Indication device

Abstract

To provide a display device with improved color of reflected light. [Solution] The display device comprises a display panel comprising a main region including main pixels and a sub-region including a transparent region and sub-pixels. The display panel includes a display layer, a light-shielding layer disposed on the display layer, a first color filter layer disposed on the light-shielding layer and transmitting a first color, a second color filter layer disposed on the first color filter layer and transmitting a second color, and a third color filter layer disposed on the second color filter layer and transmitting a third color. Each of the first to third color filter layers includes first to third main color portions overlapping with first to third main light-emitting regions and first to third sub-color portions overlapping with first to third sub-light-emitting regions. The area ratio between the first to third main color portions is different from the area ratio between the first to third sub-color portions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device.

Background Art

[0002] With the development of the information society, the requirements for display devices for displaying images are becoming increasingly diverse. For example, display devices are applied to various electronic devices such as smartphones, digital cameras, notebook computers, navigation systems, and smart TVs.

[0003] A display device may include various optical devices such as an image sensor for capturing an image of the front surface, a proximity sensor for sensing whether a user is located close to the front surface of the display device, an illuminance sensor for sensing the illuminance of the front surface of the display device, and an iris sensor for recognizing the iris of the user.

[0004] As display devices are applied to various electronic devices, display devices having various designs are required. For example, in the case of a smartphone, a display device capable of expanding the display area by eliminating holes disposed on the front surface of the display device is required. In this case, the optical devices disposed in the holes disposed on the front surface of the display device may be disposed overlapping the display panel.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a display device with improved color of reflected light.

[0006] The problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A display device according to one embodiment for solving the above problems comprises a display panel including a main region including main pixels and a subregion including a transparent region and subpixels, wherein the main pixels include first to third main light-emitting regions that emit first to third colors, respectively, and the subpixels include first to third sub-light-emitting regions that emit first to third colors, respectively, and the display panel includes a display layer, a light-shielding layer disposed on the display layer, a first color filter layer disposed on the light-shielding layer that transmits the first color, a second color filter layer disposed on the first color filter layer that transmits the second color, and a third color filter layer disposed on the second color filter layer that transmits the third color, wherein the first to third color filter layers each include first to third main color portions that overlap with the first to third main light-emitting regions and first to third sub-color portions that overlap with the first to third sub-light-emitting regions, and the area ratio between the first to third main color portions is different from the area ratio between the first to third sub-color portions.

[0008] The size or area of ​​the second sub-color portion may be smaller than the size or area of ​​the first sub-color portion and the third sub-color portion.

[0009] The second area, obtained by subtracting the area of ​​the second sub-emitting region from the area of ​​the second sub-color portion, may be smaller than at least one of the first area, obtained by subtracting the first sub-emitting region from the area of ​​the first sub-color portion, and the third area, obtained by subtracting the third sub-emitting region from the area of ​​the third sub-color portion.

[0010] The area covered by the second sub-color portion on the upper surface of the light-shielding layer may be smaller than at least one of the area covered by the first sub-color portion on the upper surface of the light-shielding layer and the area covered by the third sub-color portion on the upper surface of the light-shielding layer.

[0011] The transparent regions are repeatedly arranged in the first and second directions on a plane viewed from a third direction, and the sub-regions include a central region and a bridge region in which at least a portion of the sub-pixels are arranged, the central region being positioned between the transparent regions in the first and second directions on a plane viewed from the third direction, and the bridge region being positioned between the transparent regions in a fourth and fifth direction different from the first and second directions on a plane viewed from the third direction.

[0012] The first sub-emitting region and the second sub-emitting region may be arranged alternately in the fourth direction, and the second sub-emitting region and the third sub-emitting region may be arranged alternately in the fifth direction.

[0013] The first sub-color portion may have a length in the fourth direction greater than its length in the fifth direction on a plane viewed from the third direction.

[0014] The third sub-color portion may be longer than the first sub-color portion in at least one of the lengths in the fourth direction and the fifth direction when viewed from the third direction on a plane.

[0015] The size or area of ​​the second sub-color portion may be smaller than the size or area of ​​the first sub-color portion and the third sub-color portion.

[0016] The subpixel further includes a fourth sub-emitting region that emits the first color, a fifth sub-emitting region that emits the second color, a sixth sub-emitting region that emits the third color, and a seventh sub-emitting region that emits the second color, wherein the first to fourth sub-emitting regions and the sixth sub-emitting region are arranged in the central region, and the fifth sub-emitting region and the seventh sub-emitting region are arranged in the bridge region.

[0017] The light-shielding layer may include a transmissive window opening located in the transmissive region.

[0018] At least one of the first to third sub-color portions may be placed in the transparent region.

[0019] A display device according to another embodiment for solving the above problem comprises a display panel including a main region including main pixels and a subregion including a transparent region and subpixels, wherein the main pixels include first to third main light-emitting regions that emit first to third colors, respectively, and the subpixels include first to third sub-light-emitting regions that emit first to third colors, respectively, and the display panel includes a display layer, a first color filter layer disposed on the display layer and transmitting the first color, a second color filter layer disposed on the first color filter layer and transmitting the second color, and a third color filter layer disposed on the second color filter layer and transmitting the third color, and the first color The filter layer includes a first sub-color aperture overlapping the second sub-emitting region and the third sub-emitting region, and a first color transmission window aperture positioned in the transmission region; the second color filter layer includes a second sub-color aperture overlapping the first sub-emitting region and the third sub-emitting region, and a second color transmission window aperture positioned in the transmission region; the third color filter layer includes a third sub-color aperture overlapping the first sub-emitting region and the second sub-emitting region, and a third color transmission window aperture positioned in the transmission region, wherein the second sub-color aperture is larger in size or area than at least one of the first sub-color aperture and the third sub-color aperture.

[0020] The sub-region may include a black light-shielding region where all of the first to third color filter layers overlap.

[0021] The sub-region may include a color-shielding region where the first color filter layer and the third color filter layer overlap, but the second color filter layer is not present.

[0022] The size or area of the second sub-color aperture that overlaps with the first sub-light-emitting region among the second sub-color apertures may be smaller than the size or area of the second sub-color aperture that overlaps with the third sub-light-emitting region among the second sub-color apertures.

[0023] The transmission regions are repeatedly arranged in the first direction and the second direction on a plane viewed from the third direction, and the sub-regions include a central region and a bridge region where at least a part of the sub-pixels are arranged. The central region is arranged between the transmission regions in the first direction and the second direction on a plane viewed from the third direction, and the bridge region may be arranged between the transmission regions in a fourth direction and a fifth direction different from the first direction and the second direction on a plane viewed from the third direction.

[0024] The first sub-light-emitting region and the second sub-light-emitting region may be alternately arranged in the fourth direction, and the second sub-light-emitting region and the third sub-light-emitting region may be alternately arranged in the fifth direction.

[0025] The second sub-color aperture that overlaps with the first sub-light-emitting region among the second sub-color apertures may be arranged in the fourth direction, and the second sub-color aperture that overlaps with the third sub-light-emitting region among the second sub-color apertures may be arranged in the fifth direction.

[0026] <l At least one of the first to third sub-color apertures may not be arranged in the transmission region.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] According to the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the color of the reflected light can be improved. The effects according to the embodiment are not limited to the contents exemplified above, and more various effects are included in this specification.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1]This is a perspective view showing a display device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing a display device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing the display device cut along the line X1-X1' in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a magnified view of area A in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a plan view showing a sub-display area according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a layout diagram showing the light-shielding layer, first color filter layer, second color filter layer, and third color filter layer in the first main pixel according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a layout diagram showing the light-shielding layer in the first main pixel according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a layout diagram showing the first color filter layer in the first main pixel according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a layout diagram showing the second color filter layer in the first main pixel according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a layout diagram showing the third color filter layer in the first main pixel according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X2-X2' in Figure 6. [Figure 12] This is a layout diagram showing the light-shielding layer, the first color filter layer, the second color filter layer, and the third color filter layer in region C of Figure 4. [Figure 13] This is a layout diagram showing the light-shielding layer in region C of Figure 4. [Figure 14] This is a layout diagram showing the first color filter layer in region C of Figure 4. [Figure 15] This is a layout diagram showing the second color filter layer in region C of Figure 4. [Figure 16] This is a layout diagram showing the third color filter layer in region C of Figure 4. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X3-X3' in Figure 12. [Figure 18] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X4-X4' in Figure 12. [Figure 19] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X5-X5' in Figure 12. [Figure 20] This graph shows the a'-b' color difference plot of the display devices for comparative examples and examples, measured according to the SCE measurement method. [Figure 21] This is a layout diagram showing the first color filter layer, the second color filter layer, and the third color filter layer in a sub-display area according to another embodiment. [Figure 22] This is a layout diagram showing the first color filter layer in a sub-display area according to another embodiment. [Figure 23] This is a layout diagram showing the second color filter layer in a sub-display area according to another embodiment. [Figure 24] This is a layout diagram showing the third color filter layer in a sub-display area according to another embodiment. [Figure 25] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X6-X6' in Figure 21. [Figure 26] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X7-X7' in Figure 21. [Figure 27] This graph shows the a'-b' color difference plots of comparative examples and other examples of display devices measured according to the SCE measurement method. [Figure 28a] This is a plan view showing a sub-display area of ​​a display device according to another embodiment. [Figure 28b] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X8-X8' in Figure 28a. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] The advantages and features of the present invention, as well as methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described below in detail, along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be realized in a variety of different forms, and these embodiments are provided merely to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those who are ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains, of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0030] When elements or layers are referred to as "on" another element or layer, this includes all cases where the other layer or other element is immediately above or between the other element. Similarly, when elements are referred to as "below," "left," and "right," this includes all cases where the other layer or other material is immediately adjacent to or between the other element. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same component.

[0031] While terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component mentioned below may, of course, be the second component within the technical concept of the present invention.

[0032] The features of each of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined or linked together, either partially or entirely, allowing for a wide range of technical interlocking and driving, and each embodiment can be implemented independently of the others or in conjunction with them.

[0033] The following describes specific embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to one embodiment.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1, the display device 10 is a device that displays videos and still images, and can be used as a display screen for a variety of products, including not only portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, tablet PCs, smartwatches, watch phones, mobile communication terminals, electronic organizers, e-books, PMPs (portable multimedia players), navigation systems, and UMPCs (Ultra Mobile PCs), but also televisions, laptops, monitors, billboards, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

[0036] The display device 10 may be an organic light-emitting display device including an organic light-emitting diode, a quantum dot light-emitting display device including a quantum dot light-emitting layer, an inorganic light-emitting display device including an inorganic semiconductor, or an ultra-miniature light-emitting display device using an ultra-miniature light-emitting diode (micro or nano light-emitting diode (micro LED or nano LED)). The following describes an embodiment in which the display device 10 is an organic light-emitting display device, but the type of display device 10 is not limited thereto.

[0037] In one embodiment, the display device 10 can be formed flat. For example, the display device 10 can be formed substantially flat on a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2, and can have a predetermined thickness (or height) in a third direction DR3. In other embodiments, the display device 10 may include curved portions in at least some parts, such as the edge region. Furthermore, the display device 10 may be formed flexibly so as to bend, warp, bend, fold, or roll up.

[0038] In one embodiment, with respect to the video display surface of the display device 10, the first direction DR1 may be vertical, columnar, or perpendicular, and the second direction DR2 is a direction intersecting the first direction DR1, for example, it may be horizontal, row-based, or transverse. The third direction DR3 may be the thickness direction or height direction of the display device 10.

[0039] The display device 10 may include a display panel 100, a drive unit 200, a circuit board 300, and a touch drive unit 400.

[0040] The display panel 100 may include a main area MA which includes a display area DA on which an image is displayed, and a sub-area SBA located on one side of the main area MA.

[0041] The main area MA may include the display area DA and the non-display area NA surrounding the display area DA. The display area DA is located in the center of the main area MA and occupies the majority of its area. The non-display area NA is located at the edge of the main area MA and may be adjacent to the sub-area SBA.

[0042] The display area DA is an area where pixels are arranged, and may be an area where an image is displayed by the pixels. In one embodiment, the display area DA may be further provided with a sensing pattern (e.g., touch electrodes) for sensing touch input, and the display area DA may include a sensing area that senses touch input by the sensing pattern.

[0043] In one embodiment, the display area DA can be formed as a plane having a substantially rectangular shape, including the longer side in the first direction DR1 and the shorter side in the second direction DR2. The corner portion where the longer and shorter sides of the display area DA intersect can be formed as a rounded or right-angled portion. The shape of the display area DA can be varied in various ways depending on the embodiment. For example, the display area DA can be formed as a polygon other than a rectangle, a circle, or an ellipse.

[0044] The display area DA may include the main display area MDA and the sub-display area SDA. The sub-display area SDA is an area where components for adding various functions to the display device 10 are arranged, and the sub-display area SDA corresponds to the component area.

[0045] The non-display area NA may be located immediately surrounding the display area DA. The non-display area NA may surround the display area DA. Internal circuitry may be located in the non-display area NA. For example, internal circuitry, including scan drive circuitry, may be located in a non-display area NA located on one side (e.g., the left or right side) or both sides of the display area DA.

[0046] The sub-region SBA is located on one side of the main region MA. For example, the sub-region SBA may be a region that protrudes in the first direction DR1 on one side of the main region MA. As an example, the sub-region SBA may protrude in the first direction DR1 at the lower end of the main region MA. In one embodiment, the sub-region SBA may have a narrower width than the main region MA. For example, with respect to the second direction DR2, the sub-region SBA may have a narrower width than the main region MA.

[0047] Wiring and pads are arranged in the sub-region SBA. For example, the sub-region SBA may contain wiring and pads that connect to pixels and / or built-in circuits located in the main region MA and to the drive unit 200 and / or circuit board 300 located in the sub-region SBA. In this specification, “connection” may include electrical and / or physical connections.

[0048] In one embodiment, a drive unit 200 (for example, a display drive circuit) can be mounted in the sub-region SBA. A circuit board 300 may be placed on a part of the sub-region SBA.

[0049] The drive unit 200 may include a data drive circuit for driving pixels. In one embodiment, the drive unit 200 may be formed as an integrated circuit chip (IC) and located in the sub-region SBA. In other embodiments, the drive unit 200 may be located on a circuit board 300 on the sub-region SBA, or on another circuit board connected to the display panel 100 via the circuit board 300.

