Patent ID: 12207516

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the invention. As used herein “embodiments” and “implementations” are interchangeable words that are non-limiting examples of devices or methods employing one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. It is apparent, however, that various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various exemplary embodiments. Further, various exemplary embodiments may be different, but do not have to be exclusive. For example, specific shapes, configurations, and characteristics of an exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment without departing from the inventive concepts.

Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated exemplary embodiments are to be understood as providing exemplary features of varying detail of some ways in which the inventive concepts may be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions, and/or aspects, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”), of the various embodiments may be otherwise combined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged without departing from the inventive concepts.

The use of cross-hatching and/or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally provided to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. As such, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between illustrated elements, and/or any other characteristic, attribute, property, etc., of the elements, unless specified. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the size and relative sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and/or descriptive purposes. When an exemplary 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. Also, like reference numerals denote like elements.

When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. When, however, an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. To this end, the term “connected” may refer to physical, electrical, and/or fluid connection, with or without intervening elements. Further, the D1-axis, the D2-axis, and the D3-axis are not limited to three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, such as the x, y, and z-axes, and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the D1-axis, the D2-axis, and the D3-axis may be perpendicular to one another, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to one another. For the purposes of this disclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for instance, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “over,” “higher,” “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”), and the like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and, thereby, to describe one elements relationship to another element(s) as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of an apparatus in use, operation, and/or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the apparatus in the drawings is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Furthermore, the apparatus may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and, as such, the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms, “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Moreover, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms, are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and, as such, are utilized to account for inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and/or provided values that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to sectional and/or exploded illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments and/or intermediate structures. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to the particular illustrated shapes of regions, but are to include deviations in shapes that result from, for instance, manufacturing. In this manner, regions illustrated in the drawings may be schematic in nature and the shapes of these regions may not reflect actual shapes of regions of a device and, as such, are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

FIG.1is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the invention.FIG.2is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I′ ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, a display device10includes a display panel100and a functional module200.

The display panel100may include a first display area DA1, a second display area DA2and a third display area DA3. The first display area DA1, the second display area DA2and the third display area DA3may display an image, respectively. The second display area DA2and the third display area DA3may include a light-transmitting area that transmits an external light. Thus, the second display area DA2and the third display area DA3may transmit an external light incident thereon as well as display an image. The first display area DA1, the second display area DA2and the third display area DA3may be adjacent to each other. For example, the first display area DA1may surround the second display area DA2and the third display area DA3in a plan view.

For example, a light-transmitting area may be defined by an area where pixel elements for generating light are partially removed to increase a light transmittance. In an exemplary embodiment, the light-transmitting area may be defined by an opening formed by removing a portion of a common electrode. Furthermore, at least one of a pixel electrode, a metal wiring, an organic insulation layer and an inorganic insulation layer may be removed in the light-transmitting area to further increase a light transmittance.

Referring toFIG.2, the functional module200is disposed under the display panel100. Examples of the functional module200may include a camera module, a face recognition sensor module, an iris recognition sensor module, an acceleration sensor module, a geomagnetism sensor module, a near sensor module, an IR sensor module, an illumination sensor module or the like. The cameral module may be used for imaging an object in front of the display panel. The face recognition sensor module may be used for recognizing a face of a user. The iris recognition sensor module may be used for recognizing an iris of a user. The acceleration sensor module and the geomagnetism sensor module may be used for determining movement of the display device. The near sensor module and IR sensor module may be used for sensing an object getting close to the display device. The illumination sensor module may be used for measuring an external brightness.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display device10may include a first functional module210overlapping at least a portion of the second display area DA2in a vertical direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the display panel100(“thickness direction”) of the display device. For example, the first functional module210may be a sensor module. As described the above, the second display area DA2may include a light-transmitting area. Thus, the first functional module210disposed on a rear surface of the display panel100may detect an object or a person, which is disposed in front of the display device, through the light-transmitting area of the second display area DA2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display device10may include a second functional module220overlapping at least a portion of the third display area DA3. For example, the second functional module220may be a camera module. As described the above, the second display area DA2may include a light-transmitting area. Thus, the second functional module220disposed on a rear surface of the display panel100may image an object or a person, which is disposed in front of the display device, through the light-transmitting area of the third display area DA3.

The second display area DA2and the third display area DA3may have various sizes, shapes, dispositions, and arrangements. For example, the second display area DA2may have an elongated (stripe) shape extending in a direction to overlap a plurality of sensor modules. In an exemplary embodiment, the second display area DA and the third display area DA3may be directly adjacent to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, one of the second display area DA and the third display area DA3may surround the other.

FIG.3is an enlarged plan view of a first display area of the display device ofFIG.1.FIG.4is an enlarged plan view of a second display area of the display device ofFIG.1.FIG.5is an enlarged plan view of a third display area of the display device ofFIG.1.

The first display area DA1may include a first pixel area PA1and a first surrounding area SA1, and the second display area DA2may include a second pixel area PA2, a light-transmitting area TA and a second surrounding area SA2. Pixels may be disposed in the first pixel area PA1and the second pixel area PA2, and light generated by the pixels may exit from the first pixel area PA1and the second pixel area PA2.

