic unit U. Figure 6C It is shown that only one pixel group PG is included in the basic unit U. However, in another embodiment, two or more pixel groups PG may be included in the basic unit U. Moreover, the area of ​​the auxiliary sub-pixel Pa in the pixel group PG may be variously modified in a suitable manner.

[0174] Reference Fig.6D, the pixel arrangement structure of the component area CA may be set to a stripe structure. That is, one pixel group PG may include three auxiliary sub-pixels, namely, a red sub-pixel Pr, a green sub-pixel Pg, and a blue sub-pixel Pb. In addition, the red sub-pixel Pr, the green sub-pixel Pg, and the blue sub-pixel Pb may be arranged in a line in the y direction. In this case, the red sub-pixel Pr, the green sub-pixel Pg, and the blue sub-pixel Pb may each have a long side in the x direction and a short side in the y direction.

[0175] Alternatively, with Fig.6D Different from the above, the red sub-pixel Pr, the green sub-pixel Pg and the blue sub-pixel Pb may be arranged in a line in the x direction. In this case, the red sub-pixel Pr, the green sub-pixel Pg and the blue sub-pixel Pb may each have a long side in the y direction and a short side in the x direction.

[0176] In the illustrated embodiment, two pixel groups PG may be arranged in a line in the first column 11, and the transmission portion TA may be arranged in the second column 21 adjacent to the first column 11. In addition, the transmission portion TA and one pixel group PG may be arranged in the third column 31 adjacent to the second column 21, and the transmission portion TA may be arranged in the fourth column 41 adjacent to the third column 31. That is, the pixel group PG may be arranged on the upper left side, the lower left side, and the lower right side of the basic unit U. In other words, the pixel group PG may be arranged in the upper left quadrant, the lower left quadrant, and the lower right quadrant among the quadrants of the basic unit U, but not in the upper right quadrant.

[0177] In some embodiments, the component area CA may include a first pixel group and a second pixel group having different pixel arrangements. Fig. 6A and Fig.6D The described pixel arrangement structure may be applied to the first pixel group and the second pixel group. For example, the auxiliary sub-pixels of the first pixel group may be arranged in a pentile structure, and the auxiliary sub-pixels of the second pixel group may be arranged in a stripe structure.

[0178] 7A to 7D 2 is a schematic plan view showing the shape of a lower metal layer BML that may be arranged in the assembly area CA.

[0179] Reference 7A to 7D , the lower metal layer BML may be arranged to correspond to the assembly area CA and may have a lower hole BMLH. The shapes and sizes of the lower metal layer BML and the lower hole BMLH may be variously set in an appropriate manner.

[0180] Reference Fig. 7A, the lower hole BMLH may have a quadrilateral shape and may be spaced apart from the pixel group PG. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower hole BMLH may not overlap with the pixel group PG in a plan view. That is, the lower hole BMLH may be disposed not to correspond to the pixel group PG. In this case, the shape and size of the transmission portion TA may be defined by the shape and size of the lower hole BMLH. On a plane or in a plan view, two lower holes BMLH may be provided for each basic unit U, and the two lower holes BMLH may be arranged alternately with the pixel group PG.

[0181] Reference Figure 7B , the basic unit U may include one pixel group PG, and the lower hole BMLH may be spaced apart from the pixel group PG on a plane (e.g., on an xy plane) or in a plan view. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower hole BMLH may not overlap with the pixel group PG in a plan view. That is, the lower hole BMLH may be disposed not to correspond to the one pixel group PG. The lower hole BMLH may be disposed in an area other than an area where the pixel group PG is disposed in the basic unit U.

[0182] Reference Figure 7C and Fig.7D , the lower hole BMLH may have a circular shape. When the transmission portion TA has a shape similar to a circular shape, the diffraction characteristics of light can be improved. Therefore, when the component arranged below the component area CA is a camera, it is desirable that the transmission portion TA has a shape similar to a circular shape. The lower hole BMLH may have an octagonal or other polygonal shape similar to a circular shape or an elliptical shape (for example, a polygonal shape having more sides than an octagonal shape). One lower hole BMLH or a plurality of lower holes BMLH may be provided between the pixel groups PG. For example, as Figure 7C As shown in , when the basic unit U includes two pixel groups PG, two lower holes BMLH may be provided so as not to correspond to the two pixel groups PG. As another example, Fig.7D As shown in , when the basic unit U includes one pixel group PG, three lower holes BMLH may be provided so as not to correspond to the one pixel group PG.

[0183] In some embodiments, when the auxiliary sub-pixel is implemented as a transparent auxiliary light emitting element, the lower metal layer may not be arranged so that the transparent auxiliary light emitting element emits light from both sides thereof.

[0184] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of the display panel 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 8 A portion of the main display area MDA and a portion of the assembly area CA are shown.

[0185] Reference Figure 8, the display panel 10 may include a main display area MDA and an assembly area CA. The main sub-pixel Pm may be arranged in the main display area MDA, and the auxiliary sub-pixel Pa and the transmission portion TA may be arranged in the assembly area CA. A main pixel circuit PC and a main organic light emitting diode OLED may be arranged in the main display area MDA, the main pixel circuit PC including a main thin film transistor TFT and a main storage capacitor Cst, the main organic light emitting diode OLED being a display element connected to the main pixel circuit PC. An auxiliary pixel circuit PC' and an auxiliary organic light emitting diode OLED' may be arranged in the assembly area CA, the auxiliary pixel circuit PC' including an auxiliary thin film transistor TFT' and an auxiliary storage capacitor Cst', the auxiliary organic light emitting diode OLED' being a display element connected to the auxiliary pixel circuit PC'.

[0186] In the illustrated embodiment, an organic light emitting diode is used as a display element, but in another embodiment, an inorganic light emitting element or a quantum dot light emitting diode may be used as a display element.

[0187] Hereinafter, a structure in which components in the display panel 10 are stacked may be described in more detail below. The display panel 10 may have a structure in which a substrate 100, a buffer layer 111, a circuit layer PCL, and a display element layer EDL are stacked.

[0188] As described above, the substrate 100 may include an insulating material such as glass, quartz, or polymer resin. The substrate 100 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate that is bendable, foldable, or rollable.

[0189] In an embodiment, the substrate 100 may include a first base layer 101, a first inorganic barrier layer 102, a second base layer 103, and a second inorganic barrier layer 104, which are sequentially stacked. The first base layer 101 and the second base layer 103 may each include a polymer resin as described above. Each of the first inorganic barrier layer 102 and the second inorganic barrier layer 104 is a barrier layer that prevents or substantially prevents impurities from penetrating from the outside, and may include silicon oxide (SiO 2 ), silicon nitride (SiN x ) or silicon oxynitride (SiON) and has a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0190] In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate 100 may have a groove 100GR corresponding to the transmission portion TA. The groove 100GR may refer to an area where a portion of the substrate 100 is removed in the downward direction (-z direction) and a portion of the substrate 100 below the removed portion remains. For example, the first base layer 101 and the first inorganic barrier layer 102 may be continuous above the transmission portion TA. In other words, a portion of the first base layer 101 and the first inorganic barrier layer 102 may not be removed to form an opening corresponding to the transmission portion TA. In addition, the second base layer 103 and the second inorganic barrier layer 104 may have an opening 103OP and an opening 104OP corresponding to the transmission portion TA, respectively. Through this shape, the substrate 100 may have a groove 100GR. That is, the groove 100GR of the substrate 100 may be formed by the opening 104OP of the second inorganic barrier layer 104, the opening 103OP of the second base layer 103, and the exposed upper surface 102S of the first inorganic barrier layer 102.

[0191] The groove 100GR of the substrate 100 may have various forms. For example, a portion of the upper surface (in the +z direction) of the first inorganic barrier layer 102 may also be removed, or the lower surface (in the -z direction) of the second base layer 103 may not be removed but remain. By the groove 100GR of the substrate 100, the thickness of the substrate 100 in the transmission portion TA is reduced, and therefore, the light transmittance in the transmission portion TA may be increased (e.g., significantly increased).

[0192] The buffer layer 111 may be located on the substrate 100 to reduce or block the penetration of foreign matter, moisture or external air from the bottom of the substrate 100 and provide a flat surface on the substrate 100. The buffer layer 111 may include an inorganic material (such as an oxide or a nitride), an organic material, or an organic-inorganic composite, and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure including an inorganic material and an organic material. Between the substrate 100 and the buffer layer 111, a barrier layer for blocking the penetration of external air may also be included. In some embodiments, the buffer layer 111 may include SiO 2 or SiN x In some embodiments, the buffer layer 111 may include a first buffer layer and a second buffer layer stacked on each other.

[0193] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the buffer layer 111 may also include a buffer hole 111H corresponding to the transmission portion TA.

[0194] In some embodiments, in the component area CA, the lower metal layer BML may be arranged between the first buffer layer and the second buffer layer. In another embodiment, the lower metal layer BML may be arranged between the substrate 100 and the buffer layer 111 (e.g., the first buffer layer of the buffer layer 111). In an embodiment, the lower metal layer BML may be arranged below the auxiliary pixel circuit PC'. The lower metal layer BML may prevent or substantially prevent the characteristics of the auxiliary thin film transistor TFT' from being degraded due to light emitted from the component, etc. In addition, the lower metal layer BML may prevent or substantially prevent light emitted from the component, etc. or light guided to the component from diffracting through the narrow gap between the wirings connected to the auxiliary pixel circuit PC'. The lower metal layer BML may not exist in the transmission portion TA.

[0195] In an embodiment, the lower metal layer BML of the component area CA may be provided to correspond to the entire component area CA. In this case, the lower metal layer BML may have a lower hole BMLH overlapping the transmission portion TA. In some embodiments, the shape and size of the transmission portion TA may be defined by the shape and size of the lower hole BMLH.

[0196] The lower metal layer BML may be connected to the wiring GCL arranged on another layer through a contact hole. The lower metal layer BML may receive a constant voltage or signal from the wiring GCL. For example, the lower metal layer BML may receive a driving voltage or a scanning signal. When receiving a constant voltage or signal, the lower metal layer BML may significantly reduce the possibility of electrostatic discharge. The lower metal layer BML may include aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W) and / or copper (Cu). The lower metal layer BML may include a single layer or multiple layers containing the above materials.

[0197] In an embodiment, the display panel 10 may include a first metal layer ML1 arranged in the main display area MDA. The first metal layer ML1 may be arranged between the substrate 100 and the main pixel circuit PC to correspond to the main thin film transistor TFT of the main display area MDA. In an embodiment, the first metal layer ML1 may be arranged to correspond to a portion of the main display area MDA. Alternatively, the first metal layer ML1 may be arranged to correspond to the entire main display area MDA. Alternatively, the first metal layer ML1 may be formed integrally with the lower metal layer BML of the assembly area CA. A constant voltage or signal may be applied to the first metal layer ML1 to prevent or reduce damage to the main pixel circuit PC due to electrostatic discharge. In some embodiments, the first metal layer ML1 may be omitted.

[0198] The first metal layer ML1 may include Al, Pt, Pd, Ag, Mg, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Ca, Mo, Ti, W, and / or Cu. The first metal layer ML1 may include a single layer or a plurality of layers including the above materials.

[0199] The circuit layer PCL may be disposed on the buffer layer 111, and may include a main pixel circuit PC and an auxiliary pixel circuit PC', a first gate insulating layer 112, a second gate insulating layer 113, an interlayer insulating layer 115, and a planarization layer 117. The main pixel circuit PC may include a main thin film transistor TFT and a main storage capacitor Cst, and the auxiliary pixel circuit PC' may include an auxiliary thin film transistor TFT' and an auxiliary storage capacitor Cst'.

[0200] The main thin film transistor TFT and the auxiliary thin film transistor TFT' may be arranged on the buffer layer 111. The main thin film transistor TFT may include a first semiconductor layer A1, a first gate electrode G1, a first source electrode S1, and a first drain electrode D1, and the auxiliary thin film transistor TFT' may include a second semiconductor layer A2, a second gate electrode G2, a second source electrode S2, and a second drain electrode D2. The main thin film transistor TFT may be connected to the main organic light emitting diode OLED to drive the main organic light emitting diode OLED. The auxiliary thin film transistor TFT' may be connected to the auxiliary organic light emitting diode OLED' to drive the auxiliary organic light emitting diode OLED'.

[0201] The first semiconductor layer A1 may overlap the first metal layer ML1 with the buffer layer 111 interposed therebetween. In some embodiments, the first semiconductor layer A1 may overlap the first metal layer ML1 with the second buffer layer of the buffer layer 111 interposed therebetween. In an embodiment, the width of the first semiconductor layer A1 may be less than the width of the first metal layer ML1, and thus, when projected or viewed in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 100 (e.g., a plan view), the first semiconductor layer A1 may entirely overlap the first metal layer ML1. In an embodiment, the first metal layer ML1 may be arranged to correspond to a portion of the main display area MDA. Alternatively, the first metal layer ML1 may be arranged to correspond to the entire main display area MDA. Alternatively, the first metal layer ML1 may be integrally formed with the lower metal layer BML of the component area CA. A constant voltage or signal may be applied to the first metal layer ML1, thereby preventing or reducing damage to the main pixel circuit PC due to electrostatic discharge.

[0202] The second semiconductor layer A2 may overlap the lower metal layer BML with the buffer layer 111 interposed therebetween. In some embodiments, the second semiconductor layer A2 may overlap the lower metal layer BML with the second buffer layer of the buffer layer 111 interposed therebetween. In embodiments, the width of the second semiconductor layer A2 may be smaller than the width of the lower metal layer BML, and thus, when projected or viewed in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 100 (e.g., a plan view), the second semiconductor layer A2 may entirely overlap the lower metal layer BML.

[0203] The first semiconductor layer A1 and the second semiconductor layer A2 may be arranged on the buffer layer 111 and may each include polycrystalline silicon. In another embodiment, the first semiconductor layer A1 and the second semiconductor layer A2 may each include amorphous silicon. In another embodiment, the first semiconductor layer A1 and the second semiconductor layer A2 may each include an oxide of at least one material selected from indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti) and zinc (Zn). The first semiconductor layer A1 and the second semiconductor layer A2 may each include a channel region and a source region and a drain region doped with impurities.

[0204] The first gate insulating layer 112 may cover the first semiconductor layer A1 and the second semiconductor layer A2. The first gate insulating layer 112 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO 2 ), silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), titanium oxide (TiO 2 ), Tantalum Oxide (Ta 2 O 5 ), hafnium oxide (HfO 2 ) or zinc oxide (ZnO 2 ). The first gate insulating layer 112 may include a single layer or multiple layers including the above-mentioned inorganic insulating material.

[0205] The first gate electrode G1 and the second gate electrode G2 may be arranged on the first gate insulating layer 112 to overlap the first semiconductor layer A1 and the second semiconductor layer A2, respectively. Each of the first gate electrode G1 and the second gate electrode G2 may include Mo, Al, Cu, Ti, etc., and may include a single layer or multiple layers. For example, the first gate electrode G1 and the second gate electrode G2 may each include a single layer including Mo.

