Display device

Abstract

The present invention provides a display device comprising: a substrate including island areas and bridge areas which connect adjacent island areas and have a serpentine shape; a first wire disposed in the bridge areas; and a first insulating layer disposed on the first wire, wherein multiple groove patterns are defined by the first insulating layer in the bridge areas.

Description

display device

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device, for example, a flexible display device.

[0002] As display devices that visually display electrical signals evolve, a variety of display devices with superior characteristics, such as thinness, weight reduction, and low power consumption, are being introduced. For example, flexible display devices that can be folded or rolled are being introduced. Recently, active research and development is underway on display devices with diverse structures, such as stretchable display devices capable of transforming into various forms.

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention provide a display device, for example, a flexible display device.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display device is provided, comprising a substrate including island regions and bridge regions having a meandering shape and connecting adjacent island regions, a first wiring line disposed on the bridge region, and a first insulating layer disposed on the first wiring line, wherein the first insulating layer defines a plurality of groove patterns in the bridge region.

[0005] In one embodiment, each of the bridge regions may include two round portions, a straight portion between the two round portions, and connecting portions between the two round portions and the island regions.

[0006] In one embodiment, each of the two round portions includes an inner edge and an outer edge, and the plurality of groove patterns may include first groove patterns arranged along the inner edge.

[0007] In one embodiment, the display device further comprises a second insulating layer disposed on the island region, the second insulating layer being capable of defining a plurality of second groove patterns in the island region adjacent to the bridge region.

[0008] In one embodiment, the plurality of second groove patterns may be arranged along an edge of the island region.

[0009] In one embodiment, the plurality of groove patterns may further include a plurality of third groove patterns defined in the straight portion and the connecting portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the plurality of third groove patterns may be arranged along opposite edges of the bridge region.

[0011] In one embodiment, the plurality of first groove patterns have a first width in the extension direction of the bridge region, the plurality of third groove patterns have a second width in the extension direction of the bridge region, and the first width may be different from the second width.

[0012] In one embodiment, each of the two round portions includes an inner edge and an outer edge, and the first wiring may be positioned closer to the outer edge than to the inner edge.

[0013] In one embodiment, the display device further includes a third insulating layer disposed under the first wiring, and each of the plurality of groove patterns can be defined by an opening defined in the first insulating layer and an opening defined in the third insulating layer.

[0014] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of groove patterns may be defined by an opening defined in the first insulating layer, an opening defined in the third insulating layer, and an opening defined in the substrate.

[0015] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of groove patterns may have a width in the extension direction of the bridge region that becomes wider as it approaches the edge of the bridge region.

[0016] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of groove patterns may have a width in the extension direction of the bridge region that becomes narrower as it approaches an edge of the bridge region.

[0017] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of groove patterns on the planar surface may have a rounded edge.

[0018] In one embodiment, the edge of the first wiring may have a roughness.

[0019] In one embodiment, the display device further includes a third insulating layer disposed under the first wiring and a second wiring disposed under the third insulating layer, wherein an edge of the second wiring may have a roughness.

[0020] In one embodiment, the display device, wherein the first insulating layer comprises an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a display device including a display area and a non-display area outside the display area, the display device including a substrate including island areas and bridge areas connecting neighboring island areas and having a meandering shape, a first wiring line disposed on the bridge area, and a first insulating layer disposed on the first wiring line, wherein the first insulating layer defines a plurality of groove patterns, and the groove patterns disposed in one of the bridge areas among the plurality of groove patterns have a different shape from the groove patterns disposed in another of the bridge areas.

[0022] In one embodiment, the non-display area includes a first sub-non-display area and a second sub-non-display area between the first sub-non-display area and the display area, and the elongation of the first sub-non-display area may be higher than the elongation of the second sub-non-display area.

[0023] In one embodiment, the elongation of the display area may be equal to or higher than the elongation of the non-display area.

[0024] In one embodiment, the display area includes at least one first area and a second area outside the first area, and the elongation of the first area may be higher than the elongation of the second area.

[0025] In one embodiment, the edge of the first wiring in the first region may have a roughness.

[0026] In one embodiment, the display area may have a protrusion protruding in the thickness direction from the periphery, and the first area may be arranged to surround at least a portion of the protrusion.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first region may have a loop shape surrounding the protrusion.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first region may have a triangular shape with one vertex pointing toward the center of the protrusion.

[0029] Other aspects, features and advantages other than those described above will become apparent from the following drawings, claims and detailed description of the invention.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a display device capable of preventing damage due to concentration of stress and being stretchable in various directions can be provided.

[0031] These effects are exemplary and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the above-described effects.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figures 2a and 2b are perspective views showing the display device of Figure 1 extended in the first direction.

[0034] Figure 2c is a perspective view showing the display device of Figure 1 extended in the second direction.

[0035] Figure 2d is a perspective view showing the display device of Figure 1 extended in the first direction and the second direction.

[0036] Figure 2e is a perspective view showing the display device of Figure 1 extended in the third direction.

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of part IV of FIG. 3 as part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a first island portion and a first bridge portion arranged in a display area of ​​a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIGS. 6A to 6C are equivalent circuit diagrams of subpixels of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0041] FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b are cross-sectional views schematically showing a light-emitting element of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0042] FIG. 8A is a schematic plan view of one first bridge portion and an area adjacent to the bridge portion included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIGS. 8b to 8d are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating a first bridge portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 9A is a schematic plan view of one first bridge portion and an area adjacent to the bridge portion included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIGS. 9b to 9d are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating a first island section according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 10A is a schematic plan view of one first bridge portion and an area adjacent to the bridge portion included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIGS. 10b to 10d are each cross-sectional views schematically showing a first bridge portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Each of FIGS. 11A to 11C is a schematic plan view showing an excerpt of one first bridge portion and an area adjacent to the bridge portion included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIGS. 12A to 12F are schematic plan views illustrating a portion of a first bridge section according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 13A is a schematic plan view of one first bridge portion and an area adjacent to the bridge portion included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIGS. 13b to 13c are each cross-sectional views schematically showing a first bridge portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIGS. 14a and 14b are plan views each showing an excerpt of one first bridge portion and an area adjacent to the bridge portion included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIGS. 15A to 15E are schematic plan views illustrating a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIGS. 16A to 16G are perspective views schematically illustrating embodiments of an electronic device including a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0055] One embodiment of the present invention provides a display device including a substrate including island regions and bridge regions having a meandering shape and connecting adjacent island regions, a first wiring line disposed on the bridge region, and a first insulating layer disposed on the first wiring line, wherein the first insulating layer defines a plurality of groove patterns in the bridge region.

[0056] The present invention is capable of various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below, along with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be implemented in various forms.

[0057] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same drawing reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0058] In this specification, the terms first, second, etc. are not used in a limiting sense, but are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0059] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0060] In this specification, terms such as “include” or “have” mean that a feature or component described in the specification exists, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0061] In this specification, when it is said that a part such as a film, region, or component is on or above another part, it includes not only the case where it is directly on top of the other part, but also the case where another film, region, component, etc. is interposed in between.

[0062] In this specification, when it is said that a film, region, component, etc. are connected, it includes cases where the films, regions, components, etc. are directly connected, and / or cases where other films, regions, components, etc. are interposed between the films, regions, components, etc. and are indirectly connected. For example, when it is said in this specification that a film, region, component, etc. are electrically connected, it refers to cases where the films, regions, components, etc. are directly electrically connected, and / or cases where other films, regions, components, etc. are interposed between them and are indirectly electrically connected.

[0063] In this specification, relative terms such as "below" or "lower" and "above" or "upper" are intended to indicate the relationship between one component and another. These relative terms may be interpreted differently depending on the orientation of the device depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device depicted in the drawings is flipped over, a second component described as being located "below" a first component may actually be located "above" the first component. In other words, the term "lower" can mean either "lower" or "upper" depending on the orientation of the device.

[0064] In this specification, “A and / or B” refers to the case where it is A, or B, or both A and B. And, “at least one of A and B” refers to the case where it is A, or B, or both A and B.

[0065] In this specification, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to the three axes on the orthogonal coordinate system, and can be interpreted in a broad sense that includes them. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be orthogonal to each other, but they may also refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

[0066] In certain embodiments of this specification, where implementations are otherwise feasible, specific process sequences may be performed in a different order than described. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or in a reverse order from the described order.

[0067] For convenience of explanation, the sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced. For example, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown.

[0068] Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 2a and 2b are perspective views illustrating the display device (1) of Fig. 1 in a state extended in a first direction. Fig. 2c is a perspective view illustrating the display device (1) of Fig. 1 in a state extended in a second direction. Fig. 2d is a perspective view illustrating the display device (1) of Fig. 1 in a state extended in the first and second directions. Fig. 2e is a perspective view illustrating the display device (1) of Fig. 1 in a state extended in a third direction.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 1, a display device (1) may include a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA). The display area (DA) may include a plurality of pixels. The display device (1) may provide a predetermined image using light emitted from the plurality of pixels. The non-display area (NDA) may be arranged outside the display area (DA). The non-display area (NDA) is an area where pixels are not arranged and may entirely surround the display area (DA).

[0070] The display device (1) can be extended or contracted in various directions. The display device (1) can be extended in a first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction) by an external force applied by an external object or a user. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the display area (DA) and / or the non-display area (NDA) of the display device (1) can be extended in the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the display device (1) can be extended along the x direction and the -x direction, or as illustrated in FIG. 2B, one side of the display device (1) can be fixed and the display device (1) can be extended along the x direction.

[0071] The display device (1) can be stretched in a second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction) by an external force applied by an external object or a user. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2c, the display area (DA) and / or the non-display area (NDA) of the display device (1) can be stretched in the y direction and the -y direction. In another embodiment, one side of the display device (1) can be fixed while being stretched in the y direction or the -y direction.

[0072] The display device (1) can be extended in a plurality of directions, for example, a first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction) by an external force applied by an external object or a part of a human body. As illustrated in Fig. 2d, the display area (DA) and / or the non-display area (NDA) of the display device (1) can be extended in the ±x direction and the ±y direction.

[0073] The display device (1) can be elongated in a third direction (e.g., the z direction or the -z direction) by an external force applied by an external object or a part of a human body. In one embodiment, FIG. 2e illustrates that a part of the display device (1), for example, a part of the display area (DA), protrudes in the z direction. In another embodiment, a part of the display device (1), for example, a part of the display area (DA), can protrude along the -z direction (or be sunken along the z direction).

[0074] Although FIGS. 2A to 2E illustrate the display device (1) extending in the first, second, and / or third directions, the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the display device (1) may be variously deformed into an irregular shape, such as being bent or twisted along two or more axes.