[0050] The circuit board 300 is positioned on a portion of the sub-region SBA. For example, the circuit board 300 may be bonded to a pad located on a portion of the sub-region SBA (e.g., the lower end) and may supply or transmit power voltage and drive signals to the display panel 100 for driving the display panel 100. For example, the circuit board 300 may supply input video data (e.g., digital video data), drive signals including timing signals, and drive voltage to the display panel 100. The circuit board 300 may be, but is not limited to, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a printed circuit board (PCB), or a flexible film such as a chip-on-film (COF).

[0051] The touch drive unit 400 is mounted on the circuit board 300. The touch drive unit 400 may be connected to the touch sensing unit of the display panel 100. The touch drive unit 400 can supply touch drive signals to a plurality of touch electrodes of the touch sensing unit and sense the change in capacitance between the plurality of touch electrodes. For example, the touch drive signal may be a pulse signal having a predetermined frequency. The touch drive unit 400 can calculate the presence or absence of input and the input coordinates based on the change in capacitance between the plurality of touch electrodes. The touch drive unit 400 may be formed as an integrated circuit (IC).

[0052] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a display device according to one embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the display device cut along line X1-X1' in Figure 2.

[0053] Figure 1 shows the display device 10 in an unfolded state without bending, while Figures 2 and 3 show the display device 10 in a bent state within the sub-region SBA. Figure 1 shows the sub-region SBA unfolded alongside the main region MA, while Figures 2 and 3 show a state in which a portion of the sub-region SBA is bent.

[0054] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the display panel 100 may include a substrate SUB containing a main region MA and a sub-region SBA, and a circuit layer TFTL, an emissive layer EML, a encapsulation layer TFEL, a touch sensing layer TSU, and a color filter layer CFL sequentially arranged on the substrate SUB. The circuit layer TFTL may also be located in the main region MA and sub-region SBA on the substrate SUB. The emissive layer EML and the encapsulation layer TFEL may be located on the substrate SUB and in part on the circuit layer TFTL. For example, the emissive layer EML and the encapsulation layer TFEL may be located in the main region MA.

[0055] In one embodiment, the display device 10 may further include additional elements disposed on the display panel 100. For example, the display device 10 may further include at least one of a polarizing layer and a protective layer (e.g., a window) disposed on the sealing layer TFEL. Each of the polarizing layer and / or protective layer may be manufactured integrally with the display panel 100 or manufactured separately and bonded to the display panel 100 via an adhesive layer or the like.

[0056] The substrate SUB may contain an insulating material such as a polymer resin. For example, the substrate SUB may consist of polyimide or other insulating material. The substrate SUB may be a flexible substrate that can be deformed by bending, folding, rolling, etc. Alternatively, the substrate SUB may also contain an insulating material such as glass.

[0057] The circuit layer TFTL may include pixel circuits and wiring. For example, the circuit layer TFTL may include circuit elements (e.g., pixel transistors and capacitors) that constitute each pixel circuit of a pixel and wiring connected to the pixel. In one embodiment, the circuit layer TFTL may further include circuit elements that constitute an internal circuit, such as a scan drive circuit, and wiring connected to the internal circuit.

[0058] The light-emitting element layer (EML) may include light-emitting elements arranged in the light-emitting region of a pixel. For example, each pixel may include at least one light-emitting element and a pixel circuit connected to the light-emitting element. Each pixel may be located in a pixel region that includes a light-emitting region where the light-emitting element is located and a pixel circuit region where the pixel circuit is located. The light-emitting region and pixel circuit region of each pixel may, but are not limited to, overlap each other.

[0059] While the circuit layer TFTL and the light-emitting element layer EML were described separately in the description of the embodiments, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the circuit layer TFTL and the light-emitting element layer EML can be integrated.

[0060] The encapsulation layer TFEL covers the light-emitting element layer EML and may extend into the non-display region NA and contact the circuit layer TFTL. In one embodiment, the encapsulation layer TFEL may have a multilayer structure comprising at least two overlapping inorganic encapsulation films and at least one organic encapsulation film interposed between the inorganic encapsulation films.

[0061] The touch sensing layer TSU is placed on the sealing layer TFEL. The touch sensing layer TSU may include multiple touch electrodes for sensing user touch in a capacitive manner, and touch lines connecting the multiple touch electrodes to the touch drive unit 400. For example, the touch sensing layer TSU can sense user touch in a mutual capacitance manner or a self-capacitance manner.

[0062] In other embodiments, the touch sensing layer TSU may be placed on a separate substrate positioned on the display panel 100. In this case, the substrate supporting the touch sensing layer TSU may be a base member that seals the display panel 100.

[0063] Multiple touch electrodes of the touch sensing layer TSU may be positioned in the touch sensor area that overlaps with the display area DA. Touch lines of the touch sensing layer TSU may be positioned in the touch peripheral area that overlaps with the non-display area NA.

[0064] In some embodiments, the display device 10 may further include an optical device 500. The optical device 500 is located in the sub-display area SDA. The optical device 500 may emit or receive light in the infrared, ultraviolet, and visible light bands. For example, the optical device 500 may be a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, and an optical sensor that senses light incident on the display device 10, such as a camera sensor or an image sensor.

[0065] The color filter layer CFL is placed on the touch sensing layer TSU. The color filter layer CFL may include multiple color filters, each corresponding to a multiple light-emitting region. Each color filter can selectively transmit light of a specific wavelength and block or absorb light of other wavelengths. The color filter layer CFL can absorb some of the light flowing in from outside the display device 10, thereby reducing reflected light from ambient light. Therefore, the color filter layer CFL can prevent color distortion caused by ambient light reflection.

[0066] Since the color filter layer CFL is placed directly on the touch sensing layer TSU, the display device 10 does not require a separate substrate for the color filter layer CFL. Therefore, the thickness of the display panel 100 is relatively small.

[0067] In one embodiment, the display panel 100 can be bent in a bending region. The bending region is part of a sub-region SBA and can be separated from the main region MA.

[0068] The substrate SUB and circuit layer TFTL can be bent in a bending region corresponding to a portion of the sub-region SBA. This allows for a reduction or minimization of the bezel region, which is perceived by the user as a non-display area (NA).

[0069] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of area A in Figure 2. Figure 4 shows the arrangement of pixels MDX and SDX located in the sub-display area SDA and the surrounding main display area MDA within the display area DA of the display device 10.

[0070] Referring to Figure 4, the display area DA may include a main display area MDA and a sub-display area SDA. The sub-display area SDA may be an area where components are located at the bottom of the substrate SUB of the display device 10. Multiple main display pixels MDX may be arranged in the main display area MDA, and multiple sub-display pixels SDX may be arranged in the sub-display area SDA. Each main display pixel MDX may include one or more main light-emitting areas MEA, and each sub-display pixel SDX may include one or more sub-light-emitting areas SEA. Light-emitting elements ED (see Figure 11) may be arranged in each light-emitting area MEA and SEA to emit light.

[0071] The main display area (MDA) contains multiple light-emitting elements (EDs) (see Figure 11) and pixel circuits that are electrically connected to the light-emitting elements (EDs) (see Figure 11) and apply signals for the light emission of the light-emitting elements (EDs) (see Figure 11). The main display area (MDA) may be a region in which the light-emitting elements (EDs) (see Figure 11) and pixel circuits are arranged in a specific arrangement. Each of the light-emitting elements (EDs) (see Figure 11) in the main display area (MDA) constitutes a main light-emitting area (MEA), and multiple main light-emitting areas (MEAs) can constitute a single main display pixel (MDX). For example, four main light-emitting areas (MEAs) can constitute a single main display pixel (MDX). That is, a single main display pixel (MDX) may contain four main light-emitting areas (MEAs), and four main light-emitting areas (MEAs) can constitute a single main display pixel (MDX) to represent white gradation. However, the number of main light-emitting areas (MEAs) included in a main display pixel (MDX) is not limited to this.

[0072] In some embodiments, multiple main display pixels MDX arranged in the main display area MDA may be arranged in the fourth direction DR4 and the fifth direction DR5, which are diagonal directions between the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Additionally, multiple main light-emitting areas MEA of the main display pixels MDX may be arranged in the fourth direction DR4 and the fifth direction DR5.

[0073] A light-emitting element ED (see Figure 11) is also placed in the sub-display area SDA to form a sub-light-emitting area SEA, and multiple sub-light-emitting areas SEA can form a single sub-display pixel SDX. However, the sub-display area SDA is a component located on the back of the substrate SUB of the display panel 100, and may overlap with, for example, the optical device 500, and unlike the main display area MDA, it may have a structure that takes light transmittance into consideration.

[0074] The sub-display pixel SDX, which is composed of multiple sub-emission regions SEA of the sub-display region SDA, has a different arrangement from the main display pixel MDX. For example, while the main display pixel MDX contains four main emission regions MEA, the sub-display pixel SDX may contain seven sub-emission regions SEA. The four main emission regions MEA of the main display pixel MDX each correspond to four pixel circuits. On the other hand, in the sub-display pixel SDX, two or more sub-emission regions SEA correspond to one pixel circuit. For example, the sub-display pixel SDX may contain seven sub-emission regions SEA that emit light from three pixel circuits. Therefore, the sub-display region SDA may have differences in brightness and resolution compared to the main display region MDA.

[0075] In some embodiments, multiple sub-display pixels SDX arranged in the sub-display area SDA may be arranged in the fourth direction DR4 and the fifth direction DR5, which are diagonal directions between the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Furthermore, multiple sub-emission areas SEA of the sub-display pixels SDX may be arranged in the fourth direction DR4 and the fifth direction DR5.

[0076] The sub-display area SDA may further include a light-transmitting area TA. The light-transmitting area TA is an area that allows light incident on the display panel 100 to pass through.

[0077] The transmission region TA may be located adjacent to the sub-emission region SEA. The transmission region TA may not overlap with the sub-emission region SEA. The transmission region TA may be surrounded by the sub-emission region SEA.

[0078] Multiple transmission regions TA are arranged in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Sub-emission regions SEA can be located not only between the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 of the multiple transmission regions TA, but also between the fourth direction DR4 and the fifth direction DR5.

[0079] Due to the transparent region TA, the number of sub-emitting regions SEA per unit area in the sub-display region SDA differs from the number of main-emitting regions MEA per unit area in the main display region MDA. For example, the number of sub-emitting regions SEA per unit area in the sub-display region SDA may be smaller than the number of main-emitting regions MEA per unit area in the main display region MDA.

[0080] Furthermore, due to the transparent region TA, the ratio of the area of ​​the sub-emitting region SEA of the sub-display region SDA to the area of ​​the sub-display region SDA is different from the ratio of the area of ​​the main emitting region MEA of the main display region MDA to the area of ​​the main display region MDA. For example, the ratio of the area of ​​the sub-emitting region SEA of the sub-display region SDA to the area of ​​the sub-display region SDA may be smaller than the ratio of the area of ​​the main emitting region MEA of the main display region MDA to the area of ​​the main display region MDA.

[0081] The sub-display area SDA will be explained in detail below with reference to Figure 5.

[0082] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the sub-display area SDA according to one embodiment.

[0083] Referring to Figure 5 in addition to Figure 4, the sub-display area SDA may include the central area CTA, the bridge area BRA, and the transparent area TA.

[0084] The permeable region TA may include a first permeable region TA1, a second permeable region TA2, a third permeable region TA3, and a fourth permeable region TA4. The first permeable region TA1 and the third permeable region TA3 may be aligned in the first direction DR1, and the second permeable region TA2 and the fourth permeable region TA4 may be aligned in the second direction DR2. The first permeable region TA1 and the second permeable region TA2 may be aligned in the fifth direction DR5, and the first permeable region TA1 and the fourth permeable region TA4 may be aligned in the fourth direction DR4. The third permeable region TA3 and the second permeable region TA2 may be aligned in the fourth direction DR4, and the third permeable region TA3 and the fourth permeable region TA4 may be aligned in the fifth direction DR5. The first to fourth permeable regions TA1, TA2, TA3, and TA4 may be aligned sequentially in a clockwise direction.

[0085] The central region CTA is the region enclosed by the first to fourth transmission regions TA1, TA2, TA3, and TA4, and may be located between the first transmission region TA1 and the third transmission region TA3 in the first direction DR1, and between the second transmission region TA2 and the fourth transmission region TA4 in the second direction DR2.

[0086] The bridge region BRA may be the region located between the transmission regions TA, excluding the central region CTA. For example, the bridge region BRA may be the region located between the transmission regions TA in the fourth direction DR4 and the fifth direction DR5.

[0087] The bridge region BRA may include a first bridge region BRA1, a second bridge region BRA2, a third bridge region BRA3, and a fourth bridge region BRA4. The first bridge region BRA1 is located between the first transmissive region TA1 and the second transmissive region TA2 in the fifth direction DR5. The second bridge region BRA2 is located between the second transmissive region TA2 and the third transmissive region TA3 in the fourth direction DR4. The third bridge region BRA3 is located between the third transmissive region TA3 and the fourth transmissive region TA4 in the fifth direction DR5. The fourth bridge region BRA4 is located between the fourth transmissive region TA4 and the first transmissive region TA1 in the fourth direction DR4. The first to fourth bridge regions BRA1, BRA2, BRA3, and BRA4 may be arranged sequentially in a clockwise direction.

[0088] The first bridge region BRA1 and the second bridge region BRA2 may be aligned in the first direction DR1, the second bridge region BRA2 and the third bridge region BRA3 may be aligned in the second direction DR2, the third bridge region BRA3 and the fourth bridge region BRA4 may be aligned in the first direction DR1, and the fourth bridge region BRA4 and the first bridge region BRA1 may be aligned in the second direction DR2.

[0089] Sub-emitting regions (SEAs) are located in the central region (CTA) and the bridge region (BRA). For example, as shown in Figure 5, each central region (CTA) may have five sub-emitting regions (SEAs), and each bridge region (BRA) may have one sub-emitting region (SEA). However, the number of sub-emitting regions (SEAs) located in the central region (CTA) and bridge region (BRA) is not limited to these.

[0090] In some embodiments, the sub-display pixel SDX may include a sub-emitting region SEA located in the central region CTA and a sub-emitting region SEA located in the bridge region BRA. For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the sub-display pixel SDX may consist of sub-emitting regions SEA located in the central region CTA, a second bridge region BRA2, and a third bridge region BRA3.

