Display device and display panel

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to a display panel and a display device. Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a display panel with an optical region included in a display region displaying an image and capable of transmitting light, and a normal region included in the display region and located outside the optical region. The liquid crystal layer may be disposed in the optical region and the normal region. The display panel may include a first color filter disposed in the normal area and a second color filter disposed in the optical area. In this case, a height of the first color filter is configured to be greater than a height of the second color filter, so that a normal display operation can be performed in an optical area overlapping the optical electronic device.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0144047 filed on October 25, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display panel and a display device. Background Art

[0004] With the advancement of technology, in addition to the image display function, the display device can also provide a shooting function and various sensing functions. Therefore, the display device needs to be equipped with electronic devices such as a camera and a detection sensor (also referred to as a light receiving device or sensor).

[0005] Since the electronic device can receive light from the front of the display device, it is necessary to install the electronic device in a position that is conducive to light reception. Therefore, the camera (i.e., the camera lens) and the detection sensor must be installed to be exposed to the front of the display device. As a result, the frame of the display device may become larger, or the camera or the detection sensor may be installed in a notch or physical hole formed in the display area of ​​the display panel.

[0006] Therefore, when the display device is equipped with electronic devices such as a camera and a detection sensor that receive light from the front and perform specific functions, a bezel on the front of the display device may become larger or there may be limitations in the front design of the display device.

[0007] In addition, in the case where the display device includes an electronic device, unexpected image quality degradation may occur depending on a structure for providing the electronic device. Summary of the invention

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a display panel and a display device having a light-transmitting structure, which allow an electronic device to normally receive light (eg, visible light, infrared light, or ultraviolet light, etc.) without exposing the electronic device receiving light to the front.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a display panel and a display device capable of performing normal display driving in an optical region that is included in a display region of the display panel and overlaps an optical electronic device.

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a display panel and a display device capable of reducing a non-display area of ​​a display panel by providing optical electronic devices such as a camera and a detection sensor under a display area of ​​the display panel without exposing the optical electronic devices on the front side of the display device.

[0011] An embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a display panel, comprising: a plurality of sub-pixels for image display, arranged in a normal area and an optical area of ​​the display panel; a first color filter, arranged in the normal area; a second color filter, arranged in the optical area; and a liquid crystal layer, overlapping the first color filter and the second color filter, wherein the thickness of the first color filter is greater than the thickness of the second color filter.

[0012] An embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a display device, comprising: a liquid crystal display panel, comprising a first color filter arranged in a normal area and a second color filter arranged in an optical area; and an optical electronic device, arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal display panel in an area corresponding to the optical area of ​​the liquid crystal display panel, wherein the optical electronic device receives light from the front side of the liquid crystal display panel and is not exposed to the front side of the liquid crystal display panel, wherein the thickness of the first color filter is greater than the thickness of the second color filter.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display panel and a display device having a light-transmitting structure can be provided, which allow an electronic device to normally receive light (eg, visible light, infrared light, or ultraviolet light, etc.) without exposing the electronic device receiving light to the front.

[0014] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a display panel and a display device having no resolution difference between an optical area and a normal area can be provided.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display panel and a display device capable of performing normal display driving in an optical region that is included in a display region of the display panel and overlaps with an optical electronic device may be provided.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display panel and a display device can be provided, which can reduce the non-display area of ​​the display panel by providing optical electronic devices such as a camera and a detection sensor under the display area of ​​the display panel without exposing the optical electronic devices on the front side of the display device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1A , 1B 1C and 1C show a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 A system configuration diagram of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 3 A portion of a display area of ​​a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Magnified view of region X in FIG.

[0021] Figure 5 It is schematically shown Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the structure of the color filter substrate in the normal area and the first optical area.

[0022] Figure 6 A portion of a normal area and a first optical area in a display area of ​​a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Magnified view of area Y.

[0024] Figure 8 It is schematically shown Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the structure of the color filter substrate in the normal area and the first optical area.

[0025] Fig. 9 The overall structure of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0026] Fig.10 and 11 is along Figure 1A A cross-sectional view taken along line AB. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When specifying reference numerals for the components of each of the accompanying drawings, even if the same components are shown on different accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals may be specified for the same components. When it is determined that the subject matter of the present disclosure is unclear, the details of known technologies or functions may be skipped. As used herein, when a component "includes", "has" or "consists of" another component, the component may add other components unless the component "only" includes, has or consists of another component. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "said" and "the" are intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] Marks such as "first", "second", "A", "B", "(a)", and "(b)" may be used to describe components of the present disclosure. These marks are provided only to distinguish one component from another, and the nature, order, or number of the components is not limited by the marks.

[0029] When describing the positional relationship between components, when two or more components are described as being "connected," "coupled," or "linked," the two or more components may be directly "connected," "coupled," or "linked," or another component may be interposed between the two or more components. Here, the other component may be included in one or more of the two or more components that are "connected," "coupled," or "linked" to each other.

[0030] When terms such as "after", "next", "after" and "before" are used to describe a time-flow relationship related to components, operating methods and manufacturing methods, it may include a non-sequential relationship unless the term "immediately" or "directly" is used.

[0031] When a component is assigned a value or its corresponding information (eg, a level), the value or corresponding information may be interpreted as including tolerances that may occur due to various factors (eg, process factors, internal or external influences, or noise).

[0032] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1A , 1B 1C and 1C show a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] refer to Figure 1A , 1B 1C, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display panel 110 for displaying an image and one or more electronic devices 11 and 12.

[0035] The display panel 110 may include a display area DA where an image is displayed and a non-display area NDA where an image is not displayed.