[0075] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] A plurality of pixels may be arranged in a display area (DA) of a display device (1). Each pixel may include subpixels that emit light of different colors. A light-emitting element corresponding to each subpixel may be arranged in the display area (DA). A circuit for providing electrical signals to the light-emitting elements arranged in the display area (DA) and to transistors electrically connected to the light-emitting elements may be located in a non-display area (NDA) surrounding the display area (DA). A gate driving circuit (GDC) may be arranged in a first non-display area (NDA1) and a second non-display area (NDA2) respectively, which are arranged on opposite sides of the display area (DA). The gate driving circuit (GDC) may include drivers for providing electrical signals to the gate electrodes of the transistors electrically connected to the light-emitting elements. FIG. 3 illustrates that the gate driving circuit (GDC) is arranged in each of the first non-display area (NDA1) and the second non-display area (NDA2), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the gate drive circuit (GDC) may be placed in either the first non-display area (NDA1) or the second non-display area (NDA2).

[0077] The data driving circuit (DDC) may be disposed in the third non-display area (NDA3) and / or the fourth non-display area (NDA4) connecting the first non-display area (NDA1) and the second non-display area (NDA2). In one embodiment, FIG. 3 illustrates that the data driving circuit (DDC) is disposed in the fourth non-display area (NDA4), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the data driving circuit (DDC) may be disposed in each of the third non-display area (NDA3) and the fourth non-display area (NDA4).

[0078] Although Fig. 3 illustrates that the data drive circuit (DDC) is arranged in the fourth non-display area (NDA4) of the display device (1), the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the display device (1) may further include a flexible circuit board (not shown) electrically connected through a terminal portion (not shown) arranged in the fourth non-display area (NDA4), and the data drive circuit (DDC) may be arranged on the aforementioned flexible circuit board.

[0079] In some embodiments, the elongation rate of the non-display area (NDA) may be equal to or less than the elongation rate of the display area (DA). In one embodiment, the elongation rates of the non-display areas (NDAs) may be different for each area. For example, the first non-display area (NDA1), the second non-display area (NDA2), and the third non-display area (NDA3) may have substantially the same elongation rates, but the elongation rate of the fourth non-display area (NDA4) may be less than the elongation rates of each of the first non-display area (NDA1), the second non-display area (NDA2), and the third non-display area (NDA3).

[0080] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of part IV of FIG. 3 as part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 4, the display device (1) may include first island portions (11) spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction) in a display area (DA) and first bridge portions (12) connecting adjacent first island portions (11).

[0082] The first bridge portions (12) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a first opening (CS1) located (or defined) between the first bridge portions (12). The first bridge portion (12) may have a winding shape. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the first bridge portion (12) may have a shape roughly like the letter "S" or a shape similar to the letter "S".

[0083] Each first island portion (11) may be connected to a plurality of first bridge portions (12). For example, each first island portion (11) may be connected to four first bridge portions (12). Two first bridge portions (12) may be arranged on opposite sides of the first island portion (11) along a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction), and the remaining two first bridge portions (12) may be arranged on opposite sides of the first island portion (11) along a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction). The four first bridge portions (12) may be connected to four sides of the first island portion (11), respectively. Each of the four first bridge portions (12) may be adjacent to each corner of the first island portion (11).

[0084] The display device (1) may include second island portions (21) spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction) in a non-display area, for example, a first non-display area (NDA1) illustrated in FIG. 4, and second bridge portions (22) connecting adjacent second island portions (21).

[0085] The second bridge portions (22) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a second opening (CS2) positioned (or defined) between the second bridge portions (22). The second bridge portion (22) may have a winding shape. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the second bridge portion (22) may have a shape roughly similar to the letter “S” or the letter “S”. The size and / or width of the second bridge portion (22) may be different from the size and / or width of the first bridge portion (12). For example, the size and / or width of the second bridge portion (22) may be larger than the size and / or width of the first bridge portion (12). The radius of curvature of the rounded (or bent) portion of the second bridge portion (22) may be different from the radius of curvature of the rounded portion of the first bridge portion (12). For example, the radius of curvature of the rounded portion of the second bridge portion (22) may be greater than the radius of curvature of the rounded portion of the first bridge portion (12).

[0086] Each second island portion (21) can be connected to a plurality of second bridge portions (22). Each second island portion (21) can be connected to four second bridge portions (22). Two second bridge portions (22) can be arranged on opposite sides of the second island portion (21) along a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction), and the remaining two second bridge portions (22) can be arranged on opposite sides of the second island portion (21) along a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction). In one embodiment, four second bridge portions (22) can be respectively connected to four sides of the second island portion (21). Each second bridge portion (22) can be connected to a central portion of each side of the second island portion (21).

[0087] The second island portions (21) of any one row arranged in the first non-display area (NDA1) may correspond to the first island portions (11) of a plurality of rows arranged in the display area (DA). For example, the second island portions (21) of any one row arranged in the first non-display area (NDA1) may correspond to the first island portions (11) arranged in the (i)-th row of the display area (DA) and the first island portions (11) arranged in the (i+1)-th row (here, i is a positive integer greater than 0). In another embodiment, the second island portions (21) of any one row may correspond to n rows of the first island portions (11) (here, n is a positive integer greater than 3).

[0088] A non-display area, for example, a first non-display area (NDA1), may include a first sub-non-display area (SNDA1) in which the aforementioned second island portions (21) and second bridge portions (22) are arranged, and a second sub-non-display area (SNDA2) between the first sub-non-display area (SNDA1) and the display area (DA). Third bridge portions (23) may be arranged in the second sub-non-display area (SNDA2) to connect the display area (DA) and the first sub-non-display area (SNDA1). One end of the third bridge portion (23) may be connected to the second island portion (21), and the other end of the third bridge portion (23) may be connected to the first island portion (11). For example, one end of the third bridge portion (23) may be connected to the central portion of one side of the second island portion (21), and the other end of the third bridge portion (23) may be connected to the central portion of one side of the first island portion (11).

[0089] The third bridge portion (23) may have a serpentine shape. In one embodiment, the shape of the third bridge portion (23) may be different from the shapes of the first bridge portion (12) and the second bridge portion (22). The width of the third bridge portion (23) may be different from the width of the first bridge portion (12) and the width of the second bridge portion (22). The width of the third bridge portion (23) may be larger than the width of the first bridge portion (12) and smaller than the width of the second bridge portion (22). Third openings (CS3) and fourth openings (CS4) of different shapes may be alternately arranged (or defined) between the third bridge portions (23) in the second direction (e.g., the y direction or the -y direction).

[0090] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a first island portion (11) and a first bridge portion (12) arranged in a display area (DA) of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Referring to Fig. 5, the first island portion (11) and the first bridge portion (12) arranged in the display area (DA) may be spaced apart from each other with the first opening (CS1) therebetween. The first island portion (11) includes light-emitting elements (LEDs) and a circuit for driving the light-emitting elements electrically connected thereto, for example, a pixel driving circuit portion (PC), and the first bridge portion (12) may include wires electrically connected to pixel driving circuit portions (PC) arranged in each of the adjacent first island portions (11).

[0092] The display device (1) may include a substrate (100). The substrate (100) may include an island area (100-1) corresponding to the first island portion (11) and a bridge area (100-2) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12).

[0093] Looking at the first island portion (11), the first island portion (11) may include a first region (1A) and a second region (2A) outside the first region (1A). The first region (1A) may be defined as a region where a barrier layer (103), a buffer layer (111), an inorganic insulating layer (IIL), and a pixel driving circuit portion (PC) are arranged. The first region (1A) is located at the center of the first island portion (11), and the width (or area) of the first region (1A) may be smaller than the width (or area) of the first island portion (11). For example, the edge of the first region (1A) may be spaced inward from the edge of the first island portion (11). The region from the edge of the first region (1A) to the edge of the first island portion (11) may be defined as the second region (2A). The barrier layer (103), buffer layer (111), inorganic insulating layer (IIL) and pixel driving circuit (PC) may not overlap with the second region (2A).

[0094] The island region (100-1) of the substrate (100) may include a first base layer (101), a barrier layer (103), and a second base layer (105). In a plan view (or when viewed in the z direction), the edge of the first island portion (11) may coincide with the edge of the island region (100-1).

[0095] Each of the first base layer (101) and the second base layer (105) may include a polymer resin such as polyethersulfone, polyarylate, polyether imide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyimide, polycarbonate, cellulose triacetate, or cellulose acetate propionate. The substrate (100) including the polymer resin may have flexible, rollable, and bendable properties.

[0096] A barrier layer (103) may be interposed between the first base layer (101) and the barrier layer (103). The barrier layer (103) may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, nitrogen oxide, silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide, or titanium oxide. The barrier layer (103) may be disposed in the first region (1A). The barrier layer (103) may not overlap the second region (2A).

[0097] A buffer layer (111) including an inorganic insulating material is disposed on the upper surface (the plane in the z direction) of the island region (100-1), and pixel driving circuits (PC) may be disposed on the buffer layer (111). An inorganic insulating layer (IIL) and an organic insulating layer (OIL) may be disposed between the pixel driving circuit (PC) and the light emitting element (LED). The inorganic insulating layer (IIL) may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, nitrogen oxide, silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide, or titanium oxide. The organic insulating layer (OIL) may include a first organic insulating layer (120), a second organic insulating layer (130), and a third organic insulating layer (140). Each of the first organic insulating layer (120), the second organic insulating layer (130), and the third organic insulating layer (140) may include an organic insulating material such as polyimide.

[0098] A light emitting element (LED) is disposed on an organic insulating layer (OIL) and can be electrically connected to a corresponding pixel driving circuit (PC) through a first connection electrode (CM1) and a second connection electrode (CM2). The first connection electrodes (CM1) can be disposed between a first organic insulating layer (120) and a second organic insulating layer (130), and the second connection electrodes (CM2) can be disposed between a second organic insulating layer (130) and a third organic insulating layer (140).

[0099] The light emitting elements (LEDs) may emit light of different colors or of the same color. In one embodiment, the light emitting elements (LEDs) may emit red, green, and blue light, respectively. In some embodiments, the light emitting elements (LEDs) may emit white light. In another embodiment, the light emitting elements (LEDs) may emit red, green, blue, and white light, respectively.

[0100] In one embodiment, FIG. 5 illustrates three pixel driver circuits (PCs) arranged in each first island portion (11) and three light-emitting elements (LEDs) connected to each pixel driver circuit portion (PC), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the number of pixel driver circuits (PCs) and light-emitting elements (LEDs) arranged in the first island portion (11) may be one, two, four or more.

[0101] The encapsulation layer (300) may be disposed on a light-emitting element (LED) and may protect the light-emitting element (LED) from external force and / or moisture permeation. The encapsulation layer (300) may include an inorganic encapsulation layer and / or an organic encapsulation layer. In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer (300) may include a structure in which an inorganic encapsulation layer including an inorganic insulating material, an organic encapsulation layer including an organic insulating material, and an inorganic encapsulation layer including an inorganic insulating material are laminated. In other embodiments, the encapsulation layer (300) may include an organic material such as a resin. In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer (300) may include urethane epoxy acrylate. The encapsulation layer (300) may include a photosensitive material, for example, a material such as a photoresist.

[0102] Looking at the first bridge portion (12), the first bridge portion (12) may include a third region (3A) and a fourth region (4A) outside the third region (3A). The third region (3A) may be defined as a region where the first wiring portion (WL1), the second wiring portion (WL2), and the third wiring portion (WL3) are arranged. The width (or area) of the third region (3A) may be smaller than the width (or area) of the first bridge portion (12). For example, the edge of the third region (3A) may be spaced inward from the edge of the first bridge portion (12). The region from the edge of the third region (3A) to the edge of the first bridge portion (12) may be defined as the fourth region (4A). The first wiring section (WL1), the second wiring section (WL2), and the third wiring section (WL3) may not overlap with the fourth area (4A).

[0103] The bridge region (100-2) of the substrate (100) may include a first base layer (101) and a second base layer (105). The edge of the first bridge portion (12) may coincide with the edge of the bridge region (100-2) in a plan view (or when viewed in the z direction). The first base layer (101) of the bridge region (100-2) may be a layer formed together with the first base layer (101) of the island region (100-1) in the same process. The second base layer (105) of the bridge region (100-2) may be a layer formed together with the second base layer (105) of the island region (100-1) in the same process.

[0104] The bridge region (100-2) of the substrate (100) may not include a barrier layer (103). When the display device (1) is stretched, the bridge region (100-2), which is relatively subject to a large amount of deformation, may not have a layer including an inorganic insulating material that is prone to cracking, unlike the island region (100-1).

[0105] A fourth organic insulating layer (150) may be disposed on the upper surface (the surface in the z direction) of the bridge region (100-2). The fourth organic insulating layer (150) may include an organic insulating material such as polyimide. The upper surface of the fourth organic insulating layer (150) may be positioned at approximately the same level as the upper surface of the inorganic insulating layer (IIL). In other words, the height from the lower surface of the first base layer (101) to the upper surface of the fourth organic insulating layer (150) and the height from the lower surface of the first base layer (101) to the upper surface of the inorganic insulating layer (IIL) may be approximately the same. The fourth organic insulating layer (150) may reduce the step in the z direction of the wires extending from the first island portion (11) to the first bridge portion (12).

[0106] A first organic insulating layer (120), a second organic insulating layer (130), and a third organic insulating layer (140) may be sequentially laminated on a fourth organic insulating layer (150). Each of the first organic insulating layer (120), the second organic insulating layer (130), and the third organic insulating layer (140) of the first bridge portion (12) may be a layer formed together in the same process as the corresponding layer of the first island portion (11).

[0107] A first wiring part (WL1) may be arranged between the fourth organic insulating layer (150) and the first organic insulating layer (120), a second wiring part (WL2) may be arranged between the first organic insulating layer (120) and the second organic insulating layer (130), and a third wiring part (WL3) may be arranged between the second organic insulating layer (130) and the third organic insulating layer (140).

[0108] Each of the first wiring portion (WL1), the second wiring portion (WL2), and the third wiring portion (WL3) may include a low-resistance metal material. Each of the first wiring portion (WL1), the second wiring portion (WL2), and the third wiring portion (WL3) may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), or the like, and may be formed as a multilayer or single layer including the above materials.

[0109] Each of the first wiring unit (WL1), the second wiring unit (WL2), and the third wiring unit (WL3) may include at least one wire extending from the first island unit (11) to the first bridge unit (12). In this regard, FIG. 5 illustrates that the first wiring unit (WL1) includes three wires, and the second wiring unit (WL2) and the third wiring unit (WL3) each include one wire, but is not limited thereto. The number of wires and the thickness of the wires included in each of the first wiring unit (WL1), the second wiring unit (WL2), and the third wiring unit (WL3) may be designed in various ways as needed. The wirings included in the first wiring section (WL1), the second wiring section (WL2), and the third wiring section (WL3) may be signal lines (e.g., gate lines, data lines, etc.) for providing electrical signals to transistors included in the pixel driving circuit section (PC) of the first island section (11) or voltage lines (e.g., driving voltage lines, initialization voltage lines, etc.) for providing voltage.

[0110] A sealing layer (300) may also be arranged in the first bridge portion (12). In another embodiment, the sealing layer (300) may not be present in the first bridge portion (12).

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the island region (100-1) of the substrate (100) and the bridge region (100-2) of the substrate (100) may be connected to each other. In other words, the plan view illustrated in FIG. 4 may be substantially the same as the plan view of the substrate (100) of FIG. 5. In other words, the substrate (100) may include the island region (100-1), the bridge region (100-2), and an opening (100OP1) having the same shape as the first opening (CS1). The opening (100OP1) of the substrate (100) may be defined between the island region (100-1) and the bridge region (100-2).

[0112] Similarly, the sealing layer (300) corresponding to the first island portion (11) and the sealing layer (300) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12) may be connected to each other. For example, the plan view illustrated in FIG. 4 above may be substantially the same as the plan view of the sealing layer (300). In other words, the sealing layer (300) may include an area corresponding to the first island portion (11), an area corresponding to the first bridge portion (12), and an opening (300OP1) having the same shape as the first opening portion (CS1). The opening (300OP1) of the sealing layer (300) may be defined between the area corresponding to the first island portion (11) and the area corresponding to the first bridge portion (12).

[0113] The circuit-light-emitting element layer (200) between the substrate (100) and the encapsulating layer (300) may include a buffer layer (111), a pixel driving circuit (PC), an inorganic insulating layer (IIL), an organic insulating layer (OIL), and a light-emitting element (LED). Similar to the substrate (100), the plan view illustrated in FIG. 4 may be substantially the same as the plan view of the circuit-light-emitting element layer (200). In other words, the circuit-light-emitting element layer (200) may have an opening (200OP1) having the same shape as the first opening (CS1).

[0114] FIGS. 6A to 6C are equivalent circuit diagrams of subpixels of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 6a, a light emitting element (LED) corresponding to a subpixel is electrically connected to a pixel driver circuit (PC), and the pixel driver circuit (PC) may include a first transistor (T1), a second transistor (T2), and a storage capacitor (Cst). The pixel driver circuit (PC) may be electrically connected to a signal line and a voltage line. The signal line may include a gate line such as a first scan line (SL1) and a data line (DL), and the voltage line may include a first voltage line (VDDL).

[0116] The second transistor (T2) can be electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and the data line (DL). The first scan line (SL1) can provide a first scan signal (GW1) to a gate electrode of the second transistor (T2). The second transistor (T2) can transmit a data signal (Dm) input from the data line (DL) to the first transistor (T1) according to the first scan signal (GW1) input from the first scan line (SL1).

[0117] The storage capacitor (Cst) is electrically connected to the second transistor (T2) and the first voltage line (VDDL), and can store a voltage corresponding to the difference between the voltage received from the second transistor (T2) and the first power voltage (VDD) supplied by the first voltage line (VDDL).

[0118] The first transistor (T1) is a driving transistor and can control a driving current flowing through a light-emitting element (LED). The first transistor (T1) can be connected to a first voltage line (VDDL) and a storage capacitor (Cst). The first transistor (T1) can control a driving current flowing through the light-emitting element (LED) from the first voltage line (VDDL) based on a voltage value stored in the storage capacitor (Cst). The light-emitting element (LED) can emit light having a predetermined brightness by the driving current. A first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) can be electrically connected to the first transistor (T1), and a second electrode can be electrically connected to a second voltage line (VSSL) that supplies a second power voltage (VSS).

[0119] Although FIG. 6a illustrates that the pixel driver circuit (PC) includes two transistors and one storage capacitor, in other embodiments, the pixel driver circuit (PC) may include three or more transistors.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 6b, the pixel driving circuit unit (PC) may include a first transistor (T1), a second transistor (T2), a third transistor (T3), a fourth transistor (T4), a fifth transistor (T5), a sixth transistor (T6), a seventh transistor (T7), and a storage capacitor (Cst).

[0121] The pixel driver circuit (PC) is electrically connected to signal lines and voltage lines. The signal lines may include gate lines such as a first scan line (SL1), a second scan line (SL2), a third scan line (SL3), a fourth scan line (SL4), and an emission control line (EML), and a data line (DL). The voltage lines may include first and second initialization voltage lines (VIL1, VIL2) and a first voltage line (VDDL).

[0122] The first voltage line (VDDL) can transmit the first power voltage (VDD) to the first transistor (T1). The first initialization voltage line (VIL1) can transmit the first initialization voltage (Vint) that initializes the first transistor (T1) to the pixel driver circuit (PC). The second initialization voltage line (VIL2) can transmit the second initialization voltage (Vaint) that initializes the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) to the pixel driver circuit (PC).

[0123] The first transistor (T1) may be electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and may be electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The first transistor (T1) functions as a driving transistor, and receives a data signal (Dm) based on the switching operation of the second transistor (T2) to supply a driving current to the light-emitting element (LED).

[0124] The second transistor (T2) is a data writing transistor and is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and the data line (DL). The second transistor (T2) is electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5). The second transistor (T2) is turned on in response to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) and performs a switching operation to transmit the data signal (Dm) transmitted to the data line (DL) to the first node (N1).

[0125] The third transistor (T3) is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and is electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The third transistor (T3) can be turned on in response to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) to diode-connect the first transistor (T1).

[0126] The fourth transistor (T4) is a first initialization transistor and is electrically connected to the third scan line (SL3) and the first initialization voltage line (VIL1). The fourth transistor (T4) is turned on according to the third scan signal (GI) received through the third scan line (SL3) and transmits the first initialization voltage (Vint) from the first initialization voltage line (VIL1) to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1) to initialize the voltage of the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1). The third scan signal (GI) may correspond to the first scan signal of another pixel driver circuit unit arranged in the previous row of the corresponding pixel driver circuit unit (PC).

[0127] The fifth transistor (T5) may be a motion control transistor, and the sixth transistor (T6) may be a light emission control transistor. The fifth transistor (T5) and the sixth transistor (T6) are electrically connected to the light emission control line (EML), and are turned on simultaneously according to the light emission control signal (EM) transmitted through the light emission control line (EML), thereby forming a current path so that a driving current can flow from the first voltage line (VDDL) in the direction of the light emitting element (LED).