The first pixel area PA1may include a plurality of first subpixel areas SRA1, SGA1and SBA1, which emit lights having different colors from each other. The second pixel area PA2may include a plurality of second subpixel areas SRA2, SGA2and SBA2, which emit lights having different colors from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the first subpixel areas SRA1, SGA1and SBA1may include a first red pixel area SRA1, a first green pixel area SGA1, and a first blue pixel area SBA1. The second subpixel areas SRA2, SGA2and SBA2may include a second red pixel area SRA2, a second green pixel area SGA2, and a second blue pixel area SBA2. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and the number of the subpixels disposed in the second pixel area PA2may be varied.

The light-transmitting area TA may transmit an external light incident thereon. Since the second display area DA2includes the light-transmitting area TA, which transmits an external light, the first functional module210overlapping the second display area DA2may detect an object or a person, which is disposed in front of the display device, through the light-transmitting area TA. The first surrounding area SA1may surround the first pixel area PA1. The second surrounding area SA2may surround the second pixel area PA2and the light-transmitting area TA. The first surrounding area SA1and the second surrounding area SA2do not emit a light. The first surrounding area SA1and the second surrounding area SA2may be defined an area substantially blocking an external light or an area having a light transmittance less than the minimum light transmittance required for the functional module.

Since the second display area DA2includes the light-transmitting area TA, the number of the second subpixel areas SRA2, SGA2and SBA2disposed in a unit area may be smaller than the number of the first subpixel areas SRA1, SGA1and SBA1disposed in a unit area. Thus, the light transmittance of the second display area DA2in a unit area may be greater than the light transmittance of the first display area DA1in a unit area. In an exemplary embodiment, the sum of the light-transmitting area TA in the second display area DA2may be equal to or more than ½ of the entire area of the second display area DA2. For example, the second pixel area PA2and the light-transmitting area TA may be alternately arranged in the second display area DA2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the number of the second subpixel areas SRA2, SGA2and SBA2in a unit area may be ½ of the number of the first subpixel areas SRA1, SGA1and SBA1in a unit area. For example, as illustrated inFIGS.3and4, when the number of the first subpixel areas SRA1, SGA1and SBA1in a unit area UA is 16, the number of the second subpixel areas SRA2, SGA2and SBA2disposed in a unit area UA may be 8.

In an exemplary embodiment, arrangement of the second subpixel areas SRA2, SGA2and SBA2may be substantially the same as that of the first subpixel areas SRA1, SGA1and SBA1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the size of the second subpixel areas SRA2, SGA2and SBA2may be substantially same as the size of the first subpixel areas SRA1, SGA1and SBA1. For example, the second red pixel area SRA2, the second green pixel area SGA2, and the second blue pixel area SBA2may have the substantially same size as the first red pixel area SRA1, the first green pixel area SGA1, and the first blue pixel area SBA1, respectively.

However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the second subpixel areas SRA2, SGA2and SBA2may have a size larger than a corresponding one of the first subpixel areas SRA1, SGA1and SBA1. Furthermore, the first display area DA1and the second display area DA2may have different subpixel configurations. For example, the first display area DA1may include subpixel areas having a stripe shape, and the second display area DA2may include subpixel areas having a pentile configuration as illustrated inFIG.4.

The third display area DA3may overlap a camera module in the thickness direction. For example, the third display area DA3may have a generally circular shape or a generally rectangular shape to correspond to the camera module.

The third display area DA3may include a third pixel area PA3, a light-transmitting area TA and a third surrounding area SA3. The third pixel area PA3may include a plurality of third subpixel areas SRA3, SGA3and SBA3, which emit lights having different colors from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the third subpixel areas SRA3, SGA1and SBA1may include a third red pixel area SRA3configured to emit a red light, a third green pixel area SGA3configured to emit a green light, and a third blue pixel area SBA3configured to emit a blue light.

In an exemplary embodiment, the third display area DA3may have a light transmittance in a unit area different than those of the first display area DA1and the second display area DA2. The third display area DA3may include the light-transmitting area TA having a size greater than the light-transmitting area TA of the second display area DA2to increase a light transmittance thereof. For example, as illustrated inFIG.5, the ratio of the light-transmitting area TA to substantially the entire area of the third display area DA3may be about 75%. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the ratio of the light-transmitting area TA to an entire area of the third display area DA3may be at least about 80% or about 90%.

In the description, the terms such as “first”, “second”, “third” or the like are not used for specifying elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the second display area DA2may be separated from the third display area, however, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the second display area DA2and the third display area may have substantially the same configuration including substantially the same subpixel arrangement and light transmittance in a unit area. A sensor module and a camera module may be disposed under the second display area DA2and the third display area, which have substantially the same configuration.

FIG.6is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-IF ofFIG.3.FIG.7is a cross-sectional view taken along the line ofFIG.4. For example,FIG.6may illustrate a cross-section of the first red subpixel area SRA1, andFIG.7may illustrate a cross-section of the second red subpixel area SRA2and the light-transmitting area TA adjacent thereto.

