Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes: a first display area including a plurality of first pixel areas; and a second display area including a plurality of second pixel areas and a plurality of light-transmitting areas. Each of the plurality of first pixel regions includes at least one first pixel for displaying an image. Each of the plurality of second pixel regions includes at least one second pixel for displaying an image. The light-transmitting region does not include pixels capable of displaying an image, and has a higher light transmittance than a light transmittance of the second pixel region. In the second display area, at least one of the plurality of light-transmitting areas is located between two second pixel areas adjacent in the first direction, and at least one of the plurality of light-transmitting areas is located between two second pixel areas adjacent in a second direction different from the first direction.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application filed on October 22, 2019, with application number 201911004857.X and titled “Display Device”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a display device. Background Art

[0003] Display devices such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays include a display panel containing a plurality of pixels that display an image. Each pixel includes a pixel electrode to which a data signal is applied, and the pixel electrode is connected to at least one transistor to which the data signal is applied. Recently, various display devices having functions other than image display have been developed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first display area including a plurality of first pixel areas; and a second display area including a plurality of second pixel areas and a plurality of light-transmitting areas. Each of the plurality of first pixel areas includes at least one first pixel capable of displaying an image. Each of the plurality of second pixel areas includes at least one second pixel capable of displaying an image. In the second display area, the light-transmitting area does not include pixels capable of displaying an image and has a light transmittance higher than that of the second pixel area. At least one of the plurality of light-transmitting areas is located between two second pixel areas adjacent in a first direction, and at least one of the plurality of light-transmitting areas is located between two second pixel areas adjacent in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0005] At least one second pixel may include an active pattern, a driving gate electrode, a driving voltage line, a pixel electrode, an emission layer and a common electrode that are electrically connected to each other to display an image, and the light-transmitting area may not include at least a portion of at least one of the active pattern, the driving gate electrode, the driving voltage line, the pixel electrode, the emission layer and the common electrode, so that no image may be displayed in the light-transmitting area.

[0006] In the second display area, each of the plurality of second pixel areas and each of the plurality of light-transmitting areas may be alternately arranged in the first direction and the second direction.

[0007] Each of the plurality of second pixel areas may include first color pixels outputting a first color, second color pixels outputting a second color different from the first color, and third color pixels outputting a third color different from the first and second colors.

[0008] The first color pixel, the second color pixel, and the third color pixel may have the same shape as one another and be arranged in a line in the second pixel region.

[0009] Each second pixel region may include a first color pixel, a second color pixel, and a third color pixel.

[0010] At least two of the first color pixel, the second color pixel, and the third color pixel may have sizes different from each other.

[0011] Each of the plurality of second pixel areas may include only one pixel that outputs one color.

[0012] The structure of each of the multiple first pixel areas may be different from the structure of each of the multiple second pixel areas, or the shape of each of the multiple first pixel areas may be different from the shape of the second pixel areas.

[0013] Each of the plurality of first pixel regions and each of the plurality of second pixel regions may include a first color pixel that outputs a first color, a second color pixel that outputs a second color different from the first color, and a third color pixel that outputs a third color different from the first and second colors. Each of the plurality of first pixel regions may have at least two of the first color pixels, the second color pixels, and the third color pixels that have sizes that are different from each other.

[0014] In the second pixel area, the first color pixel, the second color pixel, and the third color pixel may have the same shape as one another and be arranged in a line.

[0015] A size of the second color pixel in each of the plurality of first pixel areas and a size of the second color pixel in each of the plurality of second pixel areas may be different from each other.

[0016] In each of the multiple second pixel areas, the first color pixel, the second color pixel, and the third color pixel may respectively include transistors, and in each of the multiple second pixel areas, a channel length of a channel region of the transistor included in the second color pixel may be shorter than a channel length of a channel region of the transistor included in the first color pixel or the third color pixel.

[0017] In each of the multiple second pixel areas, each of the first color pixel, the second color pixel, and the third color pixel may include a transistor, and in the second pixel area, a channel width of a channel region of the transistor included in the second color pixel may be greater than a channel width of a channel region of the transistor included in the first color pixel or the third color pixel.

[0018] The first pixel and the second pixel may include transistors, respectively, and a channel length of a channel region of the transistor included in the second pixel may be shorter than a channel length of a channel region of the transistor included in the first pixel.

[0019] The first pixel and the second pixel may include transistors, respectively, and a channel width of a channel region of the transistor included in the second pixel may be greater than a channel width of a channel region of the transistor included in the first pixel.

[0020] A display device according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a first display area including a plurality of first pixel areas; and a second display area including a plurality of second pixel areas and a plurality of light-transmitting areas. Each of the plurality of first pixel areas includes at least one first pixel for displaying an image. Each of the plurality of second pixel areas includes at least one second pixel for displaying an image, and the light-transmitting area does not include pixels capable of displaying an image and has a light transmittance higher than that of the second pixel area. The structure of each of the plurality of first pixel areas is different from the structure of each of the plurality of second pixel areas, or the shape of each of the plurality of first pixel areas is different from the shape of each of the plurality of second pixel areas.

[0021] A display device according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a first display area including a plurality of first pixel areas; and a second display area including a plurality of second pixel areas and a plurality of light-transmitting areas. Each of the plurality of first pixel areas includes at least one first pixel for displaying an image. Each of the plurality of second pixel areas includes at least one second pixel for displaying an image. The light-transmitting area does not include pixels capable of displaying an image and has a light transmittance higher than that of the second pixel area, including the plurality of first pixels in the first pixel area arranged in a row direction. The plurality of second pixel areas form a plurality of first columns. The plurality of light-transmitting areas form a plurality of second columns. The plurality of first columns and the plurality of second columns are arranged alternately in the first direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Features will become apparent to those skilled in the art by describing in detail exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 shows a schematic layout diagram illustrating a display area of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0024] Figure 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0025] Figures 5 to 12 1 and 2 respectively show layout diagrams of a display area of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0026] Figures 13 to 20 1 and 2 show views showing one pixel region of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment, respectively.

[0027] Figures 21 to 33 1 and 2 respectively show layout diagrams of a display area of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0028] Figure 34 and Figure 35 Schematic layout diagrams respectively showing transistors in a display area of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0029] Figure 36 shows a layout diagram of a display area of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0030] Figure 37 Shown Figure 36 A cross-sectional view of the display device shown in FIG. 1 taken along line Va-Vb,

[0031] Figure 38 A layout diagram showing three adjacent pixels of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment, and

[0032] Figure 39 Shown Figure 38 : A cross-sectional view of the display device shown in FIG. 1 taken along line Vc-Vd. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey exemplary implementations to those skilled in the art.

[0034] In describing the embodiments, parts not related to the description will be omitted. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals generally represent like elements.

[0035] In addition, for better understanding and ease of description, the size and thickness of each structure shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. In the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels, regions, etc. are exaggerated for clarity. In the drawings, the thickness of some layers and regions is exaggerated for better understanding and ease of description.

[0036] It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, the element can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements. Furthermore, in the specification, the words "on..." or "above..." mean being located above or below a target portion, and do not necessarily mean being located on the upper side of the target portion based on the direction of gravity.

[0037] In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements.

[0038] Throughout this specification, a plan view refers to a view when observing a surface parallel to two directions intersecting each other (e.g., a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2), and a cross-sectional view refers to a view when observing a surface cut in a direction perpendicular to the surface parallel to the first and second directions DR1 and DR2 (e.g., a third direction DR3). Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, two component elements stacked together refer to two component elements stacked in the third direction DR3 (e.g., a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the substrate).