[0128] The seventh transistor (T7) is a second initialization transistor and can be electrically connected to the second scan line (SL2), the second initialization voltage line (VIL2), and the sixth transistor (T6). The seventh transistor (T7) is turned on according to the second scan signal (GB) transmitted through the second scan line (SL2), and can transmit the second initialization voltage (Vaint) from the second initialization voltage line (VIL2) to the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) to initialize the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED).

[0129] A storage capacitor (Cst) includes a first electrode (CE1) and a second electrode (CE2). The first electrode (CE1) is electrically connected to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1), and the second electrode (CE2) is electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL). The storage capacitor (Cst) can maintain a voltage applied to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1) by storing and maintaining a voltage corresponding to a difference between the voltages at both ends of the first voltage line (VDDL) and the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1).

[0130] Referring to FIG. 6c, the pixel driving circuit unit (PC) may include a first transistor (T1), a second transistor (T2), a third transistor (T3), a fourth transistor (T4), a fifth transistor (T5), a sixth transistor (T6), a seventh transistor (T7), an eighth transistor (T8), a ninth transistor (T9), a storage capacitor (Cst), and an auxiliary capacitor (Ca).

[0131] The pixel driver circuit (PC) is electrically connected to signal lines and voltage lines. The signal lines may include gate lines such as a first scan line (SL1), a second scan line (SL2), a third scan line (SL3), a fourth scan line (SL4), and an emission control line (EML), and a data line (DL). The voltage lines may include first and second initialization voltage lines (VIL1, VIL2), a sustain voltage line (VSL), and a first voltage line (VDDL).

[0132] The first voltage line (VDDL) can transmit a first power voltage (VDD) to the first transistor (T1). The first initialization voltage line (VIL1) can transmit a first initialization voltage (Vint) for initializing the first transistor (T1) to the pixel driver circuit (PC). The second initialization voltage line (VIL2) can transmit a second initialization voltage (Vaint) for initializing the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) to the pixel driver circuit (PC). The sustain voltage line (VSL) can provide a sustain voltage (VSUS) to the second node (N2), for example, the second electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst), during the initialization period and the data writing period.

[0133] The first transistor (T1) may be electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and the eighth transistor (T8), and may be electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The first transistor (T1) functions as a driving transistor, and may receive a data signal (Dm) according to the switching operation of the second transistor (T2) to supply a driving current to the light-emitting element (LED).

[0134] The second transistor (T2) is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and the data line (DL), and is electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and the eighth transistor (T8). The second transistor (T2) is turned on in response to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) and performs a switching operation to transmit the data signal (Dm) transmitted to the data line (DL) to the first node (N1).

[0135] The third transistor (T3) is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and is electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The third transistor (T3) is turned on in response to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1), thereby diode-connecting the first transistor (T1), thereby compensating for the threshold voltage of the first transistor (T1).

[0136] The fourth transistor (T4) is electrically connected to the third scan line (SL3) and the first initialization voltage line (VIL1), and is turned on in response to the third scan signal (GI) transmitted through the third scan line (SL3) to transmit the first initialization voltage (Vint) from the first initialization voltage line (VIL1) to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1) to initialize the voltage of the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1). The third scan signal (GI) may correspond to the first scan signal of another pixel driving circuit unit arranged in the previous row of the corresponding pixel driving circuit unit (PC).

[0137] The fifth transistor (T5), the sixth transistor (T6), and the eighth transistor (T8) are electrically connected to the light emission control line (EML), and are simultaneously turned on in response to the light emission control signal (EM) transmitted through the light emission control line (EML), thereby forming a current path so that a driving current can flow from the first voltage line (VDDL) in the direction of the light emitting element (LED).

[0138] The seventh transistor (T7) is a second initialization transistor and can be electrically connected to the second scan line (SL2), the second initialization voltage line (VIL2), and the sixth transistor (T6). The seventh transistor (T7) is turned on in response to the second scan signal (GB) received through the second scan line (SL2) and transmits the second initialization voltage (Vaint) from the second initialization voltage line (VIL2) to the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) to initialize the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED).

[0139] The ninth transistor (T9) can be electrically connected to the second scan line (SL2), the second electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst), and the sustain voltage line (VSL). The ninth transistor (T9) is turned on according to the second scan signal (GB) transmitted through the second scan line (SL2), and can transmit the sustain voltage (VSUS) to the second node (N2), for example, the second electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst), during the initialization section and the data writing section.

[0140] The eighth transistor (T8) and the ninth transistor (T9) may be electrically connected to a second node (N2), for example, a second electrode (CE2) of a storage capacitor (Cst), respectively. In some embodiments, the eighth transistor (T8) may be turned off and the ninth transistor (T9) may be turned on in an initialization period and a data writing period, and the eighth transistor (T8) may be turned on and the ninth transistor (T9) may be turned off in an emission period. Since the sustain voltage (VSUS) is transmitted to the second node (N2) in the initialization period and the data writing period, the uniformity of the luminance (e.g., LRU, Long Range Uniformity) of the display device, which may be reduced by a voltage drop of the first voltage line (VDDL), may be improved.

[0141] The storage capacitor (Cst) includes a first electrode (CE1) and a second electrode (CE2). The first electrode (CE1) is electrically connected to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1), and the second electrode (CE2) is electrically connected to the eighth transistor (T8) and the ninth transistor (T9).

[0142] The auxiliary capacitor (Ca) can be electrically connected to the sixth transistor (T6), the sustain voltage line (VSL), and the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED). The auxiliary capacitor (Ca) stores and maintains a voltage corresponding to the voltage difference between the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) and the sustain voltage line (VSL) while the seventh transistor (T7) and the ninth transistor (T9) are turned on, thereby preventing the problem of the black luminance increasing when the sixth transistor (T6) is turned off.

[0143] FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b are cross-sectional views schematically showing a light-emitting element of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 7A, a light-emitting element according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an organic light-emitting diode (220) including an organic material. The organic light-emitting diode (220) may include a first electrode (221) disposed on an insulating layer, a second electrode (225) facing the first electrode (221), and a light-emitting layer (223) interposed between the first electrode (221) and the second electrode (225). A first functional layer (222) may be disposed between the first electrode (221) and the light-emitting layer (223), and a second functional layer (224) may be disposed between the light-emitting layer (223) and the second electrode (225).

[0145] The edge of the first electrode (221) may be covered with a bank layer (BKL) including an insulating material. The bank layer (BKL) may define an opening (B-OP) overlapping the central portion of the first electrode (221).

[0146] The first electrode (221) may include a conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), indium gallium oxide (IGO), or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). In another embodiment, the first electrode (221) may include a reflective layer including silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), or a compound thereof. In another embodiment, the first electrode (221) may further include a layer formed of ITO, IZO, ZnO, AZO, or In2O3 on / under the aforementioned reflective layer.

[0147] The light-emitting layer (223) may include a polymer or low-molecular organic material that emits light of a predetermined color. The first functional layer (222) may include a hole transport layer (HTL) and / or a hole injection layer (HIL). The second functional layer (224) may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and / or an electron injection layer (EIL).

[0148] The second electrode (225) may be formed of a conductive material having a low work function. For example, the second electrode (225) may include a (semi-)transparent layer including silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), or an alloy thereof. Alternatively, the second electrode (225) may further include a layer such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, AZO, or In2O3 on the (semi-)transparent layer including the aforementioned material.

[0149] FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a light-emitting element of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 7b, in one embodiment of the present invention, a light-emitting element may include an inorganic light-emitting diode (230) including an inorganic material. The inorganic light-emitting diode (230) may include a first semiconductor layer (231), a second semiconductor layer (232), an intermediate layer (233) between the first semiconductor layer (231) and the second semiconductor layer (232), a first electrode (235) electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer (231), and a second electrode (238) electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer (232). The first electrode (235) and the second electrode (238) of the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) may be electrically connected to a first electrode pad (241) and a second electrode pad (242), respectively. The first electrode pad (241) and the second electrode pad (242) can be placed on the same layer.

[0151] In some embodiments, the first semiconductor layer (231) may include a p-type semiconductor layer. The p-type semiconductor layer may be In x Al y Ga 1-x-y A semiconductor material having a composition formula of N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1) can be selected from among, for example, GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, AlInN, etc., and a p-type dopant such as Mg, Zn, Ca, Sr, Ba, etc. can be doped.

[0152] The second semiconductor layer (232) may include, for example, an n-type semiconductor layer. The n-type semiconductor layer may be In x Al y Ga 1-x-y A semiconductor material having a composition formula of N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1) can be selected from among, for example, GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, AlInN, etc., and an n-type dopant such as Si, Ge, or Sn can be doped.

[0153] The intermediate layer (233) is a region where electrons and holes recombine, and as electrons and holes recombine, they transition to a lower energy level and can generate light with a corresponding wavelength. The intermediate layer (233) is, for example, In x Al y Ga 1-x-y It can be formed by including a semiconductor material having a composition formula of N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1), and can be formed as a single quantum well structure or a multi-quantum well structure (MQW: Multi Quantum Well). In addition, it can also include a quantum wire structure or a quantum dot structure.

[0154] Although Fig. 7b illustrates that the first semiconductor layer (231) includes a p-type semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer (232) includes an n-type semiconductor layer, the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the first semiconductor layer (231) may include an n-type semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer (232) may include a p-type semiconductor layer.

[0155] FIG. 8a is a schematic plan view of a first bridge portion and an area adjacent to the bridge portion included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 8b to 8d are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating the first bridge portion according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0156] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the first bridge portion (12) may have a winding shape (e.g., approximately an "S" shape). The first bridge portion (12) may be placed in a gap between two adjacent first island portions (11).

[0157] The first bridge portion (12) may include two round portions (RP), a straight portion (SP), and connecting portions (CP). The straight portions (SP) may be positioned between the round portions (RP). The connecting portions (CP) may be positioned between each round portion (RP) and the first island portion (11). The widths of the round portions (RP), the width of the straight portion (SP), and the width of the connecting portion (CP) may be substantially the same.

[0158] The round portions (RP) have an approximately circular arc shape (arc type) and can be connected to the edge of the first island portion (11), respectively. The straight portions (SP) can have an approximately straight shape (straight type) extending in a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction) and an oblique fourth direction (DR4).

[0159] Each of the round portions (RP) may have an inner edge (IE) and an outer edge (OE). The inner edge (IE) may extend along an arc of an imaginary circle having a first radius. The outer edge (OE) may extend along an arc of an imaginary circle having a second radius greater than the first radius. One end of the inner edge (IE) may be connected to an edge of a connecting portion (CP), and the other end of the inner edge (IE) may be connected to one edge of a straight portion (SP). One end of the outer edge (OE) may be connected to an edge of a first island portion (11), and the other end of the outer edge (OE) may be connected to the other edge of the straight portion (SP).

