Display device

Abstract

A display device according to the present invention comprises a display panel including a first display area and a second display area adjacent to the first display area, and a panel driver disposed in overlap with the second display area of ​​the display panel. The display panel comprises a plurality of light-emitting reference units disposed in the second display area, each comprising a plurality of light-emitting elements, and a plurality of driving reference units each electrically connected to the plurality of light-emitting reference units and each comprising a plurality of driving circuits. The arrangement order of the plurality of light-emitting reference units is different from the arrangement order of the plurality of driving reference units corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting reference units.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device, and more specifically, to a display device having an enlarged display area. Background Technology

[0002] Various electronic devices used in multimedia devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation systems, or game consoles are being developed.

[0003] In response to recent market demands, research is underway to reduce the non-image display area in electronic devices. At the same time, research is being conducted to expand the display area where images are shown to the user. The problem to be solved

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a display device with an expanded display area by reducing the width of the bezel area. means of solving the problem

[0005] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel comprising a first display area and a second display area adjacent to the first display area, and a panel driver disposed in overlap with the second display area of ​​the display panel.

[0006] The above display panel comprises a plurality of light-emitting reference units disposed in the second display area, each comprising a plurality of light-emitting elements, and a plurality of driving reference units each electrically connected to the plurality of light-emitting reference units, each comprising a plurality of driving circuits.

[0007] The arrangement order of the plurality of light-emitting reference units is different from the arrangement order of the plurality of driving reference units corresponding to each of the plurality of light-emitting reference units.

[0008] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel comprising a first display area and a second display area adjacent to the first display area, and a panel driver for driving the display panel. The second display area includes a first sub-area adjacent to the first display area and a second sub-area overlapping with the panel driver.

[0009] The above display panel includes a plurality of first light-emitting elements disposed in the first sub-region, a plurality of second light-emitting elements disposed in the second sub-region, a plurality of first pixel driving circuits disposed in the first sub-region and electrically connected to each of the plurality of first light-emitting elements, and a plurality of second pixel driving circuits disposed in the first sub-region and electrically connected to each of the plurality of second light-emitting elements.

[0010] Each of the above plurality of first light-emitting elements is arranged in overlap with a correspondingly connected first pixel driving circuit, and each of the above plurality of second light-emitting elements is arranged in non-overlap with a correspondingly connected second pixel driving circuit. Effects of the invention

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement order of the first light-emitting reference units overlapping the first sub-region and the second light-emitting reference units overlapping the second sub-region may differ from the arrangement order of the first driving reference units connected to the first light-emitting reference units and the second driving reference units connected to the second light-emitting reference units. Accordingly, the length or number of routing wires may be reduced overall. As a result, the problem of limiting the additional placement of light-emitting elements due to the narrow placement space of routing wires is resolved, thereby enabling the second display area of ​​the display device to be further expanded. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2a is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2b is a block diagram of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 3a and FIGS. 3b are plan views of a display panel according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4a is an enlarged plan view of a region shown in FIG. 3a according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4b is a conceptual diagram showing the connection relationship between the light-emitting elements and driving circuits in one region shown in FIG. 4a. FIG. 4c is a conceptual diagram showing the connection relationship between the driving circuits and data lines illustrated in FIG. 4a. FIG. 5a is a conceptual diagram showing the connection relationship between the light-emitting reference units and the driving reference units illustrated in FIG. 4c. FIG. 5b is a conceptual diagram showing the connection relationship between light-emitting reference units and driving reference units according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 6a and 6b are conceptual diagrams showing the connection relationship between light-emitting reference units and driving reference units according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 7a is an enlarged plan view of a region shown in FIG. 3a according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7b is a conceptual diagram showing the connection relationship between the light-emitting elements and driving circuits in one region shown in FIG. 7a. FIG. 8a is a cross-sectional view of a display panel cut along the cutting line II' shown in FIG. 3a. FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0013] In this specification, where a component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is described as being “on,” “connected,” or “joined” another component, it means that it may be directly placed / connected / joined on the other component, or that a third component may be placed between them.

[0014] Identical reference numerals denote identical components. Additionally, in the drawings, the thicknesses, proportions, and dimensions of components are exaggerated for the effective illustration of the technical content. “And / or” includes all one or more combinations that the associated components may define.

[0015] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0016] Additionally, terms such as “below,” “lower,” “on,” and “upper” are used to describe the relationships between the components depicted in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions indicated in the drawings.

[0017] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an overly ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates that the display device (DD) is a smartphone as an example. However, it is not limited thereto, and the display device (DD) may be a large display device such as a television or monitor, or a small to medium-sized display device such as a tablet, car navigation system, game console, or smart watch.

[0022] In the display device (DD), an active area (AA) where an image (IM) is displayed and a peripheral area (NAA) where an image (IM) is not displayed may be defined. In FIG. 1, a date, time, and icon image are shown as examples of an image (IM).

[0023] The active area (AA) may have a shape parallel to a plane defined by the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the active area (AA) may include a curved area having a predetermined curvature. The normal direction of the active area (AA), that is, the thickness direction of the display device (DD), may be parallel to the third direction (DR3). The thickness direction of the display device (DD) may be parallel to the third direction (DR3). The directions indicated by the first to third directions (DR1, DR2, DR3) are relative concepts and can be converted to other directions. The peripheral area (NAA) is an area where the image (IM) is not displayed. The bezel area of ​​the display device (DD) may be defined by the peripheral area (NAA).

[0024] FIG. 2a is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2b is a block diagram of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b are plan views of a display panel according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2a, the display device (DD) may include a window (WM), a display panel (DP), and a housing (HU). The window (WM) protects the upper surface of the display panel (DP). The window (WM) may be optically transparent. Accordingly, an image displayed on the display panel (DP) can be seen by the user through the window (WM). That is, the display surface of the display device (DD) may be defined by the window (WM). The window (WM) may be composed of glass, plastic, or film.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 2a and FIGS. 3a, the display panel (DP) may include a display area for displaying images. The display area may correspond to the active area (AA) of FIG. 1. In one example of the present invention, the display area may include a first display area (DA1) and a second display area (DA2). The first display area (DA1) may have a rectangular shape with four sides. In one example of the present invention, the first display area (DA1) may have a shape with four rounded corners.

[0027] The second display area (DA2) includes first to fourth edge display areas (DA2_E1 to DA2_E4). The first and second edge display areas (DA2_E1, DA2_E2) may be areas extended from the first and second sides of the first display area (DA1), respectively. The first and second sides of the first display area (DA1) extend parallel to the first direction (DR1). The first and second edge display areas (DA2_E1, DA2_E2) may be formed parallel to the first display area (DA1). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first and second edge display areas (DA2_E1, DA2_E2) may be bent from the first display area (DA1) with a predetermined curvature.

[0028] The third and fourth edge display areas (DA2_E3, DA2_E4) may be areas extended from the third and fourth sides of the first display area (DA1), respectively. The third and fourth sides of the first display area (DA1) extend parallel to the second direction (DR2). The third and fourth edge display areas (DA2_E3, DA2_E4) may be formed parallel to the first display area (DA1). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The third and fourth edge display areas (DA2_E3, DA2_E4) may be bent from the first display area (DA1) with a predetermined curvature.

[0029] Although a structure in which the second display area (DA2) of a display panel (DP) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes four edge display areas (DA2_E1~DA2_E4) has been described above, the structure of the display panel (DP) according to the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the second display area (DA2) of the display panel (DP) may include only one edge display area, or may include only two edge display areas provided on the first and second sides of the first display area (DA1) or provided on the third and fourth sides.

[0030] The second display area (DA2) may further include first to fourth corner display areas (DA2_C1 to DA2_C4). The first corner display area (DA2_C1) is positioned between the first and third edge display areas (DA2_E1, DA2_E3), and the second corner display area (DA2_C2) is positioned between the first and fourth edge display areas (DA2_E1, DA2_E4). Additionally, the third corner display area (DA2_C3) is positioned between the second and third edge display areas (DA2_E2, DA2_E3), and the fourth corner display area (DA2_C4) is positioned between the second and fourth edge display areas (DA2_E2, DA2_E4). The first to fourth corner display areas (DA2_C1 to DA2_C4) may substantially be areas where an image is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, as another example, the first to fourth corner display areas (DA2_C1~DA2_C4) may be areas that do not display images, and only some of them may display images.

[0031] A display panel (DP) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a light-emitting display panel and is not particularly limited. For example, the display panel (DP) may be an organic light-emitting display panel, an inorganic light-emitting display panel, or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of an organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material, and the light-emitting layer of an inorganic light-emitting display panel may include an inorganic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of a quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots and quantum rods, etc.

[0032] The display panel (DP) may be a flexible display panel. Accordingly, the display panel (DP) may be rolled up entirely or folded or unfolded around a folding axis.

[0033] The display device (DD) may further include an input sensing layer for detecting external input (e.g., touch event, etc.). The input sensing layer may be placed directly on the display panel (DP). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the input sensing layer may be formed on the display panel (DP) by a continuous process. That is, when the input sensing layer is placed directly on the display panel (DP), an adhesive film may not be placed between the input sensing layer and the display panel (DP). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. An adhesive film may be placed between the input sensing layer and the display panel (DP). In this case, the input sensing layer is not manufactured by a continuous process with the display panel (DP), but is manufactured through a separate process from the display panel (DP) and then fixed to the upper surface of the display panel (DP) by an adhesive film.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2b, the display device (DD) further includes a panel driver (DPD) for driving a display panel (DP). In one example of the present invention, the panel driver (DPD) may include a controller (100), a scan driver (200), a light-emitting driver (250), a data driver (300), and a driving voltage generator (400).

[0035] The controller (100) receives video data (I_DATA) and an input control signal (I_CS), and generates a video signal (IS) by converting the data format of the video data (I_DATA) to match the interface specifications with the data driver (300). The controller (100) converts the input control signal (I_CS) into various control signals (DCS, GCS, VCS) and outputs them.

[0036] The scan driver (200) receives a scan control signal (GCS) from the controller (100). The scan control signal (GCS) may include a vertical start signal that initiates the operation of the scan driver (200), a clock signal that determines the timing of the output of signals, etc. The scan driver (200) generates a plurality of scan signals and sequentially outputs the plurality of scan signals to a plurality of scan lines (GIL1~GILn, GWL1~GWLn, GBL1~GBLn) described later.

[0037] The light-emitting driver (250) receives a light-emitting driving signal (ECS) from the controller (100). The light-emitting driver (250) generates a plurality of light-emitting control signals in response to the light-emitting driving signal (ECS) and can output a plurality of light-emitting control signals to a plurality of light-emitting control lines (EL1~ELn) described later.

[0038] In FIG. 2b, the scan driver (200) and the light-emitting driver (250) are provided to the display device (DD) as independent components, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the scan driver (200) and the light-emitting driver (250) may be provided to the display device (DD) as a single integrated component.

[0039] The data driver (300) receives a data control signal (DCS) and a video signal (IS) from the controller (100). The data driver (300) converts the video signal (IS) into a data signal and outputs the data signal to a plurality of data lines (DL1~DLm) described later. The data signal may be an analog voltage corresponding to the grayscale value of the video signal (IS).