[0206] The second gate insulating layer 113 may cover the first gate electrode G1 and the second gate electrode G2. The second gate insulating layer 113 may include an inorganic insulating material such as SiO 2 、SiN x 、SiON、Al2 O 3 、TiO 2 、 2 O 5 , HfO 2 or ZnO 2 The second gate insulating layer 113 may include a single layer or multiple layers including the above-mentioned inorganic insulating material.

[0207] A first upper electrode CE2 of the main storage capacitor Cst and a second upper electrode CE2 ′ of the auxiliary storage capacitor Cst′ may be disposed on the second gate insulating layer 113 .

[0208] In the main display area MDA, the first upper electrode CE2 may overlap the first gate electrode G1 thereunder. The first gate electrode G1 and the first upper electrode CE2 overlapping each other with the second gate insulating layer 113 interposed therebetween may form a main storage capacitor Cst. The first gate electrode G1 may be a first lower electrode CE1 of the main storage capacitor Cst.

[0209] In the assembly area CA, the second upper electrode CE2' may overlap the second gate electrode G2 thereunder. The second gate electrode G2 and the second upper electrode CE2' overlapping each other with the second gate insulating layer 113 interposed therebetween may form an auxiliary storage capacitor Cst'. The second gate electrode G2 may be a second lower electrode CE1' of the auxiliary storage capacitor Cst'.

[0210] Each of the first and second upper electrodes CE2 and CE2' may include Al, Pt, Pd, Ag, Mg, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca, Mo, Ti, W, and / or Cu, and may include a single layer or a multilayer including the above materials.

[0211] The interlayer insulating layer 115 may be arranged to cover the first upper electrode CE2 and the second upper electrode CE2'. The interlayer insulating layer 115 may include SiO 2 、SiN x 、SiON、Al 2 O 3 、TiO 2 、 2 O 5 , HfO 2 or ZnO 2 The interlayer insulating layer 115 may include a single layer or a plurality of layers including the above-mentioned inorganic insulating material.

[0212] When the first gate insulating layer 112, the second gate insulating layer 113, and the interlayer insulating layer 115 are collectively referred to as an inorganic insulating layer IIL, the inorganic insulating layer IIL may have a first hole H1 corresponding to the transmission portion TA. The first hole H1 may expose a portion of the upper surface of the buffer layer 111 or the substrate 100. The first hole H1 may be formed by overlapping an opening of the first gate insulating layer 112, an opening of the second gate insulating layer 113, and an opening of the interlayer insulating layer 115 formed to correspond to the transmission portion TA. The plurality of openings may be formed separately by separate processes, or may be formed simultaneously (e.g., synchronously) by the same process. When the plurality of openings are formed by separate processes, the inner surface of the first hole H1 may not be smooth and may have a step-like step.

[0213] In other embodiments, the inorganic insulating layer IIL may have a groove instead of the first hole H1 exposing the buffer layer 111. Alternatively, the inorganic insulating layer IIL may not have the first hole H1 or the groove corresponding to the transmission portion TA. The inorganic insulating layer IIL includes an inorganic insulating material that generally has excellent light transmittance, and thus even if it does not have a hole or a groove corresponding to the transmission portion TA, the inorganic insulating layer IIL has sufficient transmittance, and thus, the component 40 (for example, see Figure 2 )) can transmit and / or receive a sufficient amount of light.

[0214] The source electrodes S1 and S2 and the drain electrodes D1 and D2 are arranged on the interlayer insulating layer 115. The source electrodes S1 and S2 and the drain electrodes D1 and D2 may each include a conductive material including Mo, Al, Cu, Ti, etc., and may each include a single layer or multiple layers including the conductive material. For example, the source electrodes S1 and S2 and the drain electrodes D1 and D2 may each have a multilayer structure of Ti / Al / Ti.

[0215] The planarization layer 117 may be disposed to cover the source electrodes S1 and S2 and the drain electrodes D1 and D2. The planarization layer 117 may have a flat upper surface so that the first pixel electrode 121 and the second pixel electrode 121' disposed on the planarization layer 117 are flatly formed.

[0216] The planarization layer 117 may include an organic material or an inorganic material, and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The planarization layer 117 may include a commercial polymer such as benzocyclobutene (BCB), polyimide, hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or polystyrene (PS), a polymer derivative having a phenolic group, an acrylic polymer, an imide polymer, an aryl ether polymer, an amide polymer, a fluorine polymer, a paraxylene polymer, a vinyl alcohol polymer, a mixture thereof, etc. The planarization layer 117 may include an inorganic insulating material such as SiO 2 、SiN x、SiON、Al 2 O 3 、TiO 2 、 2 O 5 , HfO 2 or ZnO 2 When the planarization layer 117 is formed, chemical mechanical polishing may be performed on an upper surface of a layer to provide a planar upper surface after the layer is formed.

[0217] The planarization layer 117 may have a second hole H2 corresponding to the transmission portion TA. The second hole H2 may overlap the first hole H1. Figure 8 The second hole H2 is shown to be larger than the first hole H1. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, the planarization layer 117 may cover or overlap the edge of the first hole H1 of the inorganic insulating layer IIL, and thus, the area of ​​the second hole H2 may be smaller than the area of ​​the first hole H1.

[0218] In an embodiment, the planarization layer 117 may include a first planarization layer 117a and a second planarization layer 117b. Accordingly, a conductive pattern such as a wiring may be formed between the first planarization layer 117a and the second planarization layer 117b, thereby facilitating high integration.

[0219] The first planarization layer 117a may be arranged to cover the main pixel circuit PC and the auxiliary pixel circuit PC'. The second planarization layer 117b may be arranged on the first planarization layer 117a and may have a flat upper surface so that the first pixel electrode 121 and the second pixel electrode 121' are flatly formed. Each of the first planarization layer 117a and the second planarization layer 117b may include an organic material or an inorganic material, and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0220] The connection electrodes, namely the main connection electrode CM and the auxiliary connection electrode CM', may be arranged between the first planarization layer 117a and the second planarization layer 117b. Each of the main connection electrode CM and the auxiliary connection electrode CM' may include a conductive material including Mo, Al, Cu, Ti, etc., and may include a single layer or a multilayer including the above materials. For example, each of the main connection electrode CM and the auxiliary connection electrode CM' may have a multilayer structure of Ti / Al / Ti.

[0221] The first planarization layer 117a may have a through hole exposing one of the first source electrode S1 and the first drain electrode D1 of the main thin film transistor TFT, and the main connection electrode CM may contact the first source electrode S1 or the first drain electrode D1 through the through hole and be connected (e.g., electrically connected) to the main thin film transistor TFT. In addition, the first planarization layer 117a may have a through hole exposing one of the second source electrode S2 and the second drain electrode D2 of the auxiliary thin film transistor TFT', and the auxiliary connection electrode CM' may contact the second source electrode S2 or the second drain electrode D2 through the through hole and be connected (e.g., electrically connected) to the auxiliary thin film transistor TFT'.

[0222] The organic light emitting diodes (i.e., the main organic light emitting diode OLED and the auxiliary organic light emitting diode OLED') are arranged on the second planarization layer 117b. The first pixel electrode 121 of the main organic light emitting diode OLED and the second pixel electrode 121' of the auxiliary organic light emitting diode OLED' may be connected to the main pixel circuit PC and the auxiliary pixel circuit PC' respectively through the main connection electrode CM and the auxiliary connection electrode CM' arranged on the planarization layer 117.

[0223] The first pixel electrode 121 and the second pixel electrode 121' may each include a conductive oxide such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, In 2 O 3 , IGO or AZO. The first pixel electrode 121 and the second pixel electrode 121' may each include a reflective layer, and the reflective layer includes Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr or a compound thereof. For example, the first pixel electrode 121 and the second pixel electrode 121' may each have a reflective layer including ITO, IZO, ZnO or In above or below the reflective layer. 2 O 3 In this case, the first pixel electrode 121 and the second pixel electrode 121' may each have a stack structure of ITO / Ag / ITO.

[0224] The pixel defining layer 119 may cover edges of the first pixel electrode 121 and the second pixel electrode 121' on the planarization layer 117, and may have a first opening OP1 and a second opening OP2 that respectively expose a central portion of the first pixel electrode 121 and a central portion of the second pixel electrode 121'. The first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 respectively define the size and shape of the light emitting areas of the main organic light emitting diode OLED and the auxiliary organic light emitting diode OLED', that is, the size and shape of the main sub-pixel Pm and the auxiliary sub-pixel.

[0225] The pixel defining layer 119 may increase the distance between the edge of the first pixel electrode 121 and the second pixel electrode 121' and the opposing electrode 123 above the first pixel electrode 121 and the second pixel electrode 121', thereby preventing or reducing arcing occurring at the edge of the first pixel electrode 121 and the second pixel electrode 121'. The pixel defining layer 119 may include an organic insulating material such as polyimide, polyamide, acrylic resin, BCB, HMDSO, or phenolic resin, and may be formed by spin coating, etc.

[0226] The pixel defining layer 119 may have a third hole H3 located in the transmission portion TA. The third hole H3 may overlap the first hole H1 and the second hole H2. The light transmittance in the transmission portion TA may be improved by the first hole H1, the second hole H2, and the third hole H3. A portion of the opposing electrode 123, which may be described in more detail below, may be arranged on the inner surfaces of the first hole H1, the second hole H2, and the third hole H3.

[0227] The first emission layer 122b and the second emission layer 122b' formed to correspond to the first pixel electrode 121 and the second pixel electrode 121', respectively, may be respectively disposed inside the first opening OP1 and the second opening OP2 of the pixel defining layer 119. Each of the first emission layer 122b and the second emission layer 122b' may include a high molecular weight material or a low molecular weight material, and may emit red light, green light, blue light, or white light.

[0228] The organic functional layer 122e may be disposed above and / or below the first emission layer 122b and the second emission layer 122b'. The organic functional layer 122e may include the first functional layer 122a and / or the second functional layer 122c. In some embodiments, the first functional layer 122a or the second functional layer 122c may be omitted.

[0229] The first functional layer 122a may be arranged below the first emission layer 122b and the second emission layer 122b'. The first functional layer 122a may include a single layer or multiple layers including an organic material. The first functional layer 122a may be a hole transport layer (HTL) having a single layer structure. Alternatively, the first functional layer 122a may include a hole injection layer (HIL) and the HTL. The first functional layer 122a may be integrally formed to correspond to the main organic light emitting diode OLED and the auxiliary organic light emitting diode OLED' respectively included in the main display area MDA and the assembly area CA.

[0230] The second functional layer 122c may be arranged on the first emission layer 122b and the second emission layer 122b'. The second functional layer 122c may include a single layer or a multilayer including an organic material. The second functional layer 122c may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and / or an electron injection layer (EIL). The second functional layer 122c may be integrally formed to correspond to the main organic light emitting diode OLED and the auxiliary organic light emitting diode OLED' respectively included in the main display area MDA and the assembly area CA.

[0231] The opposing electrode 123 is arranged on the second functional layer 122c. The opposing electrode 123 may include a conductive material having a low work function. For example, the opposing electrode 123 may include a (semi) transparent layer, and the (semi) transparent layer includes Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, Li, Ca or an alloy thereof. Alternatively, the opposing electrode 123 may also include a conductive material including ITO, IZO, ZnO or In on the (semi) transparent layer including the above materials. 2 O 3 The opposing electrode 123 may be integrally formed to correspond to the main organic light emitting diode OLED and the auxiliary organic light emitting diode OLED′ respectively included in the main display area MDA and the assembly area CA.

[0232] A plurality of layers formed from the first pixel electrode 121 to the opposite electrode 123 in the main display area MDA may form a main organic light emitting diode OLED. A plurality of layers formed from the second pixel electrode 121' to the opposite electrode 123 in the assembly area CA may form an auxiliary organic light emitting diode OLED'.

[0233] An upper layer 150 including an organic material may be formed on the opposing electrode 123. The upper layer 150 may be a layer provided to protect the opposing electrode 123 and to improve light extraction efficiency. The upper layer 150 may include an organic material having a higher refractive index than the opposing electrode 123. Alternatively, the upper layer 150 may be provided by stacking a plurality of layers having different refractive indices. For example, the upper layer 150 may be provided by sequentially 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 may be about 1.7 or higher, and the refractive index of the low refractive index layer may be about 1.3 or lower.

[0234] The upper layer 150 may additionally include LiF. Alternatively, the upper layer 150 may additionally include silicon oxide (SiO 2 ) or silicon nitride (SiN x ) of inorganic insulating materials.

[0235] The first functional layer 122a, the second functional layer 122c, the opposing electrode 123, and the upper layer 150 may include a transmissive hole TAH corresponding to the transmissive portion TA. That is, the first functional layer 122a, the second functional layer 122c, the opposing electrode 123, and the upper layer 150 may have openings corresponding to the transmissive portion TA, respectively. The areas of the openings may be substantially the same. For example, the area of ​​the opening of the opposing electrode 123 may be substantially the same as the area of ​​the transmissive hole TAH.

[0236] The transmissive hole TAH corresponds to the transmissive portion TA means that the transmissive hole TAH overlaps the transmissive portion TA. In this case, the area of ​​the transmissive hole TAH may be smaller than the area of ​​the first hole H1 formed in the inorganic insulating layer IIL. The area of ​​the transmissive hole TAH may be defined as the area of ​​the opening with the smallest area among the multiple openings constituting the transmissive hole TAH. The area of ​​the first hole H1 may also be defined as the area of ​​the opening with the smallest area among the multiple openings constituting the first hole H1.

[0237] Due to the transmission hole TAH, a portion of the relative electrode 123 does not exist in the transmission portion TA (that is, the relative electrode 123 is not arranged in the transmission portion TA), and therefore, the light transmittance in the transmission portion TA can be increased (for example, significantly increased). The relative electrode 123 having the transmission hole TAH can be formed in various suitable ways. In an embodiment, the relative electrode 123 having the transmission hole TAH can be formed by forming a layer on the front surface of the substrate 100 using a material for forming the relative electrode 123 and then removing a portion of the relative electrode 123 corresponding to the transmission portion TA by laser lift-off. In another embodiment, the relative electrode 123 having the transmission hole TAH can be formed by a metal self-patterning (MSP) method. In another embodiment, the relative electrode 123 having the transmission hole TAH can be formed by a method of depositing the relative electrode 123 using a fine metal mask (FMM).

[0238] In some embodiments, in order to increase the light transmittance of the transmission part TA, a groove 100GR is formed in the substrate 100, or a buffer hole 111H, a first hole H1, a second hole H2, and a third hole H3 each corresponding to the transmission part TA are formed in the buffer layer 111, the inorganic insulating layer IIL, the planarization layer 117, and the pixel defining layer 119, respectively, which have been described above as examples. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0239] For example, since each of the substrate 100, the buffer layer 111, the inorganic insulating layer 111, the planarization layer 117, and the pixel defining layer 119 of the display panel 10 may include a material having high light transmittance, the components 40 (for example, see Figure 2 ) type, the buffer hole 111H, the first hole H1, the second hole H2 and / or the third hole H3 may not be provided.

[0240] Fig. 9 2 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a main display area MDA and an assembly area CA according to an embodiment.

[0241] Reference Fig. 9 , the transparent auxiliary sub-pixel TPa may be arranged in the component area CA. The transparent auxiliary sub-pixel TPa may be realized by a display element having a different transmittance from the main sub-pixel Pm arranged in the main display area MDA. For example, the pixel electrode of the display element realizing the transparent auxiliary sub-pixel TPa may be set as a transparent electrode, and the pixel electrode of the display element realizing the main sub-pixel Pm of the main display area MDA may include a reflective layer. Accordingly, the area where the transparent pixel group TPG including the transparent auxiliary sub-pixel TPa is arranged may be a semi-transmissive area STA where light is partially transmitted. That is, the semi-transmissive area STA may be defined as an area having a higher light transmittance than the main display area MDA and a lower light transmittance than the transmission part TA where the auxiliary sub-pixel is not arranged. Since the transparent pixel group TPG is arranged in the component area CA, the resolution can be increased while ensuring or increasing the light transmittance of the component area CA.

[0242] Fig. 9 It is illustrated that the transmission portion TA is arranged in the assembly area CA, but when the semi-transmission area STA is arranged, only the semi-transmission area STA may be arranged in the assembly area CA.

[0243] The shape and pixel arrangement structure of the transparent auxiliary sub-pixel TPa arranged in the semi-transmission area STA may be variously modified in an appropriate manner. Fig. 9 Alternatively, the transparent auxiliary sub-pixels TPa may be arranged in a stripe structure.

[0244] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view showing a main display area MDA and an assembly area CA according to an embodiment. Fig.10 is along Fig. 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display panel taken along line II-II'. Fig.10 In, with Figure 8 The same reference numerals as those in the drawings denote the same components, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0245] Reference Fig.10, the main sub-pixel Pm may be arranged in the main display area MDA, and the transparent auxiliary sub-pixel TPa may be arranged in the component area CA. The main sub-pixel Pm may correspond to the main organic light emitting diode OLED, and the transparent auxiliary sub-pixel TPa may correspond to the light emitting area of ​​the transparent organic light emitting diode OLEDt. The transparent organic light emitting diode OLEDt refers to an organic light emitting diode in which the pixel electrode is set as a transparent electrode.

[0246] The main organic light emitting diode OLED may be provided by sequentially stacking the first pixel electrode 1211, the first functional layer 122a, the first emission layer 1221b', the second functional layer 122c, and the opposite electrode 123. The transparent organic light emitting diode OLEDt may be provided by sequentially stacking the transparent pixel electrode 1212, the first functional layer 122a, the second emission layer 1222b', the second functional layer 122c, and the opposite electrode 123.

[0247] The first pixel electrode 1211 of the main organic light emitting diode OLED may include a reflective layer 1211b. Since the reflective layer 1211b is included in the first pixel electrode 1211, light generated in the first emission layer 1221b' may be reflected by the reflective layer 1211b and emitted in the upward direction (+z direction) of the substrate 100. That is, the light emission efficiency in the upward direction of the substrate 100 may be increased. In some embodiments, the first pixel electrode 1211 may be provided by sequentially stacking a first transparent electrode layer 1211a, a reflective layer 1211b, and a second transparent electrode layer 1211c.

[0248] The first transparent electrode layer 1211a and the second transparent electrode layer 1211c may each include a transparent conductive oxide such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, In 2 O 3 , IGO or AZO.

[0249] The reflective layer 1211 b may include Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, or a compound thereof.

[0250] The transparent pixel electrode 1212 of the transparent organic light emitting diode OLEDt may not include a reflective layer and may include a transparent conductive material. The transparent pixel electrode 1212 may include materials such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, In 2 O 3 , IGO or AZO transparent conductive oxides.

[0251] Since the transparent pixel electrode 1212 does not include a reflective layer and includes a transparent conductive material, external light may be at least partially transmitted through the transparent pixel electrode 1212. That is, the external light from the component 40 (eg, see Figure 2) or light and / or signals incident on the component 40 may pass through the transparent organic light emitting diode OLEDt. The region where the transparent organic light emitting diode OLEDt is arranged is referred to as a semi-transmission region STA. The semi-transmission region STA may be a region where a display element capable of transmitting light is arranged and whose light transmittance is less than that of the transmission portion TA.

[0252] Since the transparent pixel electrode 1212 of the transparent organic light emitting diode OLEDt does not include a reflective layer, light generated in the second emission layer 1222b' may be emitted toward the upper and lower sides of the substrate 100. Accordingly, the luminous efficiency of the transparent organic light emitting diode OLEDt in the upward direction of the substrate 100 may be lower than the luminous efficiency of the main organic light emitting diode OLED in the upward direction of the substrate 100. That is, under the same conditions, the brightness of the main sub-pixel Pm may be greater than the brightness of the transparent auxiliary sub-pixel TPa.

[0253] The transparent pixel electrode 1212 may be formed at the same time (e.g., simultaneously or synchronously) when the first transparent electrode layer 1211a of the first pixel electrode 1211 is formed. Alternatively, a portion of the transparent pixel electrode 1212 may be formed when the first transparent electrode layer 1211a of the first pixel electrode 1211 is formed, and the remaining portion of the transparent pixel electrode 1212 may be formed when the second transparent electrode layer 1211c of the first pixel electrode 1211 is formed. Accordingly, the thickness t2 of the transparent pixel electrode 1212 may be less than the thickness t1 of the first pixel electrode 1211.

[0254] The first emission layer 1221b' of the main organic light emitting diode OLED may emit the same color light as the second emission layer 1222b' of the transparent organic light emitting diode OLEDt. Alternatively, the first emission layer 1221b' of the main organic light emitting diode OLED may emit different colors of light than the second emission layer 1222b' of the transparent organic light emitting diode OLEDt.

[0255] In some embodiments, the main organic light emitting diode OLED may be driven by the first pixel circuit. In addition, in an embodiment, the transparent organic light emitting diode OLEDt may be driven by the dummy pixel circuit PCd. The dummy pixel circuit PCd may include a dummy thin film transistor TFTd, and the dummy thin film transistor TFTd may be spaced apart from the component area CA. In some embodiments, the dummy thin film transistor TFTd may be arranged in the main display area MDA. Alternatively, the dummy thin film transistor TFTd may be arranged in Figure 2 In the peripheral area of ​​DPA.

[0256] In an embodiment, the dummy thin film transistor TFTd may be connected to the transparent organic light emitting diode OLEDt through a transparent wiring TML. In some embodiments, the transparent wiring TML includes a transparent conductive material and refers to a wiring having a relatively high light transmittance. In an embodiment, the transparent wiring TML may extend from the main display area MDA to the component area CA. In some embodiments, the transparent wiring TML may be arranged to minimize or reduce overlap with the transparent organic light emitting diode OLEDt.

[0257] In an embodiment, the transparent wiring TML may be arranged between the first planarization layer 117a and the second planarization layer 117b in the thickness direction (e.g., z direction). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the transparent wiring TML may be arranged between the inorganic insulating layer 111 and the planarization layer 117 in the thickness direction (e.g., z direction).

[0258] The transparent wiring TML may include a transparent conductive material. The transparent wiring TML may include materials such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, In 2 O 3 Therefore, light generated in the second emission layer 1222 b ′ of the transparent organic light emitting diode OLED t may pass through the transparent wiring TML and be emitted toward the lower side of the substrate 100 .

[0259] As described above, the embodiment in which the display area is expanded to display an image even in an area where components as electronic elements are arranged can be applied to various display devices. For example, the embodiment can be applied to a foldable display device, a rollable display device, etc. That is, referring to Figures 1 to 10 The described embodiments may be applied to a foldable display device and / or a rollable display device. Hereinafter, embodiments of a foldable display device, a rollable display device, and a display device may be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0260] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B is a schematic perspective view showing a foldable display device 2 according to an embodiment. Fig. 11C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a foldable display device according to an embodiment. Fig.11A is a perspective view showing a state where the foldable display device 2 is unfolded, and Fig. 11B is a perspective view showing a state in which the foldable display device 2 is folded. Fig. 11C is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the foldable display device is folded.

[0261] Reference Fig.11A, the foldable display device 2 may include a display panel 10 and a lower cover 90. The lower cover 90 may include a first portion 91, a second portion 92, and a third portion 93 that support the display panel 10. The lower cover 90 may be folded around or about a first folding axis FAX1 between the first portion 91 and the second portion 92. In addition, the lower cover 90 may be folded around or about a second folding axis FAX2 between the second portion 92 and the third portion 93. In an embodiment, a first hinge portion 90A may be included between the first portion 91 and the second portion 92, and a second hinge portion 90B may be included between the second portion 92 and the third portion 93. Accordingly, the lower cover 90 may be folded around or about the first folding axis FAX1 at the first hinge portion 90A, and the lower cover 90 may be folded around or about the second folding axis FAX2 at the second hinge portion 90B.

[0262] The display panel 10 may include a main display area MDA and an assembly area CA. The main display area MDA may at least partially surround the assembly area CA. In some embodiments, the main display area MDA may surround the assembly area CA. In an embodiment, the assembly area CA may include a first assembly area CA1, a second assembly area CA2, and a third assembly area CA3. In the illustrated embodiment, the first assembly area CA1, the second assembly area CA2, and the third assembly area CA3 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0263] The main display area MDA and the component area CA may display an image. In this case, the display panel 10 may be folded around or about a first folding axis FAX1 and a second folding axis FAX2 that intersect the main display area MDA. Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, the areas arranged on each side of the first folding axis FAX1 in the main display area MDA are referred to as the first main display area MDA1 and the second main display area MDA2. Fig.11A The areas arranged on each side of the second folding axis FAX2 in the main display area MDA are referred to as the second main display area MDA2 and the third main display area MDA3. Fig.11A as shown in .

[0264] In this case, the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 may be symmetrically arranged based on or about the first folding axis FAX1, and the second component area CA2 and the third component area CA3 may be symmetrically arranged based on or about the second folding axis FAX2.

[0265] In an embodiment, the first main display area MDA1 and the second main display area MDA2 may be folded to face each other based on the first folding axis FAX1. That is, the first part 91 and the second part 92 may be folded to not face each other (e.g., back to back) based on the first folding axis FAX1. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, the first main display area MDA1 and the second main display area MDA2 may be folded to not face each other (e.g., back to back) based on the first folding axis FAX1. That is, the first part 91 and the second part 92 may be folded to face each other based on the first folding axis FAX1.

[0266] In an embodiment, the second main display area MDA2 and the third main display area MDA3 can be folded to face each other based on the second folding axis FAX2. That is, the second part 92 and the third part 93 can be folded to not face each other (for example, facing away from each other) based on the second folding axis FAX2. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, in another embodiment, the second main display area MDA2 and the third main display area MDA3 can be folded to not face each other (for example, facing away from each other) based on the second folding axis FAX2. That is, the second part 92 and the third part 93 can be folded to face each other based on the second folding axis FAX2.

[0267] Hereinafter, the following will be described in more detail as follows Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C The illustrated case is that the first main display area MDA1 and the second main display area MDA2 are folded to face each other based on the first folding axis FAX1 , and the second portion 92 and the third portion 93 are folded to face each other based on the second folding axis FAX2 .

[0268] In the illustrated embodiment, the display panel 10 may have a front surface FS and a rear surface RS opposite to the front surface FS. The front surface FS of the display panel 10, which is a surface on which an image is displayed, may face or be attached to the cover window 50. That is, the front surface FS of the display panel 10 may be a surface having a first component area CA1, a second component area CA2, a third component area CA3, and a main display area MDA. In other words, the first component area CA1, the second component area CA2, the third component area CA3, and the main display area MDA may be defined on the front surface FS of the display panel 10. The rear surface RS of the display panel 10 may be a lower surface of the panel protection member PB.

[0269] The foldable display device 2 can be folded so that two areas of the front surface FS of the display panel 10 face each other with respect to one of the first folding axis FAX1 and the second folding axis FAX2. In addition, the foldable display device 2 can be folded so that two areas of the rear surface RS of the display panel 10 face each other with respect to the other of the first folding axis FAX1 and the second folding axis FAX2. For example, the display panel 10 can be arranged so that two areas of the front surface FS of the display panel 10 face each other with respect to the first folding axis FAX1, and the display panel 10 can be arranged so that two areas of the rear surface RS of the display panel 10 face each other with respect to the second folding axis FAX2.

[0270] In an embodiment, the display panel 10 may include a first bending area BA1 and a second bending area BA2. The first bending area BA1 is an area of ​​the display panel 10 that is bent based on the first folding axis FAX1, and the second bending area BA2 is an area of ​​the display panel 10 that is bent based on the second folding axis FAX2. In an embodiment, the curvature of the first bending area BA1 may be different from the curvature of the second bending area BA2. That is, the radius of curvature Rd1 of the first bending area BA1 may be different from the radius of curvature Rd2 of the second bending area BA2. In this case, the radius of curvature Rd1 of the first bending area BA1 represents the distance from the first folding axis FAX1 to the rear surface RS of the display panel 10. The radius of curvature Rd2 of the second bending area BA2 represents the distance from the second folding axis FAX2 to the rear surface RS of the display panel 10.

[0271] In an embodiment, the curvature radius Rd1 of the first bending area BA1 may be greater than the curvature radius Rd2 of the second bending area BA2. In another embodiment, the curvature radius Rd1 of the first bending area BA1 may be smaller than the curvature radius Rd2 of the second bending area BA2.

[0272] In the illustrated embodiment, in a state where the foldable display device 2 is folded around or around the first folding axis FAX1 and the second folding axis FAX2, the first component area CA1, the second component area CA2, and the third component area CA3 may overlap with each other in a plane. In this case, the first component area CA1, the second component area CA2, and the third component area CA3 overlapping with each other in a plane means that the first component area CA1, the second component area CA2, and the third component area CA3 at least partially overlap with each other in the z direction. In other words, when the foldable display device 2 is folded around or around the first folding axis FAX1 and the second folding axis FAX2, the first component area CA1, the second component area CA2, and the third component area CA3 may overlap with each other in a plane view. Although Fig. 11CThe first component area CA1, the second component area CA2, and the third component area CA3 are shown to completely overlap each other in the z direction, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first component area CA1, the second component area CA2, and the third component area CA3 may only partially overlap each other in the z direction. In addition, the sizes and shapes of the first component area CA1, the second component area CA2, and the third component area CA3 may be variously changed in a suitable manner.