[0036] A plurality of sub-pixels and a plurality of signal lines for driving the plurality of sub-pixels may be disposed in the display area DA.

[0037] The non-display area NDA may be an area outside the display area DA. Various signal lines may be provided in the non-display area NDA, and various driving circuits may be connected to the various signal lines. The non-display area NDA may be curved so that it is not visible from the front or may be blocked by a housing (not shown). The non-display area NDA may also be referred to as a frame or a frame area.

[0038] refer to Figure 1A , 1Band 1C, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more electronic devices 11 and 12 may be separately arranged and installed from the display panel 110, and may be electronic components located at the lower portion of the display panel 110 (ie, opposite to the viewing surface).

[0039] Light may enter the front side (i.e., viewing side) of the display panel 110, pass through the display panel 110, and may be transmitted to one or more electronic devices 11 and 12 located below (i.e., opposite to the viewing surface) the display panel 110. For example, the light passing through the display panel 110 may include visible light, infrared light, or ultraviolet light.

[0040] The one or more electronic devices 11 and 12 may be devices that receive light that passes through the display panel 110 and perform a predetermined operation using the received light. For example, the one or more electronic devices 11 and 12 may include one or more of a photographing device such as a camera (i.e., an image sensor), a detection sensor such as a proximity sensor, and an illumination sensor. Here, for example, the detection sensor may be an infrared sensor.

[0041] refer to Figure 1A , 1B In the display panel 110 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the display area DA may include a normal area NA and one or more optical areas OA1 and OA2. The one or more optical areas OA1 and OA2 may be areas overlapping with the one or more electronic devices 11 and 12.

[0042] according to Figure 1A In an example of FIG. 1 , the display area DA may include a normal area NA and a first optical area OA1 . Here, at least a portion of the first optical area OA1 may overlap with the first electronic device 11 .

[0043] according to Figure 1B In the example of FIG. 1 , the display area DA may include a normal area NA, a first optical area OA1, and a second optical area OA2. Figure 1B In the example of , the normal area NA may exist between the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2. Here, at least a portion of the first optical area OA1 may overlap with the first electronic device 11, and at least a portion of the second optical area OA2 may overlap with the second electronic device 12.

[0044] according to Figure 1C In the example of FIG. 1 , the display area DA may include a normal area NA, a first optical area OA1, and a second optical area OA2. Figure 1CIn the example of , there is no normal area NA between the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2. That is, the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2 may contact each other. Here, at least a portion of the first optical area OA1 may overlap with the first electronic device 11, and at least a portion of the second optical area OA2 may overlap with the second electronic device 12.

[0045] One or more optical areas OA1 and OA2 need to include both an image display structure and a light-transmitting structure. That is, since one or more optical areas OA1 and OA2 are part of the display area DA, a light-emitting area of ​​a sub-pixel for image display needs to be provided in one or more optical areas OA1 and OA2. In addition, a light-transmitting structure needs to be formed in one or more optical areas OA1 and OA2 to transmit light to one or more electronic devices 11 and 12.

[0046] One or more electronic devices 11 and 12 are devices that require optical reception and may be located behind the display panel 110 (i.e., below or opposite to the viewing surface) and receive light that passes through the display panel 110. One or more electronic devices 11 and 12 may not be exposed to the front side (i.e., viewing side) of the display panel 110. Therefore, when the user views the front side of the display device 110, the electronic devices 11 and 12 may not be visible to the user.

[0047] For example, the first electronic device 11 may be a camera, and the second electronic device 12 may be a detection sensor such as a proximity sensor or an illumination sensor. For example, the detection sensor may be an infrared sensor for detecting infrared rays. Alternatively, the first electronic device 11 may be a detection sensor, and the second electronic device 12 may be a camera.

[0048] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a case where the first electronic device 11 is a camera and the second electronic device 12 is an infrared-based detection sensor is exemplified. Here, the camera may be a camera lens or an image sensor.

[0049] In the case where the first electronic device 11 is a camera, the camera may be located behind (i.e., below) the display panel 110, but may be a front camera for photographing the front direction of the display panel 110. Therefore, the user can view the viewing surface of the display panel 110 and take a picture or a selfie using the camera that is not visible from the viewing surface.

[0050] The normal area NA and the one or more optical areas OA1 and OA2 may be areas capable of displaying an image. However, the normal area NA may be an area where a light-transmitting structure does not need to be formed, and the one or more optical areas OA1 and OA2 may be an area where a light-transmitting structure needs to be formed.

[0051] Therefore, one or more of the optical areas OA1 and OA2 need to have transmittance higher than a certain level, and the normal area NA may have no light transmittance or may have a low transmittance lower than a certain level.

[0052] For example, one or more optical areas OA1 and OA2 and the normal area NA may have different resolutions, sub-pixel arrangement structures, the number of sub-pixels per unit area, electrode structures, line structures, electrode arrangement structures or line arrangement structures, etc.

[0053] For example, the number of sub-pixels per unit area in one or more optical areas OA1 and OA2 may be smaller than the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the normal area NA. That is, the resolution of one or more optical areas OA1 and OA2 may be lower than the resolution of the normal area NA. Here, the number of sub-pixels per unit area may mean the same as resolution, pixel density, or pixel integration. For example, the unit of the number of sub-pixels per unit area may be PPI (pixels per inch), which indicates the number of pixels in 1 inch.

[0054] For example, the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the first optical area OA1 may be smaller than the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the normal area NA. The number of sub-pixels per unit area in the second optical area OA2 may be greater than or equal to the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the first optical area OA1, and may be smaller than the number of sub-pixels per unit area in the normal area NA.