[0040] The driving voltage generator (400) receives a power supply voltage (Vin) from a power supply unit (not shown). The driving voltage generator (400) converts the power supply voltage (Vin) to generate a first driving voltage (ELVDD) and a second driving voltage (ELVSS) with a voltage level different from the first driving voltage (ELVDD). The driving voltage generator (400) may include a DC-DC converter. The driving voltage generator (400) may include a boosting converter that boosts the power supply voltage (Vin) to generate the first driving voltage (ELVDD). Additionally, the driving voltage generator (400) may include a buck converter that lowers the power supply voltage (Vin) to generate the second driving voltage (ELVSS). The driving voltage generator (400) receives a driving voltage control signal (VCS) from the controller (100). The driving voltage generator (400) can generate first and second driving voltages (ELVDD, ELVSS) in response to a driving voltage control signal (VCS).

[0041] The driving voltage generator (400) can generate an initialization voltage (Vint). The initialization voltage (Vint) may have a voltage level different from the first and second driving voltages (ELVDD, ELVSS).

[0042] A display panel (DP) includes a plurality of scan lines (GIL1~GILn, GWL1~GWLn, GBL1~GBLn), a plurality of light emission control lines (EL1~ELn), a plurality of data lines (DL1~DLm), and a plurality of pixels (PX). The plurality of scan lines (GIL1~GILn, GWL1~GWLn, GBL1~GBLn) extend in a first direction (DR1) and are arranged in a second direction (DR2) orthogonal to the first direction (DR1). Each of the plurality of light emission control lines (EL1~ELn) may be arranged parallel to a corresponding scan line among the plurality of scan lines (GIL1~GILn, GWL1~GWLn, GBL1~GBLn). The plurality of data lines (DL1~DLm) intersect insulated from the plurality of scan lines (GIL1~GILn, GWL1~GWLn, GBL1~GBLn).

[0043] Each of the plurality of pixels (PX) is connected to a corresponding scan line among the plurality of scan lines (GIL1~GILn, GWL1~GWLn, GBL1~GBLn), a corresponding light emission control line among the plurality of light emission control lines (EL1~ELn), and a corresponding data line among the plurality of data lines (DL1~DLm). FIG. 2b illustrates an example in which each of the plurality of pixels (PX) is connected to three scan lines among the plurality of scan lines (GIL1~GILn, GWL1~GWLn, GBL1~GBLn), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each pixel (PX) may be connected to two scan lines among the plurality of scan lines (GIL1~GILn, GWL1~GWLn, GBL1~GBLn).

[0044] The display panel (DP) receives a first driving voltage (ELVDD) and a second driving voltage (ELVSS). The first driving voltage (ELVDD) may be provided to a plurality of pixels (PX) through a first power supply voltage line (VL1). The second driving voltage (ELVSS) may be provided to a plurality of pixels (PX) through electrodes (not shown) formed on the display panel (DP) or through a second power supply voltage line. The display panel (DP) receives an initialization voltage (Vint). The initialization voltage (Vint) may be provided to a plurality of pixels (PX) through an initialization voltage line (VIL).

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 2B, FIGS. 3A, and FIGS. 3B, the scan driver (200) may include a first scan driver (GDC1) and a second scan driver (GDC2). Each of the first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2) may generate a plurality of scan signals and output the generated scan signals to corresponding pixels. The first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2) may be embedded in a display panel (DP). Here, the expression “embedded in the display panel (DP)” may mean that they are formed directly in the display panel (DP) through a thin film process that forms pixels (PX) in the display panel (DP).

[0046] The display panel (DP) may further include a non-display area around the second display area (DA2). The non-display area is an area where an image is not substantially displayed. The non-display area may surround the second display area (DA2).

[0047] Each of the first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2) may be positioned within the second display area (DA2) or partially overlap with the second display area (DA2). As each of the first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2) is positioned within or overlaps the second display area (DA2), it is possible to prevent the width of the non-display area of ​​the display device (DD) from increasing due to the first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2). Consequently, the area where the first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2) are positioned is implemented as the second display area (DA2) where the image is displayed, and thereby the area of ​​the non-display area perceived by the user in the display device (DD) may be reduced.

[0048] In FIG. 3a, the first scan driver (GDC1) is positioned adjacent to the outer edge of the third edge display area (DA2_E3), and the second scan driver (GDC2) is positioned adjacent to the outer edge of the fourth edge display area (DA2_E4). Additionally, the first scan driver (GDC1) is positioned adjacent to the outer edges of the first and third corner display areas (DA2_C1, DA2_C3), and the second scan driver (GDC2) is positioned adjacent to the outer edges of the second and fourth corner display areas (DA2_C2, DA2_C4). However, the positions of the first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2) are not limited thereto.

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 3b, the first scan driver (GDC1) may be positioned adjacent to the boundary with the first display area (DA1) in the first and third corner areas (DA2_C1, DA2_C3), and the second scan driver (GDC2) may be positioned adjacent to the boundary with the first display area (DA1) in the second and fourth corner display areas (DA2_C2, DA2_C4). The bending stress in the first to fourth corner display areas (DA2_C1~DA2_C4) may increase as it moves outward relative to the first display area (DA1). If the first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2) are positioned adjacent to the outer edge in the first to fourth corner display areas (DA2_C1~DA2_C4), the bending stress may affect the operation of the first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2). Accordingly, by placing the first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2) adjacent to the first display area (DA1) in the first to fourth corner display areas (DA2_C1~DA2_C4), the reliability of the first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2) due to bending stress can be prevented.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first image displayed in a first display area (DA1) and a second image displayed in a second display area (DA2) may be dependent on each other. For example, a picture, a scene from a movie, or a UX / UI design may be formed by a combination of the first image and the second image. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, some display areas within the second display area (DA2), for example, the first to fourth corner display areas (DA2_C1~DA2_C4), may display a black image or a predetermined pattern image that is not dependent on the first image.

[0051] As an example of the present invention, the display panel (DP) may be an organic light-emitting display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, or an electrowetting display panel. Additionally, the display panel (DP) may be a flexible display panel that can be bent along the shape of a window (WM).

[0052] Referring again to FIG. 2a, the display panel (DP) may further include a pad area (PP) extending from a second display area (DA2). A driving chip (D-IC) and pads may be disposed in the pad area (PP) of the display panel (DP). The driving chip (D-IC) may include a data driver (300, see FIG. 2b). The driving chip (D-IC) with the built-in data driver (300) may provide data signals to the first and second display areas (DA1, DA2) of the display panel (DP). The driving chip (D-IC) may further include a driving voltage generator (400, see FIG. 2b). In this case, the driving chip (D-IC) may supply first and second driving voltages (ELVDD, ELVSS), an initialization voltage (Vint), etc., to the first and second display areas (DA1, DA2).

[0053] In one example of the present invention, a driving chip (D-IC) may be mounted on a display panel (DP). The display panel (DP) may be electrically connected to a flexible circuit film (FCB) through pads. In one embodiment of the present invention, the driving chip (D-IC) may be mounted on a flexible circuit film (FCB).

[0054] The housing (HU) includes a bottom portion (BP) and a side wall (SW). The side wall (SW) may extend from the bottom portion (BP). The housing (HU) may accommodate a display panel (DP) in the receiving space defined by the bottom portion (BP) and the side wall (SW). A window (WM) may be coupled to the side wall (SW) of the housing (HU). The side wall (SW) of the housing may support the edge of the window (WM).

[0055] The housing (HU) may include a material having relatively high rigidity. For example, the housing (HU) may include glass, plastic, or metal, or may include multiple frames and / or plates composed of a combination thereof. The housing (HU) can reliably protect the components of the display device (DD) housed in the internal space from external impact.

[0056] FIG. 4a is an enlarged plan view of a region (A1) illustrated in FIG. 3a according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4b is a conceptual diagram showing the connection relationship between light-emitting elements and driving circuits in a region (A2) illustrated in FIG. 4a. FIG. 4c is a conceptual diagram showing the connection relationship between driving circuits and data lines illustrated in FIG. 4a.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, a plurality of first reference units (RU1) may be repeatedly arranged in first and second directions (DR1, DR2) within a first display area (DA1) of a display panel (DP). Each of the first reference units (RU1) may include a plurality of pixels. In one example of the present invention, each of the first reference units (RU1) may include p red pixels, q green pixels, and p blue pixels. Here, p and q are natural numbers greater than or equal to 1, and q may be greater than p.

[0058] For convenience of explanation, the red pixel included in each of the first reference units (RU1) is referred to as the first red pixel (PXR1), and the blue pixel is referred to as the first blue pixel (PXB1). Additionally, among the green pixels included in each of the first reference units (RU1), the green pixel adjacent to the first red pixel (PXR1) is referred to as the first green pixel (PXG1), and the green pixel adjacent to the first blue pixel (PXB1) is referred to as the second green pixel (PXG2). In one example of the present invention, q may be 2p. In one example of the present invention, p may be 2, and in this case, q may be 4.

[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b, each of the first reference units (RU1) may include two first red pixels (PXR1), two first blue pixels (PXB1), two first green pixels (PXG1), and two second green pixels (PXG2). However, the number of pixels included in the first reference units (RU1) is not limited thereto and may vary in various ways.

[0060] The first red pixel (PXR1) includes a first red driving circuit (R_PD1) and a first red light-emitting element (R_ED1). The first red driving circuit (R_PD1) is electrically connected to the corresponding first red light-emitting element (R_ED1) to control the driving of the first red light-emitting element (R_ED1). The first green pixel (PXG1) includes a first green driving circuit (G1_PD1) and a first green light-emitting element (G1_ED1). The first green driving circuit (G1_PD1) is electrically connected to the corresponding first green light-emitting element (G1_ED1) to control the driving of the first green light-emitting element (G1_ED1). The second green pixel (PXG2) includes a second green driving circuit (G2_PD1) and a second green light-emitting element (G2_ED1). The second green driving circuit (G2_PD1) is electrically connected to the corresponding second green light-emitting element (G2_ED1) to control the driving of the second green light-emitting element (G2_ED1). The first blue pixel (PXB1) includes a first blue driving circuit (B_PD1) and a first blue light-emitting element (B_ED1). The first blue driving circuit (B_PD1) is electrically connected to the corresponding first blue light-emitting element (B_ED1) to control the driving of the first blue light-emitting element (B_ED1). The first red light-emitting element (R_ED1) outputs red light, the first and second green light-emitting elements (G1_ED1, G2_ED1) output green light, and the first blue light-emitting element (B_ED1) outputs blue light.

[0061] A first red driving circuit (R_PD1) may be positioned to overlap with an electrically connected first red light-emitting element (R_ED1), and a first blue driving circuit (B_PD1) may be positioned to overlap with an electrically connected first blue light-emitting element (B_ED1). A first green driving circuit (G1_PD1) may be positioned to overlap with an electrically connected first green light-emitting element (G1_ED1), and a second green driving circuit (G2_PD1) may be positioned to overlap with an electrically connected second green light-emitting element (G2_ED1).

[0062] Among the second display area (DA2), the fourth edge display area (DA2_E4) may include the first and second sub-areas (SA1, SA2). Although only the fourth edge display area (DA2_E4) of the second display area (DA2) is illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the first to third edge display areas (DA2_E1~DA2_E3) and the first to fourth corner display areas (DA2_C1~DA2_C4) of the second display area (DA2) may have at least one of the fourth edge display areas (DA2_E4) having a structure similar to the fourth edge display area (DA2_E4). Therefore, FIGS. 4a and 4b describe the fourth edge display area (DA2_E4), and omit the description of the remaining areas of the second display area (DA2). However, for convenience in explaining FIGS. 4a and 4b, the fourth edge display area (DA2_E4) will be referred to as the second display area (DA2), which is a higher concept, in the following description.