[0039] Now, refer to Figures 1 to 4 A structure of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment is described. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a schematic layout diagram illustrating a display area of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0040] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , the display area included in the display devices 1000, 1000a, 1000b and 1000c according to exemplary embodiments may include a first display area DA1 as an area where an image can be displayed and a second display area DA2 capable of having functions other than displaying an image (e.g., in addition to displaying an image).

[0041] The second display area DA2 may receive or emit more light having a wavelength different from the wavelength of light of the displayed image than the first display area DA1. Figure 4, the display device 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment may include a display panel 30 and an optical member 500 positioned behind the display panel 30. Light of a wavelength used by the optical member 500 may pass through the second display area DA2 having higher transmittance than the first display area DA1.

[0042] In the second display area DA2, the ratio of the area that can display an image (i.e., the area occupied by the pixel area) can be smaller than the ratio of the area occupied by the pixel area in the first display area DA1. Specifically, the second display area DA2 includes the pixel area and a light-transmitting area having a higher light transmittance than the pixel area. The light-transmitting area does not contain pixels that can display an image. Here, a pixel represents a unit area of light that outputs an image for an input image signal.

[0043] Reference Figure 1 , the second display area DA2 may be surrounded (e.g., completely surrounded) by the first display area DA1 in a plan view and may be close to one side of the display device 1000a. That is, in a plan view, the first display area DA1 may be located between the second display area DA2 and an edge of the display device 1000a. For example, the second display area DA2 may be close to the top of the display device 1000a and may have a planar shape extending in the first direction DR1 along most of the top edge of the display device 1000a.

[0044] Reference Figure 2 , according to the present exemplary embodiment, the second display area DA2 is Figure 1 , except that the first display area DA1 may not be located around at least one side of the second display area DA2. That is, in plan view, one edge of the second display area DA2 may match one edge of the display device 1000b. For example, the first display area DA1 may be in contact with three sides of the second display area DA2. For example, when the second display area DA2 is close to the top edge of the display device 1000b, the first display area DA1 may not be located above the second display area DA2.

[0045] Reference Figure 3 , according to the present exemplary embodiment, the second display area DA2 is Figure 2, however, the second display area DA2 may be adjacent to or close to a corner edge of the display device 1000c. In a plan view, one edge of the second display area DA2 may match one corner edge of the display device 1000c. For example, the first display area DA1 may only contact two sides of the second display area DA2. For example, when the second display area DA2 is close to a top corner of the display device 1000c, one edge of the second display area DA2 may match one corner edge of the display device 1000c above the first display area DA1.

[0046] In addition, the second display area DA2 may be located in various positions in the display area of the display device and may have various planar shapes. For example, the second display area DA2 may have a circular planar shape close to the top edge of the display device.

[0047] Reference Figure 4 , the display panel 30 included in the display device 1000 may include the substrate 10 located in the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 described above. That is, the substrate 10 may be continuous.

[0048] A plurality of pixels PX may be located between the substrate 10 and the encapsulation substrate 20. A sealant 310 between the substrate 10 and the encapsulation substrate 20 may be further located at an edge of the display panel 30. An optical member 500 may be located below the display panel 30. The optical member 500 may be a camera, a flash, a sensor, or the like.

[0049] The optical member 500 may emit light of a predetermined wavelength range toward the object 600, or may receive light reflected from the object 600. The light of the predetermined wavelength may be light of a wavelength other than visible light used by the pixels PX to display images. The light of the predetermined wavelength may primarily pass through the light-transmitting region in the second display area DA2. When the optical member 500 is an infrared camera, the light of the predetermined wavelength may be infrared (IR) light, for example, light with a wavelength of 900 nm to 1000 nm.

[0050] The optical member 500 may correspond to the entire second display area DA2 in a plan view, or may correspond to only a portion of the second display area DA2. For example, the optical member 500 may correspond to Figure 1 A portion of the second display area DA2 is shown in FIG.

[0051] Now refer to Figures 5 to 20 and the above-mentioned drawings describe the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figures 5 to 12 is a layout diagram of a first display area DA1 and a second display area DA2 of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment, Figures 13 to 20 One pixel region of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0052] The first display area DA1 may include a plurality of pixel areas PU1 , and the second display area DA2 may include a plurality of pixel areas PU2 and a light-transmitting area TA.

[0053] In the first display area DA1, the plurality of pixel areas PU1 may be arranged in rows and columns in a matrix, for example, in a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2, which are different directions, or in two diagonal directions intersecting each other. In the second display area DA2, the plurality of pixel areas PU2 and the light-transmitting areas TA may also be arranged in a matrix, for example, or may be arranged differently. Here, the diagonal direction refers to a direction intersecting both the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0054] Each of the pixel areas PU1 and PU2 may include a plurality of pixels or one pixel. The structure and / or shape of the pixel area PU1 and the structure and / or shape of the pixel area PU2 may be the same or different. In the first display area DA1, the structures of two adjacent pixel areas PU1 may be the same or different. In the second display area DA2, the structures of two adjacent pixel areas PU2 may be the same or different. For example, the structures of two pixel areas PU1 adjacent in the row direction or column direction in the first display area DA1 may be symmetrical to each other, and the structures of two pixel areas PU2 adjacent in the row direction or column direction in the second display area DA2 may be symmetrical to each other.

[0055] Figures 13 to 20 Examples of pixel areas PU1 and PU2 are shown respectively.

[0056] Reference Figures 13 to 18 , each pixel area PU1 and / or pixel area PU2 may include multiple pixels that can output different colors. The colors output by the multiple pixels included in the pixel areas PU1 and PU2 may be the three primary colors or four primary colors of red, green and blue, or cyan, magenta, yellow and / or white. For example, each pixel area PU1 and / or pixel area PU2 may include a red pixel R, a green pixel G and a blue pixel B. A combination that can output white light (for example, a combination that includes at least one of the red pixel R, the green pixel G and the blue pixel B as the full color of the output image) is called a point.

[0057] Figures 13 to 15 as well as Figure 17 An example is shown in which each pixel region PU1 and / or pixel region PU2 includes one red pixel R, one green pixel G, and one blue pixel B.

[0058] exist Figure 13In the exemplary embodiment shown in , each of the pixels R, G, and B included in one pixel area PUa may have the same shape, for example, an approximately rectangular shape, and may be arranged in a line in one direction.

[0059] exist Figure 14 In the exemplary embodiment shown in , each pixel R, G, and B included in one pixel area PUb may be approximately rectangular. Two pixels (e.g., a red pixel R and a green pixel G) among the three pixels R, G, and B are arranged vertically adjacent to each other, and the remaining blue pixel B may be located on one side of the red pixel R and the green pixel G along the vertical direction. Each red pixel R and green pixel G may be arranged along the horizontal direction.

[0060] Figure 15 In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG, each pixel R, G, and B included in a pixel region PUc may form an approximately diamond shape. The sizes of the red pixel R, the green pixel G, and the blue pixel B may be different from each other. For example, the blue pixel B is the largest and the green pixel G is the smallest.

[0061] Figure 16 An example is shown in which each pixel region PU1 and / or pixel region PU2 includes one red pixel R, one blue pixel B, and two green pixels G. Each pixel R, G, and B included in a single pixel region PUd can be roughly diamond-shaped. The red pixel R, green pixel G, and blue pixel B can have different sizes. For example, the blue pixel B is the largest and the green pixel G is the smallest.

