Stretchable display device

Abstract

A stretchable display device includes a display area having stretchable display units, each of which includes a first island on which a pixel is arranged and a first cutout groove between the first islands. A peripheral area is adjacent to the display area, and the peripheral area includes stretchable peripheral units, each of which includes a first line on which a drive circuit is arranged and a first opening portion between the first lines. A buffer area is arranged between the display area and the peripheral area. The buffer area includes a stretchable buffer unit, each of which includes a second island, a second cutout groove between the second islands, a second line connected to the second island, and a second opening portion between the second lines. The shape of the second cutout groove may be different from the shape of the first cutout groove, and the shape of the second opening portion may be different from the shape of the first opening portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a stretchable display device. Background Art

[0002] Traditionally, the display surface of a display device is flat and rigid. However, modern display devices may be curved or flexible.

[0003] A flexible display device may have the ability to bend and unfold without breaking or being damaged. A flexible display device may be deformed in various ways. A flexible display device may include a foldable display device and / or a bendable display device that deforms in a portion of a display surface, and may include a rollable display device that deforms over the entire display surface. A flexible display device may also include a stretchable display device.

[0004] Since the flexible display device may be deformed in various ways, a large amount of deformation may cause physical damage to the display device due to accumulation of stress. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to providing a stretchable display device that can be expanded or contracted by external force without being damaged.

[0006] A stretchable display device includes a stretchable display area having a plurality of stretchable display units. Each of the plurality of stretchable display units includes a plurality of first islands on which a plurality of pixels are respectively arranged and a plurality of first cutout grooves formed between the first islands. The stretchable first peripheral area extends mainly in a first direction from the display area. The stretchable first peripheral area includes a plurality of stretchable peripheral units. Each of the plurality of stretchable peripheral units includes a plurality of first lines on which a plurality of drive circuits are respectively arranged and a plurality of first opening portions formed between the first lines. A stretchable buffer area is arranged between the display area and the stretchable first peripheral area. The stretchable buffer area includes a plurality of stretchable buffer units. The stretchable buffer units each include a plurality of second islands, a plurality of second cutout grooves formed between the second islands, a plurality of second lines respectively connected to the second islands, and a plurality of second opening portions formed between the second lines. The shape of each second cutout groove is different from the shape of each first cutout groove. The shape of each second opening portion is different from the shape of each first opening portion.

[0007] A stretchable display device includes a stretchable display area having a plurality of stretchable display units. Each of the stretchable display units includes a plurality of first islands on which a plurality of pixels are respectively arranged and a plurality of first bridges connecting the first islands. The stretchable first peripheral area extends mainly in a first direction from the display area. The stretchable first peripheral area includes a plurality of stretchable peripheral units. Each of the stretchable peripheral units includes a plurality of first lines on which a plurality of driving circuits are respectively arranged and a plurality of first connecting portions connecting the first lines. A stretchable buffer area is arranged between the display area and the stretchable first peripheral area. The stretchable buffer area includes a plurality of stretchable buffer units. Each of the stretchable buffer units includes a plurality of second islands, a plurality of second bridges connecting the second islands, a plurality of second lines respectively connected to the second islands, and a plurality of second connecting portions connecting the second lines. The shape of each second island is different from the shape of each first island. The shape of each second line is different from the shape of each first line.

[0008] A stretchable display device includes a display area having a plurality of stretchable display units. A stretchable peripheral area extends from the display area mainly in a first direction. The stretchable peripheral area includes a plurality of stretchable peripheral units. The stretchable peripheral units each have a shape different from each stretchable display unit. A stretchable buffer area is arranged between the display area and the stretchable peripheral area. The stretchable buffer area includes a plurality of stretchable buffer units, each of which has a shape different from each stretchable display unit and each stretchable peripheral unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A more complete understanding of the present disclosure and many of its attendant aspects will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a stretchable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of a display area in a stretchable display device;

[0012] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of a first peripheral area in a stretchable display device;

[0013] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of a buffer region in a stretchable display device;

[0014] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of a region V in a stretchable display device;

[0015] Figure 6 is a plan view showing a stretchable display device according to a comparative example;

[0016] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of region VII in the stretchable display device;

[0017] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of region VIII in a stretchable display device;

[0018] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a stretchable display device; and

[0019] Fig.10 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a stretchable display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] When describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrated in the accompanying drawings, specific terms are used for the sake of clarity. However, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it should be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner. Hereinafter, a stretchable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a stretchable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Reference Figure 1 , a stretchable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display area 110, a first peripheral area 120, a buffer area 130, a second peripheral area 140, and a third peripheral area 150. The stretchable display device may be configured to be expanded or contracted by an external force without forming cracks or other defects.

[0023] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of a display area 110 in a stretchable display device.

[0024] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2, a plurality of pixels 240 may be arranged in the display area 110. The display area 110 may be configured to display an image based on light emitted from the pixels 240. The display area 110 may be stretchable. For example, the display area 110 may be expanded or contracted without causing damage thereto. The display area 110 may include a plurality of display stretchable units 200 for accommodating the stretching of the display area 110. In the present disclosure, a "display stretchable unit" may also be referred to as a "stretchable display unit".

[0025] The display stretchable unit 200 may be a basic stretchable unit of the display area 110. The display stretchable unit 200 may include a first island 210, a first bridge 220, and a first cutout groove 230.

[0026] A plurality of first islands 210 may be disposed in the display area 110, and the first islands 210 may be spaced apart from each other. A pixel 240 may be disposed on the first island 210. The pixel 240 may include a first sub-pixel 241, a second sub-pixel 242, and a third sub-pixel 243. For example, the first sub-pixel 241, the second sub-pixel 242, and the third sub-pixel 243 may be a red sub-pixel, a green sub-pixel, and a blue sub-pixel, respectively. A pixel circuit for driving the pixel 240, etc. may be further disposed on the first island 210.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, one pixel 240 including a first sub-pixel 241, a second sub-pixel 242, and a third sub-pixel 243 may be disposed on each first island 210. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and one sub-pixel among the first sub-pixel 241, the second sub-pixel 242, and the third sub-pixel 243 may be disposed on each first island 210.

[0028] A plurality of first bridges 220 may be provided in the display region 110, and each first bridge 220 may connect adjacent first islands 210. For example, the first bridge 220 may connect two first islands 210 adjacent to each other.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, four first bridges 220 may extend from the first island 210, and the first island 210 may be respectively connected to four adjacent first islands 210 through the four first bridges 220. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first island 210 may also be connected to two, three, five or more adjacent first islands 210 through the first bridges 220.

[0030] Wiring connecting pixels 240 respectively disposed on the first islands 210 may be disposed on the first bridge 220. The pixels 240 disposed on the first island 210 may receive a driving signal, a power supply voltage, etc. from the wiring disposed on the first bridge 220 and may be driven thereby.

[0031] A plurality of first cutout grooves 230 may be formed in the display region 110. Each of the first cutout grooves 230 may be formed between the first islands 210, between the first bridges 220, and between the first islands 210 and the first bridges 220.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first cutout groove 230 may have a capital letter "H" shape (e.g., a barbell shape). For example, the first cutout groove 230 may have a capital letter "H" shape, wherein the central portion extends along the first direction D1 or the second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first cutout groove 230 may have various shapes, such as a dumbbell shape, an arc shape, a cross shape, a polygon, etc.

[0033] When an external force is applied to the display area 110, the display area 110 may be stretched as the shape of the display stretchable unit 200 changes. For example, the display area 110 may be stretched as the shape and / or size of the first cutout groove 230 changes. For example, the shape and / or size of the first island 210 may be substantially maintained, and the position and / or orientation of the first island 210 may be changed. Therefore, regardless of how the display area 110 is stretched, the pixels 240 disposed on the first island 210 may not be substantially deformed and may resist significant damage, and the image displayed on the display area 110 may also be maintained.

[0034] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of the first peripheral region 120 in a stretchable display device.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 , the first peripheral area 120 may be arranged in the first direction D1 from the display area 110 (mainly extending in the first direction D1). For example, the first peripheral area 120 may be arranged on the left and / or right side of the display area 110 in a plan view. The driving circuit and the power supply wiring may be arranged in the first peripheral area 120. For example, the driving circuit may include a scanning (or gate) driving circuit, an emission control driving circuit, etc., and the power supply wiring may include a common power supply wiring. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the driving circuit may be arranged in a portion of the first peripheral area 120 adjacent to the display area 110, and the power supply wiring may be arranged in a portion of the first peripheral area 120 spaced apart from the display area 110. The driving circuit may provide a driving signal to the pixel 240 provided in the display area 110, and the power supply wiring may provide a power supply voltage to the pixel 240. Therefore, the first peripheral area 120 may be a non-display area in which no image is displayed.

[0036] The first peripheral region 120 may be stretchable. For example, the first peripheral region 120 may be expanded or contracted. The first peripheral region 120 may include a plurality of peripheral stretchable units 300 for stretching the first peripheral region 120. In the present disclosure, a "peripheral stretchable unit" may also be referred to as a "stretchable peripheral unit".

[0037] The peripheral stretchable unit 300 may be a basic stretchable unit of the first peripheral region 120. The peripheral stretchable unit 300 may include a first line 340, a first connection portion 350, and a first opening portion 360.

[0038] Elements such as the pixel 240, the pixel circuit, etc. may be provided in the display region 110, and elements such as the driving circuit, the power supply wiring, etc. may be provided in the first peripheral region 120, so that different elements may be provided in the display region 110 and the first peripheral region 120. Therefore, the peripheral stretchable unit 300 formed in the first peripheral region 120 may have a shape different from that of the display stretchable unit 200 formed in the display region 110.

[0039] A plurality of first lines 340 may be disposed in the first peripheral region 120. The first lines 340 may extend mainly along the first direction D1 and may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction D2. A plurality of driving circuits may be disposed on the first lines 340. For example, the driving circuits may include a scan (gate) driving circuit, an emission control driving circuit, and the like.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, two driving circuits may be provided on each first line 340. For example, two driving circuits may be provided in two rows on each first line 340. The driving circuits may be electrically connected to the pixel rows, respectively, and may provide driving signals to the pixel rows. Therefore, one first line 340 may correspond to two pixel rows in the display area 110.

[0041] A plurality of first connection portions 350 may be disposed in the first peripheral region 120, and each first connection portion 350 may connect the first lines 340 adjacent to each other. For example, the first connection portion 350 may connect two first lines 340 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of first connection portions 350 may be disposed between two adjacent first lines 340 to connect the two adjacent first lines 340.

[0042] The first connection portion 350 may be bent and elongated to have a winding shape. For example, the first connection portion 350 may have a shape similar to a continuous letter "S" or another serpentine pattern. Since the first connection portion 350 has a winding shape, when an external force is applied to the first peripheral area 120, the first connection portion 350 may be easily expanded or contracted, so that the first peripheral area 120 may be stretched.

[0043] Wiring connecting driving circuits respectively provided on the first lines 340 may be provided on the first connection portion 350. The driving circuits provided on the first lines 340 may receive control signals and the like through the wiring provided on the first connection portion 350 and may be driven thereby.

[0044] A plurality of first opening portions 360 may be formed in the first peripheral region 120. Each first opening portion 360 may be formed between the first lines 340, between the first connection portions 350, and between the first lines 340 and the first connection portions 350.

[0045] When an external force is applied to the first peripheral region 120, the first peripheral region 120 may be stretched so that the shape of the peripheral stretchable unit 300 is changed. For example, the first peripheral region 120 may be stretched so that the shape and / or size of the first connection portion 350 and the shape and / or size of the first opening portion 360 are changed. For example, the shape and / or size of the first wire 340 may be substantially maintained, and the position of the first wire 340 may be changed. Therefore, regardless of the stretching of the first peripheral region 120, the driving circuit provided on the first wire 340 may be substantially maintained without significant damage.

[0046] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of a buffer region 130 in a stretchable display device. Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of region V in a stretchable display device. Figure 6 is a plan view showing a stretchable display device according to a comparative example.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the buffer area 130 may be provided between the display area 110 and the first peripheral area 120. For example, the buffer area 130 may be provided between the display area 110 and the first peripheral area 120 located on the left side of the display area 110 in a plan view and / or between the display area 110 and the first peripheral area 120 located on the right side of the display area 110 in a plan view. The pixels 240 may be omitted from the buffer area 130. Therefore, the buffer area 130 may be a non-display area in which no image is displayed.

[0048] The buffer region 130 may be stretchable. For example, the buffer region 130 may be expanded or contracted without significant rupture or damage. The buffer region 130 may include a plurality of buffer stretchable units 400 for stretching the buffer region 130. In the present disclosure, a "buffer stretchable unit" may also be referred to as a "stretchable buffer unit".

[0049] The buffer stretchable unit 400 may be a periodically repeated basic stretchable unit of the buffer region 130. The buffer stretchable unit 400 may include a second island 410, a second bridge 420, a second cutout groove 430, a second line 440, a second connection portion 450, and a second opening portion 460.

[0050] As described above, the peripheral stretchable unit 300 formed in the first peripheral area 120 and the display stretchable unit 200 formed in the display area 110 may have different shapes from each other. Different shapes may mean that the shapes of the respective islands, respective bridges and / or respective cutout grooves of the display stretchable unit 200 are different from the shapes of the respective lines, respective connecting portions and / or respective opening portions of the peripheral stretchable unit 300. Therefore, the elongation of the display area 110 and the elongation of the first peripheral area 120 may be different. As used herein, the phrase "elongation" describes the tendency to stretch under traction pressure. Therefore, an area with a higher elongation may experience greater deformation than an area with a lower elongation.

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown, in the comparative example, when the display area 110 and the first peripheral area 120 having different elongations contact each other, stress may be concentrated on the boundary between the display area 110 and the first peripheral area 120, so that the display stretchable unit and / or the peripheral stretchable unit may be damaged. For example, stress may be concentrated on the first bridge of the display stretchable unit located at the boundary between the display area 110 and the first peripheral area 120, so that the first bridge may be damaged. In order to prevent this, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the buffer region 130 including the buffer stretchable unit 400 having a shape different from those of the display stretchable unit 200 and the peripheral stretchable unit 300 may be disposed between the display region 110 and the first peripheral region 120 .

[0052] A plurality of second islands 410 may be provided in the buffer area 130 , and the second islands 410 may be spaced apart from each other. The pixels 240 may be omitted from the second islands 410 .

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the second island 410 may include second islands 410a and 410b having shapes different from each other. For example, the second island 410a closer to the display area 110 and the second island 410b closer to the first peripheral area 120 may have shapes different from each other. For example, the shape of the second island 410a closer to the display area 110 may be substantially the same as the shape of the first island 210, and the shape of the second island 410b closer to the first peripheral area 120 may be different from the shape of the first island 210. For example, the size of the second island 410b closer to the first peripheral area 120 may be smaller than that of the first island 210.