[0055] Meanwhile, as a method of increasing the transmittance of at least one of the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2, the differential pixel density design method as described above may be applied. According to the differential pixel density design method, the display panel 110 may be designed such that the number of sub-pixels per unit area of ​​at least one of the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2 is smaller than the number of sub-pixels per unit area of ​​the normal area NA.

[0056] However, in some cases, as another method of increasing the transmittance of at least one of the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2, a differential pixel size design method may be applied. According to the differential pixel size design method, the display panel 110 may be designed so that the number of sub-pixels per unit area of ​​at least one of the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2 is the same as or similar to the number of sub-pixels per unit area of ​​the normal area NA, but the size of each sub-pixel SP (i.e., the size of the light emitting area) disposed in at least one of the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2 is smaller than the size of each sub-pixel SP (i.e., the size of the light emitting area) disposed in the normal area NA.

[0057] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, in two methods (i.e., the differential pixel density design method and the differential pixel size design method), a case where the differential pixel density design method is applied to increase the transmittance of at least one of the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2 will be exemplified. Therefore, hereinafter, a small number of sub-pixels per unit area may correspond to a small sub-pixel size, and a large number of sub-pixels per unit area may correspond to a large sub-pixel size.

[0058] The first optical area OA1 may have various shapes, such as a circle, an ellipse, a square, a hexagon, or an octagon. The second optical area OA2 may have various shapes, such as a circle, an ellipse, a square, a hexagon, or an octagon. The first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2 may have the same shape or different shapes.

[0059] refer to Figure 1C In the case where the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2 are in contact, the entire optical area including the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2 may also have various shapes, such as a circle, an ellipse, a square, a hexagon, or an octagon. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a case where each of the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2 has a circular shape will be exemplified.

[0060] In the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the first electronic device 11 that is not exposed to the outside and hidden at the bottom of the display panel 100 is a camera, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be called a display device applying UDC (Under Display Camera) technology.

[0061] Therefore, in the display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is not necessary to form a notch or a camera hole for exposing a camera in the display panel 110, so that the area of ​​the display area DA is not reduced. Therefore, the size of the frame area can be reduced, the design restrictions can be eliminated, and the degree of freedom of design can be increased.

[0062] In the display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, although the one or more electronic devices 11 and 12 are hidden behind the display panel 110 , it is necessary that the one or more electronic devices 11 and 12 can normally receive light and normally perform their designated functions.

[0063] In addition, in the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, although one or more electronic devices 11 and 12 are hidden behind the display panel 110 and overlap with the display area DA, a normal image display function can be achieved in one or more optical areas OA1 and OA2 overlapping with the one or more electronic devices 11 and 12 in the display area DA.

[0064] Since the above-mentioned first optical area OA1 is designed as a transmission area, the image display characteristics in the first optical area OA1 may be different from the image display characteristics in the normal area NA.

[0065] In addition, when the first optical area OA1 is designed to improve image display characteristics, there may be a possibility that the transmittance of the first optical area OA1 is reduced.

[0066] Therefore, the embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a structure of the first optical region OA1 capable of preventing image quality deviation between the first optical region OA1 and the normal area NA and improving transmittance in the first optical region OA1 .

[0067] In addition, the embodiment of the present disclosure may provide the second optical area OA2 with a structure of the second optical area OA2 capable of improving image quality in the second optical area OA2 and improving transmittance in the second optical area OA2 in addition to the first optical area OA1.

[0068] In addition, in the display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first optical area OA1 and the second optical area OA2 are similar in that they are light-transmitting areas, but their use examples may be different. Therefore, in the display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the structure of the first optical area OA1 and the structure of the second optical area OA2 may be designed differently.

[0069] Figure 2 A system configuration diagram of a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0070] refer to Figure 2 , the display device 100 may include a display panel 110 and a display driving circuit as components for displaying an image.

[0071] The display driving circuit may be a circuit for driving the display panel 110 , and may include a data driving circuit 220 , a gate driving circuit 230 , and a display controller 240 .

[0072] The display panel 110 may include a display area DA for displaying an image and a non-display area NDA where no image is displayed. The non-display area NDA may be an area outside the display area DA and may also be referred to as a bezel area. All or part of the non-display area NDA may be an area visible from the front of the display device 100, or may be an area that is curved and not visible from the front of the display device 100.

[0073] The display panel 110 may include a substrate SUB and a plurality of sub-pixels SP disposed on the substrate SUB. In addition, the display panel 110 may further include various types of signal lines to drive the plurality of sub-pixels SP.

[0074] The display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a liquid crystal display device.

[0075] Various types of signal lines included in the display device 100 may include a plurality of data lines DL transmitting data signals (also referred to as data voltages or image signals) and a plurality of gate lines GL transmitting gate signals (also referred to as scan signals).

[0076] A plurality of data lines DL and a plurality of gate lines GL may cross each other. Each of the plurality of data lines DL may be arranged to extend in a first direction. Each of the plurality of gate lines GL may be arranged to extend in a second direction. Here, the first direction may be a column direction, and the second direction may be a row direction. Alternatively, the first direction may be a row direction, and the second direction may be a column direction.

[0077] The data driving circuit 220 is a circuit for driving a plurality of data lines DL and may output data signals to the plurality of data lines DL. The gate driving circuit 230 is a circuit for driving a plurality of gate lines GL and may output gate signals to the plurality of gate lines GL.

[0078] The display controller 240 may be a device for controlling the data driving circuit 220 and the gate driving circuit 230 , and may control driving timings of the plurality of data lines DL and driving timings of the plurality of gate lines GL.

[0079] The display controller 240 may provide a data driving control signal DCS to the data driving circuit 220 to control the data driving circuit 220 , and may provide a gate driving control signal GCS to the gate driving circuit 230 to control the gate driving circuit 230 .