Referring toFIG.6, the display panel100may include a driving element TR disposed on a base substrate110in the first display area DA1. The driving element TR may be electrically connected to a corresponding light-emitting element. The light-emitting element may be an organic light-emitting diode. For example, the organic light-emitting diode may include a first electrode EL1, a second electrode EL2and a first organic light-emitting layer OL1disposed between the first electrode EL1and the second electrode EL2.

For example, the base substrate110may include glass, quartz, sapphire, a polymeric material or the like.

In an exemplary embodiment, the driving element TR may include a thin film transistor. The driving element TR may include a plurality of thin film transistors.

For example, a channel layer of the thin film transistor may include amorphous silicon, multi-crystalline silicon (polysilicon) or a metal oxide. For example, the metal oxide may include two-component compound (ABx), ternary compound (ABxCy) or four-component compound (ABxCyDz), which contains indium (In), zinc (Zn), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), hafnium (Hf), zirconium (Zr), magnesium (Mg). For example, the metal oxide may include zinc oxide (ZnOx), gallium oxide (GaOx), titanium oxide (TiOx), tin oxide (SnOx), indium oxide (InOx), indium-gallium oxide (IGO), indium-zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin oxide (ITO), gallium zinc oxide (GZO), zinc magnesium oxide (ZMO), zinc tin oxide (ZTO), zinc zirconium oxide (ZnZrxOy), indium-gallium-zinc oxide (IGZO), indium-zinc-tin oxide (IZTO), indium-gallium-hafnium oxide (IGHO), tin-aluminum-zinc oxide (TAZO), indium-gallium-tin oxide (IGTO) or the like.

The driving element TR may be covered by an insulation structure120. The insulation structure120may include a combination of an inorganic insulation layer and an organic insulation layer.

The first electrode EL1may function as an anode. For example, the first electrode EL1may be formed as a light-transmitting electrode or a light-reflecting electrode according to the emission type of the display device (a front emission type or a rear emission type). When the first electrode EL1is a reflecting electrode, the first electrode EL1may include gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), platinum (Pt), magnesium (Mg), chromium (Cr), tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti) or a combination thereof, and may have a stacked structure further including a metal oxide layer including indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, zinc tin oxide, indium oxide, zinc oxide, tin oxide or a combination thereof.

The pixel-defining layer PDL is disposed on the insulation structure120, and has an opening overlapping at least a portion of the first electrode EL1. For example, the pixel-defining layer PDL may include an organic insulating material. At least a portion of the first organic light-emitting layer OL1may be disposed in the opening of the pixel-defining layer PDL. In an exemplary embodiment, the first organic light-emitting layer OL1may extend continuously over a plurality of the pixel areas in the display area. In another exemplary embodiment, a first organic light-emitting layer OL1may be formed as an isolated pattern corresponding to each of the subpixel areas.

The first organic light-emitting layer OL1may have a single-layered structure or a multi-layered structure, which includes at least an emission layer and further includes at least one of a hole-injection layer (HIL), a hole-transporting layer (HTL), an electron-transporting layer (ETL) and an electron-injection layer (EIL). For example, the first organic light-emitting layer OL1may include an emission layer patterned to correspond to each of the subpixel areas and a common layer including at least one of the hole-injection layer, a hole-transporting layer, an electron-transporting layer and the electron-injection layer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first organic light-emitting layer OL1may generate lights corresponding to the subpixel areas. For example, the first organic light-emitting layer OL1disposed in the first red subpixel area SRA1may generate a red light.

The second electrode EL2may be formed as a light-transmitting electrode or a light-reflecting electrode according to the emission type of the display device. For example, the second electrode EL2may include a metal, a metal alloy, a metal nitride, a metal fluoride, a conductive metal oxide or a combination thereof. For example, the second electrode EL2may be formed as a common layer extending continuously over a plurality of pixel areas in the display areas.

The display panel100may further include an encapsulation layer130covering organic light-emitting diodes. The encapsulation layer130may extend to substantially cover an entire portion of the display areas.

For example, the encapsulation layer130may have a stacked structure of an inorganic thin film and an organic thin film. For example, as illustrated inFIG.5, the encapsulation layer130may include a first inorganic thin film132, an organic thin film134disposed on the first inorganic thin film132, and a second inorganic thin film136disposed on the organic thin film134. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the encapsulation layer130may have a structure including at least two organic thin films and at least three inorganic thin films.

For example, the organic thin film134includes a cured resin such as polyacrylate or the like. For example, the cured resin may be formed by cross-linking reaction of monomers. For example, the inorganic thin films132and136may include an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide or the like.

In an exemplary embodiment, a window cover140may be disposed on the encapsulation layer130to protect the display panel100. For example, the window cover140may include glass, polymeric material or a combination thereof.

For example, at least one of a polarizing layer and a touch-sensing structure may be further disposed between the window cover140and the encapsulation layer130.

Referring toFIG.7, the display panel100may include a driving element TR disposed on a base substrate110in the second display area DA2. The driving element TR may be electrically connected to a corresponding light-emitting element. The light-emitting element may be an organic light-emitting diode. For example, the organic light-emitting diode may include a first electrode EL1, a second electrode EL2and a second organic light-emitting layer OL2disposed between the first electrode EL1and the second electrode EL2. The organic light-emitting diode disposed in the first display area DA1may be referred to as a first organic light-emitting diode OLED1, and the organic light-emitting diode disposed in the second display area DA2may be referred to as a second organic light-emitting diode OLED2. The display panel100may include a transmitting part150in the light-transmitting area TA of the second display area DA2. For example, the transmitting part150may be defined by an area between the window cover140and the base substrate110. The transmitting part150may have a configuration different from the subpixel area adjacent thereto to increase light transmittance.

In an exemplary embodiment, the transmitting part150may exclude at least the electrodes EL1and EL2of the organic light-emitting diode and conductive layers forming the driving element TR. Thus, the transmitting part150may include an insulation structure, an organic light-emitting layer and an encapsulation layer. In another exemplary embodiment, the transmitting part150may consist of an organic light-emitting layer and an encapsulation layer.

A first functional module210may be disposed under the second display area DA2. The first functional module210may performed a desired function by using external light entering the first functional module210through the light-transmitting area TA.

The third display area DA3may have substantially the same configuration as the second display area DA2except for the size of the light-transmitting area. Thus, any duplicated explanation may be omitted to avoid redundancy.

FIG.8is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an organic light-emitting layer in the first display area of the display device ofFIG.1.FIGS.9and10are enlarged cross-sectional views of organic light-emitting layers in the second display area of the display device ofFIG.1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first organic light-emitting layer OL1disposed in the first display area DA1may have a different configuration from the second organic light-emitting layer OL2disposed in the second display area DA2or in the third display area DA3and adjacent to the light-transmitting area TA.

For example, the first organic light-emitting layer OL1may have a single light-emission structure, and the second organic light-emitting layer OL2may have a tandem light-emission structure.

Referring toFIG.8, the first organic light-emitting layer OL1may include an emission layer EML, an electron-transporting region ETR and a hole-transporting region HTR. The emission layer EML may be disposed between the electron-transporting region ETR and the hole-transporting region HTR. For example, the electron-transporting region ETR may include an electron-transporting layer, and the hole-transporting region HTR may include a hole-transporting layer and a hole-injection layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the electron-transporting region ETR may be electrically connected to the second electrode EL2of the first organic light-emitting diode OLED1, and the hole-transporting region HTR may be electrically connected to the first electrode EL1of the first organic light-emitting diode OLED1.

The emission layer EML may include a host, which is a light-emitting material. For example, the emission layer EML may include Alq3(tris(8-hydroxyquinolino)aluminum), CBP(4,4′-bis(N-carbazolyl)-1,1′-biphenyl), PVK(poly(n-vinylcabazole), ADN(9,10-di(naphthalene-2-yl)anthracene), TCTA(4,4′,4″-Tris(carbazol-9-yl)-triphenylamine), TPBi(1,3,5-tris(N-phenylbenzimidazole-2-yl)benzene), TBADN(3-tert-butyl-9,10-di(naphth-2-yl)anthracene), DSA(distyrylarylene), CDBP(4,4′-bis(9-carbazolyl)-2,2′-dimethyl-biphenyl), MADN(2-Methyl-9,10-bis(naphthalen-2-yl)anthracene), DPEPO(bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]ether oxide), CP1(Hexaphenyl cyclotriphosphazene), UGH2(1,4-Bis(triphenylsilyl)benzene), DPSiO3 (Hexaphenylcyclotrisiloxane), DP SiO4(Octaphenylcyclotetra siloxane), PPF(2,8-Bis(diphenylphosphoryl)dibenzofuran) or a combination thereof.

The emission layer EML may further include a dopant, which may be varied depending on a color of a light to be generated.

For example, when the emission layer EML is configured to generate a red light, the emission layer EML may further include PtOEP(Pt(II) octaethylporphine), Ir(piq)3(tris(2-phenylisoquinoline)iridium), Btp2Ir(acac)(bis(2-(2′-benzothienyl)-pyridinato-N,C3′)iridium(acetylacetonate) or a combination thereof as a red dopant.

For example, when the emission layer EML is configured to generate a green light, the emission layer EML may further include Ir(ppy)3(tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium), Ir(ppy)2(acac)(Bis(2-phenylpyridine)(Acetylacetonato)iridium(III)), Ir(mppy)3(tris(2-(4-tolyl)phenylpiridine)iridium), C545T(10-(2-benzothiazolyl)-1,1,7,7-tetramethyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H,5H,11H-[1]benzopyrano [6,7,8-ij]-quinolizin-11-one) or a combination thereof as a green dopant.

For example, when the emission layer EML is configured to generate a blue light, the emission layer EML may further include (4,6-F2ppy)2Irpic or the like as a blue dopant.

The hole-transporting region HTR may have various configurations which are known in the art. For example, the hole-transporting region HTR may include at least one of a hole-injection layer and a hole-transporting layer, and may further include a hole buffer layer, an electron-blocking layer or the like.