[0160] The first bridge portion (12) may include a fourth organic insulating layer (150), a first organic insulating layer (120), a second organic insulating layer (130), and a third organic insulating layer (140) sequentially laminated on a substrate (100) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12). The first wiring portion (WL1) may include at least one wiring disposed between the fourth organic insulating layer (150) and the first organic insulating layer (120), the second wiring portion (WL2) may include at least one wiring disposed between the first organic insulating layer (120) and the second organic insulating layer (130), and the third wiring portion (WL3) may include at least one wiring disposed between the second organic insulating layer (130) and the third organic insulating layer (140).

[0161] Although FIGS. 8A to 8D illustrate that the first wiring portion (WL1) includes three wiring portions and the second wiring portion (WL2) and the third wiring portion (WL3) each include one wiring portion, the present invention is not limited thereto. The number of wiring portions included in each wiring portion may vary. In addition, among the first bridge portions (12), the first bridge portions (12) that connect adjacent first island portions (11) in a first direction (e.g., the x direction or the -x direction) and the first bridge portions (12) that connect adjacent first island portions (11) in a second direction (e.g., the y direction or the -y direction) may have different wiring configurations.

[0162] The third region (3A) is defined as the region where the first wiring section (WL1), the second wiring section (WL2), and the third wiring section (WL3) are arranged, and the fourth regions (4A) can be defined as the regions between the facing edges of the third region (3A) and the first bridge section (12). For example, two fourth regions (4A) can be arranged with the third region (3A) in between.

[0163] The width (or area) of the third region (3A) may be smaller than the width (or area) of the first bridge portion (12). The third region (3A) may be arranged closer to the outer edge (OE) of each of the round portions (RP). For example, in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first bridge portion (12), the third region (3A) may be spaced apart from the inner edge (IE) by a first distance and from the outer edge (OE) by a second distance. In this case, the first distance may be greater than the second distance.

[0164] When the first bridge portion (12) is contracted or elongated by an external force, the inner edge (IE) of each of the round portions (RP) may be subjected to greater stress than the outer edge (OE). Therefore, embodiments of the present invention can reduce or prevent the occurrence of cracks in the wires by arranging the third region (3A) closer to the outer edge (OE) of each of the round portions (RP).

[0165] In the fourth region (4A) of the first bridge portion (12), first groove patterns (Gb1) that are open in the direction of the upper surface (+z direction surface) of the first bridge portion (12) along the inner edge (IE) of each of the round portions (RP) may be arranged (or defined). In a plan view (e.g., when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the substrate or when viewed in the z direction), the first groove patterns (Gb1) may have a rectangular shape with one side open so that one side is in contact with the inner edge (IE) of each of the round portions (RP). In other embodiments, the first groove patterns (Gb1) may have various shapes, such as a polygonal shape, a semicircular shape, and an irregular shape.

[0166] The first groove patterns (Gb1) may be defined by at least one insulating layer. The insulating layer may include an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material. For example, the first bridge portion (12) may include a substrate (100), a fourth organic insulating layer (150), a first organic insulating layer (120), a second organic insulating layer (130), and a third organic insulating layer (140) sequentially laminated on the substrate (100). The first groove patterns (Gb1) may be defined by one or more of the fourth organic insulating layer (150), the first organic insulating layer (120), the second organic insulating layer (130), and the third organic insulating layer (140). When an inorganic insulating layer is disposed on the first bridge portion (12), the first groove patterns (Gb1) may also be defined by the inorganic insulating layer.

[0167] In one embodiment, the first groove pattern (Gb1) may be defined by the third organic insulating layer (140), as illustrated in FIG. 8b. For example, the first groove patterns (Gb1) may be openings (or grooves) defined by removing a portion of the third organic insulating layer (140).

[0168] In another embodiment, the first groove patterns (Gb1) may be defined by overlapping openings defined in the third organic insulating layer (140) and openings (or grooves) defined in organic insulating layers under the third organic insulating layer (140). In other words, the first groove patterns (Gb1) may be defined by a plurality of organic insulating layers. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, the first groove patterns (Gb1) may be formed by overlapping openings defined in the third organic insulating layer (140), openings defined in the second organic insulating layer (130), and openings (or grooves) defined in the first organic insulating layer (120). Alternatively, the first groove patterns (Gb1) may be formed by overlapping openings defined in the third organic insulating layer (140) and openings (or grooves) defined in the second organic insulating layer (130). Alternatively, the first groove patterns (Gb1) may be formed by overlapping openings defined in the third organic insulating layer (140), openings defined in the second organic insulating layer (130), openings defined in the first organic insulating layer (120), and openings (or grooves) defined in the fourth organic insulating layer (150).

[0169] In another embodiment, the first groove pattern (Gb1) may be defined by a plurality of organic insulating layers and the substrate (100). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8d, the first groove pattern (Gb1) may extend from the upper surface of the second organic insulating layer (130) to the lower surface of the first base layer (101) and may be defined by openings penetrating the first bridge portion (12).

[0170] The first groove pattern (Gb1) may have a first length (l1) in the extension direction of the first bridge portion (12). Here, the extension direction of the first bridge portion (12) means the direction of the center line of the first bridge portion (12) (or, the extension direction of the first bridge portion (12)). In one embodiment, the first length (l1) may be about 3 μm to about 3.5 μm.

[0171] The first groove pattern (Gb1) may have a first pattern width (wb1) in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first bridge portion (12). When the fourth region (4A) corresponding to the first groove pattern (Gb1) has a first width (w1) in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first bridge portion (12), the first pattern width (wb1) may be smaller than or substantially equal to the first width (w1). Accordingly, the first groove pattern (Gb1) may be arranged in the fourth region (4A) and may not overlap the third region (3A).

[0172] On the plan view, the inner edge of the upper surface of the round portion (RP) may have a zigzag-shaped unevenness. The first groove patterns (Gb1) can disperse stress concentrated on the inner edge (IE) of the first bridge portion (12) when the first bridge portion (12) contracts or elongates.

[0173] FIG. 9a is a plan view schematically illustrating a first bridge portion and an area adjacent to the bridge portion included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 9b to 9d are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating a first island portion according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0174] Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the first bridge portion (12) may include two round portions (RP), two connecting portions (CP), and a straight portion (SP) between the round portions (RP). Each of the connecting portions (CP) may be positioned between the round portion (RP) and the first island portion (11).

[0175] Each of the two round portions (RP) may have an inner edge (IE) and an outer edge (OE). The inner edge (IE) may extend along an arc of an imaginary circle having a first radius. The outer edge (OE) may extend along an arc of an imaginary circle having a second radius greater than the first radius.

[0176] The first bridge portion (12) may include a third region (3A) and fourth regions (4A) arranged on opposite sides of the third region (3A). The third region (3A) may be defined as a region where the first wiring portion (WL1), the second wiring portion (WL2), and the third wiring portion (WL3) are arranged, and the fourth regions (4A) may be defined as regions between the third region (3A) and opposite edges of the first bridge portion (12).

[0177] The first island portion (11) may include a first region (1A) and a second region (2A) disposed outside the first region (1A). The first region (1A) may be defined as a region in which a barrier layer (103), a buffer layer (111), an inorganic insulating layer (IIL), and circuit portions are disposed. The region from the edge of the first region (1A) to the edge of the first island portion (11) may be defined as the second region (2A). In a plan view, the second region (2A) may have a frame shape surrounding the first region (1A).

[0178] The barrier layer (103), the buffer layer (111), the inorganic insulating layer (IIL), and the pixel driving circuit portion (PC) may not overlap with the second region (2A). The second region (2A) may be subject to concentrated stress due to deformation of the first bridge portions (12). Therefore, unlike the first region (1A), a layer including an inorganic insulating material that is prone to cracking may not exist. The first region (1A) may have a third width (w3) smaller than the width of the first island portion (11), and the second region (2A) may have approximately a fourth width (w4).

[0179] In the second region (2A), second groove patterns (Gi) that are open in the direction of the upper surface (+z direction surface) of the first island portion (11) adjacent to the first bridge portion (12) may be arranged. In a plan view, the second groove patterns (Gi) may have a rectangular shape with one side open so that one side is in contact with the edge of the first island portion (11). In other embodiments, the second groove patterns (Gi) may have various shapes such as a polygonal shape, a semicircular shape, and an irregular shape.

[0180] The first island portion (11) may include a substrate (100), a buffer layer (111) disposed on the substrate (100), an inorganic insulating layer (IIL) and pixel driving circuits (PC) disposed on the buffer layer (111), organic insulating layers (OIL) disposed on the pixel driving circuits (PC), and an encapsulating layer (300).

[0181] The second groove patterns (Gi) may be defined by at least one insulating layer. The insulating layer may include an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, the second groove patterns (Gi) may be defined by an encapsulating layer (300). For example, the second groove patterns (Gi) may be openings (or grooves) defined by removing a portion of the encapsulating layer (300).

[0182] In another embodiment, the second groove patterns (Gi) may be defined by the encapsulating layer (300) and the organic insulating layer (OIL). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9c, the second groove patterns (Gi) may be formed by overlapping openings defined in the encapsulating layer (300), openings defined in the third organic insulating layer (140), openings defined in the second organic insulating layer (130), openings defined in the first organic insulating layer (120), and openings (or grooves) defined in the fourth organic insulating layer (150). Alternatively, the second groove patterns (Gi) may be formed by overlapping openings defined in the encapsulating layer (300), openings defined in the third organic insulating layer (140), and openings (or grooves) defined in the second organic insulating layer (130). Alternatively, the second groove patterns (Gi) may be formed by overlapping openings defined in the sealing layer (300) and openings (or grooves) defined in the third organic insulating layer (140).

[0183] In another embodiment, the second groove patterns (Gi) may be defined by the encapsulation layer (300), the organic insulating layer (OIL), and the substrate (100). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9d, the second groove pattern (Gi) may be formed by overlapping openings defined in the encapsulation layer (300), openings defined in the organic insulating layer (OIL), and openings (or grooves) defined in the substrate (100).

[0184] The second groove pattern (Gi) may have a second length (l2) in a direction parallel to the edge of the first island portion (11). The second length (l2) may be about 1.8 μm to about 2 μm.

[0185] The second groove pattern (Gi) may have a second pattern width (wi) in a direction perpendicular to the edge of the first island portion (11). When the second area (2A) in which the second groove pattern (Gi) is arranged has a fourth width (w4) in a direction perpendicular to the edge of the first island portion (11), the second pattern width (wi) may be smaller than or substantially equal to the fourth width (w4). Accordingly, the second groove pattern (Gi) may be arranged in the second area (2A) and may not overlap the first area (1A).