[0273] The assembly 40 may be disposed under the display panel 10. In this case, the assembly 40 may overlap the first assembly area CA1 or the third assembly area CA3 when the display panel 10 is unfolded. Fig. 11C It is shown that the component 40 overlaps the first component area CA1. In another embodiment, the component 40 may overlap the third component area CA3 when the display panel 10 is unfolded. Hereinafter, the case where the component 40 overlaps the first component area CA1 may be described in more detail below.

[0274] In the illustrated embodiment, reference is made to Figure 8 The described embodiments may be applied to portions of the display panel 10 corresponding to the second and third component areas CA2 and CA3.

[0275] In the illustrated embodiment, in a state where the foldable display device 2 is folded around or about the first folding axis FAX1 and the second folding axis FAX2, the first component area CA1, the second component area CA2, and the third component area CA3 may overlap with each other in a plane. In other words, when the foldable display device 2 is folded around or about the first folding axis FAX1 and the second folding axis FAX2, the first component area CA1, the second component area CA2, and the third component area CA3 may overlap with each other in a plan view. Therefore, even when the foldable display device 2 is folded, the overlapping component areas may maintain high light transmittance and / or sound transmittance.

[0276] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a foldable display device according to an embodiment. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B In, with FIG. 4A to FIG. 4E The same reference numerals as those in the drawings denote the same components, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0277] Reference Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B, the foldable display device may include a display panel 10 and a component 40 overlapping the display panel 10. The display panel 10 may include a first component area CA1 and a main display area MDA, the first component area CA1 being an area overlapping the component 40, and the main image is displayed in the main display area MDA. The display panel 10 may include a substrate 100 and a display layer DISL, a touch screen layer TSL, and an optical function layer OFL arranged (e.g., arranged in sequence) on a first surface SF1 of the substrate 100. In addition, a panel protection member PB-1 may be arranged on a second surface SF2 of the substrate 100 opposite to the first surface SF1. In this case, it can be said that the component 40 is arranged on the second surface SF2 of the substrate 100.

[0278] In the illustrated embodiment, the panel protection member PB-1 may include a protective layer PY-1, a light blocking layer LBY, a buffer layer CY, and a heat dissipation layer HSY. The protective layer PY-1 may be attached to the lower surface of the substrate 100 and protect the substrate 100 from external influences. For example, the protective layer PY-1 may absorb physical impacts from the outside or block or substantially block foreign matter or moisture from penetrating into the display layer DISL. The protective layer PY-1 may be coated on the lower surface of the substrate 100 or attached to the lower surface of the substrate 100 in the form of a film.

[0279] In the illustrated embodiment, the protective layer PY-1 may be continuously arranged in the main display area MDA and the first component area CA1. In the case where the component 40 is a camera, when the protective layer PY-1 has an opening corresponding to the first component area CA1, diffraction of light incident on the component 40 or diffraction of light emitted from the component 40 may occur. However, in the illustrated embodiment, since the protective layer PY-1 is continuously arranged in the main display area MDA and the first component area CA1, low delay may be provided compared to the case where the protective layer PY-1 has an opening corresponding to the first component area CA1.

[0280] In the illustrated embodiment, the heat dissipation layer HSY may include a first heat dissipation layer HSY1, a second heat dissipation layer HSY2, and a third heat dissipation layer HSY3 stacked sequentially. The first heat dissipation layer HSY1 may include a metal film such as copper, nickel, ferrite, and / or silver, which is capable of shielding electromagnetic waves and has excellent thermal conductivity. The first heat dissipation layer HSY1 may be a double-sided adhesive arranged between a metal plate MP and a second heat dissipation layer HSY2, which will be described in more detail below. The second heat dissipation layer HSY2 may include graphite, carbon nanotubes, etc. The third heat dissipation layer HSY3 may include polyimide. The third heat dissipation layer HSY3 may be a double-sided adhesive arranged between the second heat dissipation layer HSY2 and the buffer layer CY.

[0281] In the illustrated embodiment, the panel protection member PB-1 may include a protection member groove PB_Gv corresponding to the first assembly area CA1. That is, the protection member groove PB_Gv may be formed or defined by the opening of the light blocking layer LBY, the opening of the buffer layer CY, the opening of the heat dissipation layer HSY, and the lower surface of the protection layer PY-1.

[0282] In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plate MP may be further arranged under the panel protection member PB-1. The metal plate MP may include a high modulus material. For example, the metal plate MP may include at least one selected from the group consisting of Invar, Nobinite, stainless steel, and alloys thereof. Because the metal plate MP may include a high modulus material, the metal plate MP will not be deformed even if the operation of folding the display panel 10 is repeated.

[0283] In the illustrated embodiment, the metal plate MP may have a plate through hole MPH corresponding to the protection member groove PB_Gv. That is, the metal plate MP may have a plate through hole MPH corresponding to the component 40. In this case, in the embodiment, the component 40 may be arranged through the plate through hole MPH or may be arranged in the plate through hole MPH.

[0284] Reference Fig. 12A , the component 40 may be attached to the display panel 10. In an embodiment, the component 40 may be attached to the metal plate MP. Alternatively, the component 40 may be attached to the display panel 10 by an adhesive member AP filling the protection member groove PB_Gv.

[0285] Reference Fig. 12B , the component 40 may be attached to the lower package 80 disposed under the panel protection member PB-1. In this case, the component 40 may be spaced apart from the display panel 10. In an embodiment, the component 40 may be disposed to pass through the plate through hole MPH.

[0286] Fig.13 is a schematic plan view showing a display panel 10 of a foldable display device according to an embodiment. Fig.14 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a component area according to an embodiment.

[0287] Reference Fig.13 and Fig.14, the display panel 10 may include a first component area CA1, a second component area CA2, and a third component area CA3. In addition, the display panel 10 may include a main display area MDA, which at least partially surrounds the first component area CA1, the second component area CA2, and / or the third component area CA3. In this case, the display panel 10 may be folded around or about the first folding axis FAX1 and the second folding axis FAX2. In some embodiments, the main display area MDA may include a first main display area MDA1, a second main display area MDA2, and a third main display area MDA3 that may surround the first component area CA1, the second component area CA2, and the third component area CA3, respectively.

[0288] The main sub-pixels may be arranged in the main display area MDA, and the main sub-pixels may be arranged in a pentile structure (eg, Figure 5 pentile structure) arrangement in the embodiment.

[0289] The first transmission portion TA1 and the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 may be arranged in the first assembly area CA1. The first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 may define a first pixel group PG1. The first pixel group PG1 may include eight first auxiliary sub-pixels Pa1 arranged in a pentile structure. That is, one first pixel group PG1 may include two red sub-pixels Pr, four green sub-pixels Pg, and two blue sub-pixels Pb.

[0290] In the first assembly area CA1, a first basic unit U1 in which a certain number of first pixel groups PG1 and a certain number of first transmission portions TA1 are bound together may be repeatedly arranged in the x-direction and the y-direction. For example, the first pixel group PG1 may be arranged on the upper left side of the first basic unit U1, and three first transmission portions TA1 may be arranged around the first pixel group PG1. In some embodiments, the first pixel group PG1 may be arranged in the upper left quadrant of the first basic unit U1, and the three first transmission portions TA1 may be arranged in the lower left quadrant, the upper right quadrant, and the lower right quadrant of the first basic unit U1, respectively, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 as shown in .

[0291] The second transmission portion TA2 and the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 may be arranged in the second assembly area CA2. The second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 may define a second pixel group PG2. Similar to the first pixel group PG1, the second pixel group PG2 may include eight second auxiliary sub-pixels Pa2 arranged in a pentile structure.

[0292] In an embodiment, in a state where the display panel 10 is unfolded, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 may be arranged in a symmetrical shape relative to the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1. For example, the first basic unit U1 and the second basic unit U2 on the respective left and right sides of an imaginary line (e.g., an imaginary line corresponding to the first folding axis FAX1) may be symmetrical to each other about the imaginary line. In another embodiment, in a state where the display panel 10 is unfolded, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 may be arranged in the same pentile structure as the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1. Hereinafter, the following situation may be described in more detail below: in a state where the display panel 10 is unfolded, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 is arranged in a left-right symmetrical shape relative to the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1.

[0293] In the second assembly area CA2, the second basic unit U2 to which a certain number of second pixel groups PG2 and a certain number of second transmission portions TA2 are bound together may be repeatedly arranged in the x-direction and the y-direction. For example, the second pixel group PG2 may be arranged on the upper left side of the second basic unit U2, and three second transmission portions TA2 may be arranged around the second pixel group PG2. For example, the second pixel group PG2 may be arranged in the upper left quadrant of the second basic unit U2, and the three second transmission portions TA2 may be arranged in the lower left quadrant, the upper right quadrant, and the lower right quadrant of the second basic unit U2, respectively, as shown in FIG.

[0294] The third transmission portion TA3 and the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 may be arranged in the third assembly area CA3. The third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 may define a third pixel group PG3. Similar to the first pixel group PG1, the third pixel group PG3 may include eight third auxiliary sub-pixels Pa3 arranged in a pentile structure.

[0295] In the third component area CA3, a third basic unit U3 in which a certain number of third pixel groups PG3 and a certain number of third transmission parts TA3 are bound together may be repeatedly arranged in the x direction and the y direction. For example, the third pixel group PG3 may be arranged on the lower right side of the third basic unit U3, and three third transmission parts TA3 may be arranged around the third pixel group PG3. For example, the third pixel group PG3 may be arranged in the lower right quadrant of the third basic unit U3, and the three third transmission parts TA3 may be arranged in the lower left quadrant, the upper left quadrant, and the upper right quadrant of the third basic unit U3, respectively, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 as shown in .

[0296] Fig.15A is a plan view showing a state in which the display panel 10 according to the embodiment is folded. Fig. 15B 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an assembly area CA in a state where the display panel 10 according to the embodiment is folded. Fig.16is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a folded state of the display panel 10 according to the embodiment.

[0297] Reference Fig.15A and Fig. 15B In the state where the display panel 10 is folded, the first component area CA1, the second component area CA2, and the third component area CA3 may overlap with each other on a plane. Therefore, one component area CA may be formed. In other words, when the display panel 10 is folded, the first component area CA1, the second component area CA2, and the third component area CA3 may overlap to form a single component area CA, such as Fig. 15B In some embodiments, when the display panel 10 is folded, the size (eg, area) of the single component area CA may be substantially equal to or equal to the size (eg, area) of the first component area CA1, the second component area CA2, or the third component area CA3.

[0298] When the display panel 10 is folded, the front surface FS of the display panel 10 corresponding to the first main display area MDA1 may face the front surface FS of the display panel 10 corresponding to the second main display area MDA2. In addition, when the display panel 10 is folded, the rear surface RS of the display panel 10 corresponding to the second main display area MDA2 may face the rear surface RS of the display panel 10 corresponding to the third main display area MDA3.

[0299] In a state where the display panel 10 is folded, the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 may overlap with at least one of the second transmission portion TA2 and the third transmission portion TA3 on a plane or in a plan view. The second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 may overlap with at least one of the first transmission portion TA1 and the third transmission portion TA3 on a plane or in a plan view. The third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 may overlap with at least one of the first transmission portion TA1 and the second transmission portion TA2 on a plane or in a plan view. Moreover, in a state where the display panel 10 is folded, the first transmission portion TA1, the second transmission portion TA2, and the third transmission portion TA3 may overlap with each other on a plane or in a plan view to form a transmission portion TA. In other words, when the display panel 10 is folded, the first transmission portion TA1, the second transmission portion TA2, and the third transmission portion TA3 may overlap to form a single transmission portion TA, such as Fig. 15B In some embodiments, when the display panel 10 is folded, the size (eg, area) of the single transmission portion TA may be smaller than the size (eg, area) of the first transmission portion TA1, the second transmission portion TA2, or the third transmission portion TA3.

[0300] Reference Fig.16, the first pixel group PG1 may be arranged on the upper left side of the basic unit U. The second pixel group PG2 may be arranged on the upper right side of the basic unit U. When the display panel 10 is unfolded and the second pixel group PG2 is arranged in a left-right symmetrical shape with respect to the first pixel group PG1, in the folded state of the display panel 10, the second pixel group PG2 may be arranged in the same pentile structure as the first pixel group PG1. The third pixel group PG3 may be arranged on the lower right side of the basic unit U. The transmission portion TA may be arranged on the lower left side of the basic unit U. Therefore, when the display panel 10 is folded, the resolution of the component area CA may be increased.

[0301] Fig.17 is a plan view illustrating a shape of a lower metal layer that may be arranged in a component region according to an embodiment. Fig.18 is a plan view showing shapes of lower metal layers overlapped with each other in an assembly area CA in a state in which a display panel according to an embodiment is folded.

[0302] Reference Fig.17 , the first lower metal layer BML1 may be arranged to correspond to the first assembly area CA1, and may include a first lower hole BMLH1. The first lower hole BMLH1 may define a first transmission portion TA1. The second lower metal layer BML2 may be arranged to correspond to the second assembly area CA2, and may include a second lower hole BMLH2. The second lower hole BMLH2 may define a second transmission portion TA2. The third lower metal layer BML3 may be arranged to correspond to the third assembly area CA3, and may include a third lower hole BMLH3. The third lower hole BMLH3 may define a third transmission portion TA3.

[0303] In the illustrated embodiment, the size of one of the first lower hole BMLH1, the second lower hole BMLH2, and the third lower hole BMLH3 may be different from the size of another of the first lower hole BMLH1, the second lower hole BMLH2, and the third lower hole BMLH3. In this case, the size of the lower hole may be defined as the shortest distance between the inner surfaces of the lower metal layer facing each other to define the lower hole. In some embodiments, the size of the lower hole may be defined as the shortest distance between the inner surfaces of the lower metal layer facing each other, defining the lower hole, and being parallel or substantially parallel to each other. Fig.17 , the size of the lower hole is shown as the shortest distance between the inner surfaces of the lower metal layer facing each other in the y-direction.

[0304] For example, the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd1 of the first lower hole BMLH1 may be greater than the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd2 of the second lower hole BMLH2. Also, the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd2 of the second lower hole BMLH2 may be greater than the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd3 of the third lower hole BMLH3.

[0305] Reference Fig.18 , in a state where the display panel 10 is folded, the first lower metal layer BML1, the second lower metal layer BML2, and the third lower metal layer BML3 may overlap each other on a plane or in a plan view. In addition, the first lower hole BMLH1, the second lower hole BMLH2, and the third lower hole BMLH3 may overlap each other to define a lower hole BMLH in the assembly area CA. In this case, the shape and size of the transmission portion TA may be defined by the shape and size of the lower hole BMLH.

[0306] In the illustrated embodiment, the size of one of the first lower hole BMLH1, the second lower hole BMLH2, and the third lower hole BMLH3 may be different from the size of another of the first lower hole BMLH1, the second lower hole BMLH2, and the third lower hole BMLH3. Accordingly, when the display panel 10 is folded, external light may be prevented or substantially prevented from reaching the auxiliary thin film transistor due to alignment deviation (e.g., alignment deviation between the first lower hole BMLH1, the second lower hole BMLH2, and / or the third lower hole BMLH3).