In an exemplary embodiment, the hole-transporting region HTR may include a hole-injection layer and a hole-transporting layer sequentially stacked on the first electrode EL1.

For example, the hole-injection layer may include a phthalocyanine compound such as copper phthalocyanine, DNTPD (N,N′-diphenyl-N,N′-bis-[4-(phenyl-m-tolyl-amino)-phenyl]-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine), m-MTDATA(4,4′,4″-tris(3-methylphenylphenylamino)triphenylamine), TDATA(4,4′4″-Tris(N,N-diphenylamino)triphenylamine), 2TNATA(4,4′,4″-tris{N,-(2-naphthyl)-N-phenylamino}-triphenylamine), HATCN(1,4,5,8,9,11-hexaazatriphenylene hexacarbonitrile), PEDOT/PSS(Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/Poly(4-styrenesulfonate)), PANT/DB SA(Polyaniline/Dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid), PANI/CSA(Polyaniline/Camphor sulfonic acid), PANI/PSS(Polyaniline/Poly(4-styrenesulfonate) or a combination thereof.

For example, the hole-transporting layer may include a carbazole derivative such as N-phenycarbazole, polyvinylcarbazole or the like, a fluorene derivative, a triphenylamine derivative such as TPD(N,N-bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N′-diphenyl[1,1-biphenyl]-4,4′-diamine), TCTA(4,4′,4″-tris(Ncarbazolyl)triphenylamine) or the like, NPB(N,N′-di(1-naphthyl)-N,N-diphenylbenzidine), TAPC(4,4′-Cyclohexylidene bis[N,N-bis(4-methylphenyl)benzenamine]) or a combination thereof.

The hole buffer layer may be disposed between the hole-injection layer and the hole-transporting layer or between the hole-transporting layer and the emission layer EML.

The hole-transporting region HTR may further include a charge-generating material to increase a conductivity. The charge-generating material may be dispersed uniformly or irregularly in the hole-transporting region HTR. For example, the charge-generating material may be a p-dopant. For example, the p-dopant may include a quinone derivative such as TCNQ(Tetracyanoquinodimethane), F4-TCNQ(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-tetracyanoquinodimethane) or the like, a metal oxide such as tungsten oxide, molybdenum oxide or the like, or a combination thereof.

The electron-transporting region ETR may have various configurations which are known in the art. For example, the electron-transporting region ETR may include at least one of an electron-injection layer and an electron-transporting layer, and may further include an electron buffer layer, a hole-blocking layer or the like.

In an exemplary embodiment, the electron-transporting region ETR may include an electron-transporting layer and an electron-injection layer sequentially stacked on the emission layer EML.

For example, the electron-transporting layer may include Alq3(Tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum), TPBi(1,3,5-Tri(1-phenyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)phenyl), BCP(2,9-Dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline), Bphen(4,7-Diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline), TAZ(3-(4-Biphenylyl)-4-phenyl-5-tert-butylphenyl-1,2,4-triazole), NTAZ(4-(Naphthalen-1-yl)-3,5-diphenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole), tBu-PBD(2-(4-Biphenylyl)-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole), BAlq(Bis(2-methyl-8-quinolinolato-N1,O8)-(1,1′-Biphenyl-4-olato)aluminum), Bebq2(berylliumbis(benzoquinolin-10-olate)), ADN(9,10-di(naphthalene-2-yl)anthracene) or a combination thereof.

For example, the electron-injection layer may include LiF, LiQ (Lithium quinolate), Li2O, BaO, NaCl, CsF, a lanthanoid metal such as Yb, a halogenated metal such as RbCl, RbI or the like, or a combination thereof.

Referring toFIG.9, the second organic light-emitting layer OL2may include a plurality of light emitters that may be in the form of light-emitting structure units. For example, the second organic light-emitting layer OL2may include a first light-emitting structure unit EU1adjacent to the first electrode EL1and a second light-emitting structure unit EU2adjacent to and disposed over the second electrode EL2.

The plurality of light-emitting structure units may respectively include an emission layer configured to generate a light in response to a current applied thereto. For example, the first light-emitting structure unit EU1may include a first emission layer EML1, a first electron-transporting region ETR1and a first hole-transporting region HTR1. The first emission layer EML1may be disposed between the first electron-transporting region ETR1and the first hole-transporting region HTR1. The second light-emitting structure unit EU2may include a second emission layer EML2, a second electron-transporting region ETR2and a second hole-transporting region HTR2. The second emission layer EML2may be disposed between the second electron-transporting region ETR2and the second hole-transporting region HTR2.

The first hole-transporting region HTR1and the second hole-transporting region HTR2may include at least one of a hole-injection layer and a hole-transporting layer, respectively, and may further include a hole buffer layer, an electron-blocking layer or the like. The first hole-transporting region HTR1and the second hole-transporting region HTR2may have the substantially same configuration or different configurations from each other.

The first electron-transporting region ETR1and the second electron-transporting region ETR2may include at least one of an electron-injection layer and an electron-transporting layer, respectively, and may further include an electron buffer layer, a hole-blocking layer or the like. The first electron-transporting region ETR1and the second electron-transporting region ETR2may have the substantially same configuration or different configurations from each other.