[0080] The display controller 240 may receive input image data from the host system 250 and provide image data to the data driving circuit 220 based on the input image data.

[0081] The data driving circuit 220 may receive image data in a digital form from the display controller 240 and convert the received image data into analog data signals to output to the plurality of data lines DL.

[0082] The gate driving circuit 230 may receive a first gate voltage corresponding to an on-level voltage and a second gate voltage corresponding to an off-level voltage and various gate driving control signals GCS, and may generate and provide gate signals to a plurality of gate lines GL.

[0083] For example, the data driving circuit 220 can be connected to the display panel 110 using a tape automated bonding (TAB) method, or can be connected to a bonding pad of the display panel 110 using a chip on glass (COG) or chip on panel (COP) method, or can be implemented and connected to the display panel 110 using a chip on film (COF) method.

[0084] The gate drive circuit 230 may be connected to the display panel 110 using a tape automated bonding (TAB) method, or may be connected to a bonding pad of the display panel 110 using a chip on glass (COG) or a chip on panel (COP) method, or may be implemented and connected to the display panel 110 using a chip on film (COF) method. Alternatively, the gate drive circuit 230 may be a gate in panel (GIP) type, and may be formed in a non-display area NDA of the display panel 110. The gate drive circuit 230 may be disposed on or connected to a substrate. That is, if the gate drive circuit 230 is a GIP type, the gate drive circuit 230 may be disposed in a non-display area NDA of the substrate. If the gate drive circuit 230 is a chip on glass (COG) type, a chip on film (COF) type, etc., the gate drive circuit 230 may be connected to a substrate.

[0085] Meanwhile, at least one of the data driving circuit 220 and the gate driving circuit 230 may be disposed in the display area DA of the display panel 110. For example, at least one of the data driving circuit 220 and the gate driving circuit 230 may be arranged not to overlap with the sub-pixel SP, or may be arranged to partially or entirely overlap with the sub-pixel SP.

[0086] The data driving circuit 220 may be connected to one side (e.g., the upper side or the lower side) of the display panel 110. The data driving circuit 220 may be connected to both sides (e.g., the upper side and the lower side) of the display panel 110, or may be connected to two or more sides of the four sides of the display panel 110, depending on a driving method, a panel design method, etc.

[0087] The gate driving circuit 230 may be connected to one side (e.g., the left side or the right side) of the display panel 110. The gate driving circuit 230 may be connected to both sides (e.g., the left side and the right side) of the display panel 110, or may be connected to two or more sides of the four sides of the display panel 110, depending on a driving method, a panel design method, etc.

[0088] The display controller 240 may be implemented as a separate component from the data driving circuit 220 , or may be integrated with the data driving circuit 220 and implemented as an integrated circuit.

[0089] The display controller 240 may be a timing controller used in typical display technologies, or may be a control device that can further perform other control functions including the timing controller, or may be a device different from the timing controller, or may be a control device other than the timing controller, or may be a circuit within the control device. The display controller 240 may be implemented with various circuits or electronic components, such as an integrated circuit (IC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a processor.

[0090] The display controller 240 may be mounted on a printed circuit board, a flexible printed circuit, or the like, and may be electrically connected to the data driving circuit 220 and the gate driving circuit 230 through the printed circuit board, the flexible printed circuit, or the like.

[0091] The display controller 240 may receive and transmit signals from and to the data driving circuit 220 according to one or more predetermined interfaces. For example, the interface may include a low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) interface, an embedded clock point-to-point interface (EPI) interface, or a serial peripheral interface (SPI).

[0092] In order to provide not only an image display function but also a touch sensing function, the display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a touch sensor and a touch sensing circuit, which is used to detect whether a touch object such as a finger or a pen is touched or detect a touch position by sensing the touch sensor.

[0093] The touch sensing circuit may include a touch driving circuit 260 for driving and sensing the touch sensor to generate and output touch sensing data, and a touch controller 270 for detecting whether a touch occurs or detecting a touch position using the touch sensing data.

[0094] The touch sensor may include a plurality of touch electrodes. The touch sensor may also include a plurality of touch lines to electrically connect the plurality of touch electrodes with the touch driving circuit 260.

[0095] The touch sensor may exist outside the display panel 110 in the form of a touch panel, or may exist inside the display panel 110. If the touch sensor exists outside the display panel 110 in the form of a touch panel, the touch sensor may be referred to as an external type. If the touch sensor is an external type, the touch panel and the display panel 110 may be manufactured separately and combined during the assembly process. The external touch panel may include a touch panel substrate and a plurality of touch electrodes on the touch panel substrate.

[0096] If the touch sensor exists inside the display panel 110 , the touch sensor may be formed on the substrate SUB together with signal lines and electrodes related to display driving during a manufacturing process of the display panel 110 .

[0097] The touch driving circuit 260 may provide a touch driving signal to at least one of the plurality of touch electrodes and generate touch sensing data by sensing at least one of the plurality of touch electrodes.

[0098] The touch sensing circuit may perform touch sensing using a self-capacitance sensing method or a mutual-capacitance sensing method.

[0099] The touch driving circuit 260 and the touch controller 270 included in the touch sensing circuit may be implemented as separate devices or one device. In addition, the touch driving circuit 260 and the data driving circuit 220 may be implemented as separate devices or one device.

[0100] The display device 100 may further include a power supply circuit that supplies various types of power to the display driving circuit and / or the touch sensing circuit.

[0101] The display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a mobile terminal such as a smart phone or a tablet, or monitors or televisions of various sizes, but is not limited thereto, and may be displays of various types and sizes capable of displaying information or images.