[0063] Within a second display area (DA2) of a display panel (DP), a plurality of second reference units (RU2) are repeatedly arranged in first and second directions (DR1, DR2). Each of the second reference units (RU2) may include a second red pixel (PXR2), a third green pixel (PXG3), a fourth green pixel (PXG4), and a second blue pixel (PXB2). Each of the second reference units (RU2) may include n second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22), m green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22, G2_ED21, G2_ED22), and n second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22). Here, n and m are natural numbers greater than or equal to 1, and m may be greater than n. In one example of the present invention, m may be 2n. As an example of the present invention, n can be 2, and in this case, m can be 4.

[0064] Two second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22) may be included in the second red pixel (PXR2), and two second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22) may be included in the second blue pixel (PXR2). Some of the four green light-emitting elements, for example, two green light-emitting elements (hereinafter referred to as the third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22)), may be included in the third green pixel (PXG3), and the remaining parts, for example, two green light-emitting elements (hereinafter referred to as the fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22)), may be included in the fourth green pixel (PXG4).

[0065] Each of the second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22) outputs red light, and each of the second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22) outputs blue light. Each of the third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22) and the fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22) outputs green light.

[0066] Each of the light-emitting reference units (LRU) may be composed of a plurality of light-emitting elements included in each of the second reference units (RU2). As an example of the present invention, each light-emitting reference unit (LRU) may include two second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22), two second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22), two third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22), and two fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22).

[0067] The second red pixel (PXR2) further includes a second red driving circuit (R_PD2) (or may be referred to as the first driving circuit). The second red driving circuit (R_PD2) is electrically connected to n corresponding second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22) to simultaneously control the driving of n second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22). The third green pixel (PXG3) further includes a third green driving circuit (G1_PD2) (or may be referred to as the first sub-driving circuit). The third green driving circuit (G1_PD2) is electrically connected to n corresponding third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22) to simultaneously control the driving of n third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22). The fourth green pixel (PXG4) further includes a fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2) (or may be referred to as a second sub-driving circuit). The fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2) is electrically connected to n corresponding fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22) to simultaneously control the driving of n fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22). The second blue pixel (PXB2) further includes a second blue driving circuit (B_PD2) (or may be referred to as a third driving circuit). The second blue driving circuit (B_PD2) is electrically connected to n corresponding second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22) to simultaneously control the driving of n second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22).

[0068] Each of the driving reference units (DRU) may be composed of k driving circuits included in each of the second reference units (RU2). K may be a natural number greater than or equal to 1. According to one embodiment, the number of light-emitting elements included in each of the second reference units (RU2) (e.g., 2n+m) may be greater than k. For example, 2n+m may be a multiple of 2, 3, or 4 of k.

[0069] As an example of the present invention, each driving reference unit (DRU) may include a second red driving circuit (R_PD2), a third green driving circuit (G1_PD2), a fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2), and a second blue driving circuit (B_PD2).

[0070] In one example of the present invention, n may be 2 and m may be 4, but is not limited thereto. Also, according to one embodiment, p may be the same value as n and q may be the same value as m, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0071] Each of the second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22) may have the same shape and size as the first red light-emitting element (R_ED1). Each of the third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22) and the fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22) may have the same shape and size as the first green light-emitting element (G1_ED1) and / or the second green light-emitting element (G2_ED1). Each of the second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22) may have the same shape and size as the first blue light-emitting element (B_ED1).

[0072] The second display area (DA2) may include a first sub-area (SA1) and a second sub-area (SA2). Specifically, the fourth edge display area (DA2_E4) of the second display area (DA2) may be divided into a first sub-area (SA1) and a second sub-area (SA2). Although not shown in FIG. 4a, the third edge display area (DA2_E3) of the second display area (DA2) (see FIG. 3a) may also be divided into a first sub-area (SA1) and a second sub-area (SA2). The first sub-area (SA1) may be positioned between the second sub-area (SA2) and the first display area (DA1).

[0073] The driving circuits (R_PD2, G1_PD2, G2_PD2, B_PD2) included in each of the second reference units (RU2) are disposed within the first sub-region (SA1), and the first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2) may be disposed within the second sub-region (SA2). Accordingly, the driving circuits (R_PD2, G1_PD2, G2_PD2, B_PD2) do not overlap with the second scan driver (GDC2) (or the first scan driver (GDC1)). The light-emitting elements included in each of the second reference units (RU2) are disposed within the first and second sub-regions (SA1, SA2).

[0074] Some of the light-emitting reference units (LRUs) are arranged to overlap with the first sub-region (SA1), and the remaining portions of the light-emitting reference units (LRUs) are arranged to overlap with the second sub-region (SA2). Hereinafter, the portions of the light-emitting reference units (LRUs) that overlap with the first sub-region (SA1) are referred to as the first light-emitting reference units, and the remaining portions of the light-emitting reference units (LRUs) that overlap with the second sub-region (SA2) are referred to as the second light-emitting reference units.

[0075] The first light-emitting reference units are placed on the driving circuits (R_PD2, G1_PD2, G2_PD2, B_PD2), and the second light-emitting reference units are placed on the second scan driver (GDC2) (or the first scan driver (GDC1)). Accordingly, the second light-emitting reference units may not overlap with the electrically connected corresponding driving circuits (R_PD2, G1_PD2, G2_PD2, B_PD2).

[0076] In FIG. 4b, the second red driving circuit (R_PD2) is commonly connected to two second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22), and the second blue driving circuit (B_PD2) is commonly connected to two second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22). Also in FIG. 4b, the third green driving circuit (G1_PD2) is commonly connected to two third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22), and the fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2) is commonly connected to two fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the number of second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22) commonly connected to the second red driving circuit (R_PD2) can be varied in many ways. In addition, the number of second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22) commonly connected to the second red driving circuit (R_PD2) and the number of second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22) commonly connected to the second blue driving circuit (B_PD2) may be different from each other.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the number of third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22) commonly connected to the third green driving circuit (G1_PD2) may be the same as the number of fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22) commonly connected to the fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2). Additionally, the number of third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22) commonly connected to the third green driving circuit (G1_PD2) may be the same as the number of second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22) commonly connected to the second red driving circuit (R_PD2). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the number of third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22) commonly connected to the third green driving circuit (G1_PD2) may be different from the number of second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22) commonly connected to the second red driving circuit (R_PD2).

[0078] Referring to FIG. 4c, a first data line group (DG1) including data lines (DL1_1 to DL1_8) connected to first reference units (RU1) is arranged in a first display area (DA1), and a second data line group (DG2) including data lines (DL2_1 to DL2_8) connected to second reference units (RU2) is arranged in a second display area (DA2). For convenience of explanation, FIG. 4c shows eight data lines (DL1_1 to DL1_8) among the data lines included in the first data line group (DG1), and eight data lines (DL2_1 to DL2_8) among the data lines included in the second data line group (DG2). However, the number of data lines included in the first and second data line groups (DG1, DG2), respectively, is not limited thereto.

[0079] Four data lines (DL1_1 to DL1_4) may be connected to each of the first reference units (RU1) illustrated in FIG. 4c. Each of the first reference units (RU1) may include two first red driving circuits (R_PD1), two first blue driving circuits (B_PD1), two first green driving circuits (G1_PD1), and two second green driving circuits (G2_PD1). That is, four data lines (DL1_1 to DL1_4) may be required to drive the eight light-emitting elements included in each first reference unit (RU1). However, two data lines (e.g., DL2_1, DL2_2) may be connected to each of the second reference units (RU2). Each of the second reference units (RU2) may include one second red driving circuit (R_PD2), one second blue driving circuit (B_PD2), one third green driving circuit (G1_PD2), and one fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2). That is, only two data lines (DL2_1, DL2_2) may be required to drive the eight light-emitting elements included in each second reference unit (RU2).

[0080] FIG. 5a is a conceptual diagram showing the connection relationship between the light-emitting reference units and the driving reference units illustrated in FIG. 4c. FIG. 5b is a conceptual diagram showing the connection relationship between the light-emitting reference units and the driving reference units according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5a, among the light-emitting reference units (LRU), the first light-emitting reference units (LRU1) are disposed within the first sub-region (SA1), and among the light-emitting reference units (LRU), the second light-emitting reference units (LRU2) are disposed within the second sub-region (SA2). According to one embodiment, two first light-emitting reference units (LRU1_1, LRU1_2) are disposed in the first sub-region (SA1), and two second light-emitting reference units (LRU2_1, LRU2_2) are disposed in the second sub-region (SA1). However, the number of the first light-emitting reference units (LRU1_1, LRU1_2) and the second light-emitting reference units (LRU2_1, LRU2_2) is not limited thereto and can be varied in many ways. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, two first light-emitting reference units (LRU1_1, LRU1_2) are referred to as the first sub-light-emitting unit (LRU1_1) and the second sub-light-emitting unit (LRU1_2), respectively, and two second light-emitting reference units (LRU2_1, LRU2_2) are referred to as the third sub-light-emitting unit (LRU2_1) and the fourth sub-light-emitting unit (LRU2_2), respectively.

[0082] Each of the first to fourth sub-lighting units (LRU1_1 to LRU2_2) may include two second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22), two second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22), two third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22), and two fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22). The number of light-emitting elements included in each sub-lighting unit may not be limited thereto.

[0083] Two second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22) may be electrically connected to each other through a first connecting wire (CL1), and two second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22) may be electrically connected to each other through a third connecting wire (CL3). Two third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22) may be electrically connected to each other through a first sub-connecting wire (CL2_1), and two fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22) may be electrically connected to each other through a second sub-connecting wire (CL2_2). When viewed in a planar view, each of the first connecting wire (CL1) and the third connecting wire (CL3) may have a curved shape including one or more curves. When viewed in a planar view, each of the first and second sub-connecting wires (CL2_1, CL2_2) may have a straight shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Depending on the design, each of the first and second sub-connecting wires (CL2_1, CL2_2) may have a diagonal shape or a curved shape.

[0084] The driving reference units (DRU) include first driving reference units (DRU1) each connected to first light-emitting reference units (LRU1) and second driving reference units (DRU2) each connected to second light-emitting reference units (LRU2). The first and second driving reference units (DRU1, DRU2) are placed in a first sub-region (SA1), and the first and second driving reference units (DRU1, DRU2) do not overlap with the second sub-region (SA2). A second scan driver (GDC2) (or a first scan driver (GDC1) (see FIG. 3a)) may be placed in the second sub-region (SA2).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the first driving reference units (DRU1) include two first driving reference units (DRU1_1, DRU1_2), and the second driving reference units (DRU2) include two second driving reference units (DRU2_1, DRU2_2). However, the number of the first driving reference units (DRU1_1, DRU1_2) and the second driving reference units (DRU2_1, DRU2_2) is not limited thereto and can be varied in many ways. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the two first driving reference units (DRU1_1, DRU1_2) are referred to as the first sub-driving unit (DRU1_1) and the second sub-driving unit (DRU1_2), respectively, and the two second driving reference units (DRU2_1, DRU2_2) are referred to as the third sub-driving unit (DRU2_1) and the fourth sub-driving unit (DRU2_2), respectively.