[0054] A plurality of second bridges 420 may be provided in the buffer region 130 , and each second bridge 420 may connect the second islands 410 adjacent to each other. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the second bridge 420 may further connect the second islands 410 and the second line 440 .

[0055] A plurality of second cutout grooves 430 may be formed in the buffer region 130. Each second cutout groove 430 may be formed between the second islands 410, between the second bridges 420, and between the second islands 410 and the second bridges 420.

[0056] The shape of the second cutout groove 430 may be different from the shapes of the first cutout groove 230 and the first opening portion 360. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the second cutout groove 430 may have a portion partially similar to the first cutout groove 230 and another portion partially similar to the first opening portion 360.

[0057] The first cutout groove 230 may include a first end 230a and a second end 230b disposed in the first direction D1 from the first end 230a, and the second cutout groove 430 may include a first end 430a and a second end 430b disposed in the first direction D1 from the first end 430a. The first opening portion 360 may include a first end 360a and a second end 360b disposed in the first direction D1 from the first end 360a.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end 230a and the second end 230b of the first cutout groove 230 may have symmetrical shapes in the first direction D1, but the first end 430a and the second end 430b of the second cutout groove 430 may have asymmetrical shapes in the first direction D1.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape of the second end 430b of the second cutout groove 430 may be different from the shape of the second end 230b of the first cutout groove 230. For example, the second end 430b of the second cutout groove 430 may have an arc shape, and the second end 230b of the first cutout groove 230 may have a quadrilateral shape.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape of the second end 430b of the second cutout groove 430 may be substantially the same as the shape of the second end 360b of the first opening portion 360. For example, each of the second end 430b of the second cutout groove 430 and the second end 360b of the first opening portion 360 may have an arc shape.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape of the first end 430a of the second cutout groove 430 may be substantially the same as the shape of the first end 230a of the first cutout groove 230. For example, each of the first end 430a of the second cutout groove 430 and the first end 230a of the first cutout groove 230 may have a quadrilateral shape.

[0062] A plurality of second lines 440 may be provided in the buffer region 130. The second lines 440 may extend mainly along the first direction D1 and may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction D2. The second lines 440 may be connected to the first lines 340 in the first peripheral region 120, respectively. Wiring that connects the drive circuit provided on the first lines 340 to the pixels 240 in the display region 110 may be provided on the second lines 440. The drive circuit may transmit a drive signal to the pixels 240 through the wiring provided on the second lines 440.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape of the second wire 440 may be different from that of the first wire 340. For example, the second wire 440 may include a through hole TH disposed therethrough, but the first wire 340 may not include a through hole disposed therethrough. The through hole TH formed in the second wire 440 may form a portion of the second cutout groove 430. For example, the through hole TH may correspond to the second end 430b of the second cutout groove 430.

[0064] A plurality of second connection parts 450 may be disposed in the buffer region 130, and each second connection part 450 may connect the second lines 440 adjacent to each other. For example, the second connection part 450 may connect two second lines 440 adjacent to each other in the second direction D2. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, one second connection part 450 may be disposed between two adjacent second lines 440 to connect the two adjacent second lines 440.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape of the second connection portion 450 may be substantially the same as that of the first connection portion 350. Therefore, the second connection portion 450 may be bent and elongated to have a meandering shape similar to the first connection portion 350. For example, the second connection portion 450 may have a continuous letter "S" shape or other serpentine patterns. Wiring may be provided on the second connection portion 450.

[0066] A plurality of second opening portions 460 may be formed in the buffer region 130. Each second opening portion 460 may be formed between the second lines 440 and between the second island 410 and the second connection portion 450.

[0067] The shape of the second opening portion 460 may be different from the shapes of the first opening portion 360 and the first cutout groove 230. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the second opening portion 460 may have a portion partially similar to the first opening portion 360 and another portion partially similar to the first cutout groove 230.

[0068] The first notch groove 230 may include a first end 230a and a second end 230b, and the first opening portion 360 may include a first end 360a and a second end 360b. The second opening portion 460 may include a first end 460a and a second end 460b disposed in the first direction D1 from the first end 460a.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape of the first end 460a of the second opening portion 460 may be different from the shape of the first end 360a of the first opening portion 360. For example, the first end 460a of the second opening portion 460 may have a quadrilateral shape, and the first end 360a of the first opening portion 360 may have a shape in which two arcs are spaced apart from each other in the second direction D2.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape of the first end 460a of the second opening portion 460 may be substantially the same as the shape of the first end 230a of the first cutout groove 230. For example, each of the first end 460a of the second opening portion 460 and the first end 230a of the first cutout groove 230 may have a quadrilateral shape.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape of the second end 460b of the second opening portion 460 may be substantially the same as the shape of the second end 360b of the first opening portion 360. For example, each of the second end 460b of the second opening portion 460 and the second end 360b of the first opening portion 360 may have an arc shape.

[0072] When an external force is applied to the buffer region 130, the shape of the buffer stretchable unit 400 may be changed to stretch the buffer region 130. Since the buffer region 130 including the buffer stretchable unit 400 having a shape different from that of the display stretchable unit 200 and the peripheral stretchable unit 300 is disposed between the display region 110 and the first peripheral region 120 having different elongations, stress that may be concentrated between the display region 110 and the first peripheral region 120 due to the difference in elongation may be dispersed. For example, the buffer stretchable unit 400 may disperse stress between the display region 110 and the first peripheral region 120. Therefore, the buffer region 130 may serve as a buffer between the display region 110 and the first peripheral region 120, and thus the display region 110 may be protected from damage.

[0073] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of region VII in the stretchable display device.

[0074] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 7 , the second peripheral area 140 may be disposed in the second direction D2 (mainly extending in the second direction D2) from the display area 110, the first peripheral area 120, and the buffer area 130. For example, in a plan view, the second peripheral area 140 may be disposed on the lower side of the display area 110, the first peripheral area 120, and the buffer area 130. The pads and the fan-out wiring may be disposed in the second peripheral area 140. For example, the pads may be connected to a printed circuit board including a data driving circuit, etc., and the fan-out wiring may be connected to the pads, so that the data signal may be sent to the pixels 240 in the display area 110. Therefore, the second peripheral area 140 may be a non-display area where no image is displayed.

[0075] The second peripheral region 140 may be non-stretchable (e.g., stretch-resistant) to protect the elements located in the second peripheral region 140. For example, the second peripheral region 140 may substantially maintain its shape when exposed to a tensile or compressive force. Unlike the display region 110, the first peripheral region 120, and the buffer region 130, the second peripheral region 140 may not include the display stretchable unit 200, the peripheral stretchable unit 300, and the buffer stretchable unit 400. Therefore, the second peripheral region 140 may have an elongation less than that of the display region 110, the first peripheral region 120, and the buffer region 130.

[0076] When the display area 110, the first peripheral area 120, and the buffer area 130 having relatively high elongation come into contact with the second peripheral area 140 having relatively low elongation, the display stretchable unit 200, the peripheral stretchable unit 300, and the buffer stretchable unit 400 may be damaged at the boundaries between the display area 110 and the second peripheral area 140, between the first peripheral area 120 and the second peripheral area 140, and between the buffer area 130 and the second peripheral area 140. To prevent this, in portions of the display area 110, the first peripheral area 120, and the buffer area 130 adjacent to the second peripheral area 140, the shapes of the display stretchable unit 200, the peripheral stretchable unit 300, and / or the buffer stretchable unit 400 may be changed according to the distance from the second peripheral area 140.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the size of the first cutout groove 230 and the size of the second cutout groove 430 may be reduced as they are closer to the second peripheral area 140. Figure 7 As shown, the size of the first cutout groove 230" relatively close to the second peripheral area 140 can be smaller than the size of the first cutout groove 230' relatively far away from the second peripheral area 140, and the size of the second cutout groove 430" relatively close to the second peripheral area 140 can be smaller than the size of the second cutout groove 430' relatively far away from the second peripheral area 140.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the size of the first opening portion 360 and the size of the second opening portion 460 may be reduced as they are closer to the second peripheral area 140. Figure 7 As shown, the size of the first opening portion 360" relatively close to the second peripheral region 140 can be smaller than the size of the first opening portion 360' relatively far away from the second peripheral region 140, and the size of the second opening portion 460" relatively close to the second peripheral region 140 can be smaller than the size of the second opening portion 460' relatively far away from the second peripheral region 140.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the width of the first bridge 220 and the width of the second bridge 420 may increase as they are closer to the second peripheral area 140. Figure 7 As shown, the width of the first bridge 220 ″ relatively close to the second peripheral area 140 can be greater than the width of the first bridge 220 ′ relatively far from the second peripheral area 140, and the width of the second bridge 420 ″ relatively close to the second peripheral area 140 can be greater than the width of the second bridge 420 ′ relatively far from the second peripheral area 140.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the width of the first connection portion 350 and the width of the second connection portion 450 may increase as they are closer to the second peripheral region 140. Figure 7 As shown, the width of the first connection portion 350" relatively close to the second peripheral region 140 can be greater than the width of the first connection portion 350' relatively far away from the second peripheral region 140, and the width of the second connection portion 450" relatively close to the second peripheral region 140 can be greater than the width of the second connection portion 450' relatively far away from the second peripheral region 140.

[0081] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of region VIII in the stretchable display device.

[0082] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 8 , the third peripheral area 150 may be arranged in a third direction D3 opposite to the second direction D2 from the display area 110, the first peripheral area 120 and the buffer area 130. For example, in a plan view, the third peripheral area 150 may be arranged on the upper side of the display area 110, the first peripheral area 120 and the buffer area 130. Similar to the display area 110, the first peripheral area 120 and the buffer area 130, the third peripheral area 150 may include a display stretchable unit 200, a peripheral stretchable unit 300 and a buffer stretchable unit 400. For example, unlike the second peripheral area 140 that does not include the display stretchable unit 200, the peripheral stretchable unit 300 and the buffer stretchable unit 400, the third peripheral area 150 may include the display stretchable unit 200, the peripheral stretchable unit 300 and the buffer stretchable unit 400, so that the third peripheral area 150 may be stretchable. Therefore, the third peripheral area 150 may have an elongation greater than the elongation of the second peripheral area 140.