[0307] Fig.19 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a component area according to another embodiment. Fig. 20A is a cross-sectional view showing an assembly area CA in a state where a display panel 10 according to another embodiment is folded. Fig. 20B is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a folded state of a display panel according to another embodiment. Fig.19 , Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B In, with Fig.14 , Fig. 15B and Fig.16 The same reference numerals as those in the drawings denote the same components, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0308] Reference Fig.19 , the first transmission portion TA1 and the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 may be arranged in the first component area CA1. In the first component area CA1, the first basic unit U1 to which a certain number of first pixel groups PG1 and a certain number of first transmission portions TA1 are bound may be repeatedly arranged in the x-direction and the y-direction. For example, in the first basic unit U1, the first pixel group PG1 may be arranged on the upper left side, and three first transmission portions TA1 may be arranged around the first pixel group PG1. In some embodiments, the first pixel group PG1 may be arranged in the upper left quadrant of the first basic unit U1, and the three first transmission portions TA1 may be respectively arranged in the lower left quadrant, the upper right quadrant, and the lower right quadrant of the first basic unit U1, as shown in FIG. Fig.19 as shown in .

[0309] In an embodiment, in a state where the display panel 10 is unfolded, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 may be arranged in a symmetrical shape relative to the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1. For example, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 of the second pixel group PG2 and the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 of the first pixel group PG1 on the respective left and right sides of an imaginary line (e.g., an imaginary line corresponding to the first folding axis FAX1) may be symmetrical to each other about the imaginary line. In another embodiment, in a state where the display panel 10 is unfolded, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 may be arranged in the same pentile structure as the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1. Hereinafter, the following situation may be described in more detail below: in a state where the display panel 10 is unfolded, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 is arranged in a left-right symmetrical shape relative to the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1.

[0310] In the second assembly area CA2, the second basic unit U2 in which a certain number of second pixel groups PG2 and a certain number of second transmission portions TA2 are bound together may be repeatedly arranged in the x-direction and the y-direction. For example, in the second basic unit U2, the second pixel group PG2 may be arranged on the upper right side, and three second transmission portions TA2 may be arranged around the second pixel group PG2. For example, the second pixel group PG2 may be arranged in the upper right quadrant of the second basic unit U2, and the three second transmission portions TA2 may be arranged in the lower right quadrant, the upper left quadrant, and the lower left quadrant of the second basic unit U2, respectively, as shown in FIG. Fig.19 as shown in .

[0311] The third transmission portion TA3 and the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 may be arranged in the third component area CA3. In the third component area CA3, the third basic unit U3 in which a certain number of third pixel groups PG3 and a certain number of third transmission portions TA3 are bound together may be repeatedly arranged in the x-direction and the y-direction. For example, the third pixel group PG3 may be arranged on the upper left side of the third basic unit U3, and three third transmission portions TA3 may be arranged around the third pixel group PG3. For example, the third pixel group PG3 may be arranged in the upper left quadrant of the third basic unit U3, and the three third transmission portions TA3 may be arranged in the lower left quadrant, the upper right quadrant, and the lower right quadrant of the third basic unit U3, respectively, as shown in FIG. Fig.19 as shown in .

[0312] Reference Fig. 20A and Fig. 20B, in a state where the display panel 10 is folded, one of the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2, and the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 may overlap with another of the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2, and the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 on a plane or in a plan view. For example, the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2, and the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 may all overlap with each other on a plane or in a plan view (i.e., overlap with each other). Alternatively, the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 and the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 may overlap with each other on a plane or in a plan view, and the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 and the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 may overlap with each other on a plane or in a plan view.

[0313] Moreover, in a state where the display panel 10 is folded, the first transmission portion TA1, the second transmission portion TA2, and the third transmission portion TA3 may overlap with each other on a plane or in a plan view to form a transmission portion TA. In other words, when the display panel 10 is folded, the first transmission portion TA1, the second transmission portion TA2, and the third transmission portion TA3 may overlap to form a single transmission portion TA, such as Fig. 20A In some embodiments, when the display panel 10 is folded, the size (eg, area) of the single transmission portion TA may be equal to or substantially equal to the size (eg, area) of the first transmission portion TA1, the second transmission portion TA2, or the third transmission portion TA3.

[0314] In this case, the first pixel group PG1 , the second pixel group PG2 , and the third pixel group PG3 may be arranged at the upper left side or the upper left quadrant of the base unit U. Therefore, even if the display panel 10 is folded, light transmittance of the assembly area CA may be maintained.

[0315] Fig.21 is a plan view showing the shape of a lower metal layer that may be arranged in a component area according to another embodiment. Fig.21 In, with Fig.17 Those having the same reference numerals as those in the drawings refer to the same components, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0316] Reference Fig.21 , the first lower metal layer BML1 may be arranged to correspond to the first assembly area CA1, and may include a first lower hole BMLH1. The second lower metal layer BML2 may be arranged to correspond to the second assembly area CA2, and may include a second lower hole BMLH2. The third lower metal layer BML3 may be arranged to correspond to the third assembly area CA3, and may include a third lower hole BMLH3.

[0317] In the illustrated embodiment, a size of one of the first lower hole BMLH1 , the second lower hole BMLH2 , and the third lower hole BMLH3 may be different from a size of another one of the first lower hole BMLH1 , the second lower hole BMLH2 , and the third lower hole BMLH3 .

[0318] For example, the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd1 of the first lower hole BMLH1 may be greater than the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd2 of the second lower hole BMLH2. Also, the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd2 of the second lower hole BMLH2 may be greater than the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd3 of the third lower hole BMLH3.

[0319] In the illustrated embodiment, when the display panel is folded, the shape in which the first lower metal layer BML1, the second lower metal layer BML2, and the third lower metal layer BML3 overlap each other may be the same as the shape of the third lower metal layer BML3. In this case, the shape and size of the transmission portion may be defined by the shape and size of the third lower hole BMLH3. Accordingly, when the display panel is folded, external light may be prevented or substantially prevented from reaching at least one of the first pixel group PG1, the second pixel group PG2, and the third pixel group PG3 due to alignment deviation.

[0320] Fig. 22 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a component area according to another embodiment. Fig.23 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a folded state of a display panel according to another embodiment. Fig. 22 and Fig.23 In, with Fig.14 and Fig.16 The same reference numerals as those in the drawings denote the same components, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0321] Fig. 22 and Fig.23 Examples and Fig.14 and Fig.16 The difference of the embodiment is that Fig. 22 and Fig.23 The second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 in the embodiment is a transparent auxiliary sub-pixel TPa (see, for example, Fig. 9 ).

[0322] Reference Fig. 22, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 arranged in the second component area CA2 may be a transparent auxiliary sub-pixel TPa. Accordingly, the transmittance of the display element implementing the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 arranged in the second component area CA2 may be different from the transmittance of the display element of the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 arranged in the first component area CA1 or the third auxiliary sub-pixel Pa3 arranged in the third component area CA3. Alternatively, the transmittance of the display element implementing the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 may be different from the transmittance of the display element of the main sub-pixel in the main display area MDA.

[0323] For example, the pixel electrode of the display element implementing the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 may be provided as a transparent electrode, and the pixel electrode of the display element implementing the main sub-pixel in the main display area MDA may include a reflective layer.

[0324] Reference Fig.23 , in a state where the display panel is folded, the region where the second pixel group PG2 including the second sub-pixel Pa2 is arranged may be a semi-transmission region STA through which light is partially transmitted. The semi-transmission region STA may be a region having a higher light transmittance than a region where the first pixel group PG1 or the third pixel group PG3 is arranged and having a lower light transmittance than the transmission portion TA. Therefore, when the display panel is folded, the resolution may be increased while ensuring or increasing the light transmittance of the assembly region CA.

[0325] Fig.24 is a plan view illustrating a shape of a lower metal layer that may be arranged in a component region according to another embodiment. Fig.24 Examples and Fig.17 The embodiment of FIG. 1 is different in that the second lower metal layer is omitted.

[0326] Reference Fig.24 , the first lower metal layer BML1 may be arranged to correspond to the first assembly area CA1, and may include a first lower hole BMLH1. Also, the third lower metal layer BML3 may be arranged to correspond to the third assembly area CA3, and may include a third lower hole BMLH3.

[0327] In the illustrated embodiment, the second lower metal layer may be omitted. Alternatively, the second lower hole of the second lower metal layer may be arranged corresponding to the second assembly area CA2. For example, the second lower hole of the second lower metal layer may correspond to the second basic unit U2.

[0328] Fig.25 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a component region according to an embodiment. Fig.25 In, with Fig.10 The same reference numerals as those in the drawings denote the same components, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0329] Reference Fig.25 , the display panel 10 may include a first component area CA1, a second component area CA2, and a third component area CA3.

[0330] The first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 may be arranged in the first component area CA1. The auxiliary organic light emitting diode OLED' may be connected to the auxiliary pixel circuit PC' to implement the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1. In this case, the auxiliary organic light emitting diode OLED' may be provided by sequentially stacking the second pixel electrode 1211', the first functional layer 122a, the second emission layer 1222b', the second functional layer 122c, and the opposing electrode 123.

[0331] The third auxiliary subpixel Pa3 may be disposed in the third component area CA3. In this case, similar to the first auxiliary subpixel Pa1, the auxiliary organic light emitting diode OLED' may be connected to the auxiliary pixel circuit PC' to implement the third auxiliary subpixel Pa3.

[0332] The second pixel electrode 1211' may include a reflective layer 1211b. Since the reflective layer 1211b is included in the second pixel electrode 1211', light generated by the second emission layer 1222b' may be reflected by the reflective layer 1211b and emitted in an upward direction (+z direction or thickness direction) of the substrate 100. That is, the light emitting efficiency in the upward direction of the substrate 100 may be increased. In some embodiments, the second pixel electrode 1211' may be provided by sequentially stacking a first transparent electrode layer 1211a, a reflective layer 1211b, and a second transparent electrode layer 1211c.

[0333] The second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 may be disposed in the second component area CA2. In this case, the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 may be a transparent auxiliary sub-pixel TPa (eg, see Fig.10 ). The second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 may be implemented by a transparent organic light emitting diode OLEDt. The transparent organic light emitting diode OLEDt may be provided by sequentially stacking a transparent pixel electrode 1212, a first functional layer 122a, a second emission layer 1222b', a second functional layer 122c, and an opposing electrode 123.

[0334] The transparent pixel electrode 1212 of the transparent organic light emitting diode OLEDt may not include a reflective layer and may include a transparent conductive material. The transparent pixel electrode 1212 may include materials such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, In 2 O 3 , IGO or AZO transparent conductive oxides.

[0335] Since the transparent pixel electrode 1212 does not include a reflective layer and includes a transparent conductive material, external light may be at least partially transmitted through the transparent pixel electrode 1212. That is, the external light from the component 40 (eg, see Figure 2 ) Light and / or signals emitted by or incident on the component 40 may pass through the transparent organic light emitting diode OLEDt.

[0336] The transparent pixel electrode 1212 may be formed at the same time (e.g., simultaneously or synchronously) when the first transparent electrode layer 1211a of the first pixel electrode 1211 is formed. Alternatively, a portion of the transparent pixel electrode 1212 may be formed when the first transparent electrode layer 1211a of the second pixel electrode 1211' is formed, and the remaining portion of the transparent pixel electrode 1212 may be formed when the second transparent electrode layer 1211c of the second pixel electrode 1211' is formed. Accordingly, the thickness t2 of the transparent pixel electrode 1212 may be less than the thickness t1 of the second pixel electrode 1211'.

[0337] In the illustrated embodiment, Fig.10 Similar to the embodiment of the present invention, the second auxiliary subpixel Pa2 as described above may be connected to a dummy pixel circuit having a dummy thin film transistor spaced apart from the second component area CA2. In this case, the transparent organic light emitting diode OLEDt may be connected to the dummy thin film transistor through a transparent wiring TML.

[0338] The transparent wiring TML may include a transparent conductive material. The transparent wiring TML may include materials such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, In 2 O 3 Accordingly, light generated in the second emission layer 1222 b ′ of the transparent organic light emitting diode OLED t may pass through the transparent wiring TML and be emitted toward the lower side of the substrate 100 .

[0339] In an embodiment, the display panel 10 may be Fig. 11B In this case, when the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 emits light toward the lower side of the substrate 100, the user can sense the light. In the illustrated embodiment, when the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 is a transparent auxiliary sub-pixel TPa, light can be emitted toward the upper and lower sides of the substrate 100. Accordingly, the user can sense the light emitted from the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 when the display panel 10 is folded.

[0340] In addition, the first lower metal layer BML1 may be arranged corresponding to the first component area CA1, and the third lower metal layer BML3 may be arranged corresponding to the third component area CA3. The second lower metal layer may not be arranged corresponding to the second component area CA2. Therefore, the second auxiliary subpixel Pa2 may emit light toward the lower side of the substrate 100.

[0341] Fig.26 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a foldable display device according to an embodiment. Fig.26 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a portion of the foldable display device is folded.

[0342] Fig.26 Examples and Fig. 11C The embodiment of FIG. 1 is different in that the through hole 100H is provided in the substrate 100 to correspond to the first component area CA1.

[0343] Reference Fig.26 , the display panel 10 may include a substrate 100. In this case, the substrate 100 may include a through hole 100H corresponding to the first component area CA1 or the third component area CA3. For example, in a state where the display panel 10 is unfolded, when the component 40 overlaps the first component area CA1, the through hole 100H may correspond to the first component area CA1. As another example, in a state where the display panel 10 is unfolded, when the component 40 overlaps the third component area CA3, the through hole 100H may correspond to the third component area CA3. Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, the following case may be described in more detail below: in a state where the display panel 10 is unfolded, the through hole 100H corresponds to the first component area CA1.

[0344] In some embodiments, the display panel 10 may include a panel through hole 10H corresponding to the first component area CA1. The panel through hole 10H may be formed by overlapping holes respectively disposed in the substrate 100, the display layer DISL, the touch screen layer TSL, and the optical function layer OFL. In some embodiments, the panel through hole 10H includes a through hole 100H of the substrate 100.

[0345] In the illustrated embodiment, the through hole 100H of the substrate 100 may be provided corresponding to the first component area CA1, and the display element may not be arranged in the first component area CA1. That is, most of the first component area CA1 may be a transmission portion. Therefore, the light transmittance of the first component area CA1 may be improved.

[0346] In addition, refer to FIG. 4A to FIG. 4E or Figure 8 The described embodiments may be applied to a portion corresponding to the second and third component areas CA2 and CA3 of the display panel 10. Therefore, light transmittance of the second and third component areas CA2 and CA3 may be significantly improved.

[0347] Fig. 27 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of the display panel 10 according to the embodiment. Fig. 27In the embodiment of the present invention, the following situations can be described in more detail below: Fig.26 The substrate 100 included in the display panel 10 has a through hole 100H corresponding to the first component area CA1. Fig. 27 Examples and Figure 8 The embodiment of FIG. 1 is different in that no auxiliary sub-pixel is arranged in the first component area CA1 of the display panel 10 , and a through hole 100H is provided in the substrate 100 to correspond to the first component area CA1 .