[0091] The display device 10 according to this embodiment can improve the resolution in the sub-display area SDA by arranging sub-light-emitting areas SEA not only in the central area CTA but also in the bridge area BRA. This minimizes the resolution difference between the main display area MDA and the sub-display area SDA.

[0092] The following will provide a detailed description of the pixel MDX, SDX arrangement and structure of the main display area MDA and sub-display area SDA of the display device 10, with further reference to other drawings.

[0093] Figure 6 is a layout diagram showing the light-shielding layer, first color filter layer, second color filter layer, and third color filter layer in a first main pixel according to one embodiment. Figure 7 is a layout diagram showing the light-shielding layer in a first main pixel according to one embodiment. Figure 8 is a layout diagram showing the first color filter layer in a first main pixel according to one embodiment. Figure 9 is a layout diagram showing the second color filter layer in a first main pixel according to one embodiment. Figure 10 is a layout diagram showing the third color filter layer in a first main pixel according to one embodiment.

[0094] Referring to Figures 6 to 10, the MDA of the main display area may include multiple main display pixels MDX. For example, the MDA of the main display area may include a first main display pixel MDX1, a second main display pixel MDX2, a third main display pixel MDX3, and a fourth main display pixel MDX4.

[0095] Multiple main display pixels (MDX) can be arranged in the fourth direction DR4 and the fifth direction DR5. For example, the first main display pixel MDX1 and the second main display pixel MDX2 can be arranged in the fifth direction DR5, the second main display pixel MDX2 and the third main display pixel MDX3 can be arranged in the fourth direction DR4, the third main display pixel MDX3 and the fourth main display pixel MDX4 can be arranged in the fifth direction DR5, and the fourth main display pixel MDX4 and the first main display pixel MDX1 can be arranged in the fourth direction DR4. The first to fourth main display pixels MDX1, MDX2, MDX3, and MDX4 can be repeatedly arranged across the entire MDA of the main display area in the arrangement shown in Figure 6.

[0096] Multiple main display pixel MDXs may each contain multiple main light emission areas (MEAs). For example, multiple main display pixel MDXs may each contain a first main light emission area MEA1, a second main light emission area MEA2, a third main light emission area MEA3, and a fourth main light emission area MEA4. However, the number of main light emission areas MEAs included in a main display pixel MDX is not limited to this and can be varied in various ways.

[0097] A single main display pixel (MDX) may contain one or more light-emitting elements (EDs) (see Figure 11). These one or more light-emitting elements (EDs) contained within a single main display pixel (MDX) may emit the same or different colors. For example, a light-emitting element (ED) located in the first main light-emitting region (MEA1) may emit red light (first light), a light-emitting element (ED) located in the second main light-emitting region (MEA2) may emit green light (second light), and a light-emitting element (ED) located in the third main light-emitting region (MEA3) may emit blue light (third light). A light-emitting element (ED) located in the fourth main light-emitting region (MEA4) may emit green light (second light), but is not limited to this.

[0098] The main light-emitting region (MEA) may be the region where the light-emitting layer (EL) (see Figure 11) overlaps with the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 (see Figure 11). For example, the apertures of the pixel definition film (PDL) (see Figure 11) correspond to the main light-emitting region (MEA). For example, each of the main light-emitting regions (MEAs) is defined by multiple apertures of the pixel definition film (PDL) (see Figure 11) of the light-emitting element layer (EML) (see Figure 11).

[0099] The first main light-emitting region MEA1 is defined by the first aperture of the pixel definition film PDL (see Figure 11) which overlaps with the first pixel electrode AE1 (see Figure 11), the second main light-emitting region MEA2 is defined by the second aperture of the pixel definition film PDL (see Figure 11) which overlaps with the second pixel electrode AE2 (see Figure 11), and the third main light-emitting region MEA3 is defined by the third aperture of the pixel definition film PDL (see Figure 11) which overlaps with the third pixel electrode AE3 (see Figure 11). Although not shown in the drawings, the fourth main light-emitting region MEA4 can be defined by the fourth aperture of the pixel definition film PDL (see Figure 11) which overlaps with the fourth pixel electrode.

[0100] Multiple main light-emitting regions (MEAs) can be arranged in a Pentile (PENTILE®) type, such as a diamond Pentile type. For example, the first main light-emitting region MEA1 and the third main light-emitting region MEA3 may be separated from each other in a first direction DR1, and may be arranged alternately in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The second main light-emitting region MEA2 and the fourth main light-emitting region MEA4 may be separated in a second direction DR2. The second main light-emitting region MEA2 and the fourth main light-emitting region MEA4 may be separated from the adjacent first main light-emitting region MEA1 and the third main light-emitting region MEA3 in a fourth direction DR4 or a fifth direction DR5. The second main light-emitting region MEA2 and the fourth main light-emitting region MEA4 may be arranged alternately and repeatedly along the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, and the second main light-emitting region MEA2 and the first main light-emitting region MEA1, or the fourth main light-emitting region MEA4 and the third main light-emitting region MEA3 may be arranged alternately and repeatedly along the fourth direction DR4 or the fifth direction DR5.

[0101] In the first diagonal row C1, the first main light-emitting area MEA1 and the fourth main light-emitting area MEA4 of the first main display pixel MDX1 and the first main light-emitting area MEA1 and the fourth main light-emitting area MEA4 of the second main display pixel MDX2 may be arranged in the fifth direction DR5. In the second diagonal row C2, the second main light-emitting area MEA2 and the third main light-emitting area MEA3 of the first main display pixel MDX1 and the second main light-emitting area MEA2 and the third main light-emitting area MEA3 of the second main display pixel MDX2 may be arranged in the fifth direction DR5. In the third diagonal row C3, the first main light-emitting area MEA1 and the fourth main light-emitting area MEA4 of the fourth main display pixel MDX4 and the first main light-emitting area MEA1 and the fourth main light-emitting area MEA4 of the third main display pixel MDX3 may be arranged in the fifth direction DR5. In the fourth diagonal column C4, the second main light-emitting region MEA2 and the third main light-emitting region MEA3 of the fourth main display pixel MDX4, and the second main light-emitting region MEA2 and the third main light-emitting region MEA3 of the third main display pixel MDX3 may be arranged in the fifth direction DR5.

[0102] In the first diagonal row R1, the first main light-emitting area MEA1 and second main light-emitting area MEA2 of the first main display pixel MDX1 and the first main light-emitting area MEA1 and second main light-emitting area MEA2 of the fourth main display pixel MDX4 may be arranged in the fourth direction DR4. In the second diagonal row R2, the fourth main light-emitting area MEA4 and third main light-emitting area MEA3 of the first main display pixel MDX1 and the fourth main light-emitting area MEA4 and third main light-emitting area MEA3 of the fourth main display pixel MDX4 may be arranged in the fourth direction DR4. In the third diagonal row R3, the first main light-emitting area MEA1 and second main light-emitting area MEA2 of the second main display pixel MDX2 and the first main light-emitting area MEA1 and second main light-emitting area MEA2 of the third main display pixel MDX3 may be arranged in the fourth direction DR4. In the fourth diagonal row R4, the fourth main light-emitting region MEA4 and the third main light-emitting region MEA3 of the second main display pixel MDX2, and the fourth main light-emitting region MEA4 and the third main light-emitting region MEA3 of the third main display pixel MDX3 may be arranged in the fourth direction DR4.

[0103] In exemplary embodiments, the areas or sizes of the first to fourth main light-emitting regions MEA1, MEA2, MEA3, and MEA4 may differ from each other. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the area of ​​the first main light-emitting region MEA1 may be larger than the areas of the second main light-emitting region MEA2, the third main light-emitting region MEA3, and the fourth main light-emitting region MEA4, and the area of ​​the third main light-emitting region MEA3 may be larger than the areas of the second main light-emitting region MEA2 and the fourth main light-emitting region MEA4. The intensity of light emitted may differ depending on the area of ​​each main light-emitting region MEA, and the color perception of the screen displayed on the display device 10 can be controlled by adjusting the area of ​​each main light-emitting region MEA. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the area of ​​the first main light-emitting region MEA1 is shown to be the largest, but this is not limiting. The size of each main light-emitting region MEA and the area of ​​the light-emitting region can be freely adjusted according to the color perception of the screen required by the display device 10. Furthermore, the area of ​​each main light-emitting region (MEA) is related to factors such as light efficiency and the lifetime of the light-emitting element (ED) (see Figure 11), and is in a trade-off relationship with reflection from ambient light. The area of ​​each main light-emitting region (MEA) can be adjusted taking these factors into consideration.

[0104] The drawings show that the shape of the main light-emitting area (MEA) on each plane is circular, but are not limited to this.

[0105] The display device 10 may include a light-shielding layer BM, a first color filter layer CFL1, a second color filter layer CFL2, and a third color filter layer CFL3, which are arranged on the light-shielding layer BM.

[0106] The light-shielding layer BM is placed across the entire surface of the display area DA. For example, the light-shielding layer BM may be placed across the main display area MDA and the sub-display area SDA.

[0107] The light-shielding layer BM is positioned in the main display area MDA and may include multiple main apertures OPT_M, each corresponding to a main light-emitting area MEA. The light-shielding layer BM can cover the main display area MDA except for the areas in which the multiple main apertures OPT_M are positioned. The multiple main apertures OPT_M of the light-shielding layer BM may be areas from which light emitted from light-emitting elements ED (see Figure 11) corresponding to the main light-emitting area MEA is emitted.

[0108] Multiple main apertures OPT_M may include a first main aperture OPT1_M that overlaps with the first main emission region MEA1, a second main aperture OPT2_M that overlaps with the second main emission region MEA2, a third main aperture OPT3_M that overlaps with the third main emission region MEA3, and a fourth main aperture OPT4_M that overlaps with the fourth main emission region MEA4.

[0109] Each of the multiple main apertures OPT_M has a planar area greater than the planar area of ​​each of the main emission regions MEA. For example, the first main aperture OPT1_M may have a planar area greater than the first main emission region MEA1, the second main aperture OPT2_M may have a planar area greater than the second main emission region MEA2, the third main aperture OPT3_M may have a planar area greater than the third main emission region MEA3, and the fourth main aperture OPT4_M may have a planar area greater than the fourth main emission region MEA4.

[0110] The first color filter layer CFL1 is placed on the light-shielding layer BM. The second color filter layer CFL2 is placed on the first color filter layer CFL1. The third color filter layer CFL3 is placed on the second color filter layer CFL2.

[0111] The first color filter layer CFL1 may include a first main color section CF1_M located in the main display area MDA, the second color filter layer CFL2 may include a second main color section CF2_M and a fourth main color section CF4_M located in the main display area MDA, and the third color filter layer CFL3 may include a third main color section CF3_M located in the main display area MDA. The first to fourth main color sections CF1_M, CF2_M, CF3_M, and CF4_M may be included in the main color section CF_M.

[0112] The main color section CF_M may contain a colorant, such as a dye or pigment, that absorbs light in wavelength bands other than a specific wavelength band, and may be arranged in accordance with the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting element ED (see Figure 11). For example, the first main color section CF1_M may be a red color filter that overlaps with the first main light-emitting region MEA1 and transmits only red light. The second main color section CF2_M may be a green color filter that overlaps with the second main light-emitting region MEA2 and transmits only green light. The third main color section CF3_M may be a blue color filter that overlaps with the third main light-emitting region MEA3 and transmits only blue light, and the fourth main color section CF4_M may be a green color filter that overlaps with the fourth main light-emitting region MEA4 and transmits only green light.

[0113] Multiple main color sections CF_M are arranged to correspond to multiple main light emission areas MEA.

[0114] Similar to the arrangement of the main light-emitting region (MEA), the main color sections (CF_M) can be arranged in a pentile type, such as a diamond pentile type. For example, the first main color section (CF1_M) and the third main color section (CF3_M) can be separated from each other in the first direction (DR1) and can be arranged alternately in the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2). The second main color section (CF2_M) and the fourth main color section (CF4_M) can be separated in the second direction (DR2). The second main color section (CF2_M) and the fourth main color section (CF4_M) can be separated from the adjacent first main color section (CF1_M) and third main color section (CF3_M) in the fourth direction (DR4) or the fifth direction (DR5). The second main color section CF2_M and the main fourth main color section CF4_M may be arranged alternately and repeatedly along the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, and the second main color section CF2_M and the first main color section CF1_M, or the fourth main color section CF4_M and the third main color section CF3_M may be arranged alternately and repeatedly along the fourth direction DR4 or the fifth direction DR5.

[0115] Each of the multiple main color sections CF_M may have a different size or area on a plane. As mentioned above, each of the multiple main light-emitting regions MEA may have a different size or area, and therefore, the sizes or areas of the multiple main color sections CF_M on a plane may also be different. For example, the size or area of ​​the first main color section CF1_M may be larger than the size or area of ​​the second main color section CF2_M, the third main color section CF3_M, and the fourth main color section CF4_M. Also, the size or area of ​​the third main color section CF3_M may be larger than the size or area of ​​the second main color section CF2_M and the fourth main color section CF4_M.

[0116] Each of the multiple main color sections CF_M may have a planar area larger than the planar area of ​​each of the main light-emitting regions MEA. For example, the first main color section CF1_M may have a planar area larger than the first main light-emitting region MEA1, the second main color section CF2_M may have a planar area larger than the second main light-emitting region MEA2, the third main color section CF3_M may have a planar area larger than the third main light-emitting region MEA3, and the fourth main color section CF4_M may have a planar area larger than the fourth main light-emitting region MEA4.

[0117] Multiple main color sections CF_M are arranged to correspond to multiple main openings OPT_M of the light-shielding layer BM. For example, the first main color section CF1_M may be arranged to overlap with the first main opening OPT1_M of the light-shielding layer BM, the second main color section CF2_M may be arranged to overlap with the second main opening OPT2_M of the light-shielding layer BM, the third main color section CF3_M may be arranged to overlap with the third main opening OPT3_M of the light-shielding layer BM, and the fourth main color section CF4_M may be arranged to overlap with the fourth main opening OPT4_M of the light-shielding layer BM.