[0083] Pixels may be omitted from the display stretchable unit 200 located in the third peripheral area 150, and a driving circuit may be omitted from the peripheral stretchable unit 300 located in the third peripheral area 150. Therefore, the third peripheral area 150 may be a non-display area where no image is displayed.

[0084] The ends of the display area 110, the first peripheral area 120, and the buffer area 130 in the second direction D2 may contact the second peripheral area 140 having a relatively low elongation, but the ends of the display area 110, the first peripheral area 120, and the buffer area 130 in the third direction D3 may contact the third peripheral area 150 having a relatively high elongation. Therefore, in the portion of the display area 110, the first peripheral area 120, and the buffer area 130 adjacent to the third peripheral area 150, the shapes of the display stretchable unit 200, the peripheral stretchable unit 300, and the buffer stretchable unit 400 may not be changed and unified according to the distance from the third peripheral area 150.

[0085] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a stretchable display device. For example, Fig. 9 2 may be a cross-sectional view showing the first island 210 showing the stretchable unit 200. As shown in FIG.

[0086] refer to Fig. 9 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a stretchable display device may include a substrate 810, a plurality of insulating layers 820, a semiconductor layer 830, a plurality of conductive layers 840, a light emitting element 850, and an encapsulation layer 860. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the stretchable display device may further include a black matrix 870.

[0087] The substrate 810 may include a display area 110, a first peripheral area 120, a buffer area 130, a second peripheral area 140, and a third peripheral area 150. In addition, the substrate 810 may have a multilayer structure in which a plurality of layers 811, 812, and 813 are stacked. For example, the substrate 810 may have a multilayer structure in which a first substrate layer 811, a barrier layer 812, and a second substrate layer 813 are stacked. The first substrate layer 811 and the second substrate layer 813 may be formed of an organic material such as polyimide (PI), and the barrier layer 812 may be formed of an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, amorphous silicon, etc.

[0088] The semiconductor layer 830 and the conductive layer 840 may be disposed on the substrate 810. The semiconductor layer 830 may be disposed on the substrate 810, and the conductive layer 840 may be disposed on the semiconductor layer 830. The conductive layer 840 may include a first gate conductive layer 841, a second gate conductive layer 842, a first data conductive layer 843, and a second data conductive layer 844 stacked in sequence. The semiconductor layer 830 may be formed of polysilicon, an oxide semiconductor, etc., the first gate conductive layer 841 and the second gate conductive layer 842 may be formed of a metal having a relatively low resistance such as molybdenum (Mo) or a metal having a resistance similar to or less than Mo, etc., and the first data conductive layer 843 and the second data conductive layer 844 may be formed of a metal having a relatively high flexibility such as aluminum (Al) and titanium (Ti) or a material having a flexibility similar to or greater than Al or Ti, etc.

[0089] The insulating layer 820 may be disposed above the substrate 810, between the substrate 810 and layers such as the semiconductor layer 830, the conductive layer 840, and the light emitting element 850. The insulating layer 820 may include a buffer layer 821, a gate insulating layer / insulating interlayer 822, a first through-hole insulating layer 823, a first protective layer 824, a second through-hole insulating layer 825, a second protective layer 826, and a third through-hole insulating layer 827. The buffer layer 821, the gate insulating layer / insulating interlayer 822, the first protective layer 824, and the second protective layer 826 may be formed of an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and the like, and the first through-hole insulating layer 823, the second through-hole insulating layer 825, and the third through-hole insulating layer 827 may be formed of an organic material.

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the display stretchable unit 200, the peripheral stretchable unit 300, and the buffer stretchable unit 400 may include a substrate 810. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the display stretchable unit 200, the peripheral stretchable unit 300, and the buffer stretchable unit 400 may further include an insulating layer 820. The first cutout groove 230, the first opening portion 360, the second cutout groove 430, and the second opening portion 460 may be in the portion where the substrate 810 and the insulating layer 820 are penetrated. Therefore, when an external force is applied, as the shape and / or size of the first cutout groove 230, the first opening portion 360, the second cutout groove 430, and the second opening portion 460 are changed, the display stretchable unit 200, the peripheral stretchable unit 300, and the buffer stretchable unit 400 may be stretched.

[0091] The light emitting element 850 may be disposed on the insulating layer 820 . In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light emitting element 850 may be an organic light emitting element. For example, the light emitting element 850 may include a pixel electrode 851 , an organic emission layer 852 , and a common electrode 853 .

[0092] An encapsulation layer 860 covering the light emitting element 850 may be disposed thereon, and a black matrix 870 may be disposed on the encapsulation layer 860. The encapsulation layer 860 may at least partially cover the light emitting element 850 to protect the light emitting element 850, and the black matrix 870 may prevent reflection of external light. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the encapsulation layer 860 may be formed of an inorganic layer. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the encapsulation layer 860 may include at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer.

