Display device

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate; a first wiring disposed on the substrate; and a second wiring disposed on the first wiring and electrically connected to the first wiring, wherein the first wire and the second wire include an overlapping area in which the first wire and the second wire are arranged to overlap each other on a plan, and at least one of the first wire and the second wire includes an opening in the overlapping area.

Description

display device

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to the structure of a display device.

[0002] As display devices that visually display electrical signals evolve, a variety of display devices with superior characteristics, such as thinness, lightness, 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 stretchable display devices capable of transforming into various forms.

[0003] The information disclosed in the background description above is intended solely to enhance understanding of the background, and therefore, the information discussed in the background description does not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a display device capable of ensuring excellent stretchability. However, these tasks are exemplary and do not limit the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0005] One embodiment of the present invention provides a display device including: a substrate; a first wiring disposed on the substrate; and a second wiring disposed on the first wiring and electrically connected to the first wiring; wherein the first wiring and the second wiring include an overlapping area in which they are disposed to overlap each other on a plane, and at least one of the first wiring and the second wiring includes an opening in the overlapping area.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first wiring and the second wiring can be electrically connected through a plurality of sub-contact holes arranged in an area of ​​the overlapping area excluding the opening.

[0007] In one embodiment, the device further comprises a first insulating layer disposed between the first wiring and the second wiring; and a second insulating layer disposed on the second wiring; wherein the first insulating layer fills an opening of the first wiring, and the second insulating layer fills an opening of the second wiring.

[0008] In one embodiment, the plurality of sub-contact holes can penetrate the first insulating layer.

[0009] In one embodiment, the sum of the planar areas of the plurality of sub-contact holes may be constant regardless of the number of the plurality of sub-contact holes.

[0010] In one embodiment, the sum of the planar areas of the plurality of sub-contact holes may be equal to the planar area of ​​one contact hole through which the first wiring and the second wiring can be electrically connected without the opening.

[0011] In one embodiment, the opening may have an elliptical shape, a circular shape, or a rhombus shape in plan.

[0012] In one embodiment, when the opening has an elliptical shape, the opening may be formed such that the major axis of the elliptical shape is arranged along the direction in which the wiring defining the opening extends.

[0013] In one embodiment, when the opening has a rhombus shape, the opening may be formed such that the longer diagonal of the two diagonals of the rhombus shape is arranged along the direction in which the wiring defining the opening extends.

[0014] In one embodiment, the modulus of the first wiring may be greater than the modulus of the second wiring.

[0015] In one embodiment, each of the first wiring and the second wiring may have an opening in the overlapping region.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first wiring may have an opening in the overlapping area, and the second wiring may be formed integrally without an opening in the overlapping area.

[0017] In one embodiment, a plurality of pixel circuits are arranged on the substrate;

[0018] A plurality of light-emitting elements electrically connected to each of the plurality of pixel circuits; and

[0019] It may further include a bridge electrode connecting one of the plurality of light-emitting elements and one of the plurality of pixel circuits.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first wiring may be arranged on the same layer as a source electrode or a drain electrode included in the plurality of pixel circuits, and the second wiring may be arranged on the same layer as the bridge electrode.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first wiring may be electrically connected to one of the plurality of pixel circuits, and the second wiring may be a connecting wiring that electrically connects adjacent pixel circuits among the plurality of pixel circuits.

[0022] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a display device including: a substrate; a first wiring disposed on the substrate; an insulating layer disposed on the first wiring; and a second wiring disposed on the insulating layer; wherein the first wiring and the second wiring include an overlapping region in which they are disposed to overlap each other on a plane, the insulating layer includes an opening overlapping the overlapping region, and a connecting material having a different modulus from each of the first wiring and the second wiring is disposed within the opening of the insulating layer.

[0023] In one embodiment, the modulus of the connecting material may be less than the modulus of the first wiring and the modulus of the second wiring.

[0024] In one embodiment, the connecting material may comprise a liquid metal.