[0102] As described above, in the display panel 110, the display area DA may include a normal area NA and one or more optical areas OA1 and OA2. The normal area NA and the one or more optical areas OA1 and OA2 may be areas where an image can be displayed. However, the normal area NA is an area where a light-transmitting structure does not need to be formed, and the one or more optical areas OA1 and OA2 are areas where a light-transmitting structure needs to be formed.

[0103] As described above, the display area DA in the display panel 110 may include one or more optical areas OA1 and OA2 and the normal area NA. However, for convenience of explanation, a case where the display area DA includes the first optical area OA1 will be exemplified.

[0104] Figure 3 A portion of a display area DA of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0105] refer to Figure 3 , the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may be disposed in the display area DA of the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] Each of the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may include a plurality of sub-pixels SP. Each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP included in the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may include one light emission area or one light emitting area.

[0107] The light emitting region may be a region emitting light of at least one color of red, green, and blue, however, the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0108] The remaining area except the light emitting area may be an area overlapped with the black matrix 520 .

[0109] The red color filter may be disposed in a region emitting red light, the green color filter may be disposed in a region emitting green light, and the blue color filter may be disposed in a region emitting blue light.

[0110] refer to Figure 3 , the sizes of the red light emitting areas in the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may be the same, the sizes of the green light emitting areas in the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may be the same, and the sizes of the blue light emitting areas in the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may be the same. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and in some cases, the sizes of the red light emitting areas in the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may be different from each other, or the sizes of the green light emitting areas in the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may be different from each other, or the sizes of the blue light emitting areas in the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may be different from each other.

[0111] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 4 and 5 A structure of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail.

[0112] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Magnified view of region X in FIG. Figure 5 It is schematically shown Figure 3 sectional view of the structure of the color filter substrate in the normal area and the first optical area OA1.

[0113] refer to Figure 4, the size of each sub-pixel SP disposed in the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may be the same. The sub-pixel SP may be a region defined by the intersection of the gate line 310 and the data line 320.

[0114] refer to Figure 4 , each subpixel included in the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may include a plurality of gate lines 310, a gate electrode 315 protruding from the gate line 310, a data line 320, a source electrode 335 protruding from the data line 320, a drain electrode 330 spaced apart from the source electrode 335, an active layer 340, and a pixel electrode 350.

[0115] The pixel electrode 350 disposed in each sub-pixel may be electrically connected to the drain electrode 330 .

[0116] Each sub-pixel may include a color filter overlapping at least a portion of the pixel electrode 350. One pixel electrode 350 may overlap one color filter.

[0117] The light emitting region of the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may be a region where the pixel electrode 350 disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP overlaps the color filter and may be a region that emits light of a specific color.

[0118] The thickness of the color filter disposed in the normal area NA may be different from the thickness of the color filter disposed in the first optical area OA1. For example, the thickness of the color filter disposed in the normal area NA may be thicker or larger than the thickness of the color filter disposed in the first optical area OA1.

[0119] Therefore, the transmittance of the plurality of sub-pixels disposed in the first optical area OA1 may be higher than the transmittance of the plurality of sub-pixels disposed in the normal area NA.

[0120] In addition, the color coordinates of the light emitted from the first optical area OA1 and the color coordinates of the light emitted from the normal area NA may be different. However, the color coordinate characteristics of the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the color coordinates of the light emitted from the first optical area OA1 and the color coordinates of the light emitted from the normal area NA may be the same.

[0121] refer to Figure 5 , a black matrix 520, a compensation layer 530, a first color filter 540, and a second color filter 550 may be disposed on a color filter substrate 510. Here, the color filter substrate is also referred to as a color filter array substrate or substrate.

[0122] Specifically, refer to Figure 5 , a black matrix 520 including a plurality of openings may be disposed on the color filter substrate 510 in the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1.

[0123] refer to Figure 5 , in the normal area NA, a plurality of first color filters 540 may be disposed on the color filter substrate 510 on which the black matrix 520 is disposed.

[0124] The black matrix 520 may be disposed between color filters of different colors.

[0125] refer to Figure 5 , the plurality of first color filters 540 may include a first red color filter 541 , a first green color filter 542 , and a first blue color filter 543 .

[0126] In the normal area NA, the area emitting red light may be the area overlapping with the first red filter 541 , the area emitting green light may be the area overlapping with the first green filter 542 , and the area emitting blue light may be the area overlapping with the first blue filter 543 .

[0127] refer to Figure 5 , in the first optical area OA1 , the compensation layer 530 may be disposed on the color filter substrate 510 on which the black matrix 520 is disposed.

[0128] The compensation layer 530 may include a transparent organic insulating material. Figure 4 In the embodiment, a planarization layer may be disposed on the thin film transistor array substrate on which the gate electrode 315, the active layer 340, the source electrode 335, and the drain electrode 330 are disposed to planarize the surface of the substrate. In addition, the compensation layer 530 may include the same material as that of the planarization layer disposed on the gate electrode 315, the active layer 340, the source electrode 335, and the drain electrode 330, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0129] It is sufficient that the compensation layer 530 is made of an insulating material that does not reduce the transparency of the display panel in the light emitting area.

[0130] Here, the first height H1 of the compensation layer 530 may be lower than the second height H2 of the first color filter 540 disposed in the normal area NA. Therefore, at a boundary between the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1, one or more steps may be provided between the first color filter 540 disposed in the normal area NA and the compensation layer 530 disposed in the first optical area OA1.

[0131] A plurality of second color filters 550 may be disposed on the compensation layer 530 .

[0132] The second color filter 550 may include a second red color filter 551 , a second green color filter 552 , and a second blue color filter 553 .