[0118] Each of the multiple main color sections CF_M may have a planar area larger than the planar area of ​​each of the main openings OPT_M of the light-shielding layer BM. For example, the first main color section CF1_M may have a planar area larger than the first main opening OPT1_M of the light-shielding layer BM, the second main color section CF2_M may have a planar area larger than the second main opening OPT2_M of the light-shielding layer BM, the third main color section CF3_M may have a planar area larger than the third main opening OPT3_M of the light-shielding layer BM, and the fourth main color section CF4_M may have a planar area larger than the fourth main opening OPT4_M of the light-shielding layer BM. In this way, each of the multiple main color sections CF_M can completely cover the main openings OPT_M of the light-shielding layer BM.

[0119] The drawing shows that the planar shape of each main color section CF_M is circular, but it is not limited to this.

[0120] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along X2-X2' in Figure 6. Figure 11 shows a cross-section of the main display area MDA, traversing the first to third main light-emitting areas MEA1, MEA2, and MEA3 of the first main display pixel MDX1. The fourth main light-emitting area MEA4 is omitted because it has substantially the same structure as the second main light-emitting area MEA2.

[0121] Referring to Figures 6 to 10, as well as Figure 11, the display panel 100 of the display device 10 may include a display layer DU, a touch sensing layer TSU, and a color filter layer CFL. The display layer DU may include a substrate SUB, a thin-film transistor layer TFTL, a light-emitting element layer EML, and a encapsulation layer TFEL.

[0122] The substrate SUB may be a base substrate or base component. The substrate SUB may be a flexible substrate that can be bent, folded, rolled, etc. For example, the substrate SUB may contain, but is not limited to, a polymer resin such as polyimide. Other examples include the substrate SUB containing glass material or metal material.

[0123] The thin-film transistor layer TFTL may include a first buffer layer BF1, a lower metal layer BML, a second buffer layer BF2, a thin-film transistor TFT, a gate insulating layer GI, a first interlayer insulating layer ILD1, a capacitor electrode CPE, a second interlayer insulating layer ILD2, a first connection electrode CNE1, a first protective layer PAS1, a second connection electrode CNE2, and a second protective layer PAS2.

[0124] The first buffer layer BF1 is placed on the substrate SUB. The first buffer layer BF1 may include an inorganic film that can prevent the penetration of air or moisture. For example, the first buffer layer BF1 may include a plurality of inorganic films stacked alternately.

[0125] The lower metal layer BML is placed on the first buffer layer BF1. For example, the lower metal layer BML can be formed as a single or multilayer of one of the following materials or an alloy thereof: molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu).

[0126] The second buffer layer BF2 covers the first buffer layer BF1 and the lower metal layer BML. The second buffer layer BF2 may include an inorganic film that can prevent the penetration of air or moisture. For example, the second buffer layer BF2 may include multiple inorganic films that are alternately stacked.

[0127] Thin-film transistors (TFTs) are arranged on a second buffer layer BF2 and can constitute the pixel circuit for each of multiple pixels. For example, a thin-film transistor (TFT) can be a driving transistor or a switching transistor for the pixel circuit. A thin-film transistor (TFT) may include a semiconductor layer ACT, a source electrode SE, a drain electrode DE, and a gate electrode GE.

[0128] The semiconductor layer ACT is placed on the second buffer layer BF2. The semiconductor layer ACT overlaps the lower metal layer BML and the gate electrode GE in the thickness direction and can be insulated from the gate electrode GE by the gate insulating layer GI. A portion of the semiconductor layer ACT can be made conductive, forming the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE.

[0129] The gate electrode GE is positioned on the gate insulating layer GI. The gate electrode GE may overlap with the semiconductor layer ACT, with the gate insulating layer GI in between.

[0130] The gate insulating layer GI is placed on the semiconductor layer ACT. For example, the gate insulating layer GI may cover the semiconductor layer ACT and the second buffer layer BF2, insulating the semiconductor layer ACT from the gate electrode GE. The gate insulating layer GI may include a contact hole through which the first connecting electrode CNE1 passes.

[0131] The first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 may cover the gate electrode GE and the gate insulating layer GI. The first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 may include contact holes through which the first connecting electrode CNE1 passes. The contact holes in the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 may be connected to the contact holes in the gate insulating layer GI and the contact holes in the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2.

[0132] The capacitor electrode CPE is placed on the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1. The capacitor electrode CPE may overlap the gate electrode GE in the thickness direction. The capacitor electrode CPE and the gate electrode GE can form a capacitance.

[0133] The second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 covers the capacitor electrode CPE and the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1. The second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 may include contact holes through which the first connecting electrode CNE1 passes. The contact holes in the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2 may be connected to the contact holes in the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1 and the contact holes in the gate insulating layer GI.

[0134] The first connecting electrode CNE1 is positioned on the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2. The first connecting electrode CNE1 can electrically connect the drain electrode DE of the thin-film transistor TFT to the second connecting electrode CNE2. The first connecting electrode CNE1 can be inserted into contact holes formed in the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2, the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1, and the gate insulating layer GI, and can contact the drain electrode DE of the thin-film transistor TFT.

[0135] The first protective layer PAS1 covers the first connecting electrode CNE1 and the second interlayer insulating layer ILD2. The first protective layer PAS1 can protect the thin-film transistor TFT. The first protective layer PAS1 may include a contact hole through which the second connecting electrode CNE2 passes.

[0136] The second connecting electrode CNE2 is positioned on the first protective layer PAS1. The second connecting electrode CNE2 can electrically connect the first connecting electrode CNE1 and the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 of the light-emitting element ED. The second connecting electrode CNE2 can be inserted into a contact hole formed in the first protective layer PAS1 and make contact with the first connecting electrode CNE1.

[0137] The second protective layer PAS2 covers the second connecting electrode CNE2 and the first protective layer PAS1. The second protective layer PAS2 may include contact holes through which the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 of the light-emitting element ED pass.

[0138] The light-emitting element layer (EML) is placed on a thin-film transistor layer (TFTL). The EML may include a light-emitting element (ED) and a pixel definition film (PDL). The light-emitting element (ED) may include pixel electrodes (AE1, AE2, AE3), a light-emitting layer (EL), and a common electrode (CE).

[0139] Pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 are arranged on the second protective layer PAS2. Different pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 may be arranged so as to overlap with one of each of different openings of the pixel defining film PDL. Pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 may be electrically connected to the drain electrode DE of the thin-film transistor TFT via first and second connecting electrodes CNE1 and CNE2.

[0140] The light-emitting layer EL is placed on the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3. For example, the light-emitting layer EL may be, but is not limited to, an organic light-emitting layer made of an organic material. When the light-emitting layer EL is an organic light-emitting layer, a thin-film transistor TFT applies a predetermined voltage to the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 of the light-emitting element ED, and the common electrode CE of the light-emitting element ED receives the common voltage or cathode voltage, holes and electrons may move to the light-emitting layer EL via the hole transport layer and electron transport layer, respectively, and the holes and electrons may combine with each other in the light-emitting layer EL to emit light.

[0141] In exemplary embodiments, light-emitting layers EL, each positioned on different pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3, may emit light of different colors. For example, a light-emitting layer positioned on the first pixel electrode AE1 may emit red light of the first color, a light-emitting layer positioned on the second pixel electrode AE2 may emit green light of the second color, and a light-emitting layer positioned on the third pixel electrode AE3 may emit blue light of the third color. However, it is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the light-emitting layer EL may be positioned as a single common layer on different pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, AE3 and a pixel definition film PDL, and the light-emitting layers EL positioned on different pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 may emit light of the same color. In this case, the display device 10 may further include a color adjustment layer positioned on the light-emitting element ED.

[0142] The common electrode CE is placed on the light-emitting layer EL. For example, the common electrode CE can be implemented as an electrode common to all pixels, rather than being divided for each individual pixel. The common electrode CE can be placed on the light-emitting layer EL with pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3, or on the pixel definition film PDL in the region excluding the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3.

[0143] The common electrode CE receives a common voltage or a low potential voltage. When the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 receive a voltage corresponding to the data voltage, and the common electrode CE receives a low potential voltage, a potential difference is formed between the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 and the common electrode CE, allowing the light-emitting layer EL to emit light.

[0144] The pixel definition film PDL includes multiple openings and is positioned on the second protective layer PAS2 and a portion of the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3. Each opening in the pixel definition film PDL may expose a portion of the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3. As described above, each opening in the pixel definition film PDL defines the first to third main light-emitting regions MEA1, MEA2, and MEA3, and their areas or sizes may differ from each other. The pixel definition film PDL can separate and insulate the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 of each of the multiple light-emitting elements ED.

[0145] Pixel definition films (PDLs) prevent light reflection by containing light-absorbing materials. For example, a pixel definition film PDL may contain a polyimide (PI) binder and a mixture of red, green, and blue pigments. Alternatively, a pixel definition film PDL may contain a cardo binder resin and a mixture of lactam black pigment and blue pigment. Or, a pixel definition film PDL may contain carbon black.

[0146] The sealing layer TFEL is placed on the common electrode CE and can cover multiple light-emitting elements ED. By including at least one inorganic film, the sealing layer TFEL can prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating the light-emitting element layer EML. By including at least one organic film, the sealing layer TFEL can protect the light-emitting element layer EML from foreign matter such as dust.

[0147] In an exemplary embodiment, the encapsulation layer TFEL may include a first encapsulation layer TFE1, a second encapsulation layer TFE2, and a third encapsulation layer TFE3. The first encapsulation layer TFE1 and the third encapsulation layer TFE3 are inorganic encapsulation layers, and the second encapsulation layer TFE2, positioned between them, may be an organic encapsulation layer.

[0148] The first sealing layer TFE1 and the third sealing layer TFE3 may each contain one or more inorganic insulators. The inorganic insulators may include aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride.

[0149] The second sealing layer TFE2 may contain polymer-based materials. Polymer-based materials may include acrylic resins, epoxy resins, polyimides, and polyethylene. For example, the second sealing layer TFE2 may contain acrylic resins, such as polymethyl methacrylate or polyacrylic acid. The second sealing layer TFE2 can be formed by curing monomers or by coating with a polymer.

[0150] The touch sensing layer TSU is placed on the encapsulation layer TFEL. The touch sensing layer TSU may include a first touch insulating layer SIL1, a second touch insulating layer SIL2, a touch electrode TL, and a third touch insulating layer SIL3.

[0151] The first touch insulating layer SIL1 is placed on the sealing layer TFEL. The first touch insulating layer SIL1 may have insulating and optical functions. The first touch insulating layer SIL1 may include at least one inorganic film. Selectively, the first touch insulating layer SIL1 may be omitted.

[0152] The second touch insulating layer SIL2 covers the first touch insulating layer SIL1. Although not shown in the drawings, touch electrodes of other layers may be further arranged on the first touch insulating layer SIL1, and the second touch insulating layer SIL2 can cover such touch electrodes TL. The second touch insulating layer SIL2 can have insulating and optical functions. For example, the second touch insulating layer SIL2 may be an inorganic film containing at least one of a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, and an aluminum oxide layer.

[0153] A portion of the touch electrode TL is positioned on the second touch insulating layer SIL2. Each touch electrode TL does not overlap with the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3. Each touch electrode TL can be formed from a single layer of molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), or ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), or from a multilayer structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti / Al / Ti), aluminum and ITO (ITO / Al / ITO), APC alloy, or APC alloy and ITO (ITO / APC / ITO).

[0154] The touch electrode TL of the touch sensing layer TSU has a constant line width and is positioned to overlap with the light-shielding layer BM. The light-shielding layer BM may be wide enough to completely cover the touch electrode TL. In some embodiments, the touch electrode TL is positioned such that its center is substantially aligned with the center of the light-shielding layer BM, and the distance from one side of the touch electrode TL to one side of the light-shielding layer BM may be substantially the same as the distance from the other side of the touch electrode TL to the other side of the light-shielding layer BM.

[0155] The third touch insulating layer SIL3 covers the touch electrode TL and the second touch insulating layer SIL2. The third touch insulating layer SIL3 can have insulating and optical functions. The third touch insulating layer SIL3 is made of the material exemplified in the second touch insulating layer SIL2.

[0156] The color filter layer CFL may include a light-shielding layer BM, a first color filter layer CFL1, a second color filter layer CFL2, a third color filter layer CFL3, and an overcoat layer OC.

[0157] The light-shielding layer BM is positioned on the third touch insulating layer SIL3 of the touch sensing layer TSU. The light-shielding layer BM may be positioned to overlap with the conductive lines of the touch electrode TL. The light-shielding layer BM may be positioned to overlap with the pixel definition film PDL in the third direction DR3.

[0158] The light-shielding layer BM may include multiple main apertures OPT_M positioned to overlap with the main light-emitting region MEA. For example, the first main aperture OPT1_M may overlap with the first main light-emitting region MEA1 in the third direction DR3, the second main aperture OPT2_M may overlap with the second main light-emitting region MEA2 in the third direction DR3, and the third main aperture OPT3_M may overlap with the third main light-emitting region MEA3 in the third direction DR3. Although not shown in the drawing, the fourth main aperture OPT4_M may overlap with the fourth main light-emitting region MEA4 in the third direction DR3.

[0159] The area or size of each main aperture OPT_M may be larger than the area or size of the main light-emitting region MEA. Furthermore, the area or size of each main aperture OPT_M may be formed to be larger than the aperture of the pixel definition film PDL, so that the light emitted from the light-emitting element ED can be seen by the user not only from the front but also from the side of the display device 10.

[0160] The light-shielding layer BM may contain light-absorbing materials. For example, the light-shielding layer BM may contain an inorganic black pigment or an organic black pigment. The inorganic black pigment is carbon black, and the organic black pigment may contain, but is not limited to, at least one of lactam black, perylene black, and aniline black.

[0161] The first color filter layer CFL1, the second color filter layer CFL2, and the third color filter layer CFL3 are arranged on the light-shielding layer BM. The first color filter layer CFL1, the second color filter layer CFL2, and the third color filter layer CFL3 are stacked on the light-shielding layer BM in that order, but are not limited to this.

[0162] The main color portion CF_M of the color filter layer CFL may include the first main color portion CF1_M of the first color filter layer CFL1, the second main color portion CF2_M of the second color filter layer CFL2, and the third main color portion CF3_M of the third color filter layer CFL3. Although not shown in the drawings, the main color portion CF_M may further include the fourth main color portion CF4_M of the second color filter layer CFL2.