[0186] On the plan view, the edge of the upper surface of the first island portion (11) may have a zigzag-shaped unevenness in an area adjacent to the first bridge portion (12). The second groove patterns (Gi) may disperse stress concentrated in an area where the first island portion (11) and the first bridge portion (12) are connected when the first bridge portion (12) is deformed.

[0187] FIG. 10a is a plan view schematically illustrating an excerpt of one first bridge portion and an area adjacent to the bridge portion included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 10b to 10d are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating the first bridge portion according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0188] Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the first bridge portion (12) may include two round portions (RP), two connecting portions (CP), and a straight portion (SP) between the round portions (RP). Each of the connecting portions (CP) may be positioned between the round portion (RP) and the first island portion (11).

[0189] Each of the two round portions (RP) may have an inner edge (IE) and an outer edge (OE). The inner edge (IE) may extend along an arc of an imaginary circle having a first radius. The outer edge (OE) may extend along an arc of an imaginary circle having a second radius greater than the first radius.

[0190] The first bridge portion (12) may include a third region (3A) and a fourth region (4A). The third region (3A) is defined as an region where the first wiring portion (WL1), the second wiring portion (WL2), and the third wiring portion (WL3) are arranged, and the fourth regions (4A) may be defined as regions between the third region (3A) and the two edges of the first bridge portion (12). For example, two fourth regions (4A) may be arranged with the third region (3A) in between.

[0191] In the fourth region (4A) of the first bridge portion (12), open groove patterns may be arranged along both edges of the first bridge portion (12) toward the upper surface of the first bridge portion (12). The groove patterns may include first groove patterns (Gb1) arranged along the inner edge (IE) of each of the round portions (RP), and third groove patterns (Gb2) arranged along the outer edge (OE) of each of the round portions (RP), the edge of the connection portion (CP), and both edges of the straight portion (SP). In a plan view (e.g., when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the substrate or in the z direction), the first groove patterns (Gb1) and the third groove patterns (Gb2) may have a rectangular shape in which one side is open by contacting one of the edges of the first bridge portion (12). In other embodiments, the first groove patterns (Gb1) and the third groove patterns (Gb2) may each have various shapes, such as a polygonal shape, a semicircular shape, an irregular shape, etc.

[0192] The third groove patterns (Gb2) may be defined by at least one insulating layer. The insulating layer may include an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material. The first bridge portion (12) may include a substrate (100), a fourth organic insulating layer (150), a first organic insulating layer (120), a second organic insulating layer (130), and a third organic insulating layer (140) sequentially laminated on the substrate (100). In one embodiment, the first groove patterns (Gb1) and the third groove patterns (Gb2) may be defined by one or more of the fourth organic insulating layer (150), the first organic insulating layer (120), the second organic insulating layer (130), and the third organic insulating layer (140).

[0193] In one embodiment, the first groove patterns (Gb1) and the third groove patterns (Gb2) may be defined by the third organic insulating layer (140), as illustrated in FIG. 10b. For example, the first groove patterns (Gb1) and the third groove patterns (Gb2) may be openings (or grooves) defined by removing a portion of the third organic insulating layer (140).

[0194] In another embodiment, the first groove patterns (Gb1) and the third groove patterns (Gb2) may be defined by overlapping openings defined in the third organic insulating layer (140) and openings (or grooves) defined in organic insulating layers under the third organic insulating layer (140). In other words, the first groove patterns (Gb1) and the third groove patterns (Gb2) may be defined by a plurality of organic insulating layers. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10c, the first groove patterns (Gb1) and the third groove patterns (Gb2) may be formed by overlapping openings defined in the third organic insulating layer (140), openings defined in the second organic insulating layer (130), and openings (or grooves) defined in the first organic insulating layer (120). Alternatively, the first groove patterns (Gb1) and the third groove patterns (Gb2) may be formed by overlapping openings defined in the third organic insulating layer (140) and openings (or grooves) defined in the second organic insulating layer (130). Alternatively, the first groove patterns (Gb1) and the third groove patterns (Gb2) may be formed by overlapping openings defined in the third organic insulating layer (140), openings defined in the second organic insulating layer (130), openings defined in the first organic insulating layer (120), and openings (or grooves) defined in the fourth organic insulating layer (150).

[0195] In another embodiment, the first groove patterns (Gb1) and the third groove patterns (Gb2) may be defined by a plurality of organic insulating layers and the substrate (100). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10d, the first groove patterns (Gb1) and the third groove patterns (Gb2) may extend from the upper surface of the second organic insulating layer (130) to the lower surface of the first base layer (101) and may be defined by openings penetrating the first bridge portion (12).

[0196] The first groove pattern (Gb1) may have a first pattern width (wb1) in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first bridge portion (12), and the third groove pattern (Gb2) may have a third pattern width (wb2) in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first bridge portion (12). When the fourth area (4A) corresponding to the first groove pattern (Gb1) has a first width (w1) in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first bridge portion (12), the first pattern width (wb1) may be smaller than or substantially equal to the first width (w1). When the fourth area (4A) corresponding to the third groove pattern (Gb2) has a second width (w2) in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first bridge portion (12), the third pattern width (wb2) may be smaller than or substantially equal to the second width (w2). Accordingly, the first groove pattern (Gb1) and the third groove pattern (Gb2) are arranged in the fourth region (4A) and may not overlap with the third region (3A).

[0197] On the plan view, the edge of the upper surface of the first bridge portion (12) may have a zigzag-shaped unevenness. The first groove patterns (Gb1) and the third groove patterns (Gb2) can disperse stress concentrated on a part of the first bridge portion (12) when the first bridge portion (12) contracts or elongates.

[0198] In one embodiment, second groove patterns (Gi) that are open toward the upper surface of the first island portion (11) may be arranged adjacent to the first bridge portion (12) in the second area (2A) of the first island portion (11). In other embodiments, the second groove patterns (Gi) may have various shapes, such as a polygonal shape, a semicircular shape, or an irregular shape. In another embodiment, the second groove patterns (Gi) may be omitted.

[0199] Each of FIGS. 11A to 11C is a schematic plan view showing an excerpt of one first bridge portion and an area adjacent to the bridge portion included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0200] Referring to FIGS. 11a to 11c, the first bridge portion (12) may include two round portions (RP), two connecting portions (CP), and a straight portion (SP) between the round portions (RP). Each of the connecting portions (CP) may be positioned between the round portion (RP) and the first island portion (11).

[0201] Each of the two round portions (RP) may have an inner edge (IE) and an outer edge (OE). The inner edge (IE) may extend along an arc of an imaginary circle having a first radius. The outer edge (OE) may extend along an arc of an imaginary circle having a second radius greater than the first radius.

[0202] The first bridge portion (12) may include a third region (3A) and a fourth region (4A). The third region (3A) is defined as an region where the first wiring portion (WL1), the second wiring portion (WL2), and the third wiring portion (WL3) are arranged, and the fourth regions (4A) may be defined as regions between the third region (3A) and the opposing edges of the first bridge portion (12). For example, two fourth regions (4A) may be arranged with the third region (3A) in between.

[0203] In the fourth region (4A) of the first bridge portion (12), groove patterns open toward the upper surface of the first bridge portion (12) may be arranged along the facing edges of the first bridge portion (12). The groove patterns may include first groove patterns (Gb1) arranged along the inner edge (IE) of each of the round portions (RP), and third groove patterns (Gb2) arranged along the outer edge (OE) of each of the round portions (RP), the edge of the connecting portion (CP), and the facing edges of the straight portion (SP).

[0204] In one embodiment, in the second region (2A) of the first island portion (11), second groove patterns (Gi) open toward the upper surface of the first island portion (11) may be arranged adjacent to the first bridge portion (12).

[0205] As illustrated in FIG. 11a or FIG. 11c, each of the first groove patterns (Gb1) and the third groove patterns (Gb2) may have a first length (l1) in the extension direction of the first bridge portion (12), or a third length (l3) shorter than the first length (l1). The second groove pattern (Gi) may have a second length (l2) or a fourth length (l4) shorter than the second length (l2) in a direction parallel to the edge of the first island portion (11). In one embodiment, the first length (l1) may be about 3 μm to about 3.5 μm, and the third length (l3) may be about 1.4 μm to about 1.8 μm. The second length (l2) may be about 1.8 ㎛ to about 2 ㎛, and the fourth length (l4) may be about 1.3 ㎛ to about 1.7 ㎛.

[0206] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11a, the first groove patterns (Gb1) and the third groove patterns (Gb2) may have a third length (l3), and the second groove patterns (Gi) may have a fourth length (l4). In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11b, the first groove patterns (Gb1) and the third groove patterns (Gb2) may have a first length (l1), and the second groove patterns (Gi) may have a fourth length (l4). In yet another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11c, the first groove pattern (Gb1) may have a third length (l3), the third groove pattern (Gb2) may have a first length (l1), and the second groove patterns (Gi) may have a fourth length (l4). In addition to these, various combinations may be possible.

[0207] By changing the lengths of the first groove patterns (Gb1), the second groove patterns (Gi), and the third groove patterns (Gb2), the stress applied to each area can be effectively distributed.

[0208] FIGS. 12A to 12F are schematic plan views illustrating a portion of a first bridge section according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0209] Referring to FIGS. 12A to 12F, the first groove pattern (Gb1) in the plan view may have various shapes, such as a polygon, a semicircle, or an irregular shape. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 12A, the first groove pattern (Gb1) in the plan view may have a rectangular shape with one side in contact with the edge of the first bridge portion (12) and one side open. The first groove pattern (Gb1) may have a constant width in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first bridge portion (12).

[0210] Fig. 12b illustrates first groove patterns (Gb1) having rounded edges toward the center of the first bridge portion (12). The first groove pattern (Gb1) may have a segmented ellipse shape or a square shape with a rounded center side of the first bridge portion (12). Since the first groove pattern (Gb1) has a rounded edge shape, stability may be improved when the first bridge portion (12) is deformed.

[0211] Fig. 12c illustrates first groove patterns (Gb1) having a triangular shape in which one vertex faces the center of the first bridge portion (12) and the opposite side of the vertex touches the edge of the first bridge portion (12). Fig. 12d illustrates first groove patterns (Gb1) having a trapezoidal shape in which the longer side of the parallel opposite sides touches the edge of the first bridge portion (12) and the shorter side faces the center of the first bridge portion (12). As illustrated in Figs. 12c and 12d, when the width (length) of the first groove pattern (Gb1) in the extension direction of the first bridge portion (12) becomes wider as it approaches the edge of the first bridge portion (12), the shrinkage of the round portion (RP) can be facilitated.