[0086] Each of the first to fourth sub-driving units (DRU1_1 to DRU2_2) may include a second red driving circuit (R_PD2), a third green driving circuit (G1_PD2), a fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2), and a second blue driving circuit (B_PD2). The second red driving circuit (R_PD2) is commonly connected to two second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22), and the second blue driving circuit (B_PD2) is commonly connected to two second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22). In addition, the third green driving circuit (G1_PD2) is commonly connected to two third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22), and the fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2) is commonly connected to two fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the arrangement order of the first and second light-emitting reference units (LRU1, LRU2) may differ from the arrangement order of the first and second driving reference units (DRU1, DRU2). Specifically, the first to fourth sub-light-emitting units (LRU1_1 to LRU2_2) may be arranged in the order of the first, second, third, and fourth sub-light-emitting units (LRU1_1, LRU1_2, LRU2_1, LRU2_2), and the first to fourth sub-driving units (DRU1_1 to DRU2_2) may be arranged in the order of the first, third, second, and fourth sub-driving units (DRU1_1, DRU2_1, DRU1_2, DRU2_2). In one example of the present invention, the first and second driving reference units (DRU1, DRU2) may be arranged alternately with each other.

[0088] In the first sub-region (SA1), the first sub-lighting unit (LRU1_1) is arranged in overlap with two sub-driving units, namely the first sub-driving unit (DRU1_1) and the third sub-driving unit (DRU2_1), and in the first sub-region (SA1), the second sub-lighting unit (LRU1_2) is arranged in overlap with two sub-driving units, namely the second sub-driving unit (DRU1_2) and the fourth sub-driving unit (DRU2_2). However, the third sub-lighting unit (LRU2_1) is arranged in non-overlap with the third sub-driving unit (DRU2_1), and the fourth sub-lighting unit (LRU2_2) is arranged in non-overlap with the fourth sub-driving unit (DRU2_2).

[0089] Each of the first to fourth sub-lighting units (LRU1_1 to LRU2_2) may be electrically connected to a corresponding sub-drive unit among the first to fourth sub-drive units (DRU1_1 to DRU2_2) via routing wires. The first sub-lighting unit (LRU1_1) is electrically connected to the first sub-drive unit (DRU1_1) and is not electrically connected to the third sub-drive unit (DRU2_1). The second sub-lighting unit (LRU1_2) is electrically connected to the second sub-drive unit (DRU1_2) and is not electrically connected to the fourth sub-drive unit (DRU2_2).

[0090] The second red driving circuit (R_PD2) can be connected to one of two second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22) (e.g., the second red light-emitting element (R_ED21)) through the first routing wire (RL1). The second blue driving circuit (B_PD2) can be connected to one of two second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22) (e.g., the second blue light-emitting element (B_ED21)) through the third routing wire (RL3). Here, the second red driving circuit (R_PD2) is placed in overlap with the second red light-emitting element (R_ED21) among the two second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22), and the second blue driving circuit (B_PD2) is placed in overlap with the second blue light-emitting element (B_ED21) among the two second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22).

[0091] Since the two second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22) are connected through the first connecting wire (CL1), the two second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22) can operate simultaneously even if the second red driving circuit (R_PD2) is connected to one of the two second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22). Similarly, since the two second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22) are connected through the third connecting wire (CL3), the two second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22) can operate simultaneously even if the second blue driving circuit (B_PD2) is connected to one of the two second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22).

[0092] The third green driving circuit (G1_PD2) can be connected to one of two third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22) (e.g., the third green light-emitting element (G1_ED21)) through the first sub-routing wire (RL2_1). The fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2) can be connected to one of two fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22) (e.g., the fourth green light-emitting element (G2_ED21)) through the second sub-routing wire (RL2_2). Here, the third green driving circuit (G1_PD2) is placed in overlap with the third green light-emitting element (G1_ED21) among the two third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22), and the fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2) is placed in overlap with the fourth green light-emitting element (G2_ED21) among the two fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22).

[0093] The routing wires connecting the first light-emitting reference unit (LRU1) and the first driving reference unit (DRU1), which are arranged in an overlapping manner (or referred to as the routing wires of the first group (GRL1)), may have a relatively shorter length than the routing wires connecting the second light-emitting reference unit (LRU2) and the second driving reference unit (DRU2), which are arranged in a non-overlapping manner (or referred to as the routing wires of the second group (GRL2)). In this way, if the arrangement order of the first and second light-emitting reference units (LRU1, LRU2) is different from the arrangement order of the first and second driving reference units (DRU1, DRU2), the length or number of routing wires may be reduced overall. As a result, the problem of having a limited space for additionally arranging light-emitting elements due to the narrow space for the routing wires is resolved, thereby enabling the second display area (DA2) of the display device (DD) to be further expanded.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 5b, among the light-emitting reference units (LRU), the first light-emitting reference units (LRU1a) are arranged to overlap with the first sub-region (SA1), and among the light-emitting reference units (LRU), the second light-emitting reference units (LRU2a) are arranged to overlap with the second sub-region (SA2). According to one embodiment, three first light-emitting reference units (LRU1_1, LRU1_2, LRU1_3) are arranged in the first sub-region (SA1), and three second light-emitting reference units (LRU2_1, LRU2_2, LRU2_3) are arranged in the second sub-region (SA1). However, the number of first light-emitting reference units (LRU1_1, LRU1_2, LRU1_3) and second light-emitting reference units (LRU2_1, LRU2_2, LRU2_3) is not limited thereto and can be varied in many ways. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the three first light-emitting reference units (LRU1_1, LRU1_2, LRU1_3) are respectively referred to as the first sub-light-emitting unit (LRU1_1), the second sub-light-emitting unit (LRU1_2), and the third sub-light-emitting unit (LRU1_3), and the three second light-emitting reference units (LRU2_1, LRU2_2, LRU2_3) are respectively referred to as the fourth sub-light-emitting unit (LRU2_1), the fifth sub-light-emitting unit (LRU2_2), and the sixth sub-light-emitting unit (LRU2_3).

[0095] The driving reference units (DRU) include first driving reference units (DRU1a) connected to each of the first light-emitting reference units (LRU1a) and second driving reference units (DRU2a) connected to each of the second light-emitting reference units (LRU2a). The first and second driving reference units (DRU1a, DRU2a) are positioned in the first sub-region (SA1) and do not overlap with the second sub-region (SA2). The second scan driver (GDC2) (or the first scan driver (GDC1) (see FIG. 3a)) is positioned in the second sub-region (SA2).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the first driving reference units (DRU1a) include three first driving reference units (DRU1_1, DRU1_2, DRU1_3), and the second driving reference units (DRU2a) include three second driving reference units (DRU2_1, DRU2_2, DRU2_3). However, the number of the first driving reference units (DRU1_1, DRU1_2, DRU1_3) and the second driving reference units (DRU2_1, DRU2_2, DRU2_3) is not limited thereto and can be varied in many ways. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the three first driving reference units (DRU1_1, DRU1_2, DRU1_3) are referred to as the first sub-driving unit (DRU1_1), the second sub-driving unit (DRU1_2), and the third sub-driving unit (DRU1_3), respectively. The three second drive reference units (DRU2_1, DRU2_2, DRU2_3) are respectively referred to as the fourth sub-drive unit (DRU2_1), the fifth sub-drive unit (DRU2_2), and the sixth sub-drive unit (DRU2_3).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the arrangement order of the first and second light-emitting reference units (LRU1a, LRU2a) may differ from the arrangement order of the first and second driving reference units (DRU1a, DRU2a). Specifically, the first to sixth sub-light-emitting units (LRU1_1 to LRU2_3) are arranged in the order of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sub-light-emitting units (LRU1_1, LRU1_2, LRU1_3, LRU2_1, LRU2_2, LRU2_3). On the other hand, the first to sixth sub-driving units (DRU1_1 to DRU2_3) may be arranged in the order of the first, fourth, second, fifth, third, and sixth sub-driving units (DRU1_1, DRU2_1, DRU1_3, DRU1_2, DRU2_2, DRU2_3). As an example of the present invention, the first and second driving reference units (DRU1a, DRU2a) may be arranged alternately with each other.

[0098] The first sub-lighting unit (LRU1_1) is positioned overlapping two sub-driving units, namely the first sub-driving unit (DRU1_1) and the fourth sub-driving unit (DRU2_1), and the second sub-lighting unit (LRU1_2) is positioned overlapping two sub-driving units, namely the second sub-driving unit (DRU1_2) and the fifth sub-lighting unit (LRU2_2). The third sub-lighting unit (LRU1_3) is positioned overlapping two sub-driving units, namely the third sub-driving unit (DRU1_3) and the sixth sub-driving unit (DRU2_3). However, the fourth sub-lighting unit (LRU2_1) is positioned non-overlapping with the fourth sub-driving unit (DRU2_1), the fifth sub-lighting unit (LRU2_2) is positioned non-overlapping with the fifth sub-driving unit (DRU2_2), and the sixth sub-lighting unit (LRU2_3) is positioned non-overlapping with the sixth sub-driving unit (DRU2_3).

[0099] Each of the first to sixth sub-lighting units (LRU1_1 to LRU2_3) may be electrically connected to a corresponding sub-drive unit among the first to sixth sub-drive units (DRU1_1 to DRU2_3) via routing wires. The first sub-lighting unit (LRU1_1) is electrically connected to the first sub-drive unit (DRU1_1) and is not electrically connected to the fourth sub-drive unit (DRU2_1). The second sub-lighting unit (LRU1_2) is electrically connected to the second sub-drive unit (DRU1_2) and is not electrically connected to the fifth sub-drive unit (DRU2_2). The third sub-lighting unit (LRU1_3) is electrically connected to the third sub-drive unit (DRU1_3) and is not electrically connected to the sixth sub-drive unit (DRU2_3).

[0100] The routing wires connecting the first light-emitting reference unit (LRU1a) and the first driving reference unit (DRU1a), which are arranged in an overlapping manner (or referred to as the routing wires of the first group (GRL1)), may have a relatively shorter length than the routing wires connecting the second light-emitting reference unit (LRU2a) and the second driving reference unit (DRU2a), which are arranged in a non-overlapping manner (or referred to as the routing wires of the second group (GRL2)). In this way, if the arrangement order of the first and second light-emitting reference units (LRU1a, LRU2a) is different from the arrangement order of the first and second driving reference units (DRU1a, DRU2a), the length or number of routing wires may be reduced overall. As a result, the problem of having a limited space for additionally arranging light-emitting elements due to the narrow space for routing wires is resolved, thereby enabling the second display area (DA2) of the display device (DD) to be further expanded.