[0062] Figure 17 and Figure 18 Respectively Figure 15 and Figure 16 However, the positions of the red pixel R and the blue pixel B included in one pixel area PUe and PUf may be different from those in FIG. Figure 15 and Figure 16 The positions of the red pixels R and the blue pixels B in the pixel areas PUc and PUd shown in FIG. 5 are reversed.

[0063] Reference Figure 19 and Figure 20 Each pixel region PU1 and / or pixel region PU2 may include only one pixel that outputs a single color. Figure 19 and Figure 20 An example is shown in which one of the pixel regions PUg and PUh includes only one pixel (for example, only red pixel R), and each of the pixel regions PUg and PUh may include only green pixel G or only blue pixel B. In this case, the second display area DA2 may display a single color among red, green, and blue. Figure 19, the pixels R included in one pixel region PUg may be substantially rhombus-shaped. Figure 20 , the pixels R included in one pixel area PUh may be approximately rectangular.

[0064] exist Figures 13 to 20 In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG, the arrangement, number and order of the red pixels R, green pixels G and blue pixels B may vary. Figure 16 In the exemplary embodiment shown in , the order of red pixels R, green pixels G, blue pixels B, and green pixels G from the left is shown, however the order of red pixels R, green pixels G, blue pixels B, and green pixels G may be configured differently.

[0065] Refer again Figure 5 In the second display area DA2, the light-transmitting area TA may be located between two pixel areas PU2 adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the oblique direction. That is, the pixel areas PU2 and the light-transmitting areas TA may be alternately arranged in the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the oblique direction.

[0066] As described above, the light-transmitting area TA has a higher light transmittance than the pixel area PU2 and does not have a pixel (ie, an image display unit capable of outputting light to display an image). The pixel areas PU1 and PU2 may each include at least one pixel.

[0067] Specifically, a pixel may include at least one transistor connected to a signal line and a light-emitting element electrically connected to the transistor. The light-emitting element may be a light-emitting diode (LED) including a pixel electrode, a common electrode, and an emission layer between the pixel electrode and the common electrode. Pixel regions PU1 and PU2 include at least one transistor and a light-emitting element, whereas the light-transmitting area TA may not include at least one of the transistor, pixel electrode, common electrode, and emission layer, and thus does not display an image based on an input image signal. Therefore, the light-transmitting area TA has a higher light transmittance than the pixel regions PU1 and PU2.

[0068] The planar size of the light-transmitting area TA between two adjacent pixel areas PU2 may be similar to, larger than, or smaller than the planar size of one pixel area PU2. The planar size of the light-transmitting area TA may be larger than the planar size of one pixel.

[0069] Common electrode 270 (see Figure 37) may be located in the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment. The common electrode 270 of the first display area DA1 and the common electrode 270 of the second display area DA2 may be connected to each other as one electrode and may transmit a constant common voltage. The common electrode 270 in the first display area DA1 may be formed continuously as one electrode without cutouts, openings, patterns, etc. The common electrode 270 in the second display area DA2 may include an opening corresponding to at least a portion of the light-transmitting area TA, so that the light-transmitting area TA may not output light and may have a higher light transmittance due to the absence of the common electrode 270.

[0070] When light is emitted from the optical member 500 behind the display panel 30 or is incident on the optical member 500 through the display panel 30 , the recognition rate and sensing accuracy of the object 600 to be recognized by the optical member 500 may be improved due to high transmittance in the light-transmitting area TA.

[0071] In the second display area DA2 , the light-transmitting area TA and the pixel area PU2 may be arranged in a regular arrangement, may display an image similar to the first display area DA1 , and may have other functions by using the optical member 500 .

[0072] The resolution of the second display area DA2 is lower than that of the first display area DA1. However, since the pixel areas PU2 and the light-transmitting areas TA are alternately arranged in the second display area DA2, the displayed image will not be excessively degraded. Specifically, for example Figure 13 、 Figure 14 、 Figure 15 or Figure 17 When the pixel area PU2 of the second display area DA2 includes one red pixel R, one green pixel G, and one blue pixel B, the planar shape of the pixel area PU2 is almost a square. Therefore, if the pixel areas PU2 and the light-transmitting areas TA are arranged alternately and regularly, the light transmittance can be increased without degrading the quality of the displayed image.

[0073] Reference Figure 5 In the second display area DA2, the area of the light-transmitting area TA between two pixel areas PU2 adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be equal to, similar to, or different from the area of one pixel area PU2. In various exemplary embodiments, the area of the light-transmitting area TA may vary rather than be constant, but one light-transmitting area TA having an area corresponding to the area of one pixel area PU2 is referred to as a unit light-transmitting area TA.

[0074] Reference Figure 6 , except for the structure of the second display area DA2, the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment is different from the display device according to the embodiment. Figure 5 The following description focuses on the differences from the above-described exemplary embodiment and omits the same description of the same constituent elements.

[0075] In the second display area DA2, the light-transmitting area TA may be positioned between two adjacent pixel areas PU2 in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2. That is, the pixel areas PU2 and the light-transmitting area TA may be alternately arranged in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. In an oblique direction, multiple pixel areas PU2 may be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0076] Reference Figure 7 , except for the structure of the second display area DA2, the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment is different from the display device according to the embodiment. Figure 5 The display devices of the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG are mostly the same. Figure 7 In the second display area DA2 shown in FIG, the pixel areas PU2 in odd-numbered columns (e.g., the first, third, and fifth columns, etc.) can be positioned by shifting by one row, with the pixel areas PU2 alternating with the unit light-transmitting areas TA in the odd-numbered columns. That is, the plurality of pixel areas PU2 located in two adjacent odd-numbered columns can be arranged in a zigzag pattern, while the even-numbered columns (e.g., the second, fourth, and sixth columns, etc.) can include only the unit light-transmitting areas TA. Thus, three unit light-transmitting areas TA can be located between two adjacent pixel areas PU2 in the first direction DR1, and one unit light-transmitting area TA can be located between two adjacent pixel areas PU2 in the second direction DR2.

[0077] Reference Figure 8 , except for the structure of the second display area DA2, the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment is different from the display device according to the embodiment. Figure 5 Most of the display devices of the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 1 are the same.

[0078] In the second display area DA2, the plurality of pixel areas PU2 may be arranged in a plurality of columns C1, C2, C3, and C4 that are separated from each other. The plurality of light-transmitting areas TA may be included in columns that are located between the plurality of columns C1, C2, C3, and C4 and that are separated from each other. The columns of pixel areas PU2 and the columns of light-transmitting areas TA may be arranged alternately. For example, the columns of pixel areas PU2 and the columns of light-transmitting areas TA that both extend along the second direction DR2 may alternate along the first direction DR1. In other words, the pixel areas PU2 may form a plurality of first columns, and the light-transmitting areas TA may form a plurality of second columns, with the first and second columns alternating along the first direction DR1.

[0079] Specifically, each of the columns C1, C2, C3, and C4 of the pixel area PU2 may include a plurality of pixel areas PU2 arranged in the second direction DR2. A plurality of unit light-transmitting areas TA arranged in the second direction DR2 may be provided between two adjacent columns of the columns C1, C2, C3, and C4. In each of the columns C1, C2, C3, and C4, the light-transmitting area TA may not be located between two adjacent pixel areas PU2 in the second direction DR2.

[0080] Reference Figure 9 , except for the structure of the second display area DA2, the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment is different from the display device according to the embodiment. Figure 8 Most of the display devices of the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 1 are the same.