[0163] Each main color section CF_M can be positioned corresponding to the main light emission area MEA. For example, the first main color section CF1_M may be positioned so as to overlap with the first main light emission area MEA1 in the third direction DR3, the second main color section CF2_M may be positioned so as to overlap with the second main light emission area MEA2 in the third direction DR3, and the third main color section CF3_M may be positioned so as to overlap with the third main light emission area MEA3 in the third direction DR3.

[0164] Each main color section CF_M is positioned to correspond to the main aperture OPT_M of the light-shielding layer BM. For example, the first main color section CF1_M may cover the first main aperture OPT1_M, the second main color section CF2_M may cover the second main aperture OPT2_M, and the third main color section CF3_M may cover the third main aperture OPT3_M.

[0165] The width of the main color section CF_M may be greater than the width of the main aperture OPT_M of the light-shielding layer BM. For example, the width of the first main color section CF1_M may be greater than the width of the first main aperture OPT1_M of the light-shielding layer BM, the width of the second main color section CF2_M may be greater than the width of the second main aperture OPT2_M of the light-shielding layer BM, and the width of the third main color section CF3_M may be greater than the width of the third main aperture OPT3_M of the light-shielding layer BM.

[0166] The overcoat layer OC is placed on the light-shielding layer BM, the first color filter layer CFL1, the second color filter layer CFL2, and the third color filter layer CFL3. The overcoat layer OC is placed over the entire surface of the display area DA and can flatten the upper surface of the display panel 100. The overcoat layer OC may be a colorless, translucent layer that does not have any visible light band color. For example, the overcoat layer OC may contain a colorless, translucent organic material such as an acrylic resin.

[0167] Figure 12 is a layout diagram showing the light-shielding layer, first color filter layer, second color filter layer, and third color filter layer in region C of Figure 4. Figure 13 is a layout diagram showing the light-shielding layer in region C of Figure 4. Figure 14 is a layout diagram showing the first color filter layer in region C of Figure 4. Figure 15 is a layout diagram showing the second color filter layer in region C of Figure 4. Figure 16 is a layout diagram showing the third color filter layer in region C of Figure 4.

[0168] Referring to Figures 5 to 11, as well as Figures 12 to 16, the sub-display area SDA may contain multiple sub-display pixels SDX. These multiple sub-display pixels SDX may be arranged in the fourth direction DR4 and the fifth direction DR5. The sub-display pixels SDX may be repeatedly arranged throughout the sub-display area SDA in the arrangement shown in Figure 12.

[0169] Multiple sub-display pixels SDX may each contain multiple sub-emission regions SEA. For example, multiple sub-display pixels SDX may each contain a first sub-emission region SEA1, a second sub-emission region SEA2, a third sub-emission region SEA3, a fourth sub-emission region SEA4, a fifth sub-emission region SEA5, a sixth sub-emission region SEA6, and a seventh sub-emission region SEA7. However, the number of sub-emission regions SEA included in a sub-display pixel SDX is not limited to this and can be varied in various ways.

[0170] A single sub-display pixel SDX may contain one or more light-emitting elements ED (see Figure 17). One or more light-emitting elements ED (see Figure 17) contained in a single sub-display pixel SDX may emit the same or different colors from each other. For example, light-emitting elements ED (see Figure 17) located in the first sub-emitting region SEA1 and the fourth sub-emitting region SEA4 may emit red first light, light-emitting elements ED (see Figure 17) located in the second sub-emitting region SEA2, the fifth sub-emitting region SEA5, and the seventh sub-emitting region SEA7 may emit green second light, and light-emitting elements ED (see Figure 17) located in the third sub-emitting region SEA3 and the sixth sub-emitting region SEA6 may emit blue third light.

[0171] The sub-emitting region (SEA) may be the region where the light-emitting layer (EL) (see Figure 17) overlaps with the pixel electrodes AE1, AE2, and AE3 (see Figure 17). For example, the apertures of the pixel definition film (PDL) (see Figure 17) correspond to the sub-emitting region (SEA). For example, each sub-emitting region (SEA) can be defined by multiple apertures of the pixel definition film (PDL) (see Figure 17) of the light-emitting element layer (EML) (see Figure 17).

[0172] The first sub-emitting region SEA1 is defined by the first aperture of the pixel definition film PDL (see Figure 17) that overlaps with the first pixel electrode AE1 (see Figure 17), the second sub-emitting region SEA2 is defined by the second aperture of the pixel definition film PDL (see Figure 17) that overlaps with the second pixel electrode AE2 (see Figure 17), and the third sub-emitting region SEA3 can be defined by the third aperture of the pixel definition film PDL (see Figure 17) that overlaps with the third pixel electrode AE3 (see Figure 17). Although not shown in the drawings, the fourth sub-emitting region SEA4 is defined by the fourth aperture of the pixel definition film PDL (see Figure 17) that overlaps with the fourth pixel electrode, the fifth sub-emitting region SEA5 is defined by the fifth aperture of the pixel definition film PDL (see Figure 17) that overlaps with the fifth pixel electrode, the sixth sub-emitting region SEA6 is defined by the sixth aperture of the pixel definition film PDL (see Figure 17) that overlaps with the sixth pixel electrode, and the seventh sub-emitting region SEA7 is defined by the seventh aperture of the pixel definition film PDL (see Figure 17) that overlaps with the seventh pixel electrode.

[0173] Multiple sub-emitting regions SEA are arranged in the first sub-diagonal column SC1 and the second sub-diagonal column SC2. The first sub-diagonal column SC1 may be a region that does not overlap with the transmissive region TA in the sub-display region SDA and extends in the fourth direction DR4, and the second sub-diagonal column SC2 may be a region that does not overlap with the transmissive region TA in the sub-display region SDA and extends in the fifth direction DR5.

[0174] In the first sub-diagonal row SC1, the first sub-emitting region SEA1, the second sub-emitting region SEA2, the fourth sub-emitting region SEA4, and the fifth sub-emitting region SEA5 of the sub-display pixel SDX may be sequentially arranged in the fourth direction DR4. In the second sub-diagonal row SC2, the third sub-emitting region SEA3, the second sub-emitting region SEA2, the sixth sub-emitting region SEA6, and the seventh sub-emitting region SEA7 of the sub-display pixel SDX may be sequentially arranged in the fifth direction DR5.

[0175] In an exemplary embodiment, the areas or sizes of the first to seventh sub-emitting regions SEA1, SEA2, SEA3, SEA4, SEA5, SEA6, and SEA7 may differ from each other. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the areas of the first sub-emitting region SEA1 and the fourth sub-emitting region SEA4 may be larger than the areas of the second sub-emitting region SEA2, the third sub-emitting region SEA3, the fifth sub-emitting region SEA5, the sixth sub-emitting region SEA6, and the seventh sub-emitting region SEA7, and the areas of the third sub-emitting region SEA3 and the sixth sub-emitting region SEA6 may be larger than the areas of the second sub-emitting region SEA2, the fifth sub-emitting region SEA5, and the seventh sub-emitting region SEA7. The intensity of light emitted may differ depending on the area of ​​each sub-emitting region SEA, and the color perception of the screen displayed on the display device 10 can be controlled by adjusting the area of ​​each sub-emitting region SEA. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the areas of the first sub-emitting region SEA1 and the fourth sub-emitting region SEA4 are shown to be the largest, but this is not a limitation. The size of each sub-emitting region SEA and the area of ​​the emitting region can be freely adjusted according to the color perception of the screen required by the display device 10. Furthermore, the area of ​​each sub-emitting region SEA is related to the light efficiency, the lifespan of the light-emitting element ED (see Figure 17), etc., and is in a trade-off relationship with reflection from ambient light. The area of ​​each sub-emitting region SEA can be adjusted taking these factors into consideration.

[0176] The drawings show that the shape of each sub-emitting region (SEA) on a plane is a quadrilateral with rounded corners, but it is not limited to this.

[0177] The sub-display area SDA may further include the transparent area TA. The transparent area TA has been described previously, so it will be omitted here.

[0178] The display device 10 may include a light-shielding layer BM, a first color filter layer CFL1, a second color filter layer CFL2, and a third color filter layer CFL3, which are arranged on the light-shielding layer BM.

[0179] The light-shielding layer BM is placed across the entire surface of the display area DA. For example, the light-shielding layer BM may be placed in the main display area MDA and the sub-display area SDA.

[0180] The light-shielding layer BM is positioned in the sub-display area SDA and may include a plurality of sub-apertures OPT_S, each corresponding to a sub-emission area SEA. The light-shielding layer BM may cover the sub-display area SDA except for the area in which the plurality of sub-apertures OPT_S are positioned. The plurality of sub-apertures OPT_S of the light-shielding layer BM may be areas from which light emitted from the light-emitting element ED (see Figure 17) corresponding to the sub-emission area SEA is emitted.

[0181] Multiple sub-apertures OPT_S may include a first sub-aperture OPT1_S that overlaps with the first sub-emission region SEA1, a second sub-aperture OPT2_S that overlaps with the second sub-emission region SEA2, a third sub-aperture OPT3_S that overlaps with the third sub-emission region SEA3, a fourth sub-aperture OPT4_S that overlaps with the fourth sub-emission region SEA4, a fifth sub-aperture OPT5_S that overlaps with the fifth sub-emission region SEA5, a sixth sub-aperture OPT6_S that overlaps with the sixth sub-emission region SEA6, and a seventh sub-aperture OPT7_S that overlaps with the seventh sub-emission region SEA7.

[0182] Each of the multiple sub-apertures OPT_S may have a planar area larger than the planar area of ​​each sub-emission region SEA. For example, the first sub-aperture OPT1_S may have a planar area larger than the first sub-emission region SEA1, the second sub-aperture OPT2_S may have a planar area larger than the second sub-emission region SEA2, the third sub-aperture OPT3_S may have a planar area larger than the third sub-emission region SEA3, the fourth sub-aperture OPT4_S may have a planar area larger than the fourth sub-emission region SEA4, the fifth sub-aperture OPT5_S may have a planar area larger than the fifth sub-emission region SEA5, the sixth sub-aperture OPT6_S may have a planar area larger than the sixth sub-emission region SEA6, and the seventh sub-aperture OPT7_S may have a planar area larger than the seventh sub-emission region SEA7.

[0183] The light-shielding layer BM is located in the sub-display area SDA and may include transmissive window openings OPT_T positioned between a plurality of sub-apertures OPT_S. The transmissive window openings OPT_T are located in the transmissive area TA. The plurality of transmissive window openings OPT_T may be arranged in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The plurality of sub-apertures OPT_S may be positioned not only between the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 of the plurality of transmissive window openings OPT_T, but also between the fourth direction DR4 and the fifth direction DR5.

[0184] The first color filter layer CFL1 is placed on the light-shielding layer BM. The second color filter layer CFL2 is placed on the first color filter layer CFL1. The third color filter layer CFL3 is placed on the second color filter layer CFL2.

[0185] The first color filter layer CFL1 may include a first sub-color section CF1_S and a fourth sub-color section CF4_S located in the sub-display area SDA; the second color filter layer CFL2 may include a second sub-color section CF2_S, a fifth sub-color section CF5_S, and a seventh sub-color section CF7_S located in the sub-display area SDA; and the third color filter layer CFL3 may include a third sub-color section CF3_S and a sixth sub-color section CF6_S located in the sub-display area SDA. The first to seventh sub-color sections CF1_S, CF2_S, CF3_S, CF4_S, CF5_S, CF6_S, and CF7_S may be included in the sub-color section CF_S.

[0186] The sub-color sections CF_S may contain colorants such as dyes or pigments that absorb light in wavelength bands other than a specific wavelength band, and may be arranged in correspondence to the color of light emitted by the light-emitting element ED (see Figure 17). For example, the first sub-color section CF1_S and the fourth sub-color section CF4_S may be arranged to overlap with the first sub-emitting region SEA1 and the fourth sub-emitting region SEA4, respectively, and may be red color filters that transmit only red first light. The second sub-color section CF2_S, the fifth sub-color section CF5_S, and the seventh sub-color section CF7_S may be arranged to overlap with the second sub-emitting region SEA2, the fifth sub-emitting region SEA5, and the seventh sub-emitting region SEA7, respectively, and may be green color filters that transmit only green second light. The third sub-color section CF3_S and the sixth sub-color section CF6_S are arranged to overlap with the third sub-emission region SEA3 and the sixth sub-emission region SEA6, respectively, and may be blue color filters that transmit only blue third light.

[0187] Multiple subcolor sections CF_S can be arranged to correspond to multiple sub-emission regions SEA.

[0188] In the first sub-diagonal column SC1, the first sub-color section CF1_S, the second sub-color section CF2_S, the fourth sub-color section CF4_S, and the fifth sub-color section CF5_S are arranged sequentially in the fourth direction DR4. In the second sub-diagonal column SC2, the third sub-color section CF3_S, the second sub-color section CF2_S, the sixth sub-color section CF6_S, and the seventh sub-color section CF7_S are arranged in the fifth direction DR5.

[0189] In the first sub-diagonal row SC1, the first sub-color section CF1_S and the fourth sub-color section CF4_S may be alternately spaced in the fourth direction DR4. In the first sub-diagonal row SC1, the second sub-color section CF2_S and the fifth sub-color section CF5_S may be alternately spaced in the fourth direction DR4. In the second sub-diagonal row SC2, the second sub-color section CF2_S and the seventh sub-color section CF7_S may be alternately spaced in the fifth direction DR5. In the second sub-diagonal row SC2, the third sub-color section CF3_S and the sixth sub-color section CF6_S may be alternately spaced in the fifth direction DR5.

[0190] Each of the multiple sub-color sections CF_S may have a different size or area on a plane. As mentioned above, each of the multiple sub-emission regions SEA may have a different size or area, and therefore, the sizes or areas of the multiple sub-color sections CF_S on a plane may also be different. For example, the size or area of ​​the third sub-color section CF3_S and the sixth sub-color section CF6_S may be larger than the size or area of ​​the first sub-color section CF1_S, the second sub-color section CF2_S, the fourth sub-color section CF4_S, the fifth sub-color section CF5_S, and the seventh sub-color section CF7_S. Also, the size or area of ​​the first sub-color section CF1_S and the fourth sub-color section CF4_S may be larger than the size or area of ​​the second sub-color section CF2_S, the fifth sub-color section CF5_S, and the seventh sub-color section CF7_S. The size of each of the multiple sub-color sections CF_S is closely related to the color perception of the sub-display region SDA due to ambient light reflection, which will be discussed later with reference to Figure 20.