[0093] Fig.10 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a stretchable display device. For example, Fig.10 It may be a cross-sectional view showing the first bridge 220 of the display region 110 , the first connection portion 350 of the first peripheral region 120 , or the buffer region 130 .

[0094] Reference Fig.10 , the insulating layer 820 located in the first bridge 220 of the display region 110, the first connection portion 350 of the first peripheral region 120, and the buffer region 130 may include a plurality of organic layers 823, 825, and 827. For example, the organic layers 823, 825, and 827 may include a first through-hole insulating layer 823, a second through-hole insulating layer 825, and a third through-hole insulating layer 827. In the first bridge 220 of the display region 110, the first connection portion 350 of the first peripheral region 120, and the buffer region 130, portions of the inorganic insulating layers 821, 822, 824, and 826 between the substrate 810 and the encapsulation layer 860 may be removed. Therefore, the elongation of the first bridge 220 of the display region 110, the first connection portion 350 of the first peripheral region 120, and the buffer region 130 may be increased.

[0095] The wiring may be disposed on the first bridge 220 of the display region 110, the first connection portion 350 of the first peripheral region 120, the second line 440 of the buffer region 130, the second bridge 420 of the buffer region 130, and the second connection portion 450 of the buffer region 130, and the wiring may be located between the organic layers 823, 825, and 827. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each wiring may include at least one of the first data conductive layer 843 and the second data conductive layer 844. Therefore, the elongation of the first bridge 220 of the display region 110, the first connection portion 350 of the first peripheral region 120, the second line 440 of the buffer region 130, the second bridge 420 of the buffer region 130, and the second connection portion 450 of the buffer region 130 may be increased.

[0096] The stretchable display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to an electronic device having a curved shape.

[0097] Although the stretchable display device according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the technical spirit described herein.

Claims

1. A stretchable display device, wherein: The stretchable display device comprises: A stretchable display area, comprising a plurality of first islands on which a plurality of pixels are respectively arranged and a plurality of first cutout grooves formed between the first islands; a stretchable first peripheral region extending mainly in a first direction from the stretchable display region, the stretchable first peripheral region including a plurality of first lines on which a plurality of driving circuits are respectively disposed and a plurality of first opening portions formed between the first lines; and a stretchable buffer region disposed between the stretchable display region and the stretchable first peripheral region, the stretchable buffer region comprising a plurality of second islands, a plurality of second cutout grooves formed between the second islands, a plurality of second lines respectively connected to the second islands, and a plurality of second opening portions formed between the second lines, wherein the shape of each of the second cutout grooves is different from the shape of each of the first cutout grooves; and The shape of each of the second opening portions is different from the shape of each of the first opening portions.

2. The stretchable display device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first cutout grooves, each of the first opening portions, and each of the second cutout grooves includes a first end and a second end disposed from the first end through the first direction; and The shape of the second end of each of the second cutout grooves is different from the shape of the second end of each of the first cutout grooves.

3. The stretchable display device according to claim 2, wherein: The shape of the first end of each of the second cutout grooves is the same as the shape of the first end of each of the first cutout grooves.

4. The stretchable display device according to claim 2, wherein: The shape of the second end of each of the second cutout grooves is the same as the shape of the second end of each of the first opening portions.

5. The stretchable display device according to claim 4, wherein: The second end of each of the first cutout grooves has a quadrilateral shape; The second end of each of the first opening portions has an arc shape; and The second end of each of the second cutout grooves has an arc shape.

6. The stretchable display device according to claim 2, wherein: The first end and the second end of each of the first cutout grooves have a shape symmetrical with respect to the first direction; and The first end and the second end of each of the second cutout grooves have an asymmetric shape with respect to the first direction.

7. The stretchable display device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first cutout grooves, each of the first opening portions, and each of the second opening portions includes a first end and a second end disposed from the first end through the first direction; as well as A shape of the first end of each of the second opening portions is different from a shape of the first end of each of the first opening portions.

8. The stretchable display device according to claim 7, wherein: The shape of the second end of each of the second opening portions is the same as the shape of the second end of each of the first opening portions.

9. The stretchable display device according to claim 7, wherein: The shape of the first end of each of the second opening portions is the same as the shape of the first end of each of the first cutout grooves.

10. The stretchable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The stretchable display device further includes: A non-stretchable second peripheral region extends from the stretchable display region, the stretchable first peripheral region and the stretchable buffer region mainly in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

11. The stretchable display device according to claim 10, wherein: The size of the first cutout groove and the size of the second cutout groove gradually decrease as they get closer to the non-stretchable second peripheral region.

12. The stretchable display device according to claim 10, wherein: The size of the first opening portion and the size of the second opening portion gradually decrease as they get closer to the non-stretchable second peripheral region.

13. The stretchable display device according to claim 1, wherein: The stretchable display device further includes: a substrate, comprising the stretchable display region, the stretchable first peripheral region and the stretchable buffer region; a plurality of insulating layers stacked on the substrate; and An encapsulation layer is disposed on the plurality of insulating layers.

14. The stretchable display device according to claim 13, wherein: The first cutout groove, the first opening portion, the second cutout groove, and the second opening portion are disposed in a region in which the insulating layer and the substrate are penetrated.