[0348] The display panel 10 may include a main display area MDA and a first component area CA1. The main sub-pixel Pm is arranged in the main display area MDA, and the first transmission portion TA1 is arranged in the first component area CA1. A main pixel circuit PC including a main thin film transistor TFT and a main storage capacitor Cst and a main organic light emitting diode OLED which is a display element connected to the main pixel circuit PC may be arranged in the main display area MDA.

[0349] In the display panel 10, a substrate 100, a buffer layer 111, a circuit layer PCL, and a display element layer EDL may be sequentially stacked. The buffer layer 111 may include a first buffer layer 111a and a second buffer layer 111b stacked on each other. The circuit layer PCL may include an inorganic insulating layer IIL and a planarization layer 117. In some embodiments, the substrate 100, the buffer layer 111, the circuit layer PCL, and the display element layer EDL may be sequentially stacked. Figure 8 The thin film encapsulation layer TFEL may be disposed on the display element layer EDL as a sealing member ENCM. The thin film encapsulation layer TFEL may be provided by sequentially stacking a first inorganic encapsulation layer 131 , an organic encapsulation layer 132 , and a second inorganic encapsulation layer 133 .

[0350] In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate 100 may have a through hole 100H corresponding to the first component area CA1. A dam 160 protruding from the upper surface of the substrate 100 in the +z direction may be disposed around the through hole 100H of the substrate 100.

[0351] The dam 160 may be provided to prevent or substantially prevent the organic encapsulation layer 132 of the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL from flowing toward the through hole 100H. The organic encapsulation layer 132 may be formed by coating a monomer and then curing the monomer, and the flow of the monomer may be controlled by the dam 160. Accordingly, one end of the organic encapsulation layer 132 may be located on one side of the dam 160 that is spaced apart from (e.g., away from) the through hole 100H. The dam 160 may be arranged to surround or at least partially surround the through hole 100H. In some embodiments, the dam 160 may surround the through hole 100H.

[0352] The dam 160 may have a multi-layer structure. For example, the dam 160 may have a structure in which a first layer 161 and a second layer 163 are stacked. The first layer 161 may include the same material as the inorganic insulating layer 111, and the second layer 163 may include the same material as the planarization layer 117.

[0353] The first and second inorganic encapsulating layers 131 and 133 may contact each other at one side of the dam 160 adjacent to the through hole 100H. Accordingly, external air and moisture that may be introduced through the through hole 100H may be prevented or substantially prevented from penetrating into the display element layer EDL.

[0354] In the illustrated embodiment, the case where the thin film encapsulation layer TFEL is used as a sealing member when the through hole 100H is provided in the substrate 100 of the display panel 10 has been described as an example. However, a sealing substrate may be used as a sealing member. When the sealing substrate is used as a sealing member, a sealing material for bonding the substrate 100 to the sealing substrate may be introduced around the through hole 100H.

[0355] Fig.28A and Fig.28B is a schematic perspective view showing a foldable display device 2 according to another embodiment. Fig.28C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a foldable display device according to another embodiment. Fig.28A is a perspective view showing a state where the foldable display device 2 is unfolded, and Fig.28B is a perspective view showing a state in which the foldable display device 2 is folded. Fig.28C is a cross-sectional view showing a foldable display device in a folded state.

[0356] Fig.28A , Fig.28B and Fig.28C Examples and Fig.11A , Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C The difference of the embodiment is that the first component area CA1 is arranged on the upper right side of the first main display area MDA1, the second component area CA2 is arranged on the upper left side of the second main display area MDA2, and the third component area CA3 is arranged on the upper right side of the third main display area MDA3.

[0357] Reference Fig.28A , the display panel 10 may include a main display area MDA and an assembly area CA. The main display area MDA and the assembly area CA may display images. In this case, the display panel 10 may be folded around or about a first folding axis FAX1 and a second folding axis FAX2 that intersect the main display area MDA.

[0358] In the illustrated embodiment, the first component area CA1 may be arranged on the upper right side of the first main display area MDA1, the second component area CA2 may be arranged on the upper left side of the second main display area MDA2, and the third component area CA3 may be arranged on the upper right side of the third main display area MDA3.

[0359] In this case, the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 may be symmetrically arranged based on or about the first folding axis FAX1, and the second component area CA2 and the third component area CA3 may be symmetrically arranged based on or about the second folding axis FAX2.

[0360] Reference Fig.28B and Fig.28C , the first main display area MDA1 and the second main display area MDA2 may be folded to face each other based on the first folding axis FAX1, and the second portion 92 and the third portion 93 may be folded to face each other based on the second folding axis FAX2.

[0361] In this case, in a state where the foldable display device 2 is folded around or around the first folding axis FAX1 and the second folding axis FAX2, the first component area CA1, the second component area CA2, and the third component area CA3 may overlap with each other on a plane or in a plan view. In other words, when the foldable display device 2 is folded around or around the first folding axis FAX1 and the second folding axis FAX2, the first component area CA1, the second component area CA2, and the third component area CA3 may overlap with each other in a plan view.

[0362] Fig.29A is a schematic perspective view showing a foldable display device 2 according to another embodiment. Fig.29B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of a foldable display device according to another embodiment.

[0363] Reference Fig.29A and Fig.29B The second main display area and the third main display area can be folded to face each other based on the second folding axis FAX2. That is, the second portion 92 and the third portion 93 can be folded not to face each other (eg, to face away from each other) based on the second folding axis FAX2.

[0364] In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 can be folded to face each other based on the first folding axis FAX1. That is, the first main display area and the second main display area can be folded not to face each other (eg, to face away from each other) based on the first folding axis FAX1.

[0365] In the illustrated embodiment, the foldable display device 2 may be folded so that two regions of the front surface FS of the display panel 10 face each other relative to one of the first folding axis FAX1 and the second folding axis FAX2. In addition, the foldable display device 2 may be folded so that two regions of the rear surface RS of the display panel 10 face each other relative to the other of the first folding axis FAX1 and the second folding axis FAX2. For example, the display panel 10 may be arranged so that two regions of the rear surface RS of the display panel 10 face each other relative to the first folding axis FAX1, and the display panel 10 may be arranged so that two regions of the front surface FS of the display panel 10 face each other relative to the second folding axis FAX2. In this case, the radius of curvature Rd1 of the first bending area BA1 may be smaller than the radius of curvature Rd2 of the second bending area BA2.

[0366] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the first component area CA1 may be arranged on the upper right side of the first main display area MDA1, the second component area CA2 may be arranged on the upper left side of the second main display area MDA2, and the third component area CA3 may be arranged on the upper right side of the third main display area MDA3.

[0367] In this case, the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 may be symmetrically arranged based on or about the first folding axis FAX1, and the second component area CA2 and the third component area CA3 may be symmetrically arranged based on or about the second folding axis FAX2.

[0368] In the illustrated embodiment, in a state in which the display panel 10 is unfolded, the assembly 40 may overlap the third assembly area CA3.

[0369] Fig. 30A and 30B is a schematic perspective view showing a foldable display device 3 according to another embodiment. Fig. 30C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a display panel 10 according to another embodiment. Fig. 30A is a perspective view showing a state where the foldable display device 3 is unfolded, and Fig. 30B is a perspective view showing a state in which the foldable display device 3 is folded. Fig. 30C is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the display panel 10 is folded.

[0370] Reference Fig. 30A, the foldable display device 3 may include a display panel 10 and a lower cover 90. The lower cover 90 may include a first portion 90_1 and a second portion 90_2 that support the display panel 10. The lower cover 90 may be folded around or about a folding axis FAX between the first portion 90_1 and the second portion 90_2. In an embodiment, a hinge portion 90H may be included between the first portion 90_1 and the second portion 90_2. In addition, in an embodiment, the second portion 90_2 may include a light-transmitting material, or may be arranged on an edge of a transparent display area TDA that may be described in more detail below.

[0371] The display panel 10 may include a main display area MDA, an assembly area CA, and a transparent display area TDA. The main display area MDA may surround or at least partially surround at least a portion of the assembly area CA, and the transparent display area TDA may be connected to the main display area MDA.

[0372] The main display area MDA, the component area CA, and the transparent display area TDA can display images. In the transparent display area TDA, an object or background arranged on the lower surface of the second portion 90_2 or at one side of the lower surface of the second portion 90_2 can be viewed on or from the upper surface of the transparent display area TDA.

[0373] In the illustrated embodiment, the component area CA and the transparent display area TDA may each include a transmission portion. For example, the component area CA may include a first transmission portion, and the transparent display area TDA may include a second transmission portion. In this case, the light transmittance of the component area CA and the transparent display area TDA may be greater than the light transmittance of the main display area MDA. In an embodiment, the transparent display area TDA may include a transparent auxiliary sub-pixel. In this case, the main display area MDA displays an image in the +z direction, but the transparent display area TDA may emit light in the +z direction and / or the -z direction and may display an image in the +z direction and / or the -z direction.

[0374] The display panel 10 may be folded around or about the folding axis FAX. Accordingly, the transparent display area TDA may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the main display area MDA and the assembly area CA based on the folding axis FAX.

[0375] In an embodiment, the transparent display area TDA may be folded to face the main display area MDA and the component area CA. In another embodiment, the transparent display area TDA may be folded not to face (e.g., to face away from) the main display area MDA and the component area CA. That is, the first portion 90_1 and the second portion 90_2 may be folded to face each other based on the folding axis FAX. Hereinafter, the case where the transparent display area TDA is folded to face the main display area MDA and the component area CA may be described in more detail below.

[0376] Reference Fig. 30B and Fig. 30C , the foldable display device 3 may include a main display area MDA, an assembly area CA, and a transparent display area TDA. In this case, the assembly area CA may include a first transmission portion TA1, and the transparent display area TDA may include a second transmission portion TA2.

[0377] In the illustrated embodiment, in a state where the foldable display device 3 is folded, the transparent display area TDA may overlap the assembly area CA and the main display area MDA on a plane or in a plan view. In other words, when the foldable display device 3 is folded around or about the folding axis FAX, the transparent display area TDA may overlap the assembly area CA. In this case, the images of the main display area MDA and the assembly area CA displayed on the lower surface of the second part 90_2 may be viewed on or from the upper surface of the transparent display area TDA.

[0378] In the illustrated embodiment, the main display area MDA may include a main light emitting element ED. The assembly area CA may include an auxiliary light emitting element ED'. The transparent display area TDA may include a transparent light emitting element TED. In this case, the pixel electrode of the transparent light emitting element TED may not include a reflective layer. Therefore, the transparent light emitting element TED may emit light from both sides thereof, and a user may see the light emitted by the transparent light emitting element TED above and / or below the transparent display area TDA.

[0379] The assembly 40 may overlap the assembly area CA. Specifically, the assembly 40 may be arranged to overlap the assembly area CA and the transparent display area TDA having high light transmittance.

[0380] Fig.31 2 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a main display area MDA, a transparent display area TDA, and a component area CA according to an embodiment. Fig.31 The pixel arrangement structures in the main display area MDA, the transparent display area TDA, and the assembly area CA in a state where the display panel is unfolded are schematically shown. Fig.32 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a state where a display panel is folded according to an embodiment. Fig.31 and Fig.32 In, with Figure 5 , Figure 6B and Fig.6D The same reference numerals as those in the drawings denote the same components, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0381] Reference Fig.31, a plurality of main sub-pixels Pm may be arranged in the main display area MDA. The main sub-pixels Pm arranged in the main display area MDA may be arranged in a pentile structure. A plurality of transparent auxiliary sub-pixels TPa may be arranged in the transparent display area TDA. A plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixels Pa1 may be arranged in the component area CA.

[0382] In the illustrated embodiment, the first auxiliary subpixel Pa1 in the component area CA may have a first pixel arrangement structure, and the transparent auxiliary subpixel TPa in the transparent display area TDA may have a second pixel arrangement structure. The first pixel arrangement structure may be different from the second pixel arrangement structure.

[0383] For example, the pixel arrangement structure in the component area CA may have a resolution that is one-fourth of the resolution of the main display area MDA, which may be referred to as a 1 / 4 pentile structure. Eight first auxiliary sub-pixels Pa1 are arranged in a pentile structure in the first pixel group PG1, but only one first pixel group PG1 may be included in the first basic unit U1. The remaining area of ​​the first basic unit U1 may be set as the first transmission portion TA1. Accordingly, the number of first auxiliary sub-pixels Pa1 and the number of main sub-pixels Pm arranged according to equal areas may be set in a ratio of 1:4. In this case, the first pixel group PG1 may be arranged on the upper left side of the first basic unit U1. For example, the first pixel group PG1 may be arranged on the upper left side of the first basic unit U1, and three first transmission portions TA1 may be arranged around the first pixel group PG1. In some embodiments, the first pixel group PG1 may be arranged in the upper left quadrant of the first basic unit U1, and the three first transmission portions TA1 may be arranged in the lower left quadrant, the upper right quadrant, and the lower right quadrant of the first basic unit U1, respectively, as shown in FIG. Fig.31 as shown in .

[0384] The pixel arrangement structure of the transparent display area TDA may be set to a stripe structure. That is, one transparent pixel group TPG may include three transparent auxiliary sub-pixels TPa, namely, a red sub-pixel Pr, a green sub-pixel Pg, and a blue sub-pixel Pb. In addition, the red sub-pixel Pr, the green sub-pixel Pg, and the blue sub-pixel Pb may be arranged in a line in the y direction. In this case, the red sub-pixel Pr, the green sub-pixel Pg, and the blue sub-pixel Pb may each have a long side in the x direction and a short side in the y direction.

[0385] In the illustrated embodiment, two transparent pixel groups TPG may be arranged in a line in the first column 11, and the second transmission portion TA2 may be arranged in the second column 21 adjacent to the first column 11. In addition, the second transmission portion TA2 and one transparent pixel group TPG may be arranged in the third column 31 adjacent to the second column 21, and the second transmission portion TA2 may be arranged in the fourth column 41 adjacent to the third column 31. Therefore, nine transparent auxiliary sub-pixels TPa may be arranged in the transparent basic unit TU. In this case, the transparent pixel group TPG may be arranged on the upper left, lower left, and lower right sides of the transparent basic unit TU. In some embodiments, the transparent pixel group TPG may be arranged in the upper left quadrant, lower left quadrant, and lower right quadrant of the transparent basic unit TU, and the second transmission portion TA2 may be arranged around the transparent pixel group TPG, as shown in FIG. Fig.31 as shown in .

[0386] Reference Fig.31 and Fig.32 , when the display panel or the foldable display device is folded, the first auxiliary subpixel Pa1 may overlap the second transmission portion TA2 on a plane or in a plan view, and the transparent auxiliary subpixel TPa may overlap the first transmission portion TA1 on a plane or in a plan view.