[0133] In the first optical area OA1 , the region emitting red light may overlap with the second red filter 551 , the region emitting green light may overlap with the second green filter 552 , and the region emitting blue light may overlap with the second blue filter 553 .

[0134] The third height H3 of the second color filter 550 may be lower than the second height H2 of the first color filter 540 .

[0135] In addition, the sum of the first height H1 of the compensation layer 530 and the third height H3 of the second color filter 550 may be equal to the second height H2 of the first color filter 540 .

[0136] refer to Figure 5 The structure of the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the sum of the first height H1 of the compensation layer 530 and the third height H3 of the second color filter 550 is equal to the second height H2 of the first color filter 540, so that at the boundary between the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1, the first color filter 540 disposed in the normal area NA and the second color filter 550 disposed in the first optical area OA1 may be flat without any steps.

[0137] However, the structure of the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the sum of the first height H1 of the compensation layer 530 and the third height H3 of the second color filter 550 may be greater than or less than the second height H2 of the first color filter 540. In this manner, the transmittance of the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may be adjusted by adjusting the heights of the compensation layer 530, the first color filter 540, and the second color filter 550.

[0138] Here, each of the first height H1 of the compensation layer 530 , the second height H2 of the first color filter 540 , and the third height H3 of the second color filter 550 may refer to the shortest length in the same direction as the direction in which the black matrix 520 is stacked on the color filter substrate 510 .

[0139] The first color filter 540 and the second color filter 550 may transmit light of a specific wavelength and absorb light of other wavelengths, and if the thickness thereof is large, may lower or reduce the transmittance of light generated from the liquid crystal layer.

[0140] A compensation layer 530 made of a transparent organic material is disposed in the light emitting region of the first optical area OA1 where the optical electronic device is disposed, and a second color filter 550 thinner than the first color filter 540 is disposed on the compensation layer 530, so that the light emitting region of each sub-pixel can emit red light, green light, or blue light while maintaining the transmittance in the first optical area OA1.

[0141] That is, the transmittance may be ensured without reducing the area of ​​the light emitting region of the first optical region OA1.

[0142] refer to Figures 6 to 8 , a normal region and a first optical region according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0143] Figure 6 A portion of a normal area and a first optical area in a display area of ​​a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Magnified view of area Y. Figure 8 It is schematically shown Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the structure of the color filter substrate in the normal area and the first optical area.

[0144] First, refer to Figure 6 and 7 , a normal area NA and a first optical area OA1 may be provided in the display area DA of the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0145] Each of the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a sub-pixel SP having a light emitting area.

[0146] Each of the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may include a plurality of sub-pixels SP. Each of the sub-pixels SP included in the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may include one light emitting area.

[0147] refer to Figure 6 and 7 , in an area overlapping with the pixel electrode in each sub-pixel and not overlapping with the black matrix, light of at least one color of red R, green G, and blue B can be emitted.

[0148] The light emitting region of the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may be a region where the pixel electrode 350 disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixels SP overlaps the color filter and may be a region that emits light of a specific color.

[0149] The thickness of the color filter disposed in the normal area NA may be different from the thickness of the color filter disposed in the first optical area OA1. Meanwhile, the thicknesses of at least two color filters among the plurality of color filters disposed in the first optical area OA1 may be different.

[0150] Therefore, transmittances of the normal area NA and the light emitting area of ​​the first optical area OA1 may be different, and transmittances of at least two light emitting areas among the light emitting areas provided in the first optical area OA1 may be different from each other.

[0151] In addition, the color coordinates of the light emitted from the first optical area OA1 may be different from the color coordinates of the light emitted from the normal area NA. In addition, the color coordinates of the light emitted from at least two light emitting areas (herein, the two light emitting areas may be referred to as two light emitting areas emitting red light, two light emitting areas emitting green light, or two light emitting areas emitting blue light) among the light emitting areas provided in the first optical area OA1 may be different from each other.

[0152] refer to Figure 8 , a black matrix 520 including a plurality of openings may be disposed on the color filter substrate 510 in the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1.

[0153] refer to Figure 8 , in the normal area NA, a plurality of first color filters 540 may be disposed on the color filter substrate 510 on which the black matrix 520 is disposed.

[0154] Each of the first red color filter 541 , the first green color filter 542 , and the first blue color filter 543 included in the plurality of first color filters 540 may have the same second height H2 .

[0155] refer to Figure 8 , in the first optical area OA1 , the compensation layer 530 may be disposed on the color filter substrate 510 on which the black matrix 520 is disposed.

[0156] refer to Figure 8 , the compensation layer 530 may include a first portion A1 having a first height H1 and a second portion A2 surrounding the first portion A1 and having a height smaller than the first height H1 of the first portion A1.

[0157] The second portion A2 of the compensation layer 530 may be disposed between the first portion A1 of the compensation layer 530 and the first color filter 540 disposed in the normal area NA.

[0158] refer to Figure 8 , the height of the second portion A2 of the compensation layer 530 may decrease or may be smaller as it approaches the normal area NA. On the other hand, the height of the second portion A2 of the compensation layer 530 may increase as it approaches the first portion A1 of the compensation layer 530 .

[0159] The second color filter 550 may be disposed on the compensation layer 530 .

[0160] The second color filter 550 may include a plurality of second red color filters 551 , a plurality of second green color filters 552 , and a plurality of second blue color filters 553 .

[0161] refer to Figure 8, the second color filter 550 disposed on the first portion A1 of the compensation layer 530 may have a third height H3. The second color filter 550 disposed on the second portion A2 of the compensation layer 530 may have a height greater than the third height H3.