[0191] Each of the multiple sub-color sections CF_S may have a planar area larger than the planar area of ​​each of the sub-emission regions SEA. For example, the first sub-color section CF1_S may have a planar area larger than the first sub-emission region SEA1, the second sub-color section CF2_S may have a planar area larger than the second sub-emission region SEA2, the third sub-color section CF3_S may have a planar area larger than the third sub-emission region SEA3, the fourth sub-color section CF4_S may have a planar area larger than the fourth sub-emission region SEA4, the fifth sub-color section CF5_S may have a planar area larger than the fifth sub-emission region SEA5, the sixth sub-color section CF6_S may have a planar area larger than the sixth sub-emission region SEA6, and the seventh sub-color section CF7_S may have a planar area larger than the seventh sub-emission region SEA7.

[0192] Multiple sub-color sections CF_S are arranged to correspond to multiple sub-apertures OPT_S of the light-shielding layer BM. For example, the first sub-color portion CF1_S may be arranged to overlap with the first sub-aperture OPT1_S of the light-shielding layer BM, the second sub-color portion CF2_S may be arranged to overlap with the second sub-aperture OPT2_S of the light-shielding layer BM, the third sub-color portion CF3_S may be arranged to overlap with the third sub-aperture OPT3_S of the light-shielding layer BM, the fourth sub-color portion CF4_S may be arranged to overlap with the fourth sub-aperture OPT4_S of the light-shielding layer BM, the fifth sub-color portion CF5_S may be arranged to overlap with the fifth sub-aperture OPT5_S of the light-shielding layer BM, the sixth sub-color portion CF6_S may be arranged to overlap with the sixth sub-aperture OPT6_S of the light-shielding layer BM, and the seventh sub-color portion CF7_S may be arranged to overlap with the seventh sub-aperture OPT7_S of the light-shielding layer BM.

[0193] Each of the multiple sub-color sections CF_S may have a planar area greater than the planar area of ​​each of the sub-apertures OPT_S of the light-shielding layer BM. For example, the area of ​​the first sub-color portion CF1_S may be larger on the plane than the first sub-aperture OPT1_S of the light-shielding layer BM, the area of ​​the second sub-color portion CF2_S may be larger on the plane than the second sub-aperture OPT2_S of the light-shielding layer BM, the area of ​​the third sub-color portion CF3_S may be larger on the plane than the third sub-aperture OPT3_S of the light-shielding layer BM, the area of ​​the fourth sub-color portion CF4_S may be larger on the plane than the fourth sub-aperture OPT4_S of the light-shielding layer BM, the area of ​​the fifth sub-color portion CF5_S may be larger on the plane than the fifth sub-aperture OPT5_S of the light-shielding layer BM, the area of ​​the sixth sub-color portion CF6_S may be larger on the plane than the sixth sub-aperture OPT6_S of the light-shielding layer BM, and the area of ​​the seventh sub-color portion CF7_S may be larger on the plane than the seventh sub-aperture OPT7_S of the light-shielding layer BM. Therefore, each of the multiple sub-color sections CF_S can completely cover the sub-aperture OPT_S of the light-shielding layer BM.

[0194] The drawing shows that the shape of each sub-color section CF_S on its plane is approximately quadrilateral, but it is not limited to this.

[0195] In the display device 10 according to this embodiment, the color-specific area ratio of the main light-emitting region MEA of the main display pixel MDX is different from the color-specific area ratio of the sub-light-emitting region SEA of the sub-display pixel SDX. That is, the ratio of the area of ​​the first main light-emitting region MEA1 that emits red light, the sum of the areas of the second main light-emitting region MEA2 and the fourth main light-emitting region MEA4 that emit green light, and the area of ​​the fourth main light-emitting region MEA4 that emits blue light in the main display pixel MDX may be different from the ratio of the sum of the areas of the first sub-light-emitting region SEA1 and the fourth sub-light-emitting region SEA4 that emit red light, the sum of the areas of the second sub-light-emitting region SEA2, the fifth sub-light-emitting region SEA5, and the seventh sub-light-emitting region SEA7 that emit green light, and the sum of the areas of the third sub-light-emitting region SEA3 and the sixth sub-light-emitting region SEA6 that emit blue light in the sub-display pixel SDX.

[0196] In one embodiment, the area of ​​the first main light-emitting region MEA1 that emits red light in the main display pixel MDX may be 25% or more of the total area, the combined area of ​​the second main light-emitting region MEA2 and the fourth main light-emitting region MEA4 that emit green light may be 50% or more of the total area, and the area of ​​the fourth main light-emitting region MEA4 that emits blue light may be 20% or less of the total area.

[0197] In one embodiment, the combined area of ​​the first sub-emitting region SEA1 and the fourth sub-emitting region SEA4 that emit red light in the sub-display pixel SDX may be 25% or more of the total area, the combined area of ​​the second sub-emitting region SEA2, the fifth sub-emitting region SEA5, and the seventh sub-emitting region SEA7 that emit green light may be 50% or less of the total area, and the combined area of ​​the third sub-emitting region SEA3 and the sixth sub-emitting region SEA6 that emit blue light may be 20% or more of the total area.

[0198] In the display device 10 according to this embodiment, the area ratio of the sub-emitting region SEA that emits green light to the area of ​​the overall sub-emitting region SEA in the sub-display pixel SDX may be smaller than the area ratio of the main emitting region MEA that emits green light to the area of ​​the overall main emitting region MEA in the main display pixel MDX. Therefore, a difference in color perception may occur between the main emitting region MEA and the sub-emitting region SEA.

[0199] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the fifth sub-color section CF5_S may be positioned between the transparent regions TA in the fifth direction DR5, and the seventh sub-color section CF7_S may be positioned between the transparent regions TA in the fourth direction DR4. That is, in order to improve the resolution of the sub-display region SDA, by also positioning the sub-emission region SEA and sub-color section CF_S in the bridge region BRA, a difference in color perception may occur between the main emission region MEA and the sub-emission region SEA.

[0200] In this embodiment, the display device 10 can enlarge the size or area of ​​the seventh sub-color section CF7_S, which is a green color filter, in order to minimize such a color difference between the main light-emitting area MEA and the sub-light-emitting area SEA. For example, the length of the fourth direction DR4 of the seventh sub-color section CF7_S may be greater than the length of the fifth direction DR5. The lengths of both ends of the fourth direction DR4 of the seventh sub-color section CF7_S can be enlarged so that they are positioned adjacent to the transparent area TA.

[0201] In some embodiments, although not shown in the drawings, the size or area of ​​the fifth subcolor section CF5_S, which is a green color filter, can be enlarged. For example, the length of the fifth subcolor section CF5_S in the fifth direction DR5 may be greater than the length of the fourth direction DR4. The lengths of both ends of the fifth subcolor section CF5_S in the fifth direction DR5 can be enlarged so that they are positioned adjacent to the transparent region TA.

[0202] Even if the area of ​​the sub-emitting region SEA that emits green light becomes smaller than the area of ​​the main emitting region MEA that emits green light, the size or area of ​​the 7th sub-color section CF7_S or the 5th sub-color section CF5_S is increased, resulting in more colors being reflected by the green color filter, and thus minimizing the color difference between the main display pixel MDX and the sub-display pixel SDX.

[0203] The size or area of ​​the seventh sub-color section CF7_S may be larger than the size or area of ​​the second sub-color section CF2_S. Alternatively, although not shown in the drawings, the size or area of ​​the fifth sub-color section CF5_S may be larger than the size or area of ​​the second sub-color section CF2_S. The second sub-color section CF2_S is located in the central region CTA and is immediately adjacent to the red and blue light-emitting regions in the fourth direction DR4 and the fifth direction DR5, so increasing the size or area of ​​the second sub-color section CF2_S may also affect the perception of red and blue colors. On the other hand, the fifth sub-color section CF5_S has a transparent region TA adjacent to it in the fifth direction DR5, and the seventh sub-color section CF7_S has a transparent region TA adjacent to it in the fourth direction DR4, so increasing the size or area of ​​the fifth sub-color section CF5_S and the seventh sub-color section CF7_S can minimize the impact on the perception of red and blue colors.

[0204] Furthermore, a transparent area TA is placed in the sub-display area SDA, and the layer located below it (for example, the first protective layer PAS1 (see Figure 18)) may be exposed in the transparent area TA. In this case, the inherent color of the lower layer, such as the first protective layer PAS1 (see Figure 18) (for example, relatively yellow), is exposed through the transparent area TA, which may result in a difference in color perception between the sub-display area SDA and the main display area MDA.

[0205] In this embodiment, the display device 10 can enlarge the size or area of ​​the third sub-color section CF3_S and the sixth sub-color section CF6_S, which are blue color filters, in order to minimize such color differences between the main display area MDA and the sub-display area SDA. In addition, the size or area of ​​the first sub-color section CF1_S and the fourth sub-color section CF4_S, which are red color filters, can be enlarged.

[0206] For example, the area obtained by subtracting the areas of the third sub-emission region SEA3 and the sixth sub-emission region SEA6 from the respective areas of the third sub-color region CF3_S and the sixth sub-color region CF6_S may be larger than the area obtained by subtracting the areas of the second sub-emission region SEA2, the fifth sub-emission region SEA5, and the seventh sub-emission region SEA7 from the respective areas of the second sub-color region CF2_S, the fifth sub-color region CF5_S, and the seventh sub-color region CF7_S. Similarly, the area obtained by subtracting the areas of the first sub-emission region SEA1 and the fourth sub-emission region SEA4 from the respective areas of the first sub-color section CF1_S and the fourth sub-color section CF4_S may be larger than the area obtained by subtracting the areas of the second sub-emission region SEA2, the fifth sub-emission region SEA5, and the seventh sub-emission region SEA7 from the respective areas of the second sub-color section CF2_S, the fifth sub-color section CF5_S, and the seventh sub-color section CF7_S.

[0207] In other words, the area that the second sub-color section CF2_S, the fifth sub-color section CF5_S, and the seventh sub-color section CF7_S cover on the upper surface of the light-shielding layer BM may be smaller than the area that the first sub-color section CF1_S and the fourth sub-color section CF4_S cover on the upper surface of the light-shielding layer BM and the area that the third sub-color section CF3_S and the sixth sub-color section CF6_S cover on the upper surface of the light-shielding layer BM.

[0208] In some embodiments, the length of the fourth direction DR4 of the third subcolor section CF3_S and the sixth subcolor section CF6_S may be greater than the length of the fourth direction DR4 of the second subcolor section CF2_S, the fifth subcolor section CF5_S, and the seventh subcolor section CF7_S. The length of the fifth direction DR5 of the third subcolor section CF3_S and the sixth subcolor section CF6_S may be greater than the length of the fifth direction DR5 of the second subcolor section CF2_S, the fifth subcolor section CF5_S, and the seventh subcolor section CF7_S.

[0209] Similarly, the length of the fourth direction DR4 of the first subcolor section CF1_S and the fourth subcolor section CF4_S may be greater than the length of the fourth direction DR4 of the second subcolor section CF2_S and the fifth subcolor section CF5_S. Although not shown in the drawings, the lengths of the fifth direction DR5 of the first subcolor section CF1_S and the fourth subcolor section CF4_S can also be increased so that the lengths of the fifth direction DR5 of the first subcolor section CF1_S and the fourth subcolor section CF4_S are greater than the lengths of the fifth direction DR5 of the second subcolor section CF2_S, the fifth subcolor section CF5_S, and the seventh subcolor section CF7_S.

[0210] In an exemplary embodiment, the combined area of ​​the first sub-color section CF1_S and the fourth sub-color section CF4_S, which are red color filters, may be 25% or more of the total area; the combined area of ​​the second sub-color section CF2_S, the fifth sub-color section CF5_S, and the seventh sub-color section CF7_S, which are green color filters, may be 40% or less of the total area; and the combined area of ​​the third sub-color section CF3_S and the sixth sub-color section CF6_S, which are blue color filters, may be 40% or more of the total area.

[0211] In this way, by increasing the size or area of ​​the sub-color portion CF_S that reflects a specific color, the color difference between the sub-display area SDA and the main display area MDA that may occur due to the exposure of the lower layer by the arrangement of the transparent area TA can be minimized.

[0212] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X3-X3' in Figure 12. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X4-X4' in Figure 12. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X5-X5' in Figure 12.

[0213] Referring to Figures 5 through 16, as well as Figures 17 through 19, the display layer DU and touch sensing layer TSU have been described above and will be omitted here.

[0214] The color filter layer CFL may include a light-shielding layer BM, a first color filter layer CFL1, a second color filter layer CFL2, a third color filter layer CFL3, and an overcoat layer OC.

[0215] The light-shielding layer BM may include a plurality of sub-apertures OPT_S arranged to overlap with the sub-emitting region SEA. For example, the first sub-aperture OPT1_S may overlap with the first sub-emitting region SEA1 in the third direction DR3, the second sub-aperture OPT2_S may overlap with the second sub-emitting region SEA2 in the third direction DR3, and the third sub-aperture OPT3_S may overlap with the third sub-emitting region SEA3 in the third direction DR3. Although not shown in the drawing, the fourth sub-aperture OPT4_S may overlap with the fourth sub-emitting region SEA4 in the third direction DR3, the fifth sub-aperture OPT5_S may overlap with the fifth sub-emitting region SEA5 in the third direction DR3, the sixth sub-aperture OPT6_S may overlap with the sixth sub-emitting region SEA6 in the third direction DR3, and the seventh sub-aperture OPT7_S may overlap with the seventh sub-emitting region SEA7 in the third direction DR3.

[0216] The area or size of each sub-aperture OPT_S may be larger than the area or size of the sub-light-emitting region SEA. Furthermore, the area or size of each sub-aperture OPT_S can be formed to be larger than the aperture of the pixel-defining film PDL, so that the light emitted from the light-emitting element ED can be seen by the user not only from the front but also from the side of the display device 10.

[0217] The sub-color portion CF_S of the color filter layer CFL may include the first sub-color portion CF1_S of the first color filter layer CFL1, the second sub-color portion CF2_S of the second color filter layer CFL2, and the third sub-color portion CF3_S of the third color filter layer CFL3. Although not shown in the drawings, the sub-color portion CF_S may further include the fourth sub-color portion CF4_S of the first color filter layer CFL1, the fifth sub-color portion CF5_S and the seventh sub-color portion CF7_S of the second color filter layer CFL2, and the sixth sub-color portion CF6_S of the third color filter layer CFL3.

[0218] Each sub-color section CF_S is positioned corresponding to a sub-emission region SEA. For example, the first sub-color section CF1_S may be positioned to overlap with the first sub-emission region SEA1 in the third direction DR3, the second sub-color section CF2_S may be positioned to overlap with the second sub-emission region SEA2 in the third direction DR3, and the third sub-color section CF3_S may be positioned to overlap with the third sub-emission region SEA3 in the third direction DR3.

[0219] Each sub-color section CF_S is positioned corresponding to the sub-aperture OPT_S of the light-shielding layer BM. For example, the first sub-color section CF1_S may cover the first sub-aperture OPT1_S, the second sub-color section CF2_S may cover the second sub-aperture OPT2_S, and the third sub-color section CF3_S may cover the third sub-aperture OPT3_S.

[0220] The width of the sub-color portion CF_S may be greater than the width of the sub-aperture OPT_S of the light-shielding layer BM. For example, the width of the first sub-color portion CF1_S may be greater than the width of the first sub-aperture OPT1_S of the light-shielding layer BM, the width of the second sub-color portion CF2_S may be greater than the width of the second sub-aperture OPT2_S of the light-shielding layer BM, and the width of the third sub-color portion CF3_S may be greater than the width of the third sub-aperture OPT3_S of the light-shielding layer BM.

[0221] In the display device 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 18, the lower layer located in the display layer DU can be seen from the outside by placing the light-shielding layer BM's transmissive window opening OPT_T in the transmissive region TA of the sub-display region SDA. For example, the first protective layer PAS1 and the first sealing layer TFE1 may extend to the transmissive region TA, in which case the first protective layer PAS1 and the first sealing layer TFE1 can be seen from the outside through the transmissive window opening OPT_T. In an exemplary embodiment, the first protective layer PAS1 is relatively yellowish, which may cause a difference in color perception between the sub-display region SDA and the main display region MDA.

[0222] Therefore, in order to minimize such a color difference between the main display area MDA and the sub-display area SDA, the display device 10 according to this embodiment can enlarge the size or area of ​​the third sub-color section CF3_S and the sixth sub-color section CF6_S, which are blue color filters. In addition, the size or area of ​​the first sub-color section CF1_S and the fourth sub-color section CF4_S, which are red color filters, can be enlarged.

[0223] The width of the second superimposed region CBW2 in which the second sub-color section CF2_S overlaps with the light-shielding layer BM may be smaller than the width of the first superimposed region CBW1 in which the first sub-color section CF1_S overlaps with the light-shielding layer BM, and the width of the third superimposed region CBW3 in which the third sub-color section CF3_S overlaps with the light-shielding layer BM. In other words, by increasing the area covered by the first sub-color section CF1_S and the third sub-color section CF3_S to the sub-display area SDA, the color difference between the sub-display area SDA and the main display area MDA that may occur due to the exposure of the lower layer by the arrangement of the translucent window opening OPT_T can be minimized.

[0224] As shown in Figure 19, the width of the first superimposed region CBW1 where the first sub-color portion CF1_S overlaps with the light-shielding layer BM may be smaller than the width of the third superimposed region CBW3 where the third sub-color portion CF3_S overlaps with the light-shielding layer BM. Alternatively, although not shown in the drawing, the width of the third superimposed region CBW3 where the third sub-color portion CF3_S overlaps with the light-shielding layer BM may be smaller than the width of the first superimposed region CBW1 where the first sub-color portion CF1_S overlaps with the light-shielding layer BM. By adjusting the size of the overlapping area between the sub-color portion CF_S and the light-shielding layer BM for each color in this way, the overall reflected light color of the sub-display area SDA can be adjusted, thereby minimizing the color difference between the main display area MDA and the sub-display area SDA.

[0225] Figure 20 is a graph showing the a'-b' color difference plot of the display devices for comparative examples and examples, measured according to the SCE measurement method.

[0226] Referring to Figures 5 to 19, as well as Figure 20, the size or area of ​​the sub-color sections CF_S of the comparative example display device 10 may be substantially the same. For example, the size or area of ​​the first sub-color section CF1_S and the fourth sub-color section CF4_S, which are red color filters, the second sub-color section CF2_S, the fifth sub-color section CF5_S and the seventh sub-color section CF7_S, which are green color filters, and the third sub-color section CF3_S and the sixth sub-color section CF6_S, which are blue color filters, may be the same as each other. On the other hand, in the embodiment display device 10, as explained with reference to Figure 12, the size or area of ​​the sub-color sections CF_S may differ for each color.

[0227] In the graph shown in Figure 20, the horizontal axis represents the a' axis of the CIELAB color space, showing the hue change from red to green, and the vertical axis represents the b' axis of the CIELAB color space, showing the hue change from yellow to blue.

[0228] The target point (Target) indicates the color coordinates of the reflected light in the main display area (MDA) measured according to the SCE measurement method. The comparison point (Ref) indicates the color coordinates of the reflected light in the sub-display area (SDA) of the comparative example display device 10, measured according to the SCE measurement method. The first point (Ex1) indicates the color coordinates of the reflected light in the sub-display area (SDA) of the embodiment display device 10, measured according to the SCE measurement method.

[0229] The sub-display area SDA of the comparative example display device 10 shows reflected light colors that are relatively close to yellow and green, while the sub-display area SDA of the example display device 10 shows reflected light colors that are almost the same as those of the main display area MDA.

[0230] Thus, the display device 10 according to this embodiment can minimize the color difference of reflected light between the main display area MDA and the sub-display area SDA by adjusting the area of ​​the sub-color section CF_S for each color.

[0231] The following describes other embodiments of the display device according to one embodiment. In the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in the embodiments described above, redundant explanations are omitted or simplified, and the focus is on the differences.

[0232] Figure 21 is a layout diagram showing the first color filter layer, the second color filter layer, and the third color filter layer in a sub-display area according to another embodiment. Figure 22 is a layout diagram showing the first color filter layer in a sub-display area according to another embodiment. Figure 23 is a layout diagram showing the second color filter layer in a sub-display area according to another embodiment. Figure 24 is a layout diagram showing the third color filter layer in a sub-display area according to another embodiment.

[0233] Referring to Figures 21 to 24, the display device 10 according to this embodiment differs from the display device 10 according to one embodiment described with reference to Figure 12, etc., in that it does not include a light-shielding layer BM.

[0234] More specifically, the color filter layer CFL does not have to include the light-shielding layer BM. That is, the color filter layer CFL may consist only of the first color filter layer CFL1, the second color filter layer CFL2, the third color filter layer CFL3, and the overcoat layer OC.

[0235] The first color filter layer CFL1 may include a first color filter CF1, the second color filter layer CFL2 may include a second color filter CF2, and the third color filter layer CFL3 may include a third color filter CF3. In an exemplary embodiment, the first color filter CF1 may be a red color filter, the second color filter CF2 may be a green color filter, and the third color filter CF3 may be a blue color filter.

[0236] The first to third color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 may each be arranged across the entire surface of the display area DA. For example, the first to third color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 may each be arranged across the main display area MDA and the sub-display area SDA.

[0237] The first color filter CF1 may cover the first sub-emitting region SEA1 and the fourth sub-emitting region SEA4. The second color filter CF2 may cover the second sub-emitting region SEA2, the fifth sub-emitting region SEA5, and the seventh sub-emitting region SEA7. The third color filter CF3 may cover the third sub-emitting region SEA3 and the sixth sub-emitting region SEA6.

[0238] In the display device 10 according to this embodiment, the region where the light-shielding layer BM of the display device 10 according to one embodiment is arranged can be similarly realized by forming an overlapping region of the first color filter CF1 of the first color filter layer CFL1, the second color filter CF2 of the second color filter layer CFL2, and the third color filter CF3 of the third color filter layer CFL3. That is, in the region where the first color filter CF1, the second color filter CF2, and the third color filter CF3 overlap, the light emitted by the light-emitting element ED can be blocked.

[0239] The first color filter CF1 may include the first subcolor aperture ROPT_S. The second color filter CF2 may include the second subcolor aperture GOPT_S. The third color filter CF3 may include the third subcolor aperture BOPT_S. The first to third subcolor apertures ROPT_S, GOPT_S, and BOPT_S may be included in the subcolor aperture WOPT_S.

[0240] The first subcolor aperture ROPT_S may overlap with the second sub-emission region SEA2, the third sub-emission region SEA3, the fifth sub-emission region SEA5, the sixth sub-emission region SEA6, and the seventh sub-emission region SEA7. The second subcolor aperture GOPT_S may overlap with the first sub-emission region SEA1, the third sub-emission region SEA3, the fourth sub-emission region SEA4, and the sixth sub-emission region SEA6. The third subcolor aperture BOPT_S may overlap with the first sub-emission region SEA1, the second sub-emission region SEA2, the fourth sub-emission region SEA4, the fifth sub-emission region SEA5, and the seventh sub-emission region SEA7.

[0241] In the first sub-diagonal row SC1, the first sub-color aperture ROPT_S and the second sub-color aperture GOPT_S may be alternately spaced in the fourth direction DR4. In the second sub-diagonal row SC2, the second sub-color aperture GOPT_S and the third sub-color aperture BOPT_S may be alternately spaced in the fifth direction DR5.

[0242] Each of the multiple subcolor apertures WOPT_S may have a planar area greater than the planar area of ​​each sub-emission region SEA. For example, the first subcolor aperture ROPT_S may have a planar area greater than the second sub-emission region SEA2, the third sub-emission region SEA3, the fifth sub-emission region SEA5, the sixth sub-emission region SEA6, and the seventh sub-emission region SEA7; the second subcolor aperture GOPT_S may have a planar area greater than the first sub-emission region SEA1, the third sub-emission region SEA3, the fourth sub-emission region SEA4, and the sixth sub-emission region SEA6; and the third subcolor aperture BOPT_S may have a planar area greater than the first sub-emission region SEA1, the second sub-emission region SEA2, the fourth sub-emission region SEA4, the fifth sub-emission region SEA5, and the seventh sub-emission region SEA7.

[0243] The first color filter CF1 is located in the sub-display area SDA and may include a first color transparency window opening ROPT_T located between a plurality of first sub-color apertures ROPT_S; the second color filter CF2 is located in the sub-display area SDA and may include a second color transparency window opening GOPT_T located between a plurality of second sub-color apertures GOPT_S; and the third color filter CF3 is located in the sub-display area SDA and may include a third color transparency window opening BOPT_T located between a plurality of third sub-color apertures BOPT_S. The first color transparency window opening ROPT_T, the second color transparency window opening GOPT_T, and the third color transparency window opening BOPT_T may be included in the color transparency window opening WOPT_T.

[0244] The first color transparent window opening ROPT_T, the second color transparent window opening GOPT_T, and the third color transparent window opening BOPT_T may each be located in the transparent region TA. The first color transparent window opening ROPT_T, the second color transparent window opening GOPT_T, and the third color transparent window opening BOPT_T may completely overlap in the third direction DR3. The first color transparent window opening ROPT_T, the second color transparent window opening GOPT_T, and the third color transparent window opening BOPT_T can form a single color transparent window opening OPT_T.

[0245] In the display device 10 according to this embodiment, the size or area of ​​the second color transmissive window opening GOPT_T may be larger than the size or area of ​​the first color transmissive window opening ROPT_T and the third color transmissive window opening BOPT_T. For example, as shown in Figures 22 to 24, the size or area of ​​the second color transmissive window opening GOPT_T that overlaps with the third sub-emitting region SEA3 and the sixth sub-emitting region SEA6 may be larger than the size or area of ​​the first color transmissive window opening ROPT_T and the third color transmissive window opening BOPT_T.

[0246] As mentioned above, in order to minimize the color difference between the main display area MDA and the sub-display area SDA, the size or area of ​​the second color transmissive window opening GOPT_T can be made larger than the size or area of ​​the first color transmissive window opening ROPT_T and the third color transmissive window opening BOPT_T. This reduces the amount of light reflected by the second color transmissive window opening GOPT_T and increases the amount of light reflected by the first color transmissive window opening ROPT_T and the third color transmissive window opening BOPT_T. Therefore, the color difference between the main display area MDA and the sub-display area SDA can be minimized.

[0247] The drawing shows, but is not limited to, an enlarged version of the second color transmissive window opening GOPT_T that overlaps with the third sub-emitting region SEA3 and the sixth sub-emitting region SEA6. For example, the size or area of ​​the second color transmissive window opening GOPT_T that overlaps with the first sub-emitting region SEA1 and the fourth sub-emitting region SEA4 can also be enlarged.

[0248] In other words, if you want to reduce the green color intensity and increase the blue color intensity, you can enlarge the size or area of ​​the second color transmission window opening GOPT_T that overlaps with the third sub-emitting region SEA3 and the sixth sub-emitting region SEA6, as in the former case. Alternatively, if you want to reduce the green color intensity and increase the red color intensity, you can enlarge the size or area of ​​the second color transmission window opening GOPT_T that overlaps with the first sub-emitting region SEA1 and the fourth sub-emitting region SEA4, as in the latter case.

[0249] Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along X6-X6' in Figure 21. Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along X7-X7' in Figure 21. Figure 27 is a graph showing the a'-b' color difference plot of a comparative example and a display device according to another embodiment, measured according to the SCE measurement method.

[0250] Referring to Figures 25 and 26 in addition to Figures 21 to 24, the sub-display area SDA may include a black light-blocking area CWA, a red light-transmitting area CRA, a green light-transmitting area CGA, a blue light-transmitting area CBA, a red light-blocking area, a green light-blocking area RBA, and a blue light-blocking area.

[0251] The black light-blocking region CWA may be the region where the first color filter CF1, the second color filter CF2, and the third color filter CF3 all overlap in the third direction DR3. In the black light-blocking region CWA, all light emitted in the sub-emission region SEA can be blocked.

[0252] The red transparent region CRA is a region where only the first color filter CF1 is placed, and where the second color filter CF2 and the third color filter CF3 are not placed. The green transparent region CGA is a region where only the second color filter CF2 is placed, and where the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3 are not placed. The blue transparent region CBA is a region where only the third color filter CF3 is placed, and where the first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 are not placed.

[0253] The red light-blocking region is the region where only the first color filter CF1 is not placed, and where the second color filter CF2 and the third color filter CF3 overlap in the third direction DR3. The green light-blocking region RBA is the region where only the second color filter CF2 is not placed, and where the first color filter CF1 and the third color filter CF3 overlap in the third direction DR3. The blue light-blocking region is the region where only the third color filter CF3 is not placed, and where the first color filter CF1 and the second color filter CF2 overlap in the third direction DR3.

[0254] The display device 10 according to this embodiment does not include a light-shielding layer BM, but includes a black light-shielding region CWA which is the region where the first to third color filters CF1, CF2, and CF3 overlap, thereby achieving the same functionality as the light-shielding layer BM.

[0255] On the other hand, in the display device 10 according to this embodiment, the color reproduction rate and color purity can be improved by having the red transparent region CRA overlap with the first sub-emitting region SEA1 and the fourth sub-emitting region SEA4, the green transparent region CGA overlap with the second sub-emitting region SEA2, the fifth sub-emitting region SEA5, and the seventh sub-emitting region SEA7, and the blue transparent region CBA overlap with the third sub-emitting region SEA3 and the sixth sub-emitting region SEA6.

[0256] Furthermore, the display device 10 according to this embodiment can adjust the color of the reflected light of the sub-display area SDA by including a red light-shielding area, a green light-shielding area RBA, and a blue light-shielding area. For example, as mentioned above, a difference in the color of the reflected light between the main display area MDA and the sub-display area SDA may occur due to the inherent color of the lower layer exposed in the transparent area TA of the sub-display area SDA. To minimize such a difference, the display device 10 according to this embodiment can adjust the area of ​​the red light-shielding area, the green light-shielding area RBA, and the blue light-shielding area.

[0257] In an exemplary embodiment, to counteract the yellowish tint of the yellow light reflected from the relatively yellowish first protective layer PAS1 (see Figure 18), the area of ​​the green light-blocking region RBA near the blue light-transmitting region CBA can be increased, as shown in Figures 25 and 26. In this case, the color difference between the main display region MDA and the sub-display region SDA can be minimized.

[0258] Specifically, as shown in Figure 27, the second point Ex2, which indicates the color coordinates of the reflected light in the sub-display area SDA of the display device 10 according to this embodiment, measured according to the SCE measurement method, is close to the target point Target, which is the color coordinate of the reflected light in the main display area MDA, measured according to the SCE measurement method.

[0259] The sub-display area SDA of the comparative example display device 10 shows reflected light colors that are relatively close to yellow and green, as shown at comparison point Ref, whereas the sub-display area SDA of the display device 10 in this embodiment shows reflected light colors that are almost the same as those of the main display area MDA, as shown at the second point Ex2.

[0260] Thus, the display device 10 according to this embodiment can minimize the color difference of reflected light between the main display area MDA and the sub-display area SDA by adjusting the area of ​​the sub-color aperture WOPT_S for each color.

[0261] Figure 28a is a plan view showing a sub-display area of ​​a display device according to another embodiment. Figure 28b is a cross-sectional view taken along X8-X8' in Figure 28a.

[0262] Referring to Figures 12 to 19, as well as Figure 28, the display device 10 according to this embodiment differs from the display device 10 according to one embodiment described with reference to Figure 18, etc., in that the sub-color section CF_S is also arranged in the transparent area TA.

[0263] More specifically, the display device 10 according to this embodiment may include a light-shielding layer BM, a first color filter layer CFL1, a second color filter layer CFL2, and a third color filter layer CFL3, similar to the display device 10 according to one embodiment described with reference to Figure 12, etc. Also, similar to the display device 10 according to one embodiment described with reference to Figure 12, etc., the first sub-color section CF1_S and the fourth sub-color section CF4_S, which are red color filters, overlap with the first sub-emitting region SEA1 and the fourth sub-emitting region SEA4, respectively; the second sub-color section CF2_S, the fifth sub-color section CF5_S, and the seventh sub-color section CF7_S, which are green color filters, overlap with the second sub-emitting region SEA2, the fifth sub-emitting region SEA5, and the seventh sub-emitting region SEA7, respectively; and the third sub-color section CF3_S and the sixth sub-color section CF6_S, which are blue color filters, overlap with the third sub-emitting region SEA3 and the sixth sub-emitting region SEA6, respectively.

[0264] However, the display device 10 according to this embodiment differs from the display device 10 according to one embodiment described with reference to Figure 12, etc., in that the size of the sub-color section CF_S is substantially the same as the size of the sub-aperture OPT_S.

[0265] For example, in the display device 10 according to one embodiment described with reference to Figure 12, the size or area of ​​the sub-color portion CF_S was enlarged so that a part of it covers the upper surface of the light-shielding layer BM. However, in the display device 10 according to this embodiment, the majority of the sub-color portion CF_S can be arranged so that it overlaps only with the sub-aperture OPT_S.

[0266] However, the statement that the size of the sub-color portion CF_S is substantially the same as the size of the sub-aperture OPT_S means, as shown in Figure 28, that the width of the sub-color portion CF_S is approximately the same as the width of the sub-aperture OPT_S, but that both ends of the sub-color portion CF_S partially cover the upper surface of the light-shielding layer BM. In other words, the sub-color portion CF_S does not almost completely cover the upper surface of the light-shielding layer BM, but that both ends of the light-shielding layer BM adjacent to the sub-aperture OPT_S slightly cover the upper surface of the light-shielding layer BM. Here, the width of the sub-color portion CF_S that covers the upper surface of the light-shielding layer BM may be 10% or less of the width of the light-shielding layer BM in cross-section.

[0267] In one embodiment of the display device 10, the color of the reflected light was improved by expanding the area of ​​the sub-color portion CF_S to the upper surface of the light-shielding layer BM. However, in this embodiment of the display device 10, the color of the reflected light can be further improved by arranging the sub-color portion CF_S in the transparent region TA.

[0268] Specifically, the display device 10 according to this embodiment may further include a sub-color section CF_S arranged in the transparent region TA. For example, as shown in Figures 28a and 28b, a third sub-color section CF3_S may further be arranged within the transparent window opening OPT_T of the transparent region TA.

[0269] As mentioned above, the inherent color of the lower layer of the transparent region TA is exposed, which can cause a color difference between the sub-display region SDA and the main display region MDA. However, by placing the sub-color section CF_S in the transparent region TA, such a color difference can be minimized.

[0270] However, although the drawing shows a case where the third sub-color section CF3_S is placed in the transparent region TA, it is not limited to this. Depending on the inherent color of the lower layer, the first sub-color section CF1_S or the second sub-color section CF2_S may also be placed in the transparent region TA. Alternatively, two or more sub-color sections CF_S from the first to third sub-color sections CF1_S, CF2_S, and CF3_S may be placed in overlapping positions.

[0271] In some embodiments, in order to prevent a reduction in the amount of light incident on the optical device 500 (see Figure 3) in the transmission region TA, the thickness TH_C of the sub-color portion CF_S located in the transmission region TA may be smaller than the thickness of the sub-color portion CF_S that overlaps with the sub-emission region SEA. In one embodiment, the thickness TH_C of the sub-color portion CF_S located in the transmission region TA may be approximately 1 / 30 to 1 / 2 of the thickness of the sub-color portion CF_S that overlaps with the sub-emission region SEA. For example, the thickness of the sub-color portion CF_S that overlaps with the sub-emission region SEA may be approximately 0.1 μm to 1.5 μm.

[0272] Figures 28a and 28b show a case in which a light-shielding layer BM is included, as in the display device 10 of one embodiment described with reference to Figure 12, etc., but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the display device 10 of this embodiment does not have to include a light-shielding layer BM, as in the display device 10 of other embodiments described with reference to Figure 21, etc.

[0273] In this case, at least one of the first color transmission window opening ROPT_T, the second color transmission window opening GOPT_T, and the third color transmission window opening BOPT_T may not be arranged in the transmission region TA. That is, at least one of the first color filter CF1, the second color filter CF2, and the third color filter CF3 may cover the transmission region TA. For example, when the third color transmission window opening BOPT_T is not arranged in the transmission region TA, the third color filter CF3 may cover the transmission region TA, and the same effect as when the third sub-color portion CF3_S in FIG. 28b is arranged in the transmission region TA can be achieved.

[0274] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical idea and essential features. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0275] 10 Display device 100 Display panel MDA Main display area SDA Sub-display area MDX Main display pixel SDX Sub-display pixel TA Transmission region CTA Central region BRA Bridge region MEA Main light-emitting region OPT_M Main opening CF_M Main color portion BM Light-shielding layer [[ID=**37**]]CFL1, CFL2, CFL3 First to third color filter layers SEA Sub light-emitting region OPT_S Sub opening CF_S Sub-color portion OPT_T Transmission window opening WOPT_S Sub-color opening ROPT_S, GOPT_S, BOPT_S First to Third Subcolor Apertures CF Color Filter WOPT_T Color Translucent Window Opening ROPT_T, GOPT_T, BOPT_T 1st to 3rd color transmission window opening

Claims

1. The display panel includes a main region containing main pixels and a sub-region containing a transparent region and sub-pixels. The main pixel includes first to third main light-emitting regions that emit first to third colors, respectively. The subpixel includes first to third sub-emitting regions that emit light in the first to third colors, respectively. The aforementioned display panel is Display layer and, A light-shielding layer disposed on the display layer, A first color filter layer is disposed on the light-shielding layer and transmits the first color, A second color filter layer is placed on the first color filter layer and transmits the second color, It includes a third color filter layer disposed on the second color filter layer and transmitting the third color, Each of the first to third color filter layers includes a first to third main color portion that overlaps with the first to third main light-emitting regions and a first to third sub-color portion that overlaps with the first to third sub-light-emitting regions. A display device wherein the area ratio between the first to third main color sections is different from the area ratio between the first to third sub-color sections.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the area of ​​the second sub-color portion is smaller than the areas of the first sub-color portion and the third sub-color portion.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the second area obtained by subtracting the area of ​​the second sub-light-emitting region from the area of ​​the second sub-color portion is smaller than at least one of the first area obtained by subtracting the first sub-light-emitting region from the area of ​​the first sub-color portion and the third area obtained by subtracting the third sub-light-emitting region from the area of ​​the third sub-color portion.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the area of ​​the second sub-color portion that covers the upper surface of the light-shielding layer is smaller than at least one of the area of ​​the first sub-color portion that covers the upper surface of the light-shielding layer and the area of ​​the third sub-color portion that covers the upper surface of the light-shielding layer.

5. The aforementioned transparent region is repeatedly arranged in the first and second directions on a plane viewed from the third direction. The sub-region includes a central region and a bridge region in which at least a portion of the sub-pixels are arranged. The central region is positioned between the transparent regions in the first and second directions on a plane viewed from the third direction. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the bridge region is arranged between the transparent regions in a fourth and fifth direction different from the first and second directions on a plane viewed from the third direction.

6. The first sub-emitting region and the second sub-emitting region are arranged alternately in the fourth direction. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the second sub-emitting region and the third sub-emitting region are arranged alternately in the fifth direction.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein the first sub-color portion, on a plane viewed from the third direction, has a length in the fourth direction that is longer than the length in the fifth direction.

8. The display device according to claim 6, wherein the third sub-color portion is, in a plane viewed from the third direction, further longer than the first sub-color portion by at least one of the lengths in the fourth direction and the fifth direction.

9. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the area of ​​the second sub-color portion is smaller than the area of ​​the first sub-color portion and the third sub-color portion.

10. The subpixel further includes a fourth sub-emitting region that emits the first color, a fifth sub-emitting region that emits the second color, a sixth sub-emitting region that emits the third color, and a seventh sub-emitting region that emits the second color. The first to fourth sub-emitting regions and the sixth sub-emitting region are arranged in the central region. The display device according to claim 5, wherein the fifth sub-emitting region and the seventh sub-emitting region are arranged in the bridge region.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the light-shielding layer includes a transparent window opening disposed in the transparent region.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first to third subcolor portions is arranged in the transparent region.

13. The display panel includes a main region containing main pixels and a sub-region containing a transparent region and sub-pixels. The main pixel includes first to third main light-emitting regions that emit first to third colors, respectively. The subpixel includes first to third sub-emitting regions that emit light in the first to third colors, respectively. The aforementioned display panel is Display layer and, A first color filter layer is placed on the display layer and transmits the first color, A second color filter layer is placed on the first color filter layer and transmits the second color, It includes a third color filter layer disposed on the second color filter layer and transmitting the third color, The first color filter layer includes a first sub-color aperture that overlaps with the second sub-emitting region and the third sub-emitting region, and a first color transmission window aperture located in the transmission region. The second color filter layer includes a second sub-color aperture that overlaps with the first sub-emitting region and the third sub-emitting region, and a second color transmission window aperture located in the transmission region. The third color filter layer includes a third sub-color aperture that overlaps with the first sub-emitting region and the second sub-emitting region, and a third color transmission window aperture located in the transmission region. A display device wherein the second sub-color aperture has a larger area than at least one of the first sub-color aperture and the third sub-color aperture.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the sub-region includes a black light-shielding region where all of the first to third color filter layers overlap.

15. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the sub-region includes a color-shielding region where the first color filter layer and the third color filter layer overlap, and the second color filter layer is not present.

16. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the area of ​​the second subcolor aperture that overlaps with the first sub-light-emitting region is smaller than the area of ​​the second subcolor aperture that overlaps with the third sub-light-emitting region.

17. The aforementioned transparent region is repeatedly arranged in the first and second directions on a plane viewed from the third direction. The sub-region includes a central region and a bridge region in which at least a portion of the sub-pixels are arranged. The central region is positioned between the transparent regions in the first and second directions on a plane viewed from the third direction. The display device according to claim 16, wherein the bridge region is arranged between the transparent regions in a fourth and fifth direction different from the first and second directions on a plane viewed from the third direction.

18. The first sub-emitting region and the second sub-emitting region are arranged alternately in the fourth direction. The display device according to claim 17, wherein the second sub-emitting region and the third sub-emitting region are arranged alternately in the fifth direction.

19. The second sub-color aperture that overlaps with the first sub-light-emitting region is arranged in the fourth direction. The display device according to claim 17, wherein the second sub-color aperture that overlaps with the third sub-light-emitting region is arranged in the fifth direction.

20. The display device according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the first to third subcolor apertures is not located in the transparent region.

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