[0387] Also, in a state in which the display panel or the foldable display device is folded, the first transmission portion TA1 and the second transmission portion TA2 may overlap each other on a plane or in a plan view to form the transmission portion TA.

[0388] In this case, in an embodiment, the first pixel group PG1 may be arranged on the upper left side of the basic unit U. The transparent pixel group TPG may be arranged on the upper right side, the lower right side, and the lower left side of the basic unit U. Specifically, in the basic unit U, one transparent pixel group TPG may be arranged in the second column 21, and two transparent pixel groups TPG may be arranged in the fourth column 41. Therefore, when the foldable display device is folded, the component area CA and the transparent display area TDA may overlap each other, and thus the resolution may be improved. In addition, because the transparent display area TDA includes the transparent auxiliary sub-pixel TPa, the light transmittance is not significantly reduced even when the foldable display device is folded.

[0389] Fig.33A and Fig.33B is a schematic perspective view showing a rollable display device 4 according to the embodiment. Fig.34 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a rollable display device 4 according to an embodiment. Fig.33A is a perspective view showing a state where the rollable display device 4 is rolled up, and Fig.33B 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the rollable display device 4 is rolled out.

[0390] Reference Fig.33A , Fig.33B and Fig.34 , the rollable display device 4 may include a display panel 10 , a roller 20 , a housing portion 30 , an assembly 40 , a module portion BP and a spacer L.

[0391] The display panel 10 may be a flexible display panel that is flexible and can be easily bent, folded, or rolled. Specifically, the display panel 10 may be a rollable display panel that can be rolled or unrolled.

[0392] The display panel 10 may be rolled or rolled out by the roller 20. For example, when the display panel 10 is rolled by the roller 20, the display panel 10 may be exposed by the housing portion 30 at a first interval dis1 in a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) of the display panel 10. When the display panel 10 is rolled out by the roller 20, the display panel 10 may be exposed by the housing portion 30 at a second interval dis2 in a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) of the display panel 10. In this case, the first interval dis1 may be smaller than the second interval dis2. Accordingly, the size of the display panel 10 exposed by the housing portion 30 and recognized or visible to the user may be changed (e.g., changed by rolling and rolling out via the roller 20).

[0393] The display panel 10 may include an assembly area CA including a transmission portion TA and a main display area MDA surrounding or at least partially surrounding at least a portion of the assembly area CA. In this case, the main display area MDA may include a main light emitting element ED, and the assembly area CA may include an auxiliary light emitting element ED'.

[0394] The component area CA may extend in a first direction (e.g., an x ​​direction or a −x direction) and a second direction (e.g., a y direction or a −y direction). In an embodiment, a first length dx of the component area CA in the first direction may be greater than a second length dy of the component area CA in the second direction. In this case, the component area CA may have a rectangular shape having a long side in a direction (e.g., a first direction) in which the display panel 10 is rolled or rolled out and a short side in a direction (e.g., a second direction) intersecting the direction (e.g., a second direction) in which the display panel 10 is rolled or rolled out.

[0395] In an embodiment, the cover window 50 may be disposed on the upper surface of the display panel 10, and the panel protection member PB may be disposed on the lower surface of the display panel 10. The panel protection member PB may have an opening PB_OP corresponding to the assembly area CA.

[0396] The roller 20 may roll up the display panel 10. Alternatively, the roller 20 may roll out the display panel 10. In some embodiments, the roller 20 may be connected to a driver. The driver may include a motor, etc., and may rotate the roller 20. Alternatively, the roller 20 may roll up or roll out the display panel 10 manually. For example, the display panel 10 may be rolled up or rolled out manually by a user.

[0397] In an embodiment, the roller 20 may include a first roller 20A and a second roller 20B. The first roller 20A and the second roller 20B may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (eg, x direction or -x direction). In some embodiments, one of the first roller 20A and the second roller 20B may be omitted.

[0398] The housing portion 30 may accommodate the roller 20. Accordingly, a portion of the display panel 10 may be accommodated in the housing portion 30. The portion of the display panel 10 may be carried into the housing portion 30, or may be carried out of the housing portion 30.

[0399] The housing portion 30 may include a bent portion. Therefore, a user may easily grip the housing portion 30.

[0400] In an embodiment, the housing portion 30 may include a first housing portion 30A and a second housing portion 30B. The first housing portion 30A and the second housing portion 30B may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., the x direction or the -x direction). In some embodiments, one of the first housing portion 30A and the second housing portion 30B may be omitted. The first housing portion 30A may accommodate the first roller 20A. The second housing portion 30B may accommodate the second roller 20B.

[0401] The first housing portion 30A and the second housing portion 30B may expose a portion of the display panel 10. For example, the first housing portion 30A and the second housing portion 30B may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., the x direction or the −x direction). In this case, the display panel 10 may be exposed at a spacing distance between the first housing portion 30A and the second housing portion 30B.

[0402] Reference Fig.33A , the first housing portion 30A and the second housing portion 30B may be spaced apart from each other by a first interval dis1 in a first direction (eg, x direction or -x direction). In this case, the display panel 10 may be exposed by the first interval dis1 in the first direction (eg, x direction or -x direction). Fig.33B The first housing portion 30A and the second housing portion 30B may be spaced apart from each other by a second interval dis2 in a first direction (eg, x direction or -x direction). In this case, the display panel 10 may be exposed by a second interval dis2 in a first direction (eg, x direction or -x direction).

[0403] The component 40 may be an electronic element using light and / or sound. The component 40 may overlap the component area CA of the display panel 10. Also, the component 40 may be disposed under the display panel 10. In this case, the component 40 may be disposed in the module part BP.

[0404] The module part BP may be arranged below the display panel 10. In this case, the module part BP may support the display panel 10. In an embodiment, the module part BP may guide the display panel 10. For example, when the display panel 10 is a flexible display panel, the display panel 10 may be bent due to its own weight. In this case, since the module part BP supports the display panel 10, the display panel 10 may be prevented or substantially prevented from being bent due to its own weight.

[0405] In an embodiment, the module part BP may include a high modulus material. For example, the module part BP may include at least one selected from the group consisting of Invar, Nobinite, stainless steel, and alloys thereof.

[0406] In an embodiment, the component 40 may be disposed in the module part BP. In this case, the module part BP may include a control circuit connected (eg, electrically connected) to the component 40. Also, the module part BP may generate and output a signal and a voltage for driving the display panel 10.

[0407] The interval adjuster L can adjust the interval between the module part BP and the housing part 30. The interval adjuster L can be arranged between the module part BP and the housing part 30. The interval adjuster L can be extended or shortened (for example, contracted) in a first direction (for example, the x direction or the -x direction). Accordingly, the interval adjuster L can adjust the interval between the module part BP and the housing part 30.

[0408] For example, when the interval adjuster L is extended, the interval between the module part BP and the housing part 30 may be increased. In this case, the display panel 10 may be rolled out from the roller 20. As another example, when the interval adjuster L is shortened (e.g., contracted), the interval between the module part BP and the housing part 30 may be reduced. In this case, the display panel 10 may be rolled around the roller.

[0409] The interval adjuster L may include a cylinder. Alternatively, the interval adjuster L may include a rack and pinion structure.

[0410] In an embodiment, the interval adjuster L may include a first interval adjuster L1 and a second interval adjuster L2. The first interval adjuster L1 may be disposed between the module portion BP and the first housing portion 30A. The second interval adjuster L2 may be disposed between the module portion BP and the second housing portion 30B.

[0411] In an embodiment, the first spacing adjuster L1 and the second spacing adjuster L2 may be extended or shortened (eg, contracted) at the same time. In another embodiment, the first spacing adjuster L1 and the second spacing adjuster L2 may be extended or shortened (eg, contracted) independently.

[0412] In the illustrated embodiment, when the display panel 10 is rolled out, the position of the assembly 40 overlapping the assembly area CA on a plane or in a plan view may be changed. The assembly area CA may include a first region R1 and a second region R2 connected in a line in a first direction (eg, an x ​​direction or a -x direction). Fig.33A , the display panel 10 may be exposed at the first interval dis1 in a first direction (eg, x direction or −x direction). In this case, the component 40 may be arranged on a plane or in a plan view to overlap with the first region R1 of the component area CA.

[0413] Then, the display panel 10 may be rolled out from the roller 20. In this case, the interval adjuster L is extended, and thus, the distance between the module part BP and the housing part 30 may be increased. Fig.33B , the display panel 10 may be exposed at the second interval dis2 in the first direction (eg, the x direction or the −x direction). In this case, the component 40 may be arranged on a plane or in a plan view to overlap with the second region R2 of the component area CA.

[0414] In the illustrated embodiment, the display panel 10 of the rollable display device 4 may include a main display area MDA and an assembly area CA overlapping the assembly 40. In this case, the assembly 40 may overlap the assembly area CA regardless of whether the display panel 10 is rolled out or rolled. Therefore, even if the display panel 10 is rolled out or rolled, the assembly 40 may receive light passing through the assembly area CA.

[0415] Fig.35A and Fig.35B is a schematic perspective view showing a display device 5 according to the embodiment. Fig.35A is a perspective view showing a first state in which the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 of the display device 5 overlap each other on a plane or in a plan view, and Fig.35B 1 is a perspective view showing a second state in which the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 are spaced apart from each other on a plane or in a plan view.

[0416] Reference Fig.35A and Fig.35B , the display device 5 may include a first display panel 10A, a second display panel 10B, and a lower cover 90. In this case, the lower cover 90 may form a lower surface appearance of the display device 5. Also, the first display panel 10A and the second display panel 10B may be accommodated by the lower cover 90.

[0417] The first display panel 10A may include a first main display area MDA1 and a first assembly area CA1. In this case, the first main display area MDA1 may surround or at least partially surround at least a portion of the first assembly area CA1. The first display panel 10A, the first main display area MDA1, and the first assembly area CA1 may correspond to reference Figures 1 to 10 The display panel 10, the main display area MDA and the component area CA are described.

[0418] In the illustrated embodiment, the second display panel 10B may be disposed on the rear surface of the first display panel 10A. In this case, the rear surface of the first display panel 10A may be a surface opposite to the upper surface of the first display panel 10A on which the first main display area MDA1 and the first assembly area CA1 are disposed. The second display panel 10B, the second main display area MDA2, and the second assembly area CA2 may correspond to the reference Figures 1 to 10 The display panel 10, the main display area MDA and the component area CA are described.

[0419] In the illustrated embodiment, the second display panel 10B may be movable relative to the first display panel 10A. Specifically, the second display panel 10B may be movable relative to the first display panel 10A on a plane (e.g., on an xy plane) or in a plan view. For example, the second display panel 10B may be movable in a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction) relative to the first display panel 10A. Alternatively, the second display panel 10B may be movable in a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) relative to the first display panel 10A. Hereinafter, the case where the second display panel 10B is movable in the y direction or -y direction relative to the first display panel 10A may be described in more detail below.

[0420] The second display panel 10B may include a second main display area MDA2 and a second assembly area CA2. In this case, the second main display area MDA2 may at least partially surround the second assembly area CA2. In some embodiments, the second display panel 10B may not display an image. For example, in this case, the second display panel 10B may include a second assembly area CA2 having only a second transmission portion.

[0421] In the illustrated embodiment, the second display panel 10B may be disposed on the rear surface of the first display panel 10A, disposed facing the rear surface of the first display panel 10A, or disposed opposite to the rear surface of the first display panel 10A, and the second display panel 10B may be movable relative to the first display panel 10A. Fig.35A, in the first state, the second display panel 10B may completely overlap with the first display panel 10A on a plane or in a plan view. In other words, the second display panel 10B may be aligned with the first display panel 10A. In this case, the second display panel 10B may be arranged inside the lower cover 90 and may not be exposed to the outside. Referring to 35B, in the second state, the second display panel 10B may be at least partially exposed to the outside. The second display panel 10B may be moved relative to the first display panel 10A to be at least partially exposed to the outside. Therefore, in the second state, the second display panel 10B may only partially overlap with the first display panel 10A on a plane or in a plan view.

[0422] In such Fig.35A In the first state shown in , the first assembly area CA1 and the second assembly area CA2 may overlap each other on a plane or in a plan view. In this case, the first assembly area CA1 and the second assembly area CA2 may form an assembly area CA.

[0423] In addition, in Fig.35B In the second state shown in , the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 may be spaced apart from each other on a plane or in a plan view. In an embodiment, the first display panel 10A may provide a first image. The second display panel 10B may provide a second image. The first image and the second image may be parts of any image provided by the display device 5. For example, the first image and the second image may be combined to form a single image. Alternatively, the first image and the second image may be images independent of each other.

[0424] Fig.36A and Fig.36B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of a display device 5 according to the embodiment. Fig.36A : is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first state in which the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 overlap each other in the z direction. Fig.36B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second state in which the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 are spaced apart from each other in the z direction.

[0425] Reference Fig.36A and Fig.36B , the display device 5 may include a first display panel 10A, a second display panel 10B, an assembly 40, a mobile driver 60, and a controller 70. The first display panel 10A and the second display panel 10B may each include a substrate 100, a display layer DISP, a touch screen layer TSL, an optical function layer OFL, and a panel protection member PB. In addition, a first cover window 50A and a second cover window 50B may be respectively disposed on the upper surface of the first display panel 10A and the upper surface of the second display panel 10B. The first cover window 50A and the second cover window 50B may correspond to the reference Figure 1 and Fig.10 Described cover window 50. In an embodiment, for example, the first cover window 50A and the second cover window 50B may each include glass, ultra-thin glass (UTG), or colorless polyimide (CPI).

[0426] The component 40 may be arranged to overlap with the second component area CA2. For example, the component 40 may be a camera, an image sensor, an infrared sensor, an iris sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. In an embodiment, the component 40 may be spaced apart from the second display panel 10B. For example, the component 40 may be spaced apart from the second display panel 10B in the z direction. In another embodiment, the component 40 may be attached to the second display panel 10B.

[0427] The second display panel 10B can be moved by the moving driver 60 connected to the second display panel 10B. Therefore, the second display panel 10B can be moved relative to the first display panel 10A at regular intervals (e.g., intervals of a distance). That is, the second display panel 10B can be moved on the xy plane while maintaining a constant distance from the first display panel 10A.

[0428] The mobile driver 60 may have various suitable forms. For example, the mobile driver 60 may include a linear motor connected to the second display panel 10B. As another example, the mobile driver 60 may include a cylinder connected to the second display panel 10B. In this case, the mobile driver 60 may be spaced apart from the second display panel 10B, and the shaft of the mobile driver 60 may be connected to the second display panel 10B. As another example, the mobile driver 60 may include a moving block connected to the second display panel 10B, a ball screw connected to the moving block, and a motor connected to the ball screw to rotate the ball screw. In this manner, the mobile driver 60 may be connected to the second display panel 10B and include various devices and structures for moving the second display panel 10B.