[0101] FIGS. 6a and 6b are conceptual diagrams showing the connection relationship between light-emitting reference units and driving reference units according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 6a, among the light-emitting reference units, the first light-emitting reference units (LRU3) are arranged to overlap with the first sub-region (SA1), and among the light-emitting reference units, the second light-emitting reference units (LRU4) are arranged to overlap with the second sub-region (SA2). According to one embodiment, two first light-emitting reference units (LRU3_1, LRU3_2) are arranged to overlap with the first sub-region (SA1). According to one embodiment, two second light-emitting reference units (LRU4_1, LRU4_2) are arranged in the second sub-region (SA1). However, the number of first light-emitting reference units (LRU3_1, LRU3_2) and the number of second light-emitting reference units (LRU4_1, LRU4_2) are not limited thereto and can be varied in various ways. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, two first light-emitting reference units (LRU3_1, LRU3_2) are referred to as the first sub-light-emitting unit (LRU3_1) and the second sub-light-emitting unit (LRU3_2), respectively, and two second light-emitting reference units (LRU4_1, LRU4_2) are referred to as the third sub-light-emitting unit (LRU4_1) and the fourth sub-light-emitting unit (LRU4_2), respectively.

[0103] Each of the first to fourth sub-lighting units (LRU3_1 to LRU4_2) may include three second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22, R_ED23), three second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22, B_ED23), three third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22, G1_ED23), and three fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22, G2_ED23). The number of light-emitting elements included in each sub-lighting unit may not be limited thereto.

[0104] Three second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22, R_ED23) can be electrically connected to each other through first connecting wires (CL1_1, CL1_2), and three second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22, B_ED23) can be electrically connected to each other through third connecting wires (CL3_1, CL3_2). Three third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22, G1_ED23) can be electrically connected to each other through first sub-connecting wires (CL2_11, CL2_12), and three fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22, G2_ED23) can be electrically connected to each other through second sub-connecting wires (CL2_21, CL2_22).

[0105] The driving reference units include first driving reference units (DRU3) connected to each of the first light-emitting reference units (LRU3) and second driving reference units (DRU4) connected to each of the second light-emitting reference units (LRU4). The first and second driving reference units (DRU3, DRU4) are positioned in the first sub-region (SA1) and do not overlap with the second sub-region (SA2). The second scan driver (GDC2) (or the first scan driver (GDC1) (see FIG. 3a)) is positioned in the second sub-region (SA2).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the first driving reference units (DRU3) include two first driving reference units (DRU3_1, DRU3_2), and the second driving reference units (DRU4) include two second driving reference units (DRU4_1, DRU4_2). However, the number of first driving reference units (DRU3_1, DRU3_2) and the number of second driving reference units (DRU4_1, DRU4_2) are not limited thereto and can be varied in various ways. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the two first driving reference units (DRU3_1, DRU3_2) are referred to as the first sub-driving unit (DRU3_1) and the second sub-driving unit (DRU3_2), respectively, and the two second driving reference units (DRU4_1, DRU4_2) are referred to as the third sub-driving unit (DRU4_1) and the fourth sub-driving unit (DRU4_2), respectively.

[0107] Each of the first to fourth sub-driving units (DRU3_1 to DRU4_2) may include a second red driving circuit (R_PD2), a third green driving circuit (G1_PD2), a fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2), and a second blue driving circuit (B_PD2). The second red driving circuit (R_PD2) is commonly connected to three second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22, R_ED23), and the second blue driving circuit (B_PD2) is commonly connected to three second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22, B_ED23). In addition, the third green driving circuit (G1_PD2) is commonly connected to three third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22, G1_ED23), and the fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2) is commonly connected to three fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22, G2_ED23).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the arrangement order of the first and second light-emitting reference units (LRU3, LRU4) may differ from the arrangement order of the first and second driving reference units (DRU3, DRU4). Specifically, the first to fourth sub-light-emitting units (LRU3_1 to LRU4_2) may be arranged in the order of the first, second, third, and fourth sub-light-emitting units (LRU3_1, LRU3_2, LRU4_1, LRU4_2), and the first to fourth sub-driving units (DRU3_1 to DRU4_2) may be arranged in the order of the first, third, fourth, and second sub-driving units (DRU3_1, DRU4_1, DRU4_2, DRU3_2). In one example of the present invention, the first and second driving reference units (DRU3, DRU4) may be arranged alternately with each other.

[0109] The first sub-lighting unit (LRU3_1) is arranged in overlap with three sub-driving units, namely the first sub-driving unit (DRU3_1), the third sub-driving unit (DRU4_1), and the fourth sub-driving unit (DRU4_2). The second sub-lighting unit (LRU3_2) is arranged in overlap with the second sub-driving unit (DRU3_2). However, the third sub-lighting unit (LRU4_1) is arranged in non-overlap with the third sub-driving unit (DRU4_1), and the fourth sub-lighting unit (LRU4_2) is arranged in non-overlap with the fourth sub-driving unit (DRU4_2).

[0110] Each of the first to fourth sub-lighting units (LRU3_1 to LRU4_2) may be electrically connected to a corresponding sub-drive unit among the first to fourth sub-drive units (DRU3_1 to DRU4_2) via routing wires. The first sub-lighting unit (LRU3_1) is electrically connected to the first sub-drive unit (DRU3_1) and is not electrically connected to the third sub-drive unit (DRU4_1) and the fourth sub-drive unit (DRU4_2). The second sub-lighting unit (LRU3_2) is electrically connected to the second sub-drive unit (DRU3_2).

[0111] The second red driving circuit (R_PD2) can be connected to one of three second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22, R_ED23) (e.g., the second red light-emitting element (R_ED21)) through the first routing wire (RL1). The second blue driving circuit (R_PD2) can be connected to one of three second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22, B_ED23) (e.g., the second blue light-emitting element (B_ED21)) through the third routing wire (RL3). Here, the second red driving circuit (R_PD2) is placed in overlap with the second red light-emitting element (R_ED21) among the three second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22, R_ED23), and the second blue driving circuit (R_PD2) is placed in overlap with the second blue light-emitting element (B_ED21) among the three second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22, B_ED23).

[0112] Since the three second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22, R_ED23) are connected to each other through the first connecting wires (CL1_1, CL1_2), the second red driving circuit (R_PD2) is connected to one of the three second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22, R_ED23), and the three second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22, R_ED23) can operate simultaneously. Likewise, since the three second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22, B_ED23) are connected through the third connecting wires (CL3_1, CL3_2), even if the second blue driving circuit (B_PD2) is connected to one of the three second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22, B_ED23), the three second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22, B_ED23) can operate simultaneously.

[0113] The third green driving circuit (G1_PD2) can be connected to one of three third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22, G1_ED23) (e.g., the third green light-emitting element (G1_ED21)) through the first sub-routing wire (RL2_1). The fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2) can be connected to one of three fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22, G2_ED23) (e.g., the fourth green light-emitting element (G2_ED21)) through the second sub-routing wire (RL2_2). Here, the third green driving circuit (G1_PD2) is placed in overlap with the third green light-emitting element (G1_ED21) among the three third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22, G1_ED23), and the fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2) is placed in overlap with the fourth green light-emitting element (G2_ED21) among the three fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22, G2_ED23).

[0114] The routing wires connecting the first light-emitting reference unit (LRU3) and the first driving reference unit (DRU3), which are arranged in an overlapping manner (or referred to as the routing wires of the first group), may have a relatively shorter length than the routing wires connecting the second light-emitting reference unit (LRU4) and the second driving reference unit (DRU4), which are arranged in a non-overlapping manner (or referred to as the routing wires of the second group). Thus, even if the number of light-emitting elements included in each of the first and second light-emitting reference units (LRU3, LRU4) increases, if the arrangement order of the first and second light-emitting reference units (LRU3, LRU4) is made different from the arrangement order of the first and second driving reference units (DRU3, DRU4), the effect of reducing the overall length or number of routing wires can be achieved.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 6b, among the light-emitting reference units, the first light-emitting reference units (LRU5) are arranged to overlap with the first sub-region (SA1), and among the light-emitting reference units, the second light-emitting reference unit (LRU6) is arranged to overlap with the second sub-region (SA2). According to one embodiment, two first light-emitting reference units (LRU5_1, LRU5_2) are arranged to overlap with the first sub-region (SA1). According to one embodiment, one second light-emitting reference unit (LRU6) is arranged in the second sub-region (SA1). However, the number of first light-emitting reference units (LRU5) and the number of second light-emitting reference units (LRU6) are not limited thereto and can be varied in various ways. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the two first light-emitting reference units (LRU5_1, LRU5_2) are referred to as the first sub-light-emitting unit (LRU5_1) and the second sub-light-emitting unit (LRU5_2), respectively. The second light-emitting reference unit (LRU6) is referred to as the third sub-light-emitting unit (LRU6).

[0116] Each of the first to third sub-lighting units (LRU5_1, LRU5_2, LRU6) may include four second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22, R_ED23, R_ED24), four second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22, B_ED23, B_ED24), four third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22, G1_ED23, G1_ED24), and four fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22, G2_ED23, G2_ED24). However, the number of light-emitting elements included in each sub-lighting unit (LRU5_1, LRU5_2, LRU6) may not be limited thereto.

[0117] Four second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22, R_ED23, R_ED24) can be electrically connected to each other through first connecting wires (CL1_1, CL1_2, CL1_3), and four second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22, B_ED23, B_ED24) can be electrically connected to each other through third connecting wires (CL3_1, CL3_2, CL3_3). Four third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22, G1_ED23, G1_ED24) are electrically connected to each other through first sub-connecting wires (CL2_11, CL2_12, CL2_13), and four fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22, G2_ED23, G2_ED24) can be electrically connected to each other through second sub-connecting wires (CL2_21, CL2_22, CL2_23).

[0118] The driving reference units include first driving reference units (DRU5) connected to first light-emitting reference units (LRU5) and second driving reference units (DRU6) connected to second light-emitting reference units (LRU6). The first and second driving reference units (DRU5, DRU6) are positioned in a first sub-region (SA1) and do not overlap with a second sub-region (SA2). A second scan driver (GDC2) (or a first scan driver (GDC1) (see FIG. 3a)) is positioned in a second sub-region (SA2).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the first driving reference units (DRU5) include two first driving reference units (DRU5_1, DRU5_2). However, the number of first driving reference units (DRU5_1, DRU5_2) and the number of second driving reference units (DRU6) are not limited thereto and can be varied in many ways. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the two first driving reference units (DRU5_1, DRU5_2) are referred to as the first sub-driving unit (DRU5_1) and the second sub-driving unit (DRU5_2), respectively, and the second driving reference units (DRU6) are referred to as the third sub-driving unit (DRU6).

[0120] Each of the first to third sub-driving units (DRU5_1, DRU5_2, DRU6) may include a second red driving circuit (R_PD2), a third green driving circuit (G1_PD2), a fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2), and a second blue driving circuit (B_PD2). The second red driving circuit (R_PD2) is commonly connected to four second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22, R_ED23, R_ED24), and the second blue driving circuit (B_PD2) is commonly connected to four second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22, B_ED23, B_ED24). In addition, the third green driving circuit (G1_PD2) is commonly connected to four third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22, G1_ED23, G1_ED24), and the fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2) is commonly connected to four fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22, G2_ED23, G2_ED24).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the arrangement order of the first to third sub-lighting units (LRU5_1, LRU5_2, LRU6) may differ from the arrangement order of the first to third sub-driving units (DRU5_1, DRU5_2, DRU6). Specifically, the first to third sub-lighting units (LRU5_1, LRU5_2, LRU6) may be arranged in the order of the first, second, and third sub-lighting units (LRU5_1, LRU5_2, LRU6), and the first to third sub-driving units (DRU5_1, DRU5_2, DRU6) may be arranged in the order of the first, third, and second sub-driving units (DRU5_1, DRU6, DRU5_2).