[0162] The height or thickness of the second color filter 550 disposed on the second portion A2 of the compensation layer 530 may increase as it approaches the normal area NA. On the other hand, the height or thickness of the second color filter 550 disposed on the second portion A2 of the compensation layer 530 may decrease as it approaches the first portion A1 of the compensation layer 530.

[0163] Therefore, in the first optical region OA1, the transmittance may decrease as it approaches the normal region NA. In addition, in the first optical region OA1, the color coordinates may be more similar to the color coordinates of the normal region NA as it approaches the normal region NA.

[0164] As described above, the height of the second portion A2 of the compensation layer 530 is less than the height of the first portion A1, and the height of the second color filter 550 disposed on the second portion A2 of the compensation layer 530 is greater than the height of the second color filter 550 disposed on the first portion A1 of the compensation layer 530, so that the boundary between the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may be invisible and may look natural when the display device is in the turned-on state.

[0165] Fig. 9 The overall structure of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0166] refer to Fig. 9 The display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a backlight unit and a display panel and an optical electronic device 11 disposed on the backlight unit, the backlight unit including a cover bottom 910 , a light guide plate 911 , and a plurality of optical sheets 912 .

[0167] Specifically, refer to Fig. 9 , a light guide plate 911 may be disposed on the cover bottom 910 . A plurality of optical sheets 912 may be disposed on the light guide plate 911 .

[0168] In addition, the optical electronic device 11 may be disposed in the first optical area OA1 of the display device 100. Fig. 9 As shown, the optical electronic device 11 may be inserted into holes provided in the light guide plate 911 and the plurality of optical sheets 912 .

[0169] refer to Fig. 9, a first polarizer 930 , a thin film transistor array substrate 935 , and a circuit unit 940 including a thin film transistor and a plurality of lines may be disposed on the plurality of optical sheets 912 , and an alignment film 942 may be disposed on the circuit unit 940 .

[0170] In addition, refer to Fig. 9 , the color filter substrate 510 may be disposed to face the thin film transistor array substrate 935 .

[0171] refer to Fig. 9 , the second polarizer 931 may be disposed on the color filter substrate 510 based on a cross section. In addition, the black matrix 520 , the compensation layer 530 , the first color filter 540 , and the second color filter 550 may be disposed on the back side of the color filter substrate 510 .

[0172] In addition, a planarization layer 950 may be disposed on the backside of the first color filter 540 and the second color filter 550. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 9 , however, an additional alignment layer may be provided on the back side of the planarization layer 950 .

[0173] In addition, refer to Fig. 9 , the liquid crystal layer 945 may be inserted between the planarization layer 950 and the alignment layer 942 .

[0174] The liquid crystal layer 945 may be disposed in each of the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1.

[0175] In addition, a spacer 960 for maintaining a cell gap may be disposed in a portion of a region where the black matrix 520 is disposed.

[0176] refer to Fig. 9 The first optical area OA1 provided with the optical electronic device 11 may also be designed to have a light emitting area.

[0177] In addition, the height of the second color filter 550 disposed in the first optical area OA1 is less than the height of the first color filter 540 disposed in the normal area NA, and the compensation layer 530 is disposed on one side of the second color filter 550, so that the effect of improving the transmittance of the first optical area OA1 and achieving the same resolution as the normal area NA can be provided.

[0178] In the case where the area of ​​the light emitting region is reduced and the area of ​​the transmission region is increased to ensure the transmittance of the first optical area OA1 , the resolution of the first optical area OA1 may inevitably be reduced compared with the normal area NA.

[0179] However, the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can improve the transmittance of the light emitting area of ​​the first optical area OA1, so it is not necessary to ensure the transmission area while reducing the area of ​​the light emitting area. Therefore, the resolution of the normal area NA and the resolution of the first optical area OA1 can be the same, so when the display device 100 is in the on state, the visibility deterioration caused by the visible boundary between the first optical area OA1 and the normal area NA can be prevented.

[0180] The backlight unit of the display device 100 may have light sources placed in various positions. In addition, the position of the optical electronic device 11 is not limited to the reference position. Fig. 9 The location of the description.

[0181] Hereinafter, various positions of the backlight unit and the light source of the optical electronic device 11 will be described.

[0182] Fig.10 and 11 is along Figure 1A A cross-sectional view taken along line AB.

[0183] First, refer to Fig.10 , the backlight unit of the display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of light sources 1100 .

[0184] Some of the plurality of light sources 1100 may be disposed on one side of the light guide plate 911. In addition, although not shown in the drawings, an additional reflector may be disposed on the rear surface of the light guide plate 911 in the normal area NA.

[0185] refer to Fig.10 , in a region corresponding to the first optical region OA1 , a plurality of light sources 1100 may be disposed above the cover bottom 910 and below the light guide plate 911 .

[0186] In the normal area NA, light may be provided by the light source 1100 disposed on the first light source circuit board 1101. In addition, in the first optical area OA1, light may be provided by the light source 1100 disposed on the second light source circuit board 1102.

[0187] That is, different light source circuit boards may be used to provide light to the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1, and thus design interference of the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 in the circuit board may be minimized.

[0188] refer to Fig.10 , the optical electronic device 11 may be disposed on the rear side of the light guide plate 911 in the first optical area OA1. Here, the light guide plate 911 and the plurality of optical sheets 912 may not have a hole in a region corresponding to a region where the optical electronic device 11 is disposed.

[0189] In the first optical area OA1 , the plurality of light sources 1100 and the optical electronic device 11 need to be disposed within the cover bottom 910 , and thus a seating portion 910 a of the cover bottom 910 may be provided.

[0190] In the seating portion 910 a of the cover bottom 910 , a plurality of light sources 1100 may be disposed to surround the optical electronic device 11 .