[0429] The controller 70 may control the moving driver 60. The controller 70 may control the moving driver 60 so that the first assembly area CA1 and the second assembly area CA2 overlap each other. Also, the controller 70 may control the moving driver 60 so that the first assembly area CA1 and the second assembly area CA2 are spaced apart from each other in a plan view.

[0430] Moreover, in some embodiments, the second display panel 10B may be connected to a guide. In this case, the guide may guide the movement of the second display panel 10B. The guide may have various suitable forms. For example, the guide may include a linear motion guide. In this case, the guide may include a block connected to the second display panel 10B and a track through which the block slides. Alternatively, the guide may have a groove shape.

[0431] The guide portion can be arranged in various suitable positions. For example, the guide portion can be arranged in Fig.36A and Fig.36B On the lower surface or side surface of the second display panel 10B.

[0432] In the illustrated embodiment, reference is made to Fig.36A , the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 in the first state may overlap each other on a plane or in a plan view. That is, the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 may overlap each other in the z direction. Therefore, light and / or signals emitted from the component 40 or light and / or signals incident on the component 40 may be transmitted through the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2. Accordingly, the component 40 may be used even in the first state in which the second display panel 10B is not exposed to the outside.

[0433] In addition, the second display panel 10B can be moved relative to the first display panel 10A by the moving driver 60. In this case, referring to Fig.36B , in the second state, the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 may be spaced apart from each other on a plane or in a plan view. That is, the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 may be spaced apart from each other in the z direction. In one or more embodiments, in the second state, the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 may be spaced apart from each other in a plan view. In other words, in the second state, when in the y direction, the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0434] Fig.37 1 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a first component area CA1 and a second component area CA2 according to an embodiment.

[0435] Reference Fig.37 , the first transmission portion TA1 and the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 may be arranged in the first component area CA1. The first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 may define a first pixel group PG1. The first pixel group PG1 may include eight first auxiliary sub-pixels Pa1 arranged in a pentile structure. That is, one first pixel group PG1 may include two red sub-pixels Pr, four green sub-pixels Pg, and two blue sub-pixels Pb. In some embodiments, the first pixel group PG1 may be arranged in a stripe structure (e.g., see Fig.6D ) or S-stripe structures (see, for example, Figure 6C )arrangement.

[0436] In the first assembly area CA1, the first basic unit U1 in which a certain number of first pixel groups PG1 and a certain number of first transmission portions TA1 are bound together may be repeatedly arranged in the x-direction and the y-direction. For example, the first pixel group PG1 may be arranged on the upper left side of the first basic unit U1, and three first transmission portions TA1 may be arranged around the first pixel group PG1. In some embodiments, the first pixel group PG1 may be arranged in the upper left quadrant of the first basic unit U1, and the three first transmission portions TA1 may be arranged in the lower left quadrant, the upper right quadrant, and the lower right quadrant of the first basic unit U1, respectively, as shown in FIG. Fig.37 as shown in .

[0437] The second transmission portion TA2 and the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 may be arranged in the second component area CA2. The second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 may define a second pixel group PG2. Similar to the first pixel group PG1, the second pixel group PG2 may include eight second auxiliary sub-pixels Pa2 arranged in a pentile structure. The second pixel group PG2 may also be arranged in a stripe structure (e.g., see Fig.6D ) or S-stripe structures (see, for example, Figure 6C )arrangement.

[0438] In the second assembly area CA2, the second basic unit U2 in which a certain number of second pixel groups PG2 and a certain number of second transmission portions TA2 are bound together may be repeatedly arranged in the x-direction and the y-direction. For example, the second pixel group PG2 may be arranged on the lower right side of the second basic unit U2, and three second transmission portions TA2 may be arranged around the second pixel group PG2. For example, the second pixel group PG2 may be arranged in the lower right quadrant of the second basic unit U2, and the three second transmission portions TA2 may be arranged in the upper left quadrant, the upper right quadrant, and the lower left quadrant of the second basic unit U2, respectively, as shown in FIG. Fig.37 as shown in .

[0439] Fig.38A : is a cross-sectional view showing a first state in which the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 overlap each other. Fig.38B : is a plan view showing a first state in which the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 overlap each other.

[0440] Refer to 38A and Fig.38B , the first assembly area CA1 and the second assembly area CA2 may overlap each other in a plane or in a plan view. Thus, one assembly area CA may be formed.

[0441] In the first state where the first and second component areas CA1 and CA2 overlap each other, the first auxiliary subpixel Pa1 may overlap the second transmission portion TA2 in plane or in plan view. Also, the second auxiliary subpixel Pa2 may overlap the first transmission portion TA1 in plane or in plan view.

[0442] In addition, in the first state in which the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 overlap each other, the first transmission portion TA1 and the second transmission portion TA2 overlap each other on a plane or in a plan view to form the transmission portion TA.

[0443] In this case, in an embodiment, the first pixel group PG1 may be arranged on the upper left side of the basic unit U. The second pixel group PG2 may be arranged on the lower right side of the basic unit U. The transmission portion TA may be arranged on the upper right side and the lower left side of the basic unit U. Accordingly, in the first state in which the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 overlap each other, the resolution of the component area CA may be increased. In addition, since the basic unit U is provided with the transmission portion TA, even in the first state in which the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 overlap each other, light and / or signals emitted from the component or light and / or signals incident on the component may be transmitted through the transmission portion TA.

[0444] Fig.39 2 is a plan view showing shapes of first and second lower metal layers BML1 and BML2 that may be arranged in the first and second component areas CA1 and CA2 according to embodiments.

[0445] Reference Fig.39 , the first lower metal layer BML1 may be arranged to correspond to the first component area CA1, and may include a first lower hole BMLH1. The first lower hole BMLH1 may define the first transmission portion TA1. In an embodiment, the first lower metal layer BML1 may include a plurality of first lower holes BMLH1. For example, the first lower metal layer BML1 may include three first lower holes BMLH1. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the first lower metal layer BML1 may include one first lower hole BMLH1 corresponding to the first transmission portion TA1.

[0446] The second lower metal layer BML2 may be arranged to correspond to the second assembly area CA2, and may include a second lower hole BMLH2. The second lower hole BMLH2 may define the second transmission portion TA2. In an embodiment, the second lower metal layer BML2 may include a plurality of second lower holes BMLH2. For example, the second lower metal layer BML2 may include three second lower holes BMLH2. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the second lower metal layer BML2 may include one second lower hole BMLH2 corresponding to the second transmission portion TA2.

[0447] In the illustrated embodiment, the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd1 of the first lower hole BMLH1 may be different from the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd2 of the second lower hole BMLH2. For example, the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd1 of the first lower hole BMLH1 may be smaller than the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd2 of the second lower hole BMLH2. Therefore, when the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 overlap each other, external light may be prevented or substantially prevented from reaching the auxiliary thin film transistor due to alignment deviation (e.g., alignment deviation between the first lower hole BMLH1 and the second lower hole BMLH2). Alternatively, as another example, the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd1 of the first lower hole BMLH1 may be larger than the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd2 of the second lower hole BMLH2.

[0448] Fig.40 is a schematic layout diagram showing a pixel arrangement structure in a first component area CA1 and a second component area CA2 according to another embodiment. Fig.40 In, with Fig.37 The same reference numerals as those in the drawings denote the same components, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0449] Reference Fig.40 , the first transmission portion TA1 and the first auxiliary sub-pixel Pa1 may be arranged in the first component area CA1. In the first component area CA1, the first basic unit U1 to which a certain number of first pixel groups PG1 and a certain number of first transmission portions TA1 are bound may be repeatedly arranged in the x-direction and the y-direction. For example, in the first basic unit U1, the first pixel group PG1 may be arranged on the upper left side, and three first transmission portions TA1 may be arranged around the first pixel group PG1. In some embodiments, the first pixel group PG1 may be arranged in the upper left quadrant of the first basic unit U1, and the three first transmission portions TA1 may be respectively arranged in the lower left quadrant, the upper right quadrant, and the lower right quadrant of the first basic unit U1, as shown in FIG. Fig.40 as shown in .

[0450] The second transmission portion TA2 and the second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 may be arranged in the second component area CA2. The second auxiliary sub-pixel Pa2 may define a second pixel group PG2. Similar to the first pixel group PG1, the second pixel group PG2 may include eight second auxiliary sub-pixels Pa2 arranged in a pentile structure. In this case, the second pixel group PG2 may be arranged on the upper left side of the second basic unit U2. In some embodiments, the second pixel group PG2 may be arranged in the upper left quadrant of the second basic unit U2, and the three second transmission portions TA2 may be arranged in the lower left quadrant, the upper right quadrant, and the lower right quadrant of the second basic unit U2, respectively, as shown in FIG. Fig.40as shown in .

[0451] Fig.41 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a first state in which a first component area CA1 and a second component area CA2 overlap each other according to another embodiment.

[0452] Reference Fig.41 In the first state where the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 overlap each other, the first auxiliary subpixel Pa1 and the second auxiliary subpixel Pa2 may overlap each other on a plane or in a plan view. Also, the first transmission portion TA1 and the second transmission portion TA2 may overlap each other on a plane or in a plan view.

[0453] In this case, even if the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 overlap each other on a plane or in a plan view, the light transmittance of the component area CA may be maintained.

[0454] Fig.42 1 is a plan view showing shapes of first and second lower metal layers BML1 and BML2 that may be arranged in the first and second component areas CA1 and CA2 according to another embodiment. Fig.42 In, with Fig.39 The same reference numerals as those in the drawings denote the same components, and thus, repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0455] Reference Fig.42 The first lower metal layer BML1 may be arranged to correspond to the first assembly area CA1, and may include a first lower hole BMLH1. The second lower metal layer BML2 may be arranged to correspond to the second assembly area CA2, and may include a second lower hole BMLH2.

[0456] In the illustrated embodiment, the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd1 of the first lower hole BMLH1 may be different from the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd2 of the second lower hole BMLH2. For example, the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd1 of the first lower hole BMLH1 may be smaller than the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd2 of the second lower hole BMLH2. Therefore, when the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 overlap each other, external light may be prevented or substantially prevented from reaching the auxiliary thin film transistor due to alignment deviation (e.g., alignment deviation between the first lower hole BMLH1 and the second lower hole BMLH2). Alternatively, as another example, the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd1 of the first lower hole BMLH1 may be larger than the size (e.g., length or width) BMLHd2 of the second lower hole BMLH2. Hereinafter, a case in which a size (eg, length or width) BMLHd1 of the first lower hole BMLH1 is smaller than a size (eg, length or width) BMLHd2 of the second lower hole BMLH2 may be described in more detail below.

[0457] In the illustrated embodiment, in the first state where the first component area CA1 and the second component area CA2 overlap each other, the shape of the first lower metal layer BML1 and the second lower metal layer BML2 overlapping each other may be the same as the shape of the first lower metal layer BML1. Accordingly, the shape and size of the transmission portion may be defined by the shape and size of the first lower hole BMLH1.

[0458] As described above, according to various embodiments, a foldable display device, a rollable display device, and a display device each having an expanded display area so as to display an image even in an area where components as electronic elements are arranged may be realized.

[0459] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A foldable display device, comprising: A display panel, comprising a front surface and a rear surface opposite to the front surface, wherein the front surface comprises: The first component area includes a first transmission portion, a second component region including a second transmission portion, and a main display area at least partially surrounding the first component area and the second component area, wherein, in a state where the foldable display device is folded about a first folding axis intersecting the main display area so that two areas of the front surface or two areas of the rear surface face each other, the first component area and the second component area overlap each other on a plane, The display panel includes a plurality of main sub-pixels arranged in the main display area, and a plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixels and a plurality of second auxiliary sub-pixels arranged in the first component area and the second component area, respectively. The main display element realizing one of the plurality of main sub-pixels comprises a first pixel electrode, The auxiliary display element realizing one of the plurality of second auxiliary sub-pixels comprises a transparent pixel electrode. Wherein, the first pixel electrode is thicker than the transparent pixel electrode, and Wherein, the first pixel electrode includes a reflective layer.

2. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: In a state where the foldable display device is folded about the first folding axis intersecting the main display area so that two areas of the front surface or two areas of the rear surface face each other, the plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixels overlap with the second transmission portion on a plane, and The plurality of second auxiliary sub-pixels overlap the first transmission portion in a plane.

3. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The front surface further includes a third component area at least partially surrounded by the main display area, the third component area including a third transmission portion, and Wherein, when the foldable display device is folded around the first folding axis and a second folding axis intersecting the main display area, the first component area, the second component area and the third component area overlap each other on a plane.

4. The foldable display device according to claim 3, wherein: The display panel further includes: a plurality of third auxiliary sub-pixels arranged in the third component area, Wherein, when the foldable display device is folded around the first folding axis and the second folding axis, the plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixels overlap with the second transmission portion on a plane, The plurality of second auxiliary sub-pixels overlap the third transmission portion in a plane, and The plurality of third auxiliary sub-pixels overlap the first transmission portion in a plane.

5. The foldable display device according to claim 3, wherein: The display panel comprises: a plurality of third auxiliary sub-pixels arranged in the third component area, In which, when the foldable display device is folded around the first folding axis and the second folding axis, one of the plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixels, the plurality of second auxiliary sub-pixels and the plurality of third auxiliary sub-pixels overlaps with another of the plurality of first auxiliary sub-pixels, the plurality of second auxiliary sub-pixels and the plurality of third auxiliary sub-pixels on a plane.

6. The foldable display device according to claim 3, wherein: The display panel further includes a lower metal layer, Wherein, the lower metal layer comprises: a first lower hole, defining the first transmission portion; A second lower hole, defining the second transmission portion; and a third lower hole, defining the third transmission portion, and Wherein, one of the first lower hole, the second lower hole and the third lower hole is different in size from another one of the first lower hole, the second lower hole and the third lower hole.

7. The foldable display device according to claim 3, wherein: The foldable display device is to be folded about one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis so that the two areas of the front surface face each other, and The foldable display device is to be folded about the other of the first folding axis and the second folding axis so that the two areas of the rear surface face each other.

8. The foldable display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a dummy pixel circuit connected to the auxiliary display element to implement one of the plurality of second auxiliary sub-pixels, the dummy pixel circuit comprising a dummy thin film transistor; as well as A transparent wiring connects the auxiliary display element to the dummy thin film transistor, Wherein, the dummy thin film transistor is separated from the second component area.

9. The foldable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display panel further includes a substrate and a display layer arranged on a first surface of the substrate, and The foldable display device further includes a component arranged on a second surface of the substrate, and the second surface of the substrate is opposite to the first surface of the substrate.

10. The foldable display device according to claim 9, wherein: The substrate includes a through hole overlapping the first component area.

11. The foldable display device according to claim 9, wherein: The display panel further includes a panel protection member disposed on the second surface of the substrate, and Wherein, the foldable display device further includes: a lower packaging member, the lower packaging member being arranged below the panel protection member, wherein the component is attached to the lower package.

12. The foldable display device according to claim 9, wherein: The component is attached to the display panel.

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