[0025] In one embodiment, the liquid metal may comprise a eutectic gallium-indium alloy (EGaIn) or a gallium-indium-tin alloy (Galinstan).

[0026] In one embodiment, the connecting material may be in contact with the upper surface of the first wiring and the lower surface of the second wiring, thereby electrically connecting the first wiring and the second wiring.

[0027] In one embodiment, the device may further include: a plurality of pixel circuits arranged on the substrate; a plurality of light-emitting elements electrically connected to each of the plurality of pixel circuits; and a bridge electrode connecting one of the plurality of light-emitting elements to one of the plurality of pixel circuits.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first wiring may be arranged on the same layer as a source electrode or a drain electrode included in the plurality of pixel circuits, and the second wiring may be arranged on the same layer as the bridge electrode.

[0029] In one embodiment, the first wiring may be electrically connected to one of the plurality of pixel circuits, and the second wiring may be a connecting wiring that electrically connects adjacent pixel circuits among the plurality of pixel circuits.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a display device can be provided that has relatively excellent stretchability while also relatively reducing the contact resistance of wiring that increases during stretching. The aforementioned effects are exemplary, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by these effects.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b are perspective views showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in the first direction.

[0033] Figure 2c is a perspective view showing the display device of Figure 1 extended in the second direction.

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

[0035] Figure 2e is a perspective view showing the display device of Figure 1 extended in the third direction.

[0036] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b are plan views showing a portion of a display area of ​​a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to a cross-section taken along lines Va-Va' and Vb-Vb' of FIG. 4a.

[0039] Fig. 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram schematically showing the pixel circuit and light-emitting diode of Fig. 5.

[0040] FIGS. 7A to 7E are cross-sectional views schematically showing a light emitting diode of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a portion of a display area of ​​a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to area A of FIG. 8.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to a cross-section taken along line Ⅰ-Ⅰ' of FIG. 8 and line Ⅱ-Ⅱ' of FIG. 9.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 12 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to area B of FIG. 11.

[0046] FIG. 13 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 14 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to a cross-section taken along line Ⅰ-Ⅰ' of FIG. 8 and line Ⅲ-Ⅲ' of FIG. 14.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] In the examples below, the terms first, second, etc. are not used in a limiting sense, but are used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0053] In the examples below, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0054] In the examples below, terms such as “include” or “have” mean that a feature or component described in the specification is present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0055] In the following examples, when a part such as a film, region, component, etc. is said to be on or above another part, it includes not only a case where it is directly on top of the other part, but also a case where another film, region, component, etc. is interposed in between.

[0056] 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.

[0057] In some embodiments, 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.

[0058] 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 or B” refers to the case where it is A, or B, or both A and B.

[0059] In the following examples, 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.

[0060] The x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to the three axes in the Cartesian coordinate system, but can be interpreted in a broader sense that includes them. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be orthogonal to each other, but they can also refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

[0061] 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 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.

[0062] 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 an image (e.g., a predetermined image) using light emitted from the plurality of pixels. The non-display area (NDA) may be positioned outside the display area (DA) (e.g., a periphery, or an area outside the range of the display area). The non-display area (NDA) may entirely surround the display area (DA).

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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. 2 c, 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.

[0065] The display device (1) can be stretched 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 stretched in the ±x direction and the ±y direction.

[0066] 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).

[0067] Although FIGS. 2A to 2E illustrate the display device (1) extending in the first direction, the second direction, and / or the third direction, 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.

[0068] Figure 3 is a plan view schematically showing a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 3, various components forming a display device (1) are arranged on a substrate (100). The substrate (100) may include a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA) surrounding the display area (DA) (e.g., a periphery, or an area outside the range of the display area). The display area (DA) may be covered with a protective layer to protect it from external air or moisture, etc.

[0070] Pixels (P) are arranged in the display area (DA) of the substrate (100). Each pixel (P) can display an image using light emitted from a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode. Each light-emitting diode can emit red, green, and blue light, for example. Although FIG. 3 illustrates one pixel (P), as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the display area (DA) can include an appropriate number of pixels depending on the design and size of the display device (1).

[0071] Each light emitting diode may be electrically connected to a pixel circuit, and each pixel circuit may include transistors and a storage capacitor. Each pixel circuit may be electrically connected to peripheral circuits arranged in a non-display area (NDA). The peripheral circuits arranged in the non-display area (NDA) may include a gate driving circuit (GDC) and a terminal portion (PAD).

[0072] The gate driving circuit (GDC) may include drivers for providing electrical signals to the gate electrodes of each of the transistors electrically connected to the light-emitting elements. For example, the gate driving circuit (GDC) may apply a scan signal to each of the pixel circuits corresponding to the pixels (P) via a scan line (SL). In addition, the gate driving circuit (GDC) may apply an emission control signal to each pixel circuit via an emission control line (EML).

[0073] The gate driving circuit (GDC) may include a first gate driving circuit (GDC1) and a second gate driving circuit (GDC2) arranged on both sides with the display area (DA) interposed therebetween. The second gate driving circuit (GDC2) may be positioned on the opposite side of the first gate driving circuit (GDC1) with the display area (DA) as the center, and may be approximately parallel to the first gate driving circuit (GDC1). Some of the pixel circuits may be electrically connected to the first gate driving circuit (GDC1), and the rest may be electrically connected to the second gate driving circuit (GDC2). In some embodiments, the second gate driving circuit (GDC2) may be omitted.

[0074] A terminal portion (PAD) may be placed on one side of the substrate (100). The terminal portion (PAD) is exposed and not covered by an insulating layer and is connected to a display circuit board (30). A display driver (32) may be placed on the display circuit board (30).

[0075] The display driver (32) can generate a control signal to be transmitted to the first gate driver circuit (GDC1) and the second gate driver circuit (GDC2). The display driver (32) generates a data signal, and the generated data signal can be transmitted to the pixel circuits of the pixels (P) through the fan-out wiring (FW) and the data line (DL) connected to the fan-out wiring (FW).

[0076] The display driver (32) can supply a first power voltage (VDD) to the driving voltage supply wire (W11) and can supply a second power voltage (VSS) to the common voltage supply wire (W13). The first power voltage (VDD) is applied to the pixel circuit of the pixel (P) through the driving voltage line (PL) connected to the driving voltage supply wire (W11), and the second power voltage (VSS) can be applied to the opposite electrode (or, second electrode) of the light emitting element by being connected to the common voltage supply wire (W13). The driving voltage supply wire (W11) can be provided to extend along the x-direction from the lower side of the display area (DA). The common voltage supply wire (W13) has a loop shape with one end open, so that it can partially surround the display area (DA).

[0077] FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b are plan views illustrating a portion of a display area (DA) of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the display area (DA) may include first areas (11) and a second area (12) between the first areas (11). The first area (11) may include pixels that emit different light as a type of unit pixel.

[0079] In some embodiments, FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an arrangement of pixels in a diamond pentile® in a display area (DA), wherein each of the unit pixels includes one blue pixel (Pb), one red pixel (Pr), and two green pixels (Pg). The unit pixels may be the smallest repeating unit of pixels having an array (e.g., a set or a predetermined array), and in other embodiments, the pixels may have various arrangements, such as being arranged in a stripe type, wherein each of the unit pixels may include one blue pixel (Pb), one red pixel (Pr), and one green pixel (Pg).

[0080] The first region (11) may have a rectangular shape as illustrated in Fig. 4a, or a polygonal shape on a plane, such as a hexagonal shape as illustrated in Fig. 4b. The second region (12) may be a region between the first regions (11) through which a signal line (e.g., a scan line, a data line, etc.) or a voltage line that provides a signal passes.

[0081] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display area (DA) of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to a cross-section along lines Va-Va' and Vb-Vb' of FIG. 4a, and FIG. 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram schematically showing a pixel circuit and a light-emitting diode of FIG. 5.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 5, the display device (1) may include a display layer (200), a protective layer (300), and a touch layer (400) on a substrate (100). The substrate (100) may include a stretchable material, for example, a stretchable polymer resin. In some embodiments, the substrate (100) may include an elastomer. The elastomer may include an organic elastomer, an inorganic elastomer, or a combination thereof. For example, the substrate (100) may include a silicone-based elastomer such as polydimethylsiloxane, a styrene-based elastomer, an olefin-based elastomer, polyurethane, or a mixture thereof. The substrate (100) may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure.

[0083] The display layer (200) may include a pixel circuit (PC) located in the first region (11) and a light-emitting element, such as a light-emitting diode (LED), electrically connected to the pixel circuit (PC). The pixel circuit (PC) may include a transistor. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the pixel circuit (PC) may include a first transistor (T1), a second transistor (T2), and a storage capacitor (Cst). The pixel circuit (PC) may be electrically connected to a signal line and a voltage line. The signal line may include a scan line (SL) and a data line (DL), and the voltage line may include a first voltage line (VDDL) and a second voltage line (VSSL).

[0084] The second transistor (T2) can be electrically connected to a scan line (SL) and a data line (DL). The scan line (SL) can provide a scan signal (GW) 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 scan signal (GW) input from the scan line (SL).

[0085] 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 supply voltage (VDD) supplied by the first voltage line (VDDL).

[0086] A first transistor (T1) is a driving transistor and can control a driving current flowing through a light-emitting diode (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 diode (LED) from the first voltage line (VDDL) in response to a voltage value stored in the storage capacitor (Cst). The light-emitting diode (LED) can emit light having a predetermined brightness by the driving current. A first electrode of the light-emitting diode (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).

[0087] Referring again to FIG. 5, the display layer (200) may include at least one insulating layer (IL) disposed between components (semiconductor layers, electrodes, etc.) of the pixel circuit (PC) and / or disposed between the pixel circuit (PC) and a light emitting diode (LED).

[0088] A signal line (e.g., a scan line, a data line, etc.) and / or a voltage line (e.g., a first voltage line, a second voltage line, etc.) electrically connected to a transistor of a pixel circuit (PC) may be electrically connected to a pixel circuit (PC) located in another first region (11), and in this regard, FIG. 5 illustrates a connection line (WL) located in a second region (12). The above-described connection line (WL) may correspond to a signal line (e.g., a scan line, a data line, etc.) and / or a voltage line (e.g., a first voltage line, a second voltage line, etc.).

[0089] The protective layer (300) may be disposed on a light-emitting diode (LED) and may protect the LED from external force and / or moisture penetration. The protective layer (300) may include an inorganic protective layer and / or an organic protective layer. In some embodiments, the protective layer (300) may include a structure in which an inorganic protective layer including an inorganic insulating material, an organic protective layer including an organic insulating material, and an inorganic protective layer including an inorganic insulating material are laminated.

[0090] In another embodiment, the protective layer (300) may include an organic material such as a resin, and may be a single layer including the aforementioned organic material. In some embodiments, the protective layer (300) may include a urethane epoxy acrylate. The protective layer (300) may include a photosensitive material, such as a photoresist.

[0091] The touch layer (400) may be disposed on the protective layer (300). The touch layer (400) may include touch electrodes and touch insulating layers disposed below and above the touch electrodes, respectively.

[0092] FIGS. 7A to 7E are cross-sectional views schematically showing a light emitting diode of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 7A, the light emitting diode (LED) may include an inorganic light emitting diode including an inorganic material. The light emitting diode (LED) 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 light emitting diode (LED) may be electrically connected to a first electrode pad (241) and a second electrode pad (242) respectively disposed on the same layer. The second electrode pad (242) may be a portion of the second voltage line (VSSL, FIG. 6) described above with reference to FIG. 6, or may be a conductive layer electrically connected to the second voltage line (VSSL, FIG. 6).

[0094] In some embodiments, the first semiconductor layer (231) may include a p-type semiconductor layer. The p-type semiconductor layer may be selected from semiconductor materials having a composition formula of InxAlyGa1-x-yN (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1), such as GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, AlInN, etc., and may be doped with a p-type dopant such as Mg, Zn, Ca, Sr, or Ba.

[0095] The second semiconductor layer (232) may include, for example, an n-type semiconductor layer. The n-type semiconductor layer may be selected from semiconductor materials having a composition formula of InxAlyGa1-x-yN (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1), such as GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, AlInN, etc., and may be doped with an n-type dopant such as Si, Ge, or Sn.

[0096] The intermediate layer (233) is a region where electrons and holes recombine, and as the electrons and holes recombine, they transition to a lower energy level and can generate light having a corresponding wavelength. The intermediate layer (233) can be formed by including, for example, a semiconductor material having a composition formula of InxAlyGa1-x-yN (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). In addition, it may include a quantum wire structure or a quantum dot structure.

[0097] Although Fig. 7a 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.

[0098] Although Fig. 7a illustrates that the first electrode pad (241) and the second electrode pad (242) are disposed on the same layer, the present invention is not limited thereto. Referring to Fig. 7b, the first electrode pad (241) and the second electrode pad (242) may be disposed on different layers. For example, a bank layer (230) having an opening overlapping at least a portion of the first electrode pad (241) may be disposed on the first electrode pad (241), and the second electrode pad (242) may be disposed on the upper surface of the bank layer (230). The structure of the light emitting diode (LED) illustrated in Fig. 7b is the same as that described above with reference to Fig. 7a.

[0099] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7c, the second electrode pad (242) may be arranged on both sides of the first electrode pad (241) in the cross-sectional view. The bank layer (230) may include an opening that overlaps at least a portion of the first electrode pad (241), and the second electrode pad (242) may be arranged around the opening of the bank layer (230). In some embodiments, the second electrode pad (242) may have a closed loop shape that entirely surrounds the opening of the bank layer (230) and / or the first electrode pad (241) in a plan view. The structure of the light emitting diode (LED) illustrated in FIG. 7c is the same as described above with reference to FIG. 7a.

[0100] Although FIGS. 7A to 7C illustrate that the first electrode (235) and the second electrode (238) of the light-emitting diode (LED) face the same direction (e.g., downward direction, -z direction), the present invention is not limited thereto. As illustrated in FIG. 7D, the first electrode (235) and the second electrode (238) of the light-emitting diode (LED) may face opposite directions.

[0101] The bank layer (230) includes an opening exposing at least a portion of the first electrode pad (241), and the thickness of the bank layer (230) may be substantially the same as the thickness of the light emitting diode (LED). The opening of the bank layer (230) may be filled with a filling material (FM), and the second electrode pad (242) may be disposed on the upper surface of the bank layer (230) so as to be electrically connected to (e.g., in contact with) the second electrode (238) of the light emitting diode (LED). The filling material may be an organic material having insulating properties.

[0102] Also, referring to FIG. 7E, the light emitting diode (LED) may include an organic light emitting diode including an organic material. The organic light emitting diode 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).

[0103] The edge of the first electrode (221) may be covered with a bank layer (230) including an insulating material. The bank layer (230) may include an opening (B-OP) overlapping the central portion of the first electrode (221).

[0104] 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.

[0105] The light-emitting layer (223) may include a polymer or low-molecular organic material that emits colored light (e.g., light of a set or 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).

[0106] 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.

[0107] Fig. 8 is a plan view showing a portion of a display area of ​​a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to area A of Fig. 8.

[0108] First, referring to FIG. 8, the display area (DA) may include first areas (11) and a second area (12) between the first areas (11). As described above, the first area (11) may be a type of unit pixel and may include pixels that emit different light. For example, the first area (11) may, in some embodiments, include one blue pixel, one red pixel, and two green pixels.

[0109] Each of the plurality of pixels may include a pixel circuit (PC, FIG. 6) and a light-emitting diode (LED) connected thereