Patent ID: 12232369

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in more detail to aspects of some embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, the present embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, the embodiments are merely described below, by referring to the figures, to explain aspects of some embodiments of the present description. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Throughout the disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b or c” indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

Because the disclosure may have diverse modified embodiments, certain embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and are described in the detailed description. An effect and a characteristic of the disclosure, and a method of accomplishing these will be more apparent when referring to embodiments described with reference to the drawings. Embodiments according to the present disclosure may, however, have many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

Reference will now be made in more detail to aspects of some embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms.

An expression used in the singular encompasses the expression of the plural, unless it has a clearly different meaning in the context.

It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” used herein specify the presence of stated features or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features or elements.

It will be understood that when a layer, region, or element is referred to as being “formed on” another layer, area, or element, it can be directly or indirectly formed on the other layer, region, or element. That is, for example, intervening layers, regions, or elements may be present.

When a certain embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific process order may be performed differently from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to the described order.

It will be understood that when a layer, region, or component is connected to another portion, the layer, region, or component may be directly connected to the portion or an intervening layer, region, or component may exist, such that the layer, region, or component may be indirectly connected to the portion. For example, when a layer, region, or component is electrically connected to another portion, the layer, region, or component may be directly electrically connected to the portion or may be indirectly connected to the portion through another layer, region, or component.

FIG.1is a perspective view of a display apparatus1according to some embodiments.

Referring toFIG.1, the display apparatus1may include a transmission area TA, a display area DA surrounding the transmission area TA, and a peripheral area PA surrounding the display area DA.

The display apparatus1may display images using light emitted from a plurality of pixels arranged in the display area DA. The transmission area TA may be surrounded by the display area DA. The transmission area TA may be an area in which a component CP (seeFIG.2) is arranged.

Hereinafter, as the display apparatus1according to some embodiments, an organic light-emitting display apparatus is described as an example, but a display apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to some embodiments, various types of display apparatuses, such as a liquid crystal display apparatus, an inorganic light emitting display apparatus, and a quantum dot light emitting display apparatus, may be used.

InFIG.1, one transmission area TA is provided and is shown in a substantially circular shape, but embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The number of transmission areas TA may be two or more, and each shape may be variously changed in a plane such as a circle, an ellipse, a polygon such as a triangle or a square, a star shape, a diamond shape, and an irregular shape.

In addition, the display apparatus1may be various electronic devices such as a mobile phone, a laptop computer, and a smart watch.

FIG.2is a cross-sectional view of a display apparatus according to some embodiments, which is taken along the line II-II′ ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIG.2, the display apparatus1includes the transmission area TA and the display area DA surrounding the transmission area TA. The component CP having various functions is located in a position overlapping the transmission area TA, and a plurality of pixels including an emission layer222bare located in the display area DA.

The component CP may include an electronic element. For example, the component CP may include an electronic element utilizing light or sound. For example, the electronic element may include a sensor that uses light such as an infrared sensor, a camera that captures an image by receiving light, a sensor that outputs and detects light or sound to measure a distance or recognize fingerprints, a small lamp that outputs light, a speaker that outputs sound, and the like. In the case of an electronic element using light, light of various wavelength bands such as visible light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, and the like may be used. In some embodiments, the transmission area TA may be understood as an area in which light or/and sound that is output from the component CP to the outside or that travels from the outside toward the electronic element may be transmitted.

The display apparatus1may include a substrate100, an insulating layer200, the emission layer222b,an intermediate layer222, a second electrode223, a capping layer230, a refractive index compensation layer300, an encapsulation layer400, a polarization layer500, an adhesive layer600, and a cover layer700.

A plurality of thin-film transistors TFT (seeFIG.5) are located in the insulating layer200, and a first opening OP1is formed in the transmission area TA overlapping the component CP, so that the transmittance of the display apparatus1may be improved.

The emission layer222bmay not be located in the transmission area TA overlapping the component CP. A plurality of emission layers222bapart from each other may emit different colors.

The intermediate layer222including the emission layer222bmay be continuously located in the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption.

The second electrode223on the intermediate layer222may be continuously located in the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption.

The capping layer230on the second electrode223may be continuously located in the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption.

In the encapsulation layer400on the capping layer230, a first trench400T is formed in the transmission area TA overlapping the component CP, so that the transmittance of the display apparatus1may be improved.

The refractive index compensation layer300having a refractive index greater than a refractive index of air and less than a refractive index of the encapsulation layer400may be located between the first trench400T of the encapsulation layer400and the substrate100. When air is filled between the encapsulation layer400and the substrate100instead of the refractive index compensation layer300, visibility distortion may occur due to air having a less refractive index than that of the encapsulation layer400. Because the refractive index compensation layer300includes a material having a refractive index greater than the refractive index of air and less than the refractive index of the encapsulation layer400, a difference in refractive index between the encapsulation layer400and the refractive index compensation layer300may be minimized or reduced, thereby improving visibility distortion.

For example, when the encapsulation layer400includes a transparent glass material, the range of the refractive index is approximately 1.5. The refractive index compensation layer300may include a silicon resin having a refractive index of about 1.5 to minimize or reduce a difference in refractive index between the encapsulation layer400and the refractive index compensation layer300.

In the polarization layer500on the encapsulation layer400, a second opening OP2is formed in the transparent area TA overlapping the component CP, so that the transmittance of the display apparatus1may be improved.

A cover layer700including a transparent material may be on the polarization layer500, and the adhesive layer600may be further between the polarization layer500and the cover layer700.

FIG.2shows a case where all of the intermediate layer222, the second electrode223, and the capping layer230are continuously located in the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption, but embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Some of the intermediate layer222, the second electrode223, and the capping layer230may not be located in the transmission area TA. Detailed descriptions thereof will be described later below.

FIG.3is a plan view schematically illustrating the display apparatus1according to some embodiments, andFIG.4is an equivalent circuit diagram schematically illustrating one pixel P of the display apparatus1.

Referring toFIGS.3and4, a plurality of pixels P are located in the display area DA, and each pixel P, as shown inFIG.4, may include a pixel circuit PC and an organic light-emitting diode OLED as a display element connected to the pixel circuit PC.

The pixel circuit PC may include a first thin-film transistor T1, a second thin-film transistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst. Each pixel P may emit, for example, red, green, or blue light from the organic light-emitting diode OLED. Alternatively, each pixel P may emit, for example, red, green, blue, or white light from the organic light-emitting diode OLED.

The second thin-film transistor T2is a switching thin-film transistor which is connected to a scan line SL and a data line DL and may transfer a data voltage input from the data line DL to the first thin-film transistor T1according to a switching voltage input from the scan line SL. The storage capacitor Cst is connected to the second thin-film transistor T2and a driving voltage line PL and may store a voltage corresponding to a difference between a voltage received from the second thin-film transistor T2and a first power supply voltage ELVDD supplied to the driving voltage line PL.

The first thin-film transistor T1includes a driving thin-film transistor which is connected to the driving voltage line PL and the storage capacitor Cst and may control a driving current flowing to the organic light-emitting diode OLED from the driving voltage line PL according to a voltage value stored in the storage capacitor Cst. The organic light-emitting diode OLED may emit light having certain luminance according to the driving current. A cathode of the organic light-emitting diode OLED may be supplied with a second power supply voltage ELVSS.

FIG.4illustrates that the pixel circuit PC includes two thin-film transistors and one storage capacitor, but embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The number of thin-film transistors and the number of storage capacitors may be variously changed according to the design of the pixel circuit PC.

Referring again toFIG.3, the peripheral area PA may include a scan driver1100for providing a scan signal to each pixel P, a data driver1200for providing a data signal to each pixel P, and a main power line for providing first and second power supply voltages.FIG.3shows that the data driver1200is adjacent to one side of the substrate100. According to some embodiments, the data driver1200may be on a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) electrically connected to a pad on one side of the display panel10.

FIG.5is a cross-sectional view of a display apparatus according to some embodiments, in which portion V ofFIG.2is enlarged.

Referring toFIG.5, the plurality of thin film transistors TFT are on the substrate100, and are connected to a plurality of first electrodes221that are separated from each other on the insulating layer200, respectively.

The substrate100may include a polymer resin or glass. According to some embodiments, the substrate100may include a polymer resin such as polyethersulfone (PES), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (TAC), or/and cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), and may be flexible.

The substrate100may include a glass material including SiO2as a main component and a resin such as reinforced plastic, and may be rigid.

The substrate100may have a stack structure of a layer including the above-described polymer resin and a barrier layer on the above-described polymer resin layer. For example, the substrate100may have a structure in which a first polymer resin layer, a first barrier layer, a second polymer resin layer, and a second barrier layer are stacked. The substrate100including the polymer resin may improve flexibility. The barrier layer may include silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiON), and silicon oxide (SiOx).

A buffer layer201may be formed on the substrate100to prevent impurities from penetrating into a semiconductor layer Act of the thin-film transistor TFT. The buffer layer201may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide, and may include a single layer or multiple layers including the inorganic insulating material described above.

The thin film transistor TFT and the storage capacitor Cst may be on the buffer layer201.

The thin-film transistor TFT may include the semiconductor layer Act, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE. The thin-film transistor TFT shown inFIG.5may be the driving thin-film transistor described with reference toFIG.4. According to some embodiments, a top gate-type transistor in which the gate electrode GE is on the semiconductor layer Act with a gate insulating layer203therebetween. However, according to some embodiments, the thin-film transistor TFT may be a bottom gate-type transistor.

The semiconductor layer Act may include polysilicon. Alternatively, the semiconductor layer Act may include amorphous silicon, an oxide semiconductor, an organic semiconductor, or the like. The gate electrode GE may include a low resistance metal material. The gate electrode GE may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), or the like, and may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers including the above-described materials.

The gate insulating layer203between the semiconductor layer Act and the gate electrode GE may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, and the like. The gate insulating layer203may include a single layer or multiple layers including the above-described materials.

The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may include a material having relatively high or good conductivity. The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may include a conductive material including Mo, Al, Cu, Ti, or the like, and may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers including the above-described materials. According to some embodiments, the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may include multiple layers of Ti/Al/Ti.

The storage capacitor Cst may include a lower electrode CE1and an upper electrode CE2which overlap each other with a first interlayer insulating layer205therebetween. The storage capacitor Cst may overlap the thin-film transistor TFT.FIG.5shows that the gate electrode GE of the thin-film transistor TFT is the lower electrode CE1of the storage capacitor Cst. According to some embodiments, the storage capacitor Cst may not overlap the thin-film transistor TFT. The storage capacitor Cst may be covered with a second interlayer insulating layer207.

The first and second interlayer insulating layers205and207may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, and the like. The first and second interlayer insulating layers205and207may include a single layer or multiple layers including the above-described materials.

The thin-film transistor TFT and the storage capacitor Cst may be covered with a planarization insulating layer209. The planarization insulating layer209may include an approximately planar upper surface. The planarization insulating layer209may include an organic insulation material such as a general commercial polymer such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or polystyrene (PS), a polymer derivative including a phenolic group, an acrylic polymer, an imide polymer, an aryl ether polymer, an amide polymer, a fluorine-based polymer, a p-xylene-based polymer, a vinyl alcohol polymer, and/or a blend thereof. According to some embodiments, the planarization insulating layer209may include polyimide. Alternatively, the planarization insulating layer209may include an inorganic insulating material. Alternatively, the planarization insulating layer209may include both an organic insulating material and an inorganic insulating material.

The first opening OP1is formed in the planarization insulating layer209at a position overlapping the component CP, so that transmittance may be improved.

FIG.5illustrates a structure in which the first opening OP1is formed only in the planarization insulating layer209, but embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The first opening OP1may be formed not only in the planarization insulating layer209but also in the second interlayer insulating layer207. According to some embodiments, the first opening OP1may be formed in the planarization insulating layer209, the second interlayer insulating layer207, and the first interlayer insulating layer205. According to some embodiments, the first opening OP1may be formed in the planarization insulating layer209, the second interlayer insulating layer207, the first interlayer insulating layer205, and the gate insulating layer203. According to some embodiments, the first opening OP1may be formed in the planarization insulating layer209, the second interlayer insulating layer207, the first interlayer insulating layer205, the gate insulating layer203, and the buffer layer201.

A first electrode221may be formed on the planarization insulating layer209. The first electrode221may include a conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), indium gallium oxide (IGO), or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). According to some embodiments, the first electrode221may include a reflective layer including silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), Al, platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), or a compound thereof. According to some embodiments, the first electrode221may further include a film formed of ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3above or/and below the above-described reflective layer.

A pixel defining layer211may be formed on the first electrode221. The pixel defining layer211may include an opening exposing an upper surface of the pixel electrode221and may cover an edge of the pixel electrode221. The pixel defining layer211may include an organic insulating material. Alternatively, the pixel defining layer211may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxynitride (SiON), or silicon oxide (SiOx). Alternatively, the pixel defining layer211may include an organic insulating material and an inorganic insulating material.

The intermediate layer222includes the emission layer222b.The emission layer222bmay be arranged for each pixel in the display area DA.

The intermediate layer222may further include a first intermediate layer222aarranged between the emission layer222band the first electrode221and/or a second intermediate layer222cbetween the emission layer222band the second electrode223. The emission layer222bmay include a polymer organic material or a low molecular weight organic material that emits light of a certain color.

The first intermediate layer222amay include a single layer or multiple layers. For example, when the first intermediate layer222aincludes a polymer material, the first intermediate layer222a,which is a hole transport layer (HTL) having a single-layer structure, may include poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) or polyaniline (PANI). When the first intermediate layer222aincludes a low molecular weight material, the first intermediate layer222amay include a hole injection layer (HIL) and a hole transport layer (HTL).

The second intermediate layer222cmay be omitted. For example, when the first intermediate layer222aand the emission layer222binclude a polymer material, the second intermediate layer222cmay be formed. The second intermediate layer222cmay include a single layer or multiple layers. The second intermediate layer222cmay include an electron transport layer (ETL) and/or an electron injection layer (EIL).

Unlike the emission layer222b,the first and second intermediate layers222aand222cmay be located in the transmission area TA overlapping the component CP.

The second electrode223may include a conductive material having a low work function. For example, the second electrode223may include a transparent layer or a semi-transparent layer including Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), or an alloy thereof. Alternatively, the second electrode223may further include a layer such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3on the transparent or semi-transparent layer including the above-described material.

Unlike the emission layer222b,the second electrode223may be located in the transmission area TA overlapping the component CP.

The capping layer230may be on the second electrode223. For example, the capping layer230may include LiF and may be formed by thermal evaporation. Alternatively, the capping layer230may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride. Alternatively, the capping layer230may include an organic insulating material.

Unlike the emission layer222b,the capping layer230may be arranged in the transmission area TA overlapping the component CP.

A spacer212may be formed on the pixel defining layer211. The spacer212may include an organic insulating material such as polyimide. Alternatively, the spacer212may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon nitride or silicon oxide, or may include an organic insulating material and an inorganic insulating material.

The spacer212may include a material different from a material of the pixel defining layer211. Alternatively, the spacer212may include the same material as that of the pixel defining layer211. In this case, the pixel defining layer211and the spacer212may be formed together in a mask process using a halftone mask or the like. According to some embodiments, the pixel defining layer211and the spacer212may include polyimide.

The spacer212may be formed to surround the transmission area TA in which the first opening OP1is formed.

The transmission area TA and the display area DA may be covered by the encapsulation layer400.

The encapsulation layer400may include a hard material. For example, the encapsulation layer400may include a glass material.

In the encapsulation layer400, the first trench400T is formed in an area overlapping the first opening OP1, so that transmittance of the display apparatus1may be improved. For example, a first thickness T1of the encapsulation layer400in the area overlapping the first opening OP1may be less than a second thickness T2of the encapsulation layer400in an area not overlapping the first opening OP1. However, the first thickness T1may be greater than 0, so that the encapsulation layer400may be formed to encapsulate the entire display area DA and the transmission area TA.

The first trench400T may have various shapes. For example, the first trench400T may be formed in a circular or polygonal shape on a plan view, and may be formed to correspond to the number and shape of the first openings OP1formed in the insulating layer200.

The refractive index compensation layer300having a refractive index greater than the refractive index of air and less than the refractive index of the encapsulation layer400may be located between the first trench400T of the encapsulation layer400and the substrate100. In more detail, the refractive index compensation layer300may be surrounded by the encapsulation layer400on an upper portion thereof, the insulating layer200on a lower portion thereof, and the spacer212on a side surface thereof.

When air is filled between the encapsulation layer400and the substrate100instead of the refractive index compensation layer300, visibility distortion may occur due to air having a less refractive index than that of the encapsulation layer400. Because the refractive index compensation layer300includes a material having a refractive index greater than the refractive index of air and less than the refractive index of the encapsulation layer400, a difference in refractive index between the encapsulation layer400and the refractive index compensation layer300may be minimized or reduced, thereby improving visibility distortion.

The polarization layer500may be on the encapsulation layer400.

In the polarization layer500, the second opening OP2is formed in the area overlapping the component CP, so that the transmittance of the display apparatus1may be improved. The second opening OP2of the polarization layer500overlaps each of the first opening OP1of the insulating layer200and the first trench400T of the encapsulation layer400, thereby maximizing transmittance of the display apparatus1.

The second opening OP2may have various shapes. For example, the second opening OP2may be formed in a circular or polygonal shape on a plan view, and may be formed to correspond to the number and shape of the first openings OP1of the insulating layer200. In addition, the second opening OP2may be formed to correspond to the number and shape of the first trench400T.

The cover layer700including a transparent material may be on the polarization layer500.

The cover layer700may be coupled to a housing, and the component CP may be located in an inner space of the housing.

The adhesive layer600such as an optical clear adhesive (OCA) is arranged between the polarization layer500and the cover layer700, so that the coupling of the polarization layer500to the cover layer700may be maintained.

FIG.6is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portions VIA and VIB ofFIG.5.

Referring toFIG.6, in the transmission area TA, the first intermediate layer222a,the second intermediate layer222c,the second electrode223, the capping layer230, and the refractive index compensation layer300are sequentially arranged on the second interlayer insulating layer207. In the display area DA, the first intermediate layer222a,the emission layer222b,the second intermediate layer222c,the second electrode223, the capping layer230, and the refractive index compensation layer300are sequentially arranged on the first electrode221.

According to an embodiment ofFIG.6, the emission layer222bis located only in the display area DA and not in the transmission area DA. On the other hand, unlike the emission layer222b,the first intermediate layer222a,the second intermediate layer222c,the second electrode223, and the capping layer230are continuously located in both the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption.

FIG.7is a plan view of a fine metal mask (FMM)800used according to some embodiments, andFIG.8is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion VIII ofFIG.7.

Referring toFIGS.7and8, the fine metal mask800includes a non-porous portion810, a plurality of openings820, and a bridge830connecting the plurality of openings820.

In a method of forming the emission layer222bso as to be apart from each pixel in the display area DA, deposition may be performed using the fine metal mask800in which the plurality of openings820are formed in an area corresponding to each emission layer222b.When the non-porous portion810is formed in an area corresponding to the transmission area TA in order to prevent the emission layer222bfrom being located in the transmission area TA, the emission layer222bis not deposited in the transmission area TA because the non-porous portion810serves as a film blocking a deposition material.

FIGS.9A and9Bare cross-sectional views illustrating a method of forming the transmission area TA by a laser etching method.

Referring toFIG.9A, without distinction between the transmission area TA and the display area DA, the intermediate layer222including the emission layer222b,the second electrode223, and the capping layer230are formed on the substrate100and an insulating layer200by a deposition process.

Referring toFIG.9B, an opening is formed by etching the capping layer230, the second electrode223, the intermediate layer222, the emission layer222b,and the insulating layer200formed in the transmission area TA by using a laser beam on a portion of the structure ofFIG.9Awhere the transmission area TA is to be formed.

In the laser etching method as described above, because an etching process using a separate laser beam is added after all deposition materials such as the insulating layer200, the emission layer222b,the intermediate layer222, the second electrode223, and the capping layer230are deposited on the substrate100, there are problems of product price increase due to additional facility investment and a decrease in mass productivity due to an increase in process. In addition, there is a problem that defect factors increase due to the generation of particles due to laser etching. In addition, because the display area DA needs to be formed with a sufficient margin on an etching surface222E of the intermediate layer222damaged by laser etching, there is a problem in that a dead space increases in a process of securing an intermediate area MA having a certain width or more between the transmission area TA and the display area DA.

However, in the case of the disclosure, after the deposition process, a non-porous portion is formed in a mask used in an existing deposition process instead of a laser etching process, which is a separate facility process, thereby preventing problems of product price increase due to additional facility investment and a decrease in mass productivity due to an increase in process. In addition, because defect factors due to the generation of particles by laser etching are eliminated and damage to the side of an opening due to laser etching does not occur, a dead space between the display area DA and the transmission area TA may be reduced.

Compared to the structure ofFIG.9B, the structure of the disclosure further includes the intermediate layer222, the second electrode223, and the capping layer230in the transmission area TA. However, the structure of the disclosure may control the appropriate transmittance by controlling the thickness of each layer.

FIGS.10to12are cross-sectional views showing example combinations of various deposits deposited on a transmission area and a display area.

Referring toFIG.10, in the transmission area TA, the first intermediate layer222a,the second electrode223, the capping layer230, and the refractive index compensation layer300are sequentially arranged on the second interlayer insulating layer207. In the display area DA, the first intermediate layer222a,the emission layer222b,the second electrode223, the capping layer230, and the refractive index compensation layer300are sequentially arranged on the first electrode221.

According to an embodiment ofFIG.10, the emission layer222bis located only in the display area DA and not in the transmission area DA. On the other hand, unlike the emission layer222b,the first intermediate layer222a,the second electrode223, and the capping layer230are continuously located in both the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption. Compared with the embodiment ofFIG.6, because the second intermediate layer222cis not formed in the transmission area TA, the transmittance of the display apparatus may be further improved.

Referring toFIG.11, in the transmission area TA, the first intermediate layer222a,the second intermediate layer222c,the capping layer230, and the refractive index compensation layer300are sequentially arranged on the second interlayer insulating layer207. In the display area DA, the first intermediate layer222a,the emission layer222b,the second intermediate layer222c,the capping layer230, and the refractive index compensation layer300are sequentially arranged on the first electrode221.

According to an embodiment ofFIG.11, the emission layer222bis located only in the display area DA and not in the transmission area DA. On the other hand, unlike the emission layer222b,the first intermediate layer222a,the second intermediate layer222c,and the capping layer230are continuously located in both the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption. Compared with the embodiment ofFIG.6, because the second intermediate layer222cis not formed in the transmission area TA, the transmittance of the display apparatus may be further improved.

Referring toFIG.12, in the transmission area TA, the first intermediate layer222a,the second intermediate layer222c,the capping layer230, and the refractive index compensation layer300are sequentially arranged on the second interlayer insulating layer207. In the display area DA, the first intermediate layer222a,the emission layer222b,the second intermediate layer222c,the capping layer230, and the refractive index compensation layer300are sequentially arranged on the first electrode221.

According to some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.12, the emission layer222bis located only in the display area DA and not in the transmission area DA. On the other hand, unlike the emission layer222b,the first intermediate layer222a,the second intermediate layer222c,and the second electrode223are continuously located in both the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption. Compared with the embodiment ofFIG.6, because the capping layer230is not formed in the transmission area TA, the transmittance of the display apparatus may be further improved.

The embodiments ofFIGS.10to12illustrate a structure in which one of the first intermediate layer222a,the second intermediate layer222c,the second electrode223, and the capping layer230is not located in the transmission area TA. However, embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited thereto. According to some embodiments, at least two or more of the first intermediate layer222a,the second intermediate layer222c,the second electrode223, and the capping layer230may not be located in the transmission area TA.