A connection layer CGL may be disposed between the first light-emitting structure unit EU1and the second light-emitting structure unit EU2.

For example, the connection layer CGL may have a stacked structure including a p-dopant layer and an n-dopant layer. For example, the p-dopant layer may include a p-dopant such as HAT-CN, TCNQ, NDP-9 or a combination thereof, and the n-dopant layer may include an alkaline metal, an alkaline earth metal, a lanthanoid metal or a combination thereof.

The first organic light-emitting layer OL1and the second organic light-emitting layer OL2may be formed by vacuum evaporation, inkjet printing or the like. For example, the organic light-emitting layers may be formed by vacuum evaporation using a fine metal mask or the like. Furthermore, additional depositions may be performed to form a tandem structure in the second display area DA2and in the third display area DA3.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first emission layer EML1and the second emission layer EML2may generate the same color light.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first organic light-emitting diode OLED1including the first organic light-emitting layer OL1may be disposed in the first red subpixel area SRA1and may generate a red light. The second organic light-emitting diode OLED2including the second organic light-emitting layer OL2may be disposed in the second red subpixel area SRA2and may generate a red light.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second organic light-emitting layer OL2may include at least three light-emitting structure units.

For example, the second organic light-emitting layer OL2may include a first light-emitting structure unit EU1, a second light-emitting structure unit EU2and a third light-emitting structure unit EU3as illustrated inFIG.10.

The at least three light-emitting structure units may respectively include a emission layer configured to generate a light in response to a current applied thereto. For example, the first light-emitting structure unit EU1may include a first emission layer EML1, a first electron-transporting region ETR1and a first hole-transporting region HTR1. The first emission layer EML1may be disposed between the first electron-transporting region ETR1and the first hole-transporting region HTR1. The second light-emitting structure unit EU2may include a second emission layer EML2, a second electron-transporting region ETR2and a second hole-transporting region HTR2. The second emission layer EML2may be disposed between the second electron-transporting region ETR2and the second hole-transporting region HTR2. The third light-emitting structure unit EU3may include a third emission layer EML3, a third electron-transporting region ETR3and a third hole-transporting region HTR3. The third emission layer EML3may be disposed between the third electron-transporting region ETR3and the third hole-transporting region HTR3.

The first hole-transporting region HTR1, the second hole-transporting region HTR2and the third hole-transporting region HTR3may include at least one of a hole-injection layer and a hole-transporting layer, respectively, and may further include a hole buffer layer, an electron-blocking layer or the like. The first hole-transporting region HTR1, the second hole-transporting region HTR2and the third hole-transporting region HTR3may have substantially the same configuration or different configurations from each other.

The first electron-transporting region ETR1, the second electron-transporting region ETR2and the third electron-transporting region ETR3may include at least one of an electron-injection layer and an electron-transporting layer, respectively, and may further include an electron buffer layer, a hole-blocking layer or the like. The first electron-transporting region ETR1, the second electron-transporting region ETR2and the third electron-transporting region ETR3may have the substantially same configuration or different configurations from each other.

A first connection layer CGL1may be disposed between the first light-emitting structure unit EU1and the second light-emitting structure unit EU2. A second connection layer CGL2may be disposed between the second light-emitting structure unit EU2and the third light-emitting structure unit EU3.

For example, as the second display area DA2has the light-transmitting area TA, the display device may have a lowered brightness in the second display area DA2. In order to compensate for a decrease in brightness in the second display area DA2, a method of increasing a driving current in the second display area DA2having the lowered brightness may be considered. However, when a driving current is selectively increased in a partial area (e.g., an area having a lowered brightness) of a display device including organic light-emitting diodes having the same light-emitting structure in an entire display area, the durability or life-span of the organic light-emitting diodes in the partial area where the driving current is increased may be reduced. Thus, the durability or life-span and reliability of the display device may be reduced.

In an exemplary embodiment, in order to compensate for the decrease of brightness in the second display area DA2, the second display area DA2may include the second organic light-emitting layer OL2. For example, since the second organic light-emitting layer OL2includes a plurality of light-emitting structure units, the second organic light-emitting layer OL2may generate light having a brightness greater than the first organic light-emitting layer OL1with a single light-emitting structure unit. Furthermore, even when a driving current applied to the second organic light-emitting layer OL2may be increased to increase the brightness in a specific area having a lowered brightness, deterioration in the specific area may be prevented by a tandem structure.

A power wiring for providing a power voltage to the second display area DA2may be separated from a power wiring providing a power voltage to the first display area DA1in order to increase the brightness of the second organic light-emitting layer OL2and to minimize a decrease in power efficiency.

For example, as shown inFIGS.6-7, the display device may include a first power wiring PW1, which transfers a substantially constant voltage to the first display area DA1, and a second power wiring PW2, which transfers a substantially constant voltage to the second display area DA2. Different voltages may be applied to the first power wiring PW1and the second power wiring PW2through the separate power wirings (e.g., the first and second power wirings PW1and PW2). A first driving element disposed in the first display area DA1may be electrically connected to the first power wiring PW1to provide a first driving voltage to the first organic light-emitting diode OLED1. A second driving element disposed in the second display area DA2may be electrically connected to the second power wiring PW2to provide a second driving voltage to the second organic light-emitting diode OLED2.