[0122] The first sub-lighting unit (LRU5_1) is positioned overlapping with the first sub-driving unit (DRU5_1), and the second sub-lighting unit (LRU5_2) is positioned partially overlapping with the second sub-driving unit (DRU5_2). However, the third sub-lighting unit (LRU6) is positioned non-overlapping with the third sub-driving unit (DRU6).

[0123] Each of the first to third sub-lighting units (LRU5_1, LRU5_2, LRU6) may be electrically connected to a corresponding sub-driving unit among the first to third sub-driving units (DRU5_1, DRU5_2, DRU6) via routing wires. Specifically, the second red driving circuit (R_PD2) may be connected to one of four second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22, R_ED23, R_ED24) (e.g., the second red light-emitting element (R_ED21)) via the first routing wire (RL1). The second blue driving circuit (R_PD2) may be connected to one of four second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22, B_ED23, B_ED24) (e.g., the second blue light-emitting element (B_ED22)) via the third routing wire (RL3). Here, the second red driving circuit (R_PD2) is placed in overlap with the second red light-emitting element (R_ED21) among the four second red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22, R_ED23, R_ED24), and the second blue driving circuit (R_PD2) is placed in overlap with the second blue light-emitting element (B_ED22) among the four second blue light-emitting elements (B_ED21, B_ED22, B_ED23, R_ED24).

[0124] The third green driving circuit (G1_PD2) can be connected to one of four third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22, G1_ED23, G1_ED24) (e.g., the third green light-emitting element (G1_ED21)) through the first sub-routing wire (RL2_1). The fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2) can be connected to one of four fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22, G2_ED23, G2_ED24) (e.g., the fourth green light-emitting element (G2_ED21)) through the second sub-routing wire (RL2_2). Here, the third green driving circuit (G1_PD2) is placed in overlap with the third green light-emitting element (G1_ED21) among the four third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22, G1_ED23, G1_ED24). However, the fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2) may be placed in non-overlap with the fourth green light-emitting element (G2_ED21) among the four fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22, G2_ED23, G2_ED24), but the fourth green light-emitting element (G2_ED21) may be placed closest to the fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2) among the four fourth green light-emitting elements (G2_ED21, G2_ED22, G2_ED23, G2_ED24).

[0125] The routing wires connecting the first sub-lighting unit (LRU5_1) and the first sub-driving unit (DRU5_1), which are arranged in an overlapping manner (or referred to as the routing wires of the first group), may have a relatively shorter length than the routing wires connecting the third sub-lighting unit (LRU6) and the third sub-driving unit (DRU6), which are arranged in a non-overlapping manner (or referred to as the routing wires of the second group). In this way, even if the number of light-emitting elements included in each of the first to third sub-lighting units (LRU5_1, LRU5_2, LRU6) increases, if the arrangement order of the first to third sub-lighting units (LRU5_1, LRU5_2, LRU6) is different from the arrangement order of the first to third sub-driving units (DRU5_1, DRU5_2, DRU6), the effect of reducing the overall length or number of routing wires can be achieved.

[0126] FIG. 7a is an enlarged plan view of a region (A1) shown in FIG. 3a according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7b is a conceptual diagram showing the connection relationship between light-emitting elements and driving circuits in a region (A3) shown in FIG. 7a. However, for components shown in FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b that are identical to components shown in FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b, the same reference numerals are used, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, the second display area (DA2) of the display panel (DP) (see FIG. 3a) may include a first sub-area (SA1) and a second sub-area (SA2). Specifically, the fourth edge display area (DA2_E4) of the second display area (DA2) may be divided into a first sub-area (SA1) and a second sub-area (SA2). The third edge display area (DA2_E3) of the second display area (DA2) (see FIG. 3a) may also be divided into a first sub-area (SA1) and a second sub-area (SA2).

[0128] A plurality of pixels may be arranged within the second display area (DA2) of the display panel (DP). Some of the plurality of pixels are arranged in the first sub-area (SA1), and the remaining portion of the plurality of pixels are arranged in the second sub-area (SA2). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a portion of the pixels arranged in the first sub-area (SA1) is referred to as the first pixel group (PX_G1), and a portion of the pixels arranged in the second sub-area (SA2) is referred to as the second pixel group (PX_G2). The first pixel group (PX_G1) may include a plurality of second red pixels (PXR2a), a plurality of third green pixels (PXG3a), a plurality of fourth green pixels (PXG4a), and a plurality of second blue pixels (PXB2a). The second pixel group (PX_G2) may include a plurality of third red pixels (PXR2b), a plurality of fifth green pixels (PXG3b), a plurality of sixth green pixels (PXG4b), and a plurality of third blue pixels (PXB2b).

[0129] Each of the plurality of second red pixels (PXR2a) includes a second red light-emitting element (R_ED2a) and a second red driving circuit (R_PD2a), and each of the plurality of second blue pixels (PXB2a) includes a second blue light-emitting element (B_ED2a) and a second blue driving circuit (B_PD2a). Each of the plurality of third green pixels (PXG3a) includes a third green light-emitting element (G1_ED2a) and a third green driving circuit (G1_PD2a), and each of the plurality of fourth green pixels (PXG4a) includes a fourth green light-emitting element (G2_ED2a) and a fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2a).

[0130] Each of the plurality of third red pixels (PXR2b) includes a third red light-emitting element (R_ED2b) and a third red driving circuit (R_PD2b), and each of the plurality of third blue pixels (PXB2b) includes a third blue light-emitting element (B_ED2b) and a third blue driving circuit (B_PD2b). Each of the plurality of fifth green pixels (PXG3b) includes a fifth green light-emitting element (G1_ED2b) and a fifth green driving circuit (G1_PD2b), and each of the plurality of sixth green pixels (PXG4b) includes a sixth green light-emitting element (G2_ED2b) and a sixth green driving circuit (G2_PD2b). According to one embodiment, the second red driving circuit (R_PD2a), the second blue driving circuit (B_PD2a), the third green driving circuit (G1_PD2a), and the fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2a) may each be referred to as the first pixel driving circuit. The third red driving circuit (R_PD2b), the third blue driving circuit (B_PD2b), the fifth green driving circuit (G1_PD2b), and the sixth green driving circuit (G2_PD2b) may each be referred to as the second pixel driving circuit.

[0131] The second and third red light-emitting elements (R_ED2a, R_ED2b) may have the same shape and the same size as each other. According to one embodiment, each of the second and third red light-emitting elements (R_ED2a, R_ED2b) may have a larger size than the first red light-emitting element (R_ED1) (or may be referred to as the first reference light-emitting element). The second and third blue light-emitting elements (B_ED2a, B_ED2b) may have the same shape and the same size as each other. According to one embodiment, each of the second and third blue light-emitting elements (B_ED2a, B_ED2b) may have a larger size than the first blue light-emitting element (B_ED1) (or may be referred to as the third reference light-emitting element). Additionally, each of the third to sixth green light-emitting elements (G1_ED2a, G1_ED2b, G2_ED2a, G2_ED2b) may have a larger size than each of the first and second green light-emitting elements (G1_ED1, G2_ED1) (or may be referred to as the second reference light-emitting element).

[0132] The second red light-emitting element (R_ED2a) and the second red driving circuit (R_PD2a) overlap each other, but the third red light-emitting element (R_ED2b) and the third red driving circuit (R_PD2b) do not overlap each other. Therefore, the third red light-emitting element (R_ED2b) and the third red driving circuit (R_PD2b) can be electrically connected through the first routing wire (RLa). The second blue light-emitting element (B_ED2a) and the second blue driving circuit (B_PD2a) overlap each other, but the third blue light-emitting element (B_ED2b) and the third blue driving circuit (B_PD2b) do not overlap each other. Therefore, the third blue light-emitting element (B_ED2b) and the third blue driving circuit (B_PD2b) can be electrically connected through the third routing wire (RLc).

[0133] The third green light-emitting element (G1_ED2a) and the third green driving circuit (G1_PD2a) overlap each other, but the fifth green light-emitting element (G1_ED2b) and the fifth green driving circuit (G1_PD2b) do not overlap each other. Therefore, the fifth green light-emitting element (G1_ED2b) and the fifth green driving circuit (G1_PD2b) can be electrically connected through the first sub-routing wiring (RLb_1). The fourth green light-emitting element (G2_ED2a) and the fourth green driving circuit (G2_PD2a) overlap each other, but the sixth green light-emitting element (G2_ED2b) and the sixth green driving circuit (G2_PD2b) do not overlap each other. Therefore, the sixth green light-emitting element (G2_ED2b) and the sixth green driving circuit (G2_PD2b) can be electrically connected through the second sub-routing wiring (RLb_2).

[0134] A plurality of first pixel driving circuits (R_PD2a, B_PD2a, G1_PD2a, G2_PD2a) and a plurality of second pixel driving circuits (R_PD2b, B_PD2b, G1_PD2b, G2_PD2b) may be alternately arranged in the first and second directions (DR1, DR2).

[0135] According to one embodiment, light-emitting elements placed in the first sub-region (SA1) are electrically connected to a driving circuit that overlaps with them, whereas light-emitting elements placed in the second sub-region (SA2) are electrically connected to a driving circuit that does not overlap with them. By ensuring that some of the light-emitting elements placed in the first sub-region (SA1) are not electrically connected to a driving circuit that does not overlap with them, the length and number of routing wires placed in the second display area (DA2) can be reduced overall. As a result, the problem of limiting the placement of additional light-emitting elements due to the narrow placement space of routing wires is resolved, thereby enabling the second display area (DA2) of the display device (DD) to be further expanded.

[0136] FIG. 8a is a cross-sectional view of a display panel cut along the cutting line II' shown in FIG. 3a. FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8b shows an area corresponding to FIG. 8a.

[0137] As illustrated in FIG. 8a, a display panel (DP) may include a base layer (DP_BS), a circuit layer (DP_CL), a light-emitting element layer (DP_EL), and an encapsulation layer (80). The base layer (DP_BS) may be a member that provides a base surface on which the circuit layer (DP_CL) is placed. The base layer (DP_BS) may be a rigid layer or a flexible layer capable of bending, folding, rolling, etc. The base layer (DP_BS) may be a glass layer, a metal layer, or a polymer layer, etc. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the base layer (DP_BS) may be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

[0138] The base layer (DP_BS) may have a multilayer structure. For example, the base layer (DP_BS) may include a first synthetic resin layer, an intermediate layer having a multilayer or single-layer structure, and a second synthetic resin layer disposed on the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer may be referred to as a base barrier layer. The intermediate layer may include a silicon oxide (SiOx) layer and an amorphous silicon layer disposed on the silicon oxide layer, but is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the intermediate layer may include at least one of a silicon oxide layer, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, and an amorphous silicon layer.

[0139] Each of the first and second synthetic resin layers may comprise a polyimide-based resin. Additionally, each of the first and second synthetic resin layers may comprise at least one of an acrylate-based resin, a methacrylate-based resin, a polyisoprene-based resin, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin. Meanwhile, in this specification, "~~"-based resin means that it comprises a functional group of "~~".