[0081] In the second display area DA2, each of the plurality of columns C1, C2, and C3 arranged in the second direction DR2 may include a plurality of pixel regions PU2 and a plurality of unit light-transmitting areas TA arranged in a zigzag shape in the left-right direction. In each of the columns C1, C2, and C3, pairs of left pixel regions PU2 and right unit light-transmitting areas TA, and pairs of left unit light-transmitting areas TA and right pixel regions PU2 may be alternately arranged in the second direction DR2. A plurality of unit light-transmitting areas TA arranged in the second direction DR2 or a continuous light-transmitting area TA extending along the second direction DR2 may be located between two adjacent columns of the columns C1, C2, and C3.

[0082] Reference Figure 10 , except for the structure of the second display area DA2, the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment is different from the display device according to the embodiment. Figure 9 Most of the display devices of the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 1 are the same.

[0083] In the second display area DA2, each of the plurality of columns C1, C2, and C3 may include a plurality of pixel regions PU2 arranged in a zigzag pattern in the left-right direction in the second direction DR2, and two pixel regions PU2 adjacent to each other in the second direction DR2 may partially overlap in the second direction DR2. That is, in each of the columns C1, C2, and C3, two pixel regions PU2 in adjacent rows may share a portion of an edge. Therefore, the width of one of the columns C1, C2, and C3 in the first direction DR1 may be less than Figure 9 The width of one of the columns C1 , C2 , and C3 in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in the first direction DR1 .

[0084] A plurality of unit light-transmitting areas TA forming a column may be located between two adjacent columns among the columns C1, C2, and C3. The plurality of unit light-transmitting areas TA in a column may protrude in the left-right direction along the first direction DR1 in a zigzag shape. Two unit light-transmitting areas TA adjacent to each other in the second direction DR2 may partially overlap in the second direction DR2. That is, in each column, the unit light-transmitting areas TA adjacent to each other in the second direction DR2 may partially share an edge.

[0085] Reference Figure 11 , a plurality of adjacent pixel regions PU2 form one group, and the plurality of groups may be arranged to be separated from each other in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 via the light-transmitting area TA. Figure 11 An example is shown in which one group includes two pixel regions PU2 adjacent in the second direction DR2 and a plurality of groups are separated by a column of unit light-transmitting regions TA along the first direction DR1 and by a row of unit light-transmitting regions TA along the second direction DR2.

[0086] Reference Figure 12 , the display device according to this exemplary embodiment and the display device according to Figure 11 Most of the display devices of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG are the same, however, one group arranged to be separated from each other by the light-transmitting area TA includes two pixel areas PU2 adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1. The two pixel areas PU2 adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 are separated by a column of unit light-transmitting areas TA along the first direction DR1 and by a row of unit light-transmitting areas TA along the second direction DR2.

[0087] Reference Figures 21 to 35 Detailed structures of the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display device according to the exemplary embodiment are described with reference to the above exemplary embodiments. Figures 21 to 33 are layout diagrams of a display area of a display device according to exemplary embodiments. Figure 34 and Figure 35 1 and 2 are schematic layout diagrams of transistors in a display area of a display device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0088] Reference Figure 21 , a portion of the plurality of pixel areas PU1 included in the first display area DA1 of the display device according to the exemplary embodiment is as described above Figure 16 The pixel area PUd, the rest can be Figure 18 Specifically, in the first display area DA1, the pixel areas PUd and the pixel areas PUf are alternately arranged in the second direction DR2, and in each row, the pixel areas PUd are repeatedly arranged in the first direction DR1, or the pixel areas PUf are repeatedly arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0089] In other words, in the first display area DA1, red pixels R and blue pixels B are alternately arranged in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, red pixels R and green pixels G are alternately arranged in one oblique direction, and blue pixels B and green pixels G are alternately arranged in another oblique direction.

[0090] Reference Figure 22 , the plurality of pixel areas PU1 included in the first display area DA1 of the display device according to the exemplary embodiment may be as described above Figure 13 . Specifically, the red pixels R may be arranged in a pixel column including the red pixels R in the second direction DR2, the green pixels G may be arranged in a pixel column including the green pixels G in the second direction DR2, and the blue pixels B may be arranged in a pixel column including the blue pixels B in the second direction DR2. The pixel columns including the red pixels R, the pixel columns including the green pixels G, and the pixel columns including the blue pixels B may be repeatedly arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0091] Reference Figure 23 According to an exemplary embodiment, the second display area DA2 of the display device may include a portion adjacent to the first display area DA1. As previously explained, the structure or shape of the pixel area PU1 of the first display area DA1 and the structure or shape of the pixel area PU2 of the second display area DA2 may be different or the same. Figure 23 An example is shown in which the structure or shape of the pixel area PU1 of the first display area DA1 and the structure or shape of the pixel area PU2 of the second display area DA2 are different.

[0092] The first display area DA1 may have the same Figure 21 The plurality of pixel regions PU2 included in the second display area DA2 may include the aforementioned Figure 15 The pixel area PUc shown in Figure 17 The arrangement shape of the pixel area PUe and the light-transmitting area TA of the second display area DA2 can be the same as that described above. Figure 5 The arrangement shapes of the exemplary embodiments are the same.

[0093] In the second display area DA2, the distance W1 between two pixel areas PU2 adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 via the light-transmitting area TA may be the same as or different from the width of one pixel area PU2 in the first direction DR1. The distance W2 between two pixel areas PU2 adjacent to each other in the second direction DR2 via the light-transmitting area TA may be the same as or different from the width of one pixel area PU2 in the second direction DR2. Furthermore, the distance W1 may be greater than or less than the distance W2, but is not limited thereto, and they may be the same.

[0094] The display device according to an exemplary embodiment may include a plurality of data lines 171 transmitting data signals. For example, each data line 171 may extend in the second direction DR2, and one data line 171 may pass through both the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2.

[0095] For example, the leftmost data line 171 can be connected to the transistors of the corresponding pixels R and B while passing through the red pixels R and blue pixels B alternately arranged in the second direction DR2 in the first display area DA1, and the data line 171 can be connected to the transistor of the corresponding red pixel R while passing through the red pixel R of the pixel area PU2 in the second display area DA2.

[0096] On the left side, the second data line 171 can be connected to the transistor of the corresponding green pixel G while passing through the green pixel G arranged in the second direction DR2 in the first display area DA1, and the data line 171 can be connected to the transistor of the corresponding green pixel G while passing through the green pixel G of the pixel area PU2 in the second display area DA2.

[0097] On the left side, the third data line 171 can be connected to the transistors of the corresponding pixels B and R while passing through the blue pixels B and the red pixels R alternately arranged in the second direction DR2 in the first display area DA1, and the data line 171 can be connected to the transistors of the corresponding blue pixels B while passing through the blue pixels B of the pixel area PU2 in the second display area DA2.

[0098] On the left side, the fourth data line 171 can be connected to the transistor of the corresponding green pixel G while passing through the green pixel G arranged in the second direction DR2 in the first display area DA1, and the data line 171 can be connected or not connected to the transistor while passing through the light-transmitting area TA in the second display area DA2.

[0099] Through this method, the plurality of data lines 171 that transmit data signals to the first display area DA1 may also extend in the second display area DA2 adjacent to the first display area DA1, thereby also transmitting data signals to the pixel area PU2 of the second display area DA2. If transistors are formed in the light-transmitting area TA, the data lines 171 passing through the light-transmitting area TA of the second display area DA2 may be connected to the transistors; however, normal pixels are not formed and thus image light is not emitted.