In an exemplary embodiment, a configuration of the third display area DA3may be substantially the same as or similar to the configuration of the second display area DA2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first organic light-emitting diode OLED1disposed in the first display area DA1may have a single light-emitting structure unit. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

For example, the first organic light-emitting diode OLED1disposed in the first display area DA1and the second organic light-emitting diode OLED2disposed in the second display area DA2may have tandem structures different from each other.

For example, the first organic light-emitting diode OLED1disposed in the first display area DA1may include two vertically stacked, light-emitting structure units as illustrated inFIG.9, and the second organic light-emitting diode OLED2disposed in the second display area DA2may include three vertically stacked light-emitting structure units as illustrated inFIG.10.

In another exemplary embodiment, the first organic light-emitting diode OLED1disposed in the first display area DA1may include a single light-emitting structure unit, the second organic light-emitting diode OLED2disposed in the second display area DA2may include two light-emitting structure units, and the third organic light-emitting diode disposed in the third display area DA3may include three light-emitting structure units.

In an exemplary embodiment, entire organic light-emitting diodes disposed in the second display area DA2may have a tandem structure. However, exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the organic light-emitting diodes disposed in the second display area DA2may partially have a tandem structure. In an exemplary embodiment, an organic light-emitting diode disposed in a second blue subpixel area SBA2may include a plurality of light-emitting structure units, and organic light-emitting diodes disposed in a second red subpixel area SRA2and in a second green subpixel area SGA2may include a single light-emitting structure unit. For example, the number of the light-emitting structure units in the second red subpixel area SRA2and the second green subpixel area SGA2may be less than the number of the light-emitting structure units in the second blue subpixel area SBA2. For example, the second blue subpixel area SBA2may include a first sub-diode of the second organic light-emitting diode OLED2, and the second red subpixel area SRA2or the second green subpixel area SGA2may include a second sub-diode of the second organic light-emitting sub-diode OLED2. The number of the light-emitting structure units of the second sub-diode in the second red subpixel area SRA2or the second green subpixel area SGA2may be less than the number of the light-emitting structure units of the first sub-diode in the second blue subpixel area SBA2

The configuration of the exemplary embodiment described above may selectively increase the brightness of the blue subpixel area having a relatively low light-emitting efficiency. Thus, the brightness decrease in the second display area DA2may be effectively compensated by minimizing a decrease in power efficiency.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first organic light-emitting layer OL1disposed in the first display area DA1and the second organic light-emitting layer OL2disposed in the second display area DA2may include different materials from each other. For example, the second organic light-emitting layer OL2may include a light-emitting material having a light-emitting efficiency greater than a light-emitting material included in the first organic light-emitting layer OL1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first organic light-emitting layer OL1may include a fluorescence dopant, and the second organic light-emitting layer OL2may include a phosphorescence dopant. In an exemplary embodiment, the first organic light-emitting layer OL1may include a phosphorescence dopant, and the second organic light-emitting layer OL2may include a thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) dopant. In an exemplary embodiment, the first organic light-emitting layer OL1may include a fluorescence dopant, and the second organic light-emitting layer OL2may include a TADF dopant.

For example, the fluorescence dopant may include perylene, TBPe(2,5,8,11-tetra-tert-butylperylene), BCzVB(1,4-bis[2-(3-N-ethylcarbazoryl)vinyl]benzene), BCzVBi(4,4′-bis(9-ethyl-3-carbazovinylene)-1,1′-biphenyl), BDAVBi(4,4′-bis[4-diphenylamino]styryl)biphenyl), DPAVB(4-(di-p-tolylamino)-4′-[(di-ptolylamino)styryl]stilbene), DPAVBi(4,4′-bis[4-(di-p-tolylamino)styryl]bipnehyl), DSA-Ph(1-4-di-[4-(N,N-diphenyl)amino]styryl-benzene), Coumarin 6, C545T, DMQA(N,N′-dimethyl-quinacridone), DBQA(5,12-Dibutylquinacridone), TTPA(9,10-bis[N,N-di-(p-tolyl)-amino]anthracene), TPA(9,10-bis[phenyl(m-tolyl)-amino]anthracene), BA-TTB, BATAB, BA-NPB, DEQ(N,N′-diethylquinacridone), DCM(4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6[p-(dimethylamino)styryl]-4H-pyran), DCM2(4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-julolidyl-9-enyl-4H-pyran), DCJT(4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(1,1,7,7-tetramethyljulolidyl-9-enyl)-4H-pyran), DCJTB (4-(Dicyanomethylene)-2-tert-butyl-6-(1,1,7,7,-tetramethyljulolidyl-9-enyl)-4Hpyran), DCJTI, DCJMTB, DPP(6,13-diphenylpentacene), DCDDC(3-(dicyanomethylene)-5,5-dimethyl-1-[(4-dimethylamino)styryl]cyclohexene), AAAP(6-methyl-3-[3-(1,1,6,6-tetramethyl-10-oxo-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-1H,4H,10H-11-oxa-3a-azabenzo[de]-anthracen-9-yl)acryloyl]pyran-2,4-dione), (PPA)(PSA)Pe-1(3-(N-phenyl-N-p-tolylamino)-9-(N-p-styrylphenyl-N-p-tolylamino)perylene), BSN(1,10-dicyano-substituted bisstyrylnaphthalene derivative), DBP(tetraphenyldibenzoperiflanthene), TBRb(2,8-di-tert-butyl-5,11-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)-6,12-diphenyltetracene), rubrene or a combination thereof.