15. The stretchable display device according to claim 13, wherein: The insulating layer in the stretchable buffer region includes a plurality of organic layers.

16. A stretchable display device, wherein: The stretchable display device comprises: A stretchable display area, comprising a plurality of first islands on which a plurality of pixels are respectively arranged and a plurality of first bridges connecting the first islands; a stretchable first peripheral region extending mainly in a first direction from the stretchable display region, the stretchable first peripheral region comprising a plurality of first lines on which a plurality of driving circuits are respectively disposed and a plurality of first connection portions connecting the first lines; and a stretchable buffer region disposed between the stretchable display region and the stretchable first peripheral region, the stretchable buffer region comprising a plurality of second islands, a plurality of second bridges connecting the second islands, a plurality of second lines respectively connected to the second islands, and a plurality of second connection portions connecting the second lines, wherein a shape of each of the second islands is different from a shape of each of the first islands; and The shape of each of the second lines is different from the shape of each of the first lines.

17. The stretchable display device according to claim 16, wherein: A size of each of the second islands is smaller than a size of each of the first islands.

18. The stretchable display device according to claim 16, wherein: Each of the second lines includes a through hole disposed therein.

19. The stretchable display device according to claim 16, wherein: The shape of each of the second connection parts is the same as the shape of each of the first connection parts.

20. The stretchable display device according to claim 16, wherein: The stretchable display device further includes: A non-stretchable second peripheral region extends from the stretchable display region, the stretchable first peripheral region and the stretchable buffer region mainly in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

21. The stretchable display device according to claim 20, wherein: The width of the first bridge and the width of the second bridge gradually increase as they get closer to the second non-stretchable peripheral region.

22. The stretchable display device according to claim 20, wherein: The width of the first connection portion and the width of the second connection portion gradually increase as they get closer to the second non-stretchable peripheral region.

23. The stretchable display device according to claim 16, wherein: The stretchable display device further includes: a substrate, comprising the stretchable display region, the stretchable first peripheral region and the stretchable buffer region; a plurality of insulating layers stacked on the substrate; and An encapsulation layer is disposed on the plurality of insulating layers.

24. The stretchable display device according to claim 23, wherein: The insulating layer in the stretchable buffer region includes a plurality of organic layers.

25. The stretchable display device according to claim 23, wherein: The insulating layer in the first bridge and the first connection portion includes a plurality of organic layers.

26. The stretchable display device according to claim 23, wherein: The stretchable display device further includes: Wiring provided between the insulating layers, The first bridge, the first connection portion, the second line, the second bridge, and the wiring in the second connection portion include aluminum and / or titanium.

27. A stretchable display device, wherein: The stretchable display device comprises: A display area including a plurality of stretchable display units; a stretchable peripheral region extending primarily in a first direction from the display region, the stretchable peripheral region comprising a plurality of stretchable peripheral units each having a shape different from a shape of each of the stretchable display units; and a stretchable buffer region disposed between the display region and the stretchable peripheral region, the stretchable buffer region comprising a plurality of stretchable buffer units, each of the stretchable buffer units having a shape different from the shape of each of the stretchable display units and the shape of each of the stretchable peripheral units, Wherein, the display area further includes a plurality of first islands on which the plurality of pixels are respectively arranged and a plurality of first bridges connecting the first islands; At least one of the plurality of first islands and at least one of the plurality of first bridges form one of the stretchable display units; The stretchable peripheral region further includes a plurality of first wires on which a plurality of driving circuits are respectively disposed and a plurality of first connection portions connecting the first wires; and At least one of the plurality of first lines and at least one of the plurality of first connection portions form one of the stretchable peripheral units.

28. The stretchable display device according to claim 27, wherein: The stretchable buffer region further includes a plurality of second islands, a plurality of second bridges connecting the second islands, a plurality of second lines respectively connected to the second islands, and a plurality of second connection portions connecting the second lines; At least one of the plurality of second islands, at least one of the plurality of second bridges, at least one of the plurality of second lines, and at least one of the plurality of second connection portions form one of the stretchable buffer units; a shape of each of said second islands being different from a shape of each of said first islands; as well as A shape of each of the second lines is different from a shape of each of the first lines.

29. The stretchable display device according to claim 28, wherein: The shape of each of the second connection parts is the same as the shape of each of the first connection parts.

30. The stretchable display device according to claim 28, wherein: The display area further includes a plurality of first cutout grooves formed between the first islands and the first bridges; and The stretchable peripheral region further includes a plurality of first opening portions formed between the first lines and the first connection portions.

31. The stretchable display device according to claim 30, wherein: The stretchable buffer region further includes a plurality of second cutout grooves formed between the second islands and a plurality of second opening portions formed between the second lines; The shape of each of the second cutout grooves is different from the shape of each of the first cutout grooves; as well as The shape of each of the second opening portions is different from the shape of each of the first opening portions.

32. The stretchable display device according to claim 27, wherein: The stretchable buffer unit is configured to disperse stress between the display area and the stretchable peripheral area.

Images