[0100] Reference Figure 24 , the first display area DA1 of the display device according to the exemplary embodiment may be the same as described above. Figure 23 The exemplary embodiment shown in or Figure 22 The structure of the first display area DA1 is the same as that of the display device of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. Such a structure of the first display area DA1 can be equally applied to exemplary embodiments described later.

[0101] The plurality of pixel areas PU2 included in the second display area DA2 according to an exemplary embodiment may include the aforementioned Figure 15 The pixel area PUc shown in Figure 17 The arrangement shape of the pixel area PUe and the light-transmitting area TA of the second display area DA2 can be the same as that of the above-mentioned Figure 10 The exemplary embodiments of FIG. 1 are almost identical.

[0102] The pixel regions PU2 may be formed in a zigzag shape in the left-right direction while being arranged toward the second direction DR2 , and the green pixel G may be located on a boundary between two pixel regions PU2 adjacent in the second direction DR2 .

[0103] Next, refer to Figure 25 , a portion of the plurality of pixel areas PU2 included in the second display area DA2 of the display device according to the exemplary embodiment may be the above Figure 15 The pixel area PUc, the rest can be Figure 17 The arrangement shape of the pixel area PUe and the light-transmitting area TA of the second display area DA2 can be the same as that of the above-mentioned Figure 6 The exemplary embodiments of FIG. 1 are almost identical.

[0104] In the second display area DA2 , a plurality of light-transmitting areas TA may be regularly arranged to be separated in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 .

[0105] Next, refer to Figure 26 , the plurality of pixel areas PU2 included in the second display area DA2 of the display device according to the exemplary embodiment may be the above-mentioned Figure 16The pixel area PUd or Figure 18 The arrangement shape of the pixel area PU2 and the light-transmitting area TA of the second display area DA2 can be the same as that of the above-mentioned Figure 5 The exemplary embodiments of FIG. 1 are almost identical.

[0106] Next, refer to Figure 27 , the plurality of pixel areas PU2 included in the second display area DA2 of the display device according to the exemplary embodiment may be the above-mentioned Figure 13 The arrangement shape of the pixel area PU2 and the light-transmitting area TA of the second display area DA2 can be the same as that of the above-mentioned Figure 6 The exemplary embodiments of FIG. 1 are almost identical.

[0107] Next, refer to Figure 28 , the plurality of pixel areas PU2 included in the second display area DA2 of the display device according to the exemplary embodiment may include the above-mentioned Figure 13 The arrangement shape of the pixel area PU2 and the light-transmitting area TA of the second display area DA2 can be the same as that of the above-mentioned Figure 12 The exemplary embodiments of FIG. 1 are almost identical.

[0108] A plurality of pixel regions PU2 may be arranged while forming a plurality of columns C1, C2, and C3, and a plurality of unit light-transmitting regions TA arranged in the second direction DR2 or a light-transmitting region TA extending in the second direction DR2 may be located between two adjacent columns of the columns C1, C2, and C3. In each of the columns C1, C2, and C3, a light-transmitting region TA may also be located between two pixel regions PU2 adjacent to each other in the second direction DR2.

[0109] Next, refer to Figure 29 , the plurality of pixel areas PU2 included in the second display area DA2 of the display device according to the exemplary embodiment may include the above-mentioned Figure 13 The arrangement shape of the pixel area PU2 and the light-transmitting area TA of the second display area DA2 can be the same as that of the above-mentioned Figure 8 The exemplary embodiments of FIG. 1 are almost identical.

[0110] Next, refer to Figure 30 , the plurality of pixel areas PU2 included in the second display area DA2 of the display device according to the exemplary embodiment may include the above-mentioned Figure 14 The arrangement shape of the pixel area PU2 and the light-transmitting area TA of the second display area DA2 can be the same as that of the above-mentioned Figure 6 The exemplary embodiments of FIG. 1 are almost identical.

[0111] Next, refer to Figure 31, the plurality of pixel areas PU2 included in the second display area DA2 of the display device according to the exemplary embodiment may include the above-mentioned Figure 14 The arrangement shape of the pixel area PU2 and the light-transmitting area TA of the second display area DA2 can be the same as that of the above-mentioned Figure 9 The exemplary embodiments of FIG. 1 are almost identical.

[0112] Next, refer to Figure 32 , the plurality of pixel areas PU2 included in the second display area DA2 of the display device according to the exemplary embodiment may include the above-mentioned Figure 14 The arrangement shape of the pixel area PU2 and the light-transmitting area TA of the second display area DA2 can be the same as that of the above-mentioned Figure 8 The exemplary embodiments of FIG. 1 are almost identical.

[0113] Next, refer to Figure 33 The shape and arrangement shape of the pixel area PU2 in the second display area DA2 of the display device according to the exemplary embodiment may be the same as that described above. Figures 23 to 32 The multiple exemplary embodiments shown in are almost identical. Figure 33 The second display area DA2 has the same Figure 23 Examples of shapes similar to the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. However, Figure 23 Unlike the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG, the plane size of the green pixel G included in the pixel area PU2 according to the present exemplary embodiment may be smaller than Figure 23 The green pixel G of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is enlarged more to be the same as or similar to the planar size of the red pixel R or slightly smaller than the planar size of the red pixel R.

[0114] As described above, in order to prevent degradation of image quality, when the pixel area PU2 of the second display area DA2 includes one red pixel R, one green pixel G, and one blue pixel B to form a planar shape of one dot into a nearly square shape, if only one green pixel G having a relatively small size is included in one pixel area PU2, the lifespan of the green pixel G may be relatively low. However, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the size of the green pixel G is made equal to or similar to that of the red pixel R, thereby at least matching the lifespan of the green pixel G with that of the red pixel R.

[0115] Figure 34 1 and 2. The gate electrode 155a and the active pattern 131a2 of the transistor T1 included in the pixel in the second display area DA2 are shown. Figure 35The gate electrode 155a and the active pattern 131a1 of the transistor T1 included in the pixels R, G, and B in the first display area DA1 are shown. Portions of the active patterns 131a1 and 131a2 that overlap the gate electrode 155a in plane may form a channel region of the transistor T1, and regions of the active patterns 131a1 and 131a2 other than the channel region may form a source region or a drain region of the transistor T1 as a conductive region.

[0116] Reference Figure 34 and Figure 35 , a channel length Lch2 of the channel region of the transistor T1 in the second display area DA2 may be shorter than a channel length Lch1 of the channel region of the transistor T1 in the first display area DA1. Additionally or separately, a channel width Wch2 of the channel region of the transistor T1 in the second display area DA2 may be greater than a channel width Wch1 of the channel region of the transistor T1 in the first display area DA1. Therefore, the amplitude of the driving current flowing through the transistor T1 arranged in the second display area DA2 may be greater than the amplitude of the driving current flowing through the transistor T1 in the first display area DA1. In each pixel R, G and B, the transistor T1 is connected to a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED) so that the driving current flows to the light-emitting element so that the light-emitting element can emit light according to the driving current.

[0117] As described above, when the resolution of the second display area DA2 is lower than that of the first display area DA1, the brightness of the image displayed in the second display area DA2 may be lower than the brightness of the image displayed in the first display area DA1. However, according to this exemplary embodiment, since the amplitude of the driving current flowing through the transistor T1 in the second display area DA2 is greater than the amplitude of the driving current flowing through the transistor T1 in the first display area DA1, the brightness of the second display area DA2 can be adjusted to be closer to the brightness of the first display area DA1, thereby improving the quality of the displayed image.