For example, the phosphorescence dopant may include a transition metal complex. For example, the transition metal complex may include a complex of Iridium (Ir), Platinum (Pt), Osmium (Os), gold (Au), Titanium (Ti), Zirconium (Zr), Hafnium (Hf), Europium (Eu), Terbium (Tb), Thulium (Tm) or a combination thereof. For example, examples of the phosphorescence dopant may include the red dopant, the green dopant and the blue dopant, which are previously described.

For example, the TADF dopant may include a heterocyclic compound. For example, the heterocyclic compound may include a core including an oxidized thiadiazole.

A combination of the dopants having different light-emitting efficiencies may be varied depending on a wavelength of a light generated by organic light-emitting layers.

In an exemplary embodiment, the organic light-emitting layer disposed in the first green subpixel area SGA1of the first display area DA1may include a fluorescence dopant, and the organic light-emitting layer disposed in the second green subpixel area SGA2of the second display area DA2may include a phosphorescence dopant. The organic light-emitting layer disposed in the first red subpixel area SRA1of the first display area DA1may include a phosphorescence dopant, and the organic light-emitting layer disposed in the second red subpixel area SRA2of the second display area DA2may include a TADF dopant. The organic light-emitting layer disposed in the first blue subpixel area SBA1of the first display area DA1may include a fluorescence dopant, and the organic light-emitting layer disposed in the second blue subpixel area SBA2of the second display area DA2may include a phosphorescence dopant.

The ratio of the dopants may be adjusted to control variance of color coordinates.

In an exemplary embodiment, the configuration of the third display area DA3may be substantially the same as or similar to the configuration of the second display area DA2.

In exemplary embodiments, a display area may have various shapes and arrangements.FIGS.11to13are plan views of other exemplary embodiments of display devices constructed according to the principles of the invention.

Referring toFIG.11, a display panel of a display device20may include a first display area DA1, a second display area DA2and a third display area DA3. The light transmittance of the second display area DA2in a unit area is greater than the light transmittance of the first display area DA1in a unit area. The light transmittance of the third display area DA3in a unit area is greater than the light transmittance of the second display area DA2in a unit area. The second display area DA2may be adjacent to the first display area DA1in a first direction D1and may extend in a second direction D2intersecting the first direction D1. Furthermore, the second display area DA2may surround the third display area DA3having a hole shape.

Referring toFIG.12, a display panel of a display device30may include a first display area DA1, a second display area DA2and a third display area DA3. The light transmittance of the second display area DA2in a unit area is greater than the light transmittance of the first display area DA1in a unit area. The light transmittance of the third display area DA3in a unit area is greater than the light transmittance of the second display area DA2in a unit area. The second display area DA2may be disposed within the first display area DA1and may extend in a second direction D2intersecting a first direction D1. Furthermore, the second display area DA2may be spaced apart from the third display area DA3having a hole shape.

Referring toFIG.13, a display panel of a display device40may include a first display area DA1and a second display area DA2. The light transmittance of the second display area DA2in a unit area is greater than the light transmittance of the first display area DA1in a unit area. The second display area DA2may overlap a sensor module.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel may further include a non-display area NA. For example, the non-display area NA may be disposed within the display area or may be inwardly recessed from an edge of the display area. The non-display area NA does not generate a light. At least one of a light-emitting structure including a light-emitting element, a circuit structure including a conductive wiring, an insulation structure, an encapsulation layer and a base substrate may be removed in the non-display area NA to increase a light transmittance thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the light-emitting structure, the circuit structure, the conductive wiring, the insulation structure, the encapsulation layer and the base substrate may be entirely removed in the non-display area NA to form a hole.

The display device40may further include a camera module overlapping the non-display area NA. The camera module may be disposed under of the non-display area NA of the display panel. In another exemplary embodiment, a portion of the camera module may be inserted into a hole corresponding to the non-display area NA.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display device includes the non-display area NA so that a light amount entering the camera module may be increased.

Exemplary embodiments may include various display devices including a light-transmitting area. For example, a second display area having an increased light transmittance may not overlap a functional module in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. The display device may implement a transparent display having a partially light-transmitting area.

Exemplary embodiments may be applied to various display devices. For example, exemplary embodiments may be applied to vehicle-display device, a ship-display device, an aircraft-display device, portable communication devices, display devices for display or for information transfer, a medical-display device, etc.

Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Accordingly, the inventive concepts are not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the appended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art.