[0140] According to one embodiment, the base layer (DP_BS) may be divided into a first display area (DA1) (see FIG. 3a), a second display area (DA2), and a non-display area (NDA) on a plane. The second display area (DA2) may include first and second sub-areas (SA1, SA2). The first and second display areas (DA1, DA2) may be areas where an image is displayed, and the non-display area (NDA) may be an area where an image is not displayed. The first sub-area (SA1) may be an area adjacent to the first display area (DA1), and the second sub-area (SA2) may be an area adjacent to the non-display area (NDA).

[0141] A circuit layer (DP_CL) may be placed on a base layer (DP_BS). The circuit layer (DP_CL) may include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, and a signal line, etc. An insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and a conductive layer are formed on the base layer (DP_BS) by means such as coating or deposition, and subsequently, the insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer may be selectively patterned through multiple photolithography processes. Afterward, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, and a signal line included in the circuit layer (120) may be formed.

[0142] The circuit layer (DP_CL) may include a plurality of insulating layers (10, 20, 30, 40, 50), a pixel driving circuit, and first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2) (see FIG. 3a). The base layer (DP_BS) may be divided into a pixel circuit area (PCA) and a driving circuit area (DCA). The pixel circuit area (PCA) may be defined within the first sub-area (SA1) of the first display area (DA1) and the second display area (DA2). The driving circuit area (DCA) may be defined by overlapping with the second sub-area (SA2) of the second display area (DA2) and the non-display area (NDA).

[0143] Specifically, a driving circuit constituting pixels (PX: see FIG. 2B) may be disposed in the first pixel circuit area (PCA). FIG. 8a illustrates three pixel transistors (TR1, TR2, TR3) among the driving circuits. The three pixel transistors (TR1, TR2, TR3) may each be connected to three distinct light-emitting elements.

[0144] Pixel transistors (TR1, TR2, TR3) are disposed on a base layer (DP_BS). In this embodiment, a first insulating layer (10) may be disposed between the base layer (DP_BS) and the pixel transistors (TR1, TR2, TR3). The first insulating layer (10) may be a single layer or may include multiple layers, may include an organic layer, and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0145] Each of the pixel transistors (TR1, TR2, TR3) may include a semiconductor pattern (SP) and a control electrode (GE). The semiconductor pattern (SP) includes a semiconductor material such as silicon or a metal oxide.

[0146] The semiconductor pattern (SP) may include a channel region (AC), a source region (SE), and a drain region (DE). The channel region (AC), the source region (SE), and the drain region (DE) may be separated portions on a plane. The channel region (AC) may have lower conductivity compared to the source region (SE) and the drain region (DE).

[0147] In this embodiment, the source region (SE) and the drain region (DE) may include a reduced metal. The source region (SE) and the drain region (DE) may each function as the source electrode and the drain electrode of the first transistor (TR1). However, this is described as an example, and the first transistor (TR1) may further include separate source electrodes and drain electrodes connected to the source region (SE) and the drain region (DE), and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0148] The control electrode (GE) is conductive. The control electrode (GE) is spaced apart from the semiconductor pattern (SP) with the second insulating layer (20) in between. The control electrode (GE) overlaps in a plane with the channel region (AC) of the semiconductor pattern (SP). The second insulating layer (20) may be an inorganic layer and may be a single layer or a multilayer.

[0149] A third insulating layer (30), a fourth insulating layer (40), a fifth insulating layer (50), and a sixth insulating layer (60) are sequentially stacked on pixel transistors (TR1, TR2, TR3). Each of the third to sixth insulating layers (30, 40, 50, 60) may include an organic layer or a stacked organic layer and an inorganic layer.

[0150] The first connecting electrode (CN1) may be disposed between the third insulating layer (30) and the fourth insulating layer (40). The first connecting electrode (CN1) is provided in multiple numbers and penetrates the third insulating layer (30) and the second insulating layer (20) to be connected to the pixel transistors (TR1, TR2, TR3), respectively. In this embodiment, the first connecting electrode (CN1) is shown as being connected to the drain region (DE), but this is illustrated as an example, and the first connecting electrode (CN1) may be connected to the source region (SE) and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0151] The second connecting electrode (CN2) may be placed between the fourth insulating layer (40) and the fifth insulating layer (50). The second connecting electrode (CN2) penetrates the fourth insulating layer (40) and is connected to the first connecting electrode (CN1).

[0152] Routing wires (RL1, RL2_1, RL3) can be placed between the fifth insulating layer (50) and the sixth insulating layer (60). Routing wires (RL1, RL2_1, RL3) penetrate the fifth insulating layer (50) and are connected to the second connecting electrode (CN2). Each of the routing wires (RL1, RL2_1, RL3) is connected to a corresponding light-emitting element among the light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22, G1_ED21, G1_ED22, B_ED21).

[0153] Among the routing wires (RL1, RL2_1, RL3), the first sub-routing wire (RL2_1) is connected to the third green light-emitting element (G1_ED21), the first routing wire (RL1) is connected to the second red light-emitting element (R_ED21), and the third routing wire (RL3) is connected to the second blue light-emitting element (B_ED21). The routing wire (RL2_1) connected to the third green light-emitting element (G1_ED21), which is arranged in overlap with the corresponding pixel transistor (TR1), may have a shorter length than the routing wire (RL3) connected to the second blue light-emitting element (B_ED21), which is arranged in non-overlap with the corresponding pixel transistor (TR3).

[0154] According to one embodiment, the routing wires (RL1, RL2_1, RL3) and the second connecting electrode (CN2) are disposed on different layers, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the routing wires (RL1, RL2_1, RL3) and the second connecting electrode (CN2) may be disposed on the same layer.

[0155] According to one embodiment, routing wires (RL1, RL2_1, RL3) may include transparent conductive wires. The transparent conductive wires may include a transparent conductive material or a light-transmitting material. For example, routing wires (RL1, RL2_1, RL3) may be formed from a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) film such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium oxide (In2O3).

[0156] The light-emitting element layer (DP_EL) may be disposed on the circuit layer (DP_CL). The light-emitting element layer (DP_EL) may include a plurality of light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22, G1_ED21, G1_ED22, B_ED21). For example, the light-emitting element layer (DP_EL) may include an organic light-emitting material, an inorganic light-emitting material, an organic-inorganic light-emitting material, a quantum dot, a quantum rod, a micro LED, or a nano LED.

[0157] The light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22, G1_ED21, G1_ED22, B_ED21) are placed on the sixth insulating layer (60) and are electrically connected to the corresponding pixel transistors (TR1, TR2, TR3) through routing wires (RL1, RL2_1, RL3). An encapsulation layer (140) may be placed on the light-emitting element layer (130). The encapsulation layer (140) can protect the light-emitting element layer (130) from foreign substances such as moisture, oxygen, and dust particles.

[0158] The encapsulation layer (80) may be placed on the light-emitting element layer (DP_EL). The encapsulation layer (80) may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer (81), an organic encapsulation layer (82), and a second inorganic encapsulation layer (83) stacked sequentially, but the layers constituting the encapsulation layer (80) are not limited thereto.

[0159] The first and second inorganic encapsulation layers (81, 83) can protect the light-emitting element layer (DP_EL) from moisture and oxygen, and the organic encapsulation layer (82) can protect the light-emitting element layer (DP_EL) from foreign substances such as dust particles. The first and second inorganic encapsulation layers (81, 83) may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer, etc. The organic encapsulation layer (82) may include an acrylic-based organic layer, but is not limited thereto.

[0160] Each of the light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22, G1_ED21, G1_ED22, B_ED21) includes a first electrode (AE1), a second electrode (CE), and a light-emitting layer (EL1). The first electrode (AE1) is placed on the sixth insulating layer (60) and penetrates the sixth insulating layer (60) to be connected to the corresponding routing wires (RL1, RL2_1, RL3). When the routing wires (RL1, RL2_1, RL3) are placed on the same layer as the second connecting electrode (CN2), the first electrode (AE1) of the light-emitting element (e.g., the third green light-emitting element (G1_ED21)) placed in overlap with the corresponding pixel transistor (TR1) can be directly connected to the second connecting electrode (CN2). In this case, the second sub-routing wire (RL2_1) may be omitted.

[0161] The first electrode (AE1) may comprise a reflective layer formed of Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, or compounds thereof, and a transparent or translucent electrode layer formed on the reflective layer. The transparent or translucent electrode layer may comprise at least one selected from the group comprising indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), zinc oxide (ZnO) or indium oxide (In2O3), and aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO). For example, the first electrode (AE1) may be provided as ITO / Ag / ITO.

[0162] The seventh insulating layer (70) includes an opening that exposes at least a portion of the first electrode (AE1). The seventh insulating layer (70) may include organic and / or inorganic materials and may correspond to a pixel defining film.

[0163] A light-emitting layer (EL1) is disposed in an opening defined in the seventh insulating layer (70). The light-emitting layer (EL1) comprises an organic light-emitting material and / or an inorganic light-emitting material. A second electrode (CE) is disposed on the seventh insulating layer (70). The second electrode (CE) may be provided in a single shape covering a plurality of light-emitting layers. The second electrode (CE) may be formed on the front surface of the first and second display areas (DA1, DA2). Each of the light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22, G1_ED21, G1_ED22, B_ED21) generates light by exciting the light-emitting layer (EL1) according to the potential difference between the first electrode (AE1) and the second electrode (CE).

[0164] Although not shown, a hole control layer may be disposed between the first electrode (AE1) and the light-emitting layer (EL1). The hole control layer includes a hole transport layer and may further include a hole injection layer. An electronic control layer may be disposed between the light-emitting layer (EL1) and the second electrode (CE). The electronic control layer includes an electron transport layer and may further include an electron injection layer. The hole control layer and the electronic control layer may be formed in common across a plurality of pixels (PX, see FIG. 2b) using an open mask.

[0165] The light-emitting element layer (DP_EL) may further include a plurality of connecting wires (CL1, CL2_1). The connecting wires (CL1, CL2_1) are disposed in the second display area (DA2). Among the connecting wires (CL1, CL2_1), the first connecting wire (CL1) may connect two adjacent red light-emitting elements (R_ED21, R_ED22), and the first sub-connecting wire (CL2_1) may connect two adjacent third green light-emitting elements (G1_ED21, G1_ED22). The first connecting wire (CL1) and the first sub-connecting wire (CL2_1) may be disposed on the same layer as the first electrode (AE1). In this case, the first connecting wire (CL1) and the first sub-connecting wire (CL2_1) may be formed of the same material as the first electrode (AE1). However, the location of the connecting wires (CL1, CL2_1) is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 8b, some of the connecting wires (CL1, CL2_1) (e.g., the second sub-connecting wire (CL2_1)) may be placed on the same layer as the routing wires (RL1, RL2_1, RL3), and other parts (e.g., the first connecting wire (CL1)) may be placed on the same layer as the first electrode (AE1). In this case, the first connection wire (CL1) may be formed of the same material as the first electrode (AE1), and the second sub-connection wire (CL2_1) may be formed of the same material as the routing wires (RL1, RL2_1, RL3). According to another embodiment, each of the connection wires (CL1, CL2_1) may be placed on the same layer as the routing wires (RL1, RL2_1, RL3). Circuit configurations other than the pixel driving circuit, such as first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2), an initialization voltage line (VIL) (see FIG. 2b), a first power supply voltage line (VL1) (see FIG. 2b), a second power supply voltage line (VL2), etc., may be placed in the driving circuit area (CPA).