[0118] Figure 33 The exemplary embodiments shown in and Figure 34 and Figure 35 The exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 1 may be applied to one display device at the same time, or may be applied to Figure 33 The exemplary embodiments shown in and Figure 34 and Figure 35 This is only one of the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG.

[0119] According to another exemplary embodiment, only the transistor T1 of the green pixel G in the second display area DA2 may have Figure 34 The transistors T1 of the red pixel R and the blue pixel B in the second display area DA2 may have Figure 35In the pixel area PU2 of the second display area DA2, as described above Figure 15 or Figure 17 In the second display area DA2, the planar size of the green pixel G can be smaller than the planar size of the red pixel R or the blue pixel B. According to this exemplary embodiment, in the second display area DA2, the amplitude of the driving current flowing through the transistor T1 and the light-emitting element of the green pixel G can be greater than the amplitude of the driving current flowing through the transistor T1 and the light-emitting element of the red pixel R or the blue pixel B. In addition, in the second display area DA2, the brightness of the green pixel G can be adjusted to be similar to the brightness of the red pixel R or the blue pixel B. Therefore, the quality of the image in the second display area DA2 can be improved.

[0120] Reference Figure 36 and Figure 37 And the above-mentioned drawings describe structures of examples in which the display device according to the exemplary embodiments is an emissive display. Figure 36 is a layout diagram of a display area of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 37 yes Figure 36 : is a cross-sectional view of the display device shown in taken along line Va-Vb.

[0121] Reference Figure 36 , a display device according to an exemplary embodiment may include a plurality of pixel circuit regions PXA in which pixel circuits corresponding to the plurality of pixels R, G, and B are formed. The plurality of pixel circuit regions PXA may be arranged in a matrix shape in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0122] Each pixel circuit area PXA may include a plurality of transistors T1 , T2 , T3 , T4 , T5 , T6 , and T7 connected to a plurality of scan lines 151 , 152 , and 152 ′, a control line 153 , a data line 171 , and a driving voltage line 172 .

[0123] A plurality of scan lines 151, 152, and 152' can transmit scan signals. Scan line 152 can transmit a scan signal from the previous stage of scan line 151, and scan line 152' can transmit a scan signal from the next stage of scan line 152. Control line 153 can transmit control signals, particularly emission control signals that can control the emission of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) corresponding to pixels R, G, and B.

[0124] The data line 171 may transmit a data signal Dm, and the driving voltage line 172 may transmit a driving voltage ELVDD. The driving voltage line 172 may include a plurality of expansions 178 extending in a first direction DR1.

[0125] Each channel of the plurality of transistors T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, and T7 may be formed in the active pattern 130. The active pattern 130 may be bent in various shapes and may include a semiconductor material, for example, amorphous silicon, polysilicon, or an oxide semiconductor. For example, the transistor T1 may include a channel region 131a of the active pattern 130 that is bent at least once. As described above Figure 34 and Figure 35 The transistor T1 shown in FIG can be Figure 36 and Figure 37 The transistor T1 shown in FIG. 1 is of the same kind as the transistor T1.

[0126] The display device according to an exemplary embodiment may include a plurality of pixel electrodes 191a, 191b, and 191c and a voltage line 192 corresponding to each pixel circuit area PXA. Each pixel electrode 191a, 191b, and 191c may correspond to each pixel R, G, and B. The pixel electrode 191a of the red pixel R may be smaller than the pixel electrode 191c of the blue pixel B, and the pixel electrode 191b of the green pixel G may be smaller than the pixel electrode 191a of the red pixel R.

[0127] The voltage line 192 may be bent according to edges of adjacent pixel electrodes 191 a , 191 b , and 191 c , and may transmit a predetermined voltage, for example, an initialization voltage capable of initializing one node of the pixel circuit area PXA.

[0128] Reference Figure 37 as well as Figure 36 A cross-sectional structure of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment is described.

[0129] A display device according to an exemplary embodiment may include a substrate 110. A buffer layer 120 of an insulating material may be located on the substrate 110, and an active pattern 130 may be located on the buffer layer 120. The active pattern 130 may include channel regions 131a, 131b, and 131f and a conductive region 131. The conductive region 131 may be located on both sides of each of the channel regions 131a, 131b, and 131f and may be a source region and a drain region of a corresponding transistor. A gate insulating layer 140 may be located on the active pattern 130.

[0130] A first conductive layer including a plurality of scan lines 151, 152, and 152', a control line 153, and a driving gate electrode 155a may be positioned on the gate insulating layer 140. The scan line 151 may include a gate electrode 155b overlapping the channel region 131b, and the control line 153 may include a gate electrode 155f overlapping the channel region 131f.

[0131] An interlayer insulating layer 160 may be located on the first conductive layer and the gate insulating layer 140 .

[0132] At least one of the buffer layer 120 , the gate insulating layer 140 , and the interlayer insulating layer 160 may include an inorganic insulating material (eg, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride) or an organic insulating material.

[0133] The interlayer insulating layer 160 and the gate insulating layer 140 may include a contact hole 62 located on a source region connected to the channel region 131 b of the transistor T2 (the channel region 131 b of the conductive region 131 of the active pattern 130 ), and a contact hole 66 located on a drain region. The source region is connected to the channel region 131 b of the transistor T2 (the channel region 131 b of the conductive region 131 of the active pattern 130 ), and the drain region is connected to the channel region 131 f of the transistor T6 (the channel region 131 f of the conductive region 131 of the active pattern 130 ).

[0134] A second conductive layer including a data line 171, a driving voltage line 172, and a connecting member 179 may be located on the interlayer insulating layer 160. The data line 171 may be connected to the source region connected to the channel region 131b of the transistor T2 through the contact hole 62. The expansion portion 178 of the driving voltage line 172 overlaps the driving gate electrode 155a via the interlayer insulating layer 160, thereby forming a capacitor Cst. The connecting member 179 may be connected to the drain region connected to the channel region 131f of the transistor T6 through the contact hole 66.

[0135] At least one of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer may include a metal such as copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tantalum (Ta), an alloy of at least two of these metals, or the like.

[0136] The passivation layer 180 may be located on the second conductive layer and the interlayer insulating layer 160. The passivation layer 180 may include an organic insulating material such as polyacrylate resin and polyimide resin, and the upper surface of the passivation layer 180 may be substantially flat. The passivation layer 180 may include a contact hole 81 located on the connection member 179.

[0137] A third conductive layer including pixel electrodes 191a, 191b, and 191c and voltage line 192 may be located on passivation layer 180. Each pixel electrode 191a, 191b, and 191c may be connected to connection member 179 through contact hole 81. The third conductive layer may include a semi-transmissive conductive material or a reflective conductive material.

[0138] The insulating layer 350 may be located on the third conductive layer. The insulating layer 350 may include an organic insulating material and may have an opening 351 on each of the pixel electrodes 191a, 191b, and 191c.

[0139] The emission layer 370 may be located on the pixel electrodes 191a, 191b, and 191c. The emission layer 370 may include a portion in the opening 351 and a portion on the insulating layer 350. The emission layer 370 may include an organic emission material or an inorganic emission material.

[0140] The common electrode 270 may be located on the emission layer 370. The common electrode 270 may also be formed on the insulating layer 350. The common electrode 270 may include a conductive transparent material. For example, the common electrode 270 may include silver (Ag).

[0141] Common layers (e.g., hole injection layer, hole transport layer, electron injection layer, electron transport layer, etc.) may be located between the insulating layer 350 and the common electrode 270, between the emission layer 370 and the common electrode 270, and / or between the emission layer 370 and the pixel electrodes 191a, 191b, and 191c. The common layers may be formed entirely in the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2.

[0142] Each pixel electrode 191a, 191b and 191c, the emission layer 370 and the common electrode 270 together form a light emitting diode (LED) of the light emitting element. The common electrode 270 may be a cathode and the pixel electrodes 191a, 191b and 191c may be an anode, or vice versa.

[0143] The first display area DA1 may have Figure 36 and Figure 37 The planar structure and cross-sectional structure of the pixel area PU2 of the second display area DA2 may respectively have Figure 36 A portion of the structure shown in Figure 37 The cross-sectional stacking structure shown in .

[0144] In the light-transmitting area TA of the second display area DA2, the Figure 36 and Figure 37 At least a portion of the structure required for displaying an image of the structure shown in can be omitted. For example, at least a portion of at least one of the active pattern 130, the driving gate electrode 155a, the extended portion 178 of the driving voltage line 172, the pixel electrodes 191a, 191b, and 191c, the emission layer 370, and the common electrode 270 can be omitted in the light-transmitting area TA. Therefore, the light transmittance of the light-transmitting area TA can be higher than the light transmittance of the pixel areas PU1 and PU2.

[0145] Next, refer to Figure 38 and Figure 39 and the above-described drawings to describe a structure of an example in which a display device according to an exemplary embodiment is a liquid crystal display. Figure 38 is a layout diagram of three adjacent pixels of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 39 yes Figure 38 : A cross-sectional view of the display device shown in FIG. 1 taken along line Vc-Vd.

[0146] The display device according to an exemplary embodiment, which is a liquid crystal display, may include first and second display panels 100 and 200 and a liquid crystal layer 3 between the two display panels 100 and 200 in a cross-sectional view (eg, along a third direction DR3 ).

[0147] The first display area DA1 may include a plurality of pixels PXa, PXb, and PXc, and the plurality of pixels PXa, PXb, and PXc may be repeatedly arranged in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0148] The first display panel 100 may include a gate conductive layer including a gate line 121 , a storage electrode line 132 , and a dummy pattern 129 on a substrate 110 .

[0149] The gate line 121 may extend mainly in the first direction DR1 and may transmit a gate signal. The gate line 121 may include a first gate electrode 124a and a second gate electrode in each of the pixels PXa, PXb, and PXc.

[0150] Storage electrode line 132 may include a transverse portion 132a extending substantially parallel to gate line 121 and a longitudinal portion 132b connected to transverse portion 131a. Longitudinal portion 132b of storage electrode line 132 may extend along a boundary between two adjacent pixels among pixels PXa, PXb, and PXc.

[0151] The dummy patterns 129 may be located between the lateral portions 132a of adjacent storage electrode lines 132 and the gate lines 121. Each of the dummy patterns 129 may have an island shape.

[0152] A gate insulating layer 140 may be located on the gate conductive layer, and a semiconductor layer including a first semiconductor 154a and a second semiconductor may be located on the gate insulating layer 140. The first semiconductor 154a may overlap with the first gate electrode 124a, and the second semiconductor may overlap with the second gate electrode. The semiconductor layer may include amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, metal oxide, etc.

[0153] Ohmic contacts (ohmic contact members) 163a and 165a may be located on the semiconductor layer. A data conductive layer including a plurality of data lines (including first and second data lines 171a and 171b), a plurality of first drain electrodes 175a, and a plurality of second drain electrodes may be located on the ohmic contacts 163a and 165a.

[0154] The first data line 171 a may include a first source electrode 173 a overlapping the first gate electrode 124 a , and the second data line 171 b may include a second source electrode overlapping the second gate electrode.

[0155] The first drain electrode 175a and the second drain electrode may include a rod-shaped end portion and a wide end portion expansion portion 177a, respectively. Each of the first drain electrodes 175a may overlap the dummy pattern 129 of the gate conductive layer.

[0156] The first gate electrode 124a, the first source electrode 173a, and the first drain electrode 175a form a first transistor Qa together with the first semiconductor 154a, and the second gate electrode, the second source electrode, and the second drain electrode form a second transistor Qb together with the second semiconductor. The first transistor Qa and the second transistor Qb can function as switching elements for transmitting data voltages transmitted by the first data line 171a and the second data line 171b according to a gate signal transmitted by the gate line 121.

[0157] Regions where the gate lines 121, transverse portions 132a of the storage electrode lines 132, and the first and second transistors Qa and Qb are disposed may be blocked by the light blocking member 220. The light blocking member 220 may extend mainly in the first direction DR1 to form a shielding region for each pixel PXa, PXb, and PXc.

[0158] The first insulating layer 180a may be located on the data conductive layer. The first insulating layer 180a may include an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material.

[0159] A plurality of color filters 230a and 230b may be positioned on the first insulating layer 180a. Each of the color filters 230a and 230b may include an opening 235a overlapping the expansion 177a of the first drain electrode 175a and the expansion of the second drain electrode, respectively.

[0160] The second insulating layer 180b may be positioned on the color filters 230a and 230b. The second insulating layer 180b may include an inorganic insulating material or an organic insulating material, and may have a nearly flat top surface by specifically including the organic insulating material.

[0161] The first insulating layer 180a and the second insulating layer 180b may include a contact hole 185a located above the expanded portion 177a of the first drain electrode 175a and a contact hole located above the expanded portion of the second drain electrode. A pixel electrode layer including a pixel electrode (including a plurality of first sub-pixel electrodes 191cc and a plurality of second sub-pixel electrodes 191dd) and a shielding electrode 199 may be located on the second insulating layer 180b.

[0162] Each of the first and second subpixel electrodes 191cc and 191dd may have an overall shape of a quadrilateral. First subpixel electrode 191cc may include a cross-shaped trunk portion and a plurality of branches 194c extending outward from the cross-shaped trunk portion in an oblique direction. The cross-shaped trunk portion includes a transverse trunk portion 192c extending in a first direction DR1 and a longitudinal trunk portion 193c extending in a second direction DR2. Second subpixel electrode 191dd may include a cross-shaped trunk portion and a plurality of branches 194d extending outward from the cross-shaped trunk portion in an oblique direction. The cross-shaped trunk portion includes a transverse trunk portion 192d extending in a first direction DR1 and a longitudinal trunk portion 193d extending in a second direction DR2.

[0163] First subpixel electrode 191cc may include an extension portion 195c protruding toward expansion portion 177a of first drain electrode 175a and a contact portion 196c connected to one end of extension portion 195c. Second subpixel electrode 191dd may include an extension portion 195d protruding toward the expansion portion of the second drain electrode and a contact portion 196d connected to one end of extension portion 195d. Contact portion 196c is electrically connected to expansion portion 177a of first drain electrode 175a through contact hole 185a, and contact portion 196d is electrically connected to the expansion portion of the second drain electrode through the contact hole.

[0164] The shielding electrode 199 extends between pixels PXa, PXb, and PXc adjacent in the first direction DR1 and / or between pixels PXa, PXb, and PXc adjacent in the second direction DR2 to prevent coupling and light leakage between the adjacent pixels PXa, PXb, and PXc.