[0191] refer to Fig.10 , the seating portion 910 a of the cover bottom 910 may have a shape protruding more in one direction than the cover bottom 910 disposed in the normal area NA.

[0192] In addition, refer to Fig.11 , multiple light sources 1100 can be arranged on the back side of the light guide plate 911.

[0193] Specifically, refer to Fig.11 , a plurality of light sources 1100 may be disposed on the rear side of the light guide plate 911 in an area corresponding to the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1.

[0194] although Fig.11 An example of a structure having a uniform interval between the plurality of light sources 1100 is illustrated, but the structure of the display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0195] For example, the interval between the light sources 1100 disposed in the normal area NA and the interval between the light sources 1100 disposed in the first optical area OA1 may be different from each other.

[0196] Therefore, the brightness of the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may be adjusted.

[0197] As described above, different light source circuit boards may be used to provide light to the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1, so that the number and position of the light sources 1100 in the normal area NA and the first optical area OA1 may be adjusted, thereby freely adjusting the brightness of each area.

[0198] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a display panel and a display device having no resolution difference between an optical area and a normal area may be provided.

[0199] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display panel and a display device capable of performing normal display driving in an optical region that is included in a display region of the display panel and overlaps with an optical electronic device may be provided.

[0200] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display panel and a display device can be provided, which can reduce the non-display area of ​​the display panel by setting optical electronic devices such as a camera and a detection sensor under the display area of ​​the display panel and not expose the optical electronic devices on the front side of the display device.

[0201] The above description and accompanying drawings provide examples of the technical concept of the present disclosure for illustrative purposes only. Various modifications, additions and substitutions to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown.

Claims

1. A display panel, comprising: A plurality of sub-pixels for image display, arranged in a normal area and an optical area of ​​the display panel; A first color filter is disposed in the normal area; a second color filter disposed in the optical region; as well as a liquid crystal layer overlapping the first color filter and the second color filter, Wherein, the thickness of the first color filter is greater than the thickness of the second color filter.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The transmittance of the optical region is higher than the transmittance of the normal region.

3. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The normal area is disposed to surround the optical area.

4. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The resolution of the normal area is the same as the resolution of the optical area.

5. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: The size of the light emitting area of ​​each sub-pixel disposed in the optical area is the same as the size of the light emitting area of ​​each sub-pixel disposed in the normal area.

6. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of the optical region has a transmittance that decreases as approaching the normal region.

7. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of the second color filter disposed in the optical region has a thickness that increases as approaching the normal region.

8. The display panel according to claim 1, further comprising: a compensation layer overlapping the second color filter in the optical region, Wherein, the compensation layer comprises a transparent organic material.

9. The display panel according to claim 8, wherein: The compensation layer has a first thickness, The first color filter in the normal area has a second thickness, The second color filter in the optical region includes a plurality of color filters, the plurality of color filters having the same third thickness, A sum of the first thickness and the third thickness is equal to the second thickness.

10. The display panel according to claim 8, wherein: The second color filter in the optical region includes a plurality of color filters, at least two color filters of the plurality of color filters having different thicknesses.

11. The display panel according to claim 10, wherein: The compensation layer includes a first portion and a second portion closer to the normal area than the first portion. Wherein, a thickness of the first portion of the compensation layer is greater than a thickness of the second portion of the compensation layer.

12. The display panel according to claim 11, wherein: A thickness of a color filter included in the second color filter overlapping the second portion of the compensation layer is greater than a thickness of a color filter included in the second color filter overlapping the first portion of the compensation layer.

13. The display panel according to claim 11, wherein: The second portion of the compensation layer has a thickness that decreases as approaching the normal region.

14. The display panel according to claim 8, further comprising: A black matrix is ​​provided between sub-pixels for displaying different colors. Wherein, the first color filter, the second color filter, the compensation layer and the black matrix are arranged on the same substrate of the display panel, The compensation layer overlaps with the black matrix in the optical region and is disposed between the black matrix and the second color filter.

15. A display device, comprising: A liquid crystal display panel including a first color filter disposed in a normal area and a second color filter disposed in an optical area; and an optical electronic device disposed on the back side of the liquid crystal display panel in an area corresponding to the optical area of ​​the liquid crystal display panel, wherein the optical electronic device receives light from the front side of the liquid crystal display panel and is not exposed to the front side of the liquid crystal display panel, Wherein, the thickness of the first color filter is greater than the thickness of the second color filter.

16. The display device according to claim 15, further comprising: A plurality of optical sheets disposed on the back of the liquid crystal display panel; and a light guide plate disposed on the back of the plurality of optical sheets, wherein the plurality of optical sheets and the light guide plate are provided with holes in an area corresponding to the optical area, Wherein, at least a portion of the optical electronic device is disposed in the plurality of optical sheets and the hole of the light guide plate.

17. The display device according to claim 15, further comprising: A plurality of optical sheets disposed on the back of the liquid crystal display panel; a light guide plate disposed on the back side of the plurality of optical sheets; and a cover bottom surrounding the plurality of optical sheets and the light guide plate, wherein the cover bottom includes a placement portion, the placement portion being a region protruding in one direction in the optical region than the normal region, Wherein, the optical electronic device is arranged on the placement part.

18. The display device according to claim 15, further comprising: a first light source, configured to provide light to the normal area of ​​the liquid crystal display panel; and The second light source is used to provide light to the optical area of ​​the liquid crystal display panel.

19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein: The first light source and the second light source are arranged on different circuit boards.

20. The display device according to claim 18, wherein: The second light source includes a plurality of light sources arranged around the optical electronic device.

Images