[0166] The initialization voltage line (VIL) is placed in the second display area (DA2) and can be placed overlapping with the second sub-area (SA2).

[0167] The first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2) may be placed in an area overlapping with the second sub-area (SA2) of the driving circuit area (CPA). In FIGS. 8a and 8b, some driving transistors (TRP1, TRP2) of the first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2) are shown for ease of explanation.

[0168] The driving transistor (TRP1) includes a semiconductor pattern (SP), a control electrode (E1), an input electrode (E2), and an output electrode (E3). The driving transistors (TRP1, TRP2) can be formed through the same process as the pixel transistors (TR1, TR2, TR3). The driving transistors (TRP1, TRP2) can be arranged in a plane without overlapping with the pixel transistors (TR1, TR2, TR3).

[0169] Each of the first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2) includes driving signal lines (VD). According to one embodiment, the driving signal lines (VD) may include first to third lines (V1, V2, V3). The first line (V1) may be provided as a relatively large planar line compared to the second line (V2) and / or the third line (V3). The first line (V1) is shown as being connected to the first driving transistor (TRP1) among the configurations of the first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2).

[0170] The first line (V1) can transmit a constant voltage to the first driving transistor (TRP1). The constant voltage may include a gate low voltage (VGL) or a gate high voltage (VGH). However, this is described as an example, and the first line (V1) may be any one of various lines that apply a constant voltage to the first and second scan drivers (GDC1, GDC2) and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the power voltage pattern (VSS) may be placed on the same layer as the first line (V1). The power voltage pattern (VSS) is connected to the second power voltage line (VL2) and receives a second driving voltage (ELVSS) (see FIG. 2b).

[0172] A display panel (DP) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of dams (P0, P1) and a crack dam (CRD). The dams (P0, P1) may be arranged along the edge of a display area (DDA) in a plane. The dams (P0, P1) prevent overflow of the organic encapsulation layer (82). The dams (P0, P1) may include a first dam (P0) and a second dam (P1).

[0173] The first dam (P0) is relatively closer to the second display area (DA2) than the second dam (P1). The first dam (P0) may overlap with the second power voltage line (VL2). The first dam (P0) includes a first dam layer (P01), a second dam layer (P02), and a third dam layer (P03). Each of the first dam layer (P01), the second dam layer (P02), and the third dam layer (P03) is formed of an insulating material. In this embodiment, the first dam layer (P01) may be formed of the same material as the fifth insulating layer (50), and the second dam layer (P02) and the third dam layer (P03) may be formed of the same material as the sixth insulating layer (60) and / or the seventh insulating layer (70).

[0174] The second dam (P1) is positioned relatively further apart from the second display area (DA2) than the first dam (P0). In this embodiment, the second dam (P1) may include a first dam layer (P11), a second dam layer (P12), a third dam layer (P13), and a fourth dam layer (P14). For example, the first dam layer (P11) may be formed of the same material as the fourth insulating layer (40), the second dam layer (P12) may be formed of the same material as the fifth insulating layer (50), and the third dam layer (P13) and the fourth dam layer (P14) may be formed of the same material as the sixth insulating layer (60) and / or the seventh insulating layer (70). The first dam (P0) and the second dam (P1) may have the same layer structure, and additional dams may be placed in the non-display area (NDA) in addition to the first dam (P0) and the second dam (P1), and are not limited to any one embodiment.

[0175] A crack dam (CRD) may be placed in a non-display area (NDA) and at the ends of the second insulating layer (20) and the third insulating layer (30). The crack dam (CRD) may include a dam portion (DM) and a filling portion (FL). The dam portion (DM) includes a plurality of insulating patterns placed along the edge of the display panel (DP). The insulating patterns may be formed of the same material as the second insulating layer (20) and the third insulating layer (30) and may be formed simultaneously.

[0176] The filling portion (FL) may contain organic material. The filling portion (FL) may be formed of a material having relatively high ductility compared to the dam portion (DM). The filling portion (FL) covers the dam portion (DM) and fills the spaces between the insulation patterns.

[0177] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art or those with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be determined by the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0178] DD: Display device DP: Display panel DPD: Panel driver DA1: First display area DA2: Second display area SA1: First sub-area SA2: 2nd Sub-region RU1: 1st Reference Unit RU2: Second Reference Unit LRU: Luminous Reference Unit LRU1: 1st light-emitting reference unit LRU2: 2nd light-emitting reference unit DRU: Driving Reference Unit DRU1: 1st Driving Reference Unit DRU2: Second driving reference unit R_ED21: Second red light-emitting element B_ED21: 2nd blue light-emitting element G1_ED21: 3rd green light-emitting element G2_ED21: 3rd green light-emitting element R_PD2: 2nd red driving circuit B_PD2: 2nd Blue driving circuit G1_PD2: 3rd Green driving circuit G2_PD2: 3rd Green Driving Circuit RL1: 1st Routing Wiring RL2: Second routing wiring RL2_1, RL2_2: 1st and 2nd sub-routing wiring CL1: 1st connecting wire CL3: 3rd connecting wire CL2_1, CL2_2: 1st and 2nd sub-connection wiring

Claims

Claim 1 A display panel comprising a first display area and a second display area adjacent to the first display area; and a panel driver disposed overlapping with the second display area of ​​the display panel, wherein the display panel comprises a plurality of light-emitting reference units disposed in the second display area and each comprising a plurality of light-emitting elements; and a plurality of driving reference units each electrically connected to the plurality of light-emitting reference units and each comprising a plurality of driving circuits, wherein the arrangement order of the plurality of light-emitting reference units is different from the arrangement order of the plurality of driving reference units corresponding to the plurality of light-emitting reference units, wherein each of the plurality of light-emitting elements is driven by a corresponding driving circuit among the plurality of driving circuits, wherein the number of the plurality of light-emitting elements is greater than the number of the plurality of driving circuits, and each of the plurality of driving circuits is connected to at least two light-emitting elements. Claim 2 In claim 1, the second display area comprises a first sub-area adjacent to the first display area; and a second sub-area overlapping with the panel driver, and the first sub-area is a display device disposed between the second sub-area and the first display area. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the plurality of light-emitting reference units comprises: first light-emitting reference units arranged in overlap of the first sub-region; and second light-emitting reference units arranged in overlap of the second sub-region, and the plurality of driving reference units is a display device arranged in the first sub-region. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the plurality of driving reference units comprises: first driving reference units each connected to the first light-emitting reference units; and second driving reference units each connected to the second light-emitting reference units, wherein the first driving reference units and the second driving reference units are alternately arranged. Claim 5 A display device according to claim 4, wherein each of the first driving reference units is arranged in overlap with a correspondingly connected first light-emitting reference unit among the first light-emitting reference units, and each of the second driving reference units is arranged in non-overlap with a correspondingly connected second light-emitting reference unit among the second light-emitting reference units. Claim 6 In paragraph 4, the display panel further comprises a first group of routing wires connecting the first light-emitting reference units to the first driving reference units; and a second group of routing wires connecting the second light-emitting reference units to the second driving reference units, wherein the first group of routing wires has a shorter length than the second group of routing wires. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the number of the plurality of light-emitting elements is one of 2 times, 3 times, and 4 times the number of the plurality of driving circuits. Claim 10 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the number of the plurality of light-emitting elements is twice the number of the plurality of driving circuits, each of the plurality of light-emitting reference units overlaps with two driving reference units, each of the plurality of light-emitting reference units is electrically connected to a first driving reference unit among the two driving reference units and is not electrically connected to a second driving reference unit among the two driving reference units, and the first driving reference unit and the second driving reference unit are alternately arranged. Claim 11 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the number of the plurality of light-emitting elements is three times the number of the plurality of driving circuits, each of the plurality of light-emitting reference units overlaps with three driving reference units, each of the plurality of light-emitting reference units is electrically connected to the first driving reference unit among the three driving reference units and is not electrically connected to the second and third driving reference units among the three driving reference units, and the first to third driving reference units are alternately arranged. Claim 12 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements comprises: a plurality of first color light-emitting elements that output a first color light; a plurality of second color light-emitting elements that output a second color light; and a plurality of third color light-emitting elements that output a third color light. Claim 13 In paragraph 12, a display device in which, in each light-emitting reference unit, the number of the second color light-emitting elements is greater than the number of the first color light-emitting elements. Claim 14 In claim 13, the plurality of driving circuits comprises: a first driving circuit electrically connected to the plurality of first color light-emitting elements; a second driving circuit electrically connected to the plurality of second color light-emitting elements; and a third driving circuit electrically connected to the plurality of third color light-emitting elements. Claim 15 In claim 14, the second driving circuit comprises: a first sub-driving circuit electrically connected to a first group among the plurality of second color light-emitting elements; and a second sub-driving circuit electrically connected to a second group among the plurality of second color light-emitting elements. Claim 16 In claim 15, the display panel further comprises: a first connecting wire for electrically connecting the plurality of first color light-emitting elements; a first sub-connecting wire for electrically connecting the second color light-emitting elements belonging to the first group; a second sub-connecting wire for electrically connecting the second color light-emitting elements belonging to the second group; and a third connecting wire for electrically connecting the plurality of third color light-emitting elements. Claim 17 In claim 16, each of the first to third color light-emitting elements comprises a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode, and each of the first and third connecting wires and the first and second sub-connecting wires is disposed on the same layer as the first electrode. Claim 18 In claim 16, the display panel further comprises: a first routing wire connecting one of the plurality of first color light-emitting elements to the first driving circuit; a first sub-routing wire connecting one of the second color light-emitting elements belonging to the first group to the first sub-driving circuit; a second sub-routing wire connecting one of the second color light-emitting elements belonging to the second group to the second sub-driving circuit; and a third routing wire connecting one of the plurality of third color light-emitting elements to the third driving circuit. Claim 19 In claim 18, the first routing wiring, the first and second sub-routing wirings and the third routing wirings each comprise a transparent conductive material in a display device. Claim 20 A display panel comprising a first display area and a second display area adjacent to the first display area; and a panel driver for driving the display panel, wherein the second display area comprises a first sub-area adjacent to the first display area; and a second sub-area overlapping with the panel driver, and the display panel comprises a plurality of first light-emitting elements disposed in the first sub-area; a plurality of second light-emitting elements disposed in the second sub-area; and a plurality of first pixel driving circuits disposed in the first sub-area and electrically connected to each of the plurality of first light-emitting elements. A display device comprising a plurality of second pixel driving circuits disposed in the first sub-region and electrically connected to each of the plurality of second light-emitting elements, wherein each of the plurality of first light-emitting elements is disposed in overlap with the correspondingly connected first pixel driving circuit, and each of the plurality of second light-emitting elements is disposed in non-overlap with the correspondingly connected second pixel driving circuit, and the display panel further comprises a plurality of reference light-emitting elements disposed in the first display area, and each of the first and second light-emitting elements has a larger size than the reference light-emitting element among the reference light-emitting elements that outputs the same color light. Claim 21 In claim 20, a display device in which the plurality of first pixel driving circuits and the plurality of second pixel driving circuits are alternately arranged in the first sub-region. Claim 22 In claim 20, the display panel further comprises a plurality of first routing lines connecting the first light-emitting elements to the first pixel driving circuits, respectively; and a plurality of second routing lines connecting the second light-emitting elements to the second pixel driving circuits, respectively. Claim 23 delete

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