[0165] The pixel electrode layer may include a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), a metal thin film, or the like.

[0166] The alignment layer 11 may be located on the pixel electrode layer and the second insulating layer 180b. In the second display panel 200, the light blocking member 220 may be located on the substrate 210 (at Figure 39 , located below the substrate 210). The common electrode 271 may be located on the light blocking member 220 (at Figure 39 , located below the light blocking member 220). The common electrode 271 may be formed on the entire surface of the substrate 210. The common electrode 271 may transmit a common voltage. The common electrode 271 may include a transparent conductive material such as ITO, IZO, a metal thin film, etc. The alignment layer 21 may be located on the common electrode 271 (at Figure 39 The liquid crystal layer 3 between the alignment layers 11 and 21 may include a plurality of liquid crystal molecules 31.

[0167] The first display area DA1 may have Figure 38 and Figure 39 The planar structure and cross-sectional stacking structure of the pixel area PU2 of the second display area DA2 may respectively have Figure 38 A portion of the structure shown in Figure 39 The structure shown in .

[0168] In the light-transmitting area TA of the second display area DA2, Figure 38 and Figure 39 At least a portion of the structure shown in FIG1 required for displaying an image (e.g., at least a portion of the semiconductor layer, the gate electrode 124a, the drain electrode 175a, the sub-pixel electrodes 191cc and 191dd, and / or the common electrode 271) may be removed. Therefore, the light transmittance in the light-transmitting area TA may be higher than the light transmittance in the pixel areas PU1 and PU2. The substrate 110 may not be removed in the light-transmitting area TA.

[0169] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure increase light transmittance of a display area corresponding to an optical member and improve display quality of an image displayed in an area of a display device having functions other than image display.

[0170] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms are employed, they are used and interpreted in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. In some cases, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the time this application is filed, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in conjunction with other embodiments, unless otherwise specifically noted. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A first display area including a plurality of first pixel areas, each of the plurality of first pixel areas including at least one first pixel for displaying an image; as well as a second display area including a plurality of second pixel areas and a plurality of light-transmitting areas, each of the plurality of second pixel areas including at least one second pixel for displaying the image, and each of the plurality of light-transmitting areas not including a pixel capable of displaying an image and having a light transmittance higher than that of the second pixel area, wherein In the second display area, the plurality of second pixel areas are arranged along a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and the plurality of rows define a first direction, and the plurality of columns define a second direction, In the second display area, at least one of the plurality of light-transmitting areas is located between two second pixel areas adjacent to each other in the first direction, and at least one of the plurality of light-transmitting areas is located between two second pixel areas adjacent to each other in the second direction, and The structures of the plurality of first pixel regions are different from those of the plurality of second pixel regions, or the shapes of the plurality of first pixel regions are different from those of the plurality of second pixel regions.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The at least one second pixel includes an active pattern, a driving gate electrode, a driving voltage line, a pixel electrode, an emission layer, and a common electrode that are electrically connected to each other to display the image, and Each of the plurality of light-transmitting regions does not include at least a portion of at least one of the active pattern, the driving gate electrode, the driving voltage line, the pixel electrode, the emission layer, and the common electrode.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: In the second display area, the plurality of second pixel areas and the plurality of light-transmitting areas are alternately arranged in the first direction and the second direction.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein Each of the plurality of second pixel areas includes a first color pixel that outputs a first color, a second color pixel that outputs a second color different from the first color, and a third color pixel that outputs a third color different from the first color and the second color.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein The first color pixel, the second color pixel, and the third color pixel have the same shape as one another and are arranged in a line in each of the plurality of second pixel areas. The display device according to claim 4 , wherein: Each of the plurality of second pixel regions includes one first color pixel, one second color pixel, and one third color pixel.

7. The display device according to claim 4, wherein At least two of the first color pixel, the second color pixel, and the third color pixel have sizes different from each other.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein Each of the plurality of second pixel areas includes only one pixel that outputs one color.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein Each of the plurality of first pixel areas and each of the plurality of second pixel areas includes a first color pixel that outputs a first color, a second color pixel that outputs a second color different from the first color, and a third color pixel that outputs a third color different from the first color and the second color, and In each of the plurality of first pixel areas, at least two of the first color pixel, the second color pixel, and the third color pixel have sizes different from each other.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein In each of the plurality of second pixel areas, the first color pixel, the second color pixel, and the third color pixel have the same shape as one another and are arranged in a line.

11. The display device according to claim 9, wherein A size of a second color pixel in each of the plurality of first pixel areas and a size of a second color pixel in each of the plurality of second pixel areas are different from each other.

12. The display device according to claim 9, wherein In each of the plurality of second pixel areas, the first color pixel, the second color pixel, and the third color pixel respectively include a transistor, and In each of the plurality of second pixel areas, a channel length of a channel region of a transistor included in the second color pixel is shorter than a channel length of a channel region of a transistor included in the first color pixel or the third color pixel.

13. The display device according to claim 9, wherein In each of the plurality of second pixel areas, each of the first color pixel, the second color pixel, and the third color pixel includes a transistor, and In each of the plurality of second pixel areas, a channel width of a channel region of a transistor included in the second color pixel is greater than a channel width of a channel region of a transistor included in the first color pixel or the third color pixel.

14. The display device according to claim 9, wherein The first pixel and the second pixel each include a transistor, and A channel length of a channel region of a transistor included in the second pixel is shorter than a channel length of a channel region of a transistor included in the first pixel.

15. The display device according to claim 9, wherein The first pixel and the second pixel each include a transistor, and A channel width of a channel region of a transistor included in the second pixel is greater than a channel width of a channel region of a transistor included in the first pixel.

16. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first display area does not include a plurality of light-transmitting areas that do not include pixels capable of displaying an image and have a light transmittance higher than that of the first pixel area.

17. The display device according to claim 1, wherein At least one row and at least one column in the second display area include only the plurality of light-transmitting areas.

18. The display device according to claim 1, wherein In the second display area, at least one of the multiple light-transmitting areas is located between two adjacent second pixel areas and another two adjacent second pixel areas, so that the two adjacent second pixel areas, the at least one of the multiple light-transmitting areas and the another two adjacent second pixel areas are arranged in a straight line.

19. A display device, comprising: A first display area including a plurality of first pixel areas, each of the plurality of first pixel areas including at least one first pixel for displaying an image; as well as a second display area including a plurality of second pixel areas and a plurality of light-transmitting areas, each of the plurality of second pixel areas including at least one second pixel capable of displaying the image, and each of the plurality of light-transmitting areas including no pixel capable of displaying the image and having a light transmittance higher than that of the second pixel area, wherein The plurality of first pixel regions are arranged in a row direction, The first display area does not include a plurality of light-transmitting areas that do not include pixels capable of displaying an image and have a light transmittance higher than that of the first pixel area. The plurality of second pixel regions are arranged into a plurality of first columns, The plurality of light-transmitting areas are arranged into a plurality of second columns, and The plurality of first columns and the plurality of second columns are alternately arranged in the row direction, wherein An arrangement shape of the plurality of first pixel regions is different from an arrangement shape of the plurality of second pixel regions.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein: The second pixel includes an active pattern, a driving gate electrode, a driving voltage line, a pixel electrode, an emission layer, and a common electrode that are electrically connected to each other to display the image, and Each of the plurality of light-transmitting regions does not include at least a portion of at least one of the active pattern, the driving gate electrode, the driving voltage line, the pixel electrode, the emission layer, and the common electrode.

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