Meanwhile, the first intermediate layer222a,the second intermediate layer222c,the second electrode223, and the capping layer230may be formed not as a fine metal mask including a plurality of openings, but as an open mask having one opening in one display apparatus. To prevent at least one of the first intermediate layer222a,the second intermediate layer222c,the second electrode223, or the capping layer230from being formed in the transmission area TA by using the open mask, the open mask may include a non-porous portion, and a small number of bridges for coupling the non-porous portion to the open mask may be further added to the open mask.

FIG.13is a cross-sectional view of a display apparatus2according to some embodiments. Hereinafter, differences from the display apparatus1ofFIG.5will be mainly described.

Referring toFIG.13, the display apparatus2may include a substrate100, an insulating layer200, the emission layer222b,an intermediate layer222, the second electrode223, the capping layer230, the refractive index compensation layer300, an encapsulation layer400′, the polarization layer500, the adhesive layer600, and the cover layer700.

The plurality of thin-film transistors TFT are located in the insulating layer200, and the first opening OP1is formed in the transmission area TA overlapping the component CP, so that the transmittance of the display apparatus2may be improved. The emission layer222bmay not be located in the transmission area TA overlapping the component CP. The intermediate layer222including the emission layer222bmay be continuously located in the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption.

The second electrode223on the intermediate layer222may be continuously arranged in the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption. The capping layer230on the second electrode223may be continuously arranged in the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption.

Unlike the display apparatus1ofFIG.5, a trench is not formed in the encapsulation layer400′ on the capping layer230of the display apparatus2. The encapsulation layer400′ may be continuously located in the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption.

In the polarization layer500on the encapsulation layer400′, a second opening OP2is formed in the transmission area TA overlapping the component CP, so that the transmittance of the display apparatus2may be improved. The cover layer700including a transparent material may be on the polarization layer500, and the adhesive layer600may be further located between the polarization layer500and the cover layer700.

According to some embodiments, the encapsulation layer400′ may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer410, a second inorganic encapsulation layer430, and an organic encapsulation layer420between the first inorganic encapsulation layer and the second inorganic encapsulation layer.

The first and second inorganic encapsulation layers410and430may include one or more inorganic insulating materials such as aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride and may be formed using a CVD method or the like.

The organic encapsulation layer420may include polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyethylene sulfonate, polyoxymethylene, polyarylate, hexamethyldisiloxane, an acrylic resin (e.g., polymethyl methacrylate, a polyacrylic acid, etc.), or any combination thereof.

A thickness T3of an area in which the organic encapsulation layer420overlaps the first opening OP1and the second opening OP2may be greater than a thickness T4of an area in which the organic encapsulation layer420does not overlap the first opening OP1and the second opening OP2. In other words, the thickness T3of the organic encapsulation layer420in the transmission area TA is greater than the thickness T4of the organic encapsulation layer420in the display area DA, so that an upper surface of the display apparatus2may be entirely planarized.

The first inorganic encapsulation layer410is continuously located in the display area DA and the transmission area TA without interruption to completely cover the intermediate layer222, the second electrode223, and the capping layer230, thereby preventing the inflow of impurities through the first opening OP1formed in the insulating layer200.

In addition, unlike the display apparatus1ofFIG.5, the display apparatus2does not include a separate refractive index compensation layer, and may improve visibility distortion by adjusting a refractive index of the organic encapsulation layer420.

FIG.14is a cross-sectional view of a display apparatus3according to some embodiments. Hereinafter, differences from the display apparatus1ofFIG.5will be mainly described.

Referring toFIG.14, the display apparatus3may include the substrate100, the insulating layer200, the emission layer222b,the intermediate layer222, the second electrode223, the capping layer230, the refractive index compensation layer300, the encapsulation layer400, the polarization layer500, the adhesive layer600, and the cover layer700.

The plurality of thin-film transistors TFT are located in the insulating layer200, and the first opening OP1is formed in the transmission area TA overlapping the component CP, so that the transmittance of the display apparatus3may be improved.

The emission layer222bmay not be located in the transmission area TA overlapping the component CP. The intermediate layer222including the emission layer222bmay be continuously located in the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption.

The second electrode223on the intermediate layer222may be continuously arranged in the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption. The capping layer230on the second electrode223may be continuously arranged in the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption.

In the encapsulation layer400on the capping layer230, the first trench400T is formed in the transmission area TA overlapping the component CP, so that the transmittance of the display apparatus3may be improved.

Unlike the display apparatus1ofFIG.5, in the substrate100of the display apparatus3, a second trench100T is formed in the transmission area TA overlapping the component CP, so that the transmittance of the display apparatus3may be improved.

The refractive index compensation layer300having a refractive index greater than the refractive index of air and less than the refractive index of the encapsulation layer400may be located between the first trench400T of the encapsulation layer400and the second trench100T of the substrate100, thereby improving (e.g., reducing) visibility distortion of the display apparatus3.

FIG.15is a cross-sectional view of a display apparatus4according to some embodiments. Hereinafter, differences from the display apparatus1ofFIG.5will be mainly described.

Referring toFIG.15, the display apparatus4may include the substrate100, the insulating layer200, the emission layer222b,the intermediate layer222, the second electrode223, the capping layer230, the refractive index compensation layer300, the encapsulation layer400, the polarization layer500, the adhesive layer600, and the cover layer700.

Unlike the display apparatus1ofFIG.5, the first opening OP1(seeFIG.5) is not formed in the insulating layer200of the display apparatus4. By omitting a process of forming the first opening OP1, the process ofFIG.15may be simplified.

The emission layer222bmay not be located in the transmission area TA overlapping the component CP. The intermediate layer222including the emission layer222bmay be continuously located in the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption.

The second electrode223on the intermediate layer222may be continuously arranged in the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption. The capping layer230on the second electrode223may be continuously arranged in the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption.

In the encapsulation layer400on the capping layer230, the first trench400T is formed in the transmission area TA overlapping the component CP, so that the transmittance of the display apparatus4may be improved.

The refractive index compensation layer300having a refractive index greater than the refractive index of air and less than the refractive index of the encapsulation layer400may be located between the first trench400T of the encapsulation layer400and the substrate100, thereby improving visibility distortion of the display apparatus4.

FIG.16is a cross-sectional view of a display apparatus5according to some embodiments. Hereinafter, differences from the display apparatus1ofFIG.5will be mainly described.

Referring toFIG.16, the display apparatus5may include the substrate100, the insulating layer200, the emission layer222b,the intermediate layer222, the second electrode223, the capping layer230, the refractive index compensation layer300, the encapsulation layer400, the polarization layer500, the adhesive layer600, and the cover layer700.

The plurality of thin-film transistors TFT are located in the insulating layer200, and the first opening OP1is formed in the transmission area TA overlapping the component CP, so that the transmittance of the display apparatus5may be improved.

The emission layer222bmay not be located in the transmission area TA overlapping the component CP. The intermediate layer222including the emission layer222bmay be continuously located in the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption.

The second electrode223on the intermediate layer222may be continuously arranged in the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption. The capping layer230on the second electrode223may be continuously arranged in the transmission area TA and the display area DA without interruption.

Unlike the display apparatus1ofFIG.5, the first trench400T (seeFIG.5) is not formed in the encapsulation layer400of the display apparatus5. By omitting a process of forming the first trench400T, the process ofFIG.16may be simplified, and strength of the display apparatus5may be improved by making the thickness of the encapsulation layer400constant.

The refractive index compensation layer300having a refractive index greater than the refractive index of air and less than the refractive index of the encapsulation layer400may be located between the encapsulation layer400and the substrate100, thereby improving visibility distortion of the display apparatus5.

In the embodiments of the display apparatuses2,3,4, and5described above, the first intermediate layer222a,the second intermediate layer222c,the second electrode223, and the capping layer230excluding the emission layer222bare located in both the transmission area TA and the display area DA. However, embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited thereto. According to some embodiments, at least one of the first intermediate layer222a,the second intermediate layer222c,the second electrode223, or the capping layer230may not be located in the transmission area TA.

Embodiments of the disclosure may prevent product price increase and a decrease in mass productivity due to an increase in process, reduce defect factors due to the generation of particles, and reduce a dead space in a transmission area. However, the effects described above are illustrative, and effects according to the embodiments will be described in detail later below.

It should be understood that embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by the following claims, and their equivalents.