[0212] Fig. 12e illustrates first groove patterns (Gb1) having rounded edges in the edge direction of the first bridge portion (12). The first groove pattern (Gb1) may have a segmented ellipse or a square shape with a rounded edge side of the first bridge portion (12). Fig. 12f illustrates first groove patterns (Gb1) having a triangular shape with one vertex facing the edge of the first bridge portion (12) and the opposite side of the vertex facing the center of the first bridge portion (12). As illustrated in Figs. 12e and 12f, when the width (length) of the first groove pattern (Gb1) in the extension direction of the first bridge portion (12) becomes narrower as it approaches the edge of the first bridge portion (12), the elongation of the round portion (RP) can be facilitated.

[0213] Although FIGS. 12a to 12f illustrate only the first groove pattern (Gb1), the shape of the first groove pattern (Gb1) can be applied identically or similarly to the second groove pattern (Gi, see FIG. 9a) and / or the third groove pattern (Gb2, see FIG. 10a).

[0214] FIG. 13a is a plan view schematically illustrating an excerpt of one first bridge portion and an area adjacent to the bridge portion included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 13b to 13c are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating the first bridge portion according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0215] Referring to FIGS. 13a to 13c, the first bridge portion (12) may include two round portions (RP), two connecting portions (CP), and a straight portion (SP) between the round portions (RP). Each of the connecting portions (CP) may be positioned between the round portion (RP) and the first island portion (11).

[0216] Each of the two round portions (RP) may have an inner edge (IE) and an outer edge (OE). The inner edge (IE) may extend along an arc of an imaginary circle having a first radius. The outer edge (OE) may extend along an arc of an imaginary circle having a second radius greater than the first radius.

[0217] The first bridge portion (12) may include a third region (3A) and a fourth region (4A). The third region (3A) is defined as an region where the first wiring portion (WL1), the second wiring portion (WL2), and the third wiring portion (WL3) are arranged, and the fourth regions (4A) may be defined as regions between the third region (3A) and the opposing edges of the first bridge portion (12). For example, two fourth regions (4A) may be arranged with the third region (3A) in between.

[0218] In the fourth region (4A) of the first bridge portion (12), first groove patterns (Gb1) that are open in the direction of the upper surface (+z direction surface) of the first bridge portion (12) along the inner edge (IE) of each of the round portions (RP) can be arranged. In a plan view, the first groove patterns (Gb1) can have various shapes, such as a polygonal shape, a semicircular shape, and an irregular shape.

[0219] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 13B, the fourth groove pattern (Gw) may be defined by the third wiring portion (WL3). For example, the fourth groove patterns (Gw) may be openings defined by removing a portion of the third wiring portion (WL3). In a plan view, the fourth groove patterns (Gw) may have a shape in which one side is open by contacting the edge of the third wiring portion (WL3). The fourth groove patterns (Gw) may have various shapes, such as a polygonal shape such as a square or a triangle, a semicircular shape, or an irregular shape.

[0220] In one embodiment, fourth groove patterns (Gw) may be defined in at least one of the wirings included in the first wiring portion (WL1), the second wiring portion (WL2), and the third wiring portion (WL3). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13c, fourth-first groove patterns (Gw1) may be defined by the third wiring portion (WL3), and fourth-second groove patterns (Gw2) may be defined by the second wiring portion (WL2). In another embodiment, fourth-third groove patterns may be defined in the first wiring portion (WL1).

[0221] The fourth groove patterns (Gw) can be arranged on relatively wide wiring. For example, the fourth groove patterns (Gw) can be arranged on voltage lines for providing voltage (e.g., driving voltage lines, initialization voltage lines, etc.). Narrow wiring (e.g., signal lines such as gate lines and data lines) can have sufficient elongation even without the fourth groove patterns (Gw) being arranged.

[0222] On the plan view, the edges of the wiring portion defining the fourth groove patterns (Gw) may have a zigzag-shaped protrusion. Although Fig. 13a illustrates that the facing edges of the third wiring portion (WL3) have protrusions, the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the fourth groove patterns (Gw) may be arranged along one edge of the wiring portion. In this case, only one edge of the wiring portion may have a zigzag-shaped protrusion. The fourth groove patterns (Gw) may distribute stress concentrated on a portion of the wiring when the first bridge portion (12) contracts or elongates.

[0223] FIGS. 14a and 14b are plan views each showing an excerpt of one first bridge portion and an area adjacent to the bridge portion included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0224] Referring to FIGS. 14a and 14b, the display device may include one or more of a first groove pattern (Gb1), a second groove pattern (Gi), a third groove pattern (Gb2), and a fourth groove pattern (Gw).

[0225] The display device may include a first island portion (11) and a first bridge portion (12). The first bridge portion (12) may include two round portions (RP), two connecting portions (CP), and a straight portion (SP) between the round portions (RP). Each of the connecting portions (CP) may be positioned between the round portion (RP) and the first island portion (11).

[0226] The first bridge portion (12) may include a third region (3A) and fourth regions (4A) arranged on opposite sides of the third region (3A). In the fourth region (4A) of the first bridge portion (12), first groove patterns (Gb1) that are open in the direction of the upper surface (+z direction surface) of the first bridge portion (12) along the inner edge (IE) of each of the round portions (RP) may be arranged.

[0227] As illustrated in Fig. 14a, second groove patterns (Gi) that are open in the upper surface (+z direction surface) direction of the first island portion (11) may be arranged adjacent to the first bridge portion (12) in the first island portion (11). The second groove patterns (Gi) may be arranged along the edge of the first island portion (11).

[0228] A third wiring section (WL3) is arranged in the third area (3A) of the first island section (11), and a fourth groove pattern (Gw) can be defined by the third wiring section (WL3). On the plan view, the edge of the third wiring section (WL3) can have a zigzag-shaped unevenness.

[0229] As illustrated in Fig. 14b, in the fourth region (4A) of the first bridge portion (12), first groove patterns (Gb1) and third groove patterns (Gb2) open toward the upper surface of the first bridge portion (12) may be further arranged along the outer edge (OE) of each of the round portions (RP), the edge of the connecting portion (CP), and the opposite edges of the straight portion (SP). Each of the first groove patterns (Gb1) and the third groove patterns (Gb2) may be a wide pattern having a first length (l1) in the extension direction of the first bridge portion (12), or a narrow pattern having a third length (l3). The length (width) of the first bridge portion (12) of the first groove patterns (Gb1) in the extension direction may be the same as or different from the length (width) of the first bridge portion (12) of the third groove patterns (Gb2) in the extension direction. The second groove patterns (Gi) may be a wide pattern having a second length (l2) in a direction parallel to the edge of the first island portion (11), or a narrow pattern having a fourth length (l4).

[0230] In another embodiment, the second groove patterns (Gi) may be omitted, and only the first groove patterns (Gb1) and the third groove patterns (Gb2) may be arranged along the facing edges of the first bridge portion (12).

[0231] As described above, the elongation of the first island portion (11) and the first bridge portion (12) can be adjusted by changing the length, depth, planar shape, etc. of the first groove pattern (Gb1), the second groove pattern (Gi), the third groove pattern (Gb2), and the fourth groove pattern (Gw), or by omitting some of the first groove pattern (Gb1), the second groove pattern (Gi), the third groove pattern (Gb2), and the fourth groove pattern (Gw). Depending on the shape and elongation direction of the display device, stress may be concentrated in some areas of the display device. According to the embodiments described above, the stress can be distributed by forming the first groove pattern (Gb1), the second groove pattern (Gi), the third groove pattern (Gb2), and / or the fourth groove pattern (Gw) so that the elongation of the area where stress is concentrated is higher than the elongation of the surrounding areas.

[0232] FIGS. 15A to 15E are schematic plan views illustrating a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0233] Referring to FIGS. 15A to 15E, the display device (1) may include a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA) outside the display area (DA). The display area (DA) may be an area including a plurality of pixels. The non-display area (NDA) is an area where pixels are not arranged and may entirely surround the display area (DA).

[0234] As described with reference to FIG. 4, the display area (DA) and the non-display area (NDA) may include islands and bridges connecting the islands that are spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., the x direction or the -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., the y direction or the -y direction). For example, the display area (DA) may include first islands (11) on which pixel driving circuits and display elements are arranged, and first bridges (12) connecting the neighboring first islands (11). The non-display area (NDA) may include second islands (21) on which gate driving circuits and / or data driving circuits are arranged, and second bridges (22) connecting the neighboring second islands (21). The shape of the second island portion (21) and the second bridge portion (22) may be substantially the same as the shape of the first island portion (11) and the first bridge portion (12) described above, but their size and area may be different. The second island portion (21) and the second bridge portion (22) may include groove patterns that are the same as or similar to the groove patterns described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 14B.

[0235] The display device (1) may have different elongation rates for each region. For example, the elongation rate of the display region (DA) may be equal to or greater than the elongation rate of the non-display region (NDA). The elongation rate of each region may be controlled by groove patterns. The groove patterns arranged in regions with different elongation rates may have different shapes. Here, the groove patterns having different shapes may mean that at least one of the types, widths, lengths, depths, and planar shapes of the groove patterns is different.

[0236] For example, a region with a relatively high elongation may have a large number of groove patterns per unit area, or the groove patterns may be long. Alternatively, a region with a relatively high elongation may include all of the first groove pattern (Gb1), the second groove pattern (Gi), the third groove pattern (Gb2), and the fourth groove pattern (Gw), and a region with a relatively low elongation may omit some of the first groove pattern (Gb1), the second groove pattern (Gi), the third groove pattern (Gb2), and the fourth groove pattern (Gw). A region with a low elongation may not include any groove patterns.

[0237] As illustrated in FIG. 15A, the display device (1) may include a low-elongation region (LR) having a relatively low elongation compared to surrounding regions. In one embodiment, the low-elongation region (LR) may be positioned along the boundary between the non-display area (NDA) and the display area (DA).

[0238] As described with reference to FIG. 4, the non-display area (NDA) may include a first sub-non-display area (SNDA1) in which the second island portions (21) and the second bridge portions (22) described above are arranged, and a second sub-non-display area (SNDA2) between the first sub-non-display area (SNDA1) and the display area (DA). The low-elongation area (LR) may be an area including the second sub-non-display area (SNDA2).

[0239] Third bridge portions (23) may be arranged in the second sub-non-display area (SNDA2) to connect the display area (DA) and the first sub-non-display area (SNDA1). The third bridge portions (23) may be easily disconnected due to the difference in elongation between the first sub-non-display area (SNDA1) and the display area (DA). Therefore, groove patterns may not be arranged in the third bridge portions (23) or a smaller number of groove patterns may be arranged than in the first bridge portions (12) and the second bridge portions (22).

[0240] In one embodiment, the display device (1) may include a high elongation region (HR) having a relatively high elongation compared to surrounding regions and a low elongation region (LR) having a relatively low elongation.

[0241] As described with reference to FIG. 2e, a portion of the display area (DA) may be protruded in a third direction (e.g., in the z direction or the -z direction). The protruding portion of the display area (DA) may function as a button capable of expressing a predetermined image.

[0242] Figures 15b and 15c illustrate that a hemispherical protrusion (PP) is positioned at the center of the display area (DA).

[0243] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 15b, the display area (DA) may include four high-elongation regions (HR) having an arc shape along the edge of the protrusion (PP). In another embodiment, the high-elongation regions (HR) may have a closed loop shape surrounding the protrusion (PP). In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 15c, the display area (DA) may include four high-elongation regions (HR) having a triangular shape, one vertex of which points toward the center of the protrusion (PP) and the opposite side of the vertex is parallel to the edge of the display area (DA).

[0244] The arrangement of the high-elongation regions (HR) illustrated in FIGS. 15b and 15c can effectively distribute stress concentrated in regions adjacent to the left (-x direction) edge, right (x direction) edge, upper (y direction) edge, and lower (-y direction) edge of the hemispherical protrusion (PP), respectively.

[0245] FIGS. 15D and 15E illustrate that a protrusion (PP) having a roughly hexahedral shape is arranged at the center of the display area (DA). In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 15D, the display area (DA) may include a high-elongation region (HR) having a closed circular loop shape surrounding the protrusion (PP). In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 15E, the display area (DA) may include a high-elongation region (HR) having a closed diamond shape surrounding the protrusion (PP).

[0246] The protrusion (PP) can have various shapes, including hemispherical and hexahedral. Depending on the shape of the protrusion (PP), the arrangement of the high-elongation region (HR) can also vary.

[0247] The display device (1) according to the above-described embodiments can be used in various electronic devices capable of providing images. Here, the term "electronic device" refers to a device that uses electricity and can provide a predetermined image.

[0248] FIGS. 16A to 16G are perspective views schematically illustrating embodiments of an electronic device including a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0249] Referring to FIG. 16A, a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be utilized in a wearable electronic device (3100) that can be worn on a part of a user's body. The wearable electronic device (3100) may include a body portion (3110) and a display portion (3120) provided on the body portion (3110). The display device according to embodiments of the present invention may be utilized as the display portion (3120) of the wearable electronic device (3100). As illustrated in FIG. 16A, the wearable electronic device (3100) may be transformable. In one embodiment, it may be utilized as a smart watch or a smartphone, depending on the user's selection.

[0250] FIG. 16B illustrates a medical electronic device (3200). In one embodiment, the medical electronic device (3200) may include a body portion (3210) and a light-emitting portion (3220). A display device according to embodiments of the present invention may be used as the light-emitting portion (3220) of the medical electronic device (3200). The light-emitting portion (3220) may emit light of a certain wavelength band (e.g., infrared, visible light, etc.) to the patient's body. In one embodiment, the body portion (3210) may have a stretchable fiber material, and the light-emitting portion may have a structure that can be worn on the body of a user.

[0251] FIG. 16C illustrates an educational electronic device (3300). In one embodiment, the educational electronic device may include a display unit (3320) provided within a frame (3310). The display unit (3320) may utilize a display device according to embodiments of the present invention. The display unit (3320) may provide an image such as a sea with crashing waves, a snow-covered mountain, or a volcano with flowing lava, wherein the display unit (3320) may expand in the height direction (e.g., the z direction) to reflect the height of the wave, mountain, or volcano. In some embodiments, a portion of the display unit (3320) may sequentially vary in height along the direction of flowing lava to display the movement of lava in three dimensions. The educational electronic device (3300) may include a plurality of pins (or stroke units, 3330) arranged on the back surface of the display unit (3320) so that the display unit (3320) expands in the height direction. The pins (3330) can be implemented to move along a third direction (e.g., the z direction or the -z direction) so that the image displayed on the display unit (3320) has a three-dimensional height. Fig. 16c describes an educational electronic device (3300), but its use is not limited to providing certain image information.

[0252] While the electronic devices illustrated in FIGS. 16A to 16C are described as electronic devices whose shapes can be variable, the present invention is not limited thereto. As described in the embodiments below, display devices according to embodiments of the present invention can be used in electronic devices in which a portion capable of displaying an image (e.g., a screen) is fixed.

[0253] FIG. 16D illustrates a robot (3400) as another electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The robot (3400) can recognize movement or objects using a camera unit (3440) and display a predetermined image to a user through a display unit (3420, 3430). In some embodiments, since the display devices according to one embodiment of the present invention can extend in various directions as described above, they can be assembled into a body frame having a hemispherical shape, and thus the robot (3400) can include a hemispherical display unit (3420, 3430).

[0254] FIG. 16E illustrates a vehicle display device (3500) as another electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle display device (3500) may include a cluster (3510), a center information display (CID) (3520), and / or a co-driver display. Since the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention can be extended in various directions, it may be used in the cluster (3510), the center information display (CID) (3520), and / or the co-driver display regardless of the shape of the internal frame of the vehicle.

[0255] Although FIG. 16e illustrates that the cluster (3510), the Center Information Display (CID) (3520), and / or the co-driver display are each separate, the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, two or more selected from the cluster (3510), the Center Information Display (CID) (3520), and the co-driver display may be connected as one unit.

[0256] In some embodiments, a vehicle display device (3500) may include a button (3540) capable of displaying a predetermined image. Referring to the enlarged view of FIG. 16E, the hemispherical button (3540) may include an object (3542) that provides a button usability by moving in the z-direction or -z-direction, and a display device positioned on the object (3542). In some embodiments, when the object (3542) has a three-dimensionally rounded surface, the display device may also have a three-dimensionally rounded surface.

[0257] FIG. 16F illustrates an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is an electronic device (3600) for advertising or display purposes. In some embodiments, the electronic device (3600) for advertising or display purposes may be installed on a fixed structure (3610), such as a wall or a pillar. If the structure (3610) includes a recessed surface as illustrated in FIG. 16F, the electronic device (3600) for advertising or display purposes may also be positioned along the recessed surface of the structure (3610). In some embodiments, the electronic device (3600) for advertising or display purposes may be installed on the structure (3610) using a heat shrink film or the like.

[0258] FIG. 16G illustrates an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention as a controller (3700). The controller (3700) may include an image-type button. For example, the controller (3700) may include first to third button areas (3720, 3730, 3740) in which a portion of the display unit (3710) protrudes in the z direction or protrudes in the -z direction (or is sunken in the z direction). In some embodiments, the first and third button areas (3720, 3740) may protrude in the z direction, and the second button area (3730) may protrude in the -z direction (or is sunken in the z direction).

[0259] While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A substrate including bridge regions having a meandering shape and connecting island regions and neighboring island regions; A first wiring arranged on the above bridge area; and Including a first insulating layer arranged on the first wiring; A display device, wherein the first insulating layer defines a plurality of groove patterns in the bridge area.

2. In paragraph 1, Each of the above bridge areas, Two round bowls; A straight section between the two round sections above; and A display device comprising: connecting portions between the two round portions and the island regions; 3. In paragraph 2, Each of the above two round parts includes an inner edge and an outer edge, A display device, wherein the plurality of groove patterns include first groove patterns arranged along the inner edge.

4. In paragraph 3, Further comprising a second insulating layer disposed on the above island region; A display device, wherein the second insulating layer defines a plurality of second groove patterns in the island region adjacent to the bridge region.

5. In paragraph 4, A display device, wherein the plurality of second groove patterns are arranged along the edge of the island region.

6. In paragraph 3, A display device, wherein the plurality of groove patterns further include a plurality of third groove patterns defined in the straight portions and the connecting portions.

7. In paragraph 6, A display device, wherein the plurality of third groove patterns are arranged along opposite edges of the bridge area.

8. In paragraph 6, The above plurality of first groove patterns have a first width in the extension direction of the bridge region, The above plurality of third groove patterns have a second width in the extension direction of the bridge area, A display device wherein the first width is different from the second width.

9. In paragraph 2, Each of the above two round parts includes an inner edge and an outer edge, A display device, wherein the first wiring is arranged closer to the outer edge than to the inner edge.

10. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a third insulating layer arranged under the first wiring, A display device, wherein each of the plurality of groove patterns is defined by an opening defined in the first insulating layer and an opening defined in the third insulating layer.

11. In paragraph 10, A display device, wherein each of the plurality of groove patterns is defined by an opening defined in the first insulating layer, an opening defined in the third insulating layer, and an opening defined in the substrate.

12. In paragraph 1, A display device, wherein each of the plurality of groove patterns has a width in the extension direction of the bridge region that becomes wider as it approaches the edge of the bridge region.

13. In paragraph 1, A display device, wherein each of the plurality of groove patterns has a width in the extension direction of the bridge region that becomes narrower as it approaches the edge of the bridge region.

14. In paragraph 1, A display device, wherein each of the plurality of groove patterns on the flat surface has a rounded edge.

15. In paragraph 1, A display device, wherein the edge of the first wiring has a rough surface.

16. In paragraph 15, A third insulating layer arranged under the first wiring; and Further comprising a second wiring arranged under the third insulating layer; A display device, wherein the edge of the second wiring has a rough surface.

17. In paragraph 1, A display device, wherein the first insulating layer includes an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material.

18. In a display device including a display area and a non-display area outside the display area, A substrate comprising island regions and bridge regions having a meandering shape, connecting adjacent island regions; A first wiring arranged on the above bridge area; and Including a first insulating layer arranged on the first wiring; The above first insulating layer defines a plurality of groove patterns, A display device, wherein the groove patterns arranged in one of the bridge areas among the plurality of groove patterns have a different shape from the groove patterns arranged in another of the bridge areas.

19. In paragraph 18, The above non-display area includes a first sub-non-display area and a second sub-non-display area between the first sub-non-display area and the display area, A display device, wherein the elongation of the first sub-non-display area is higher than the elongation of the second sub-non-display area.

20. In paragraph 18, A display device wherein the elongation of the display area is equal to or higher than the elongation of the non-display area.

21. In paragraph 18, The above display area includes at least one first area and a second area outside the first area, A display device wherein the elongation of the first region is higher than the elongation of the second region.

22. In paragraph 21, A display device, wherein the edge of the first wiring in the first region has a rough surface.

23. In paragraph 21, The above display area has a protrusion protruding in the thickness direction from the periphery, A display device, wherein the first region is arranged to surround at least a portion of the protrusion.

24. In paragraph 23, A display device, wherein the first region has a loop shape surrounding the protrusion.

25. In paragraph 23, A display device, wherein the first region has a triangular shape with one vertex pointing toward the center of the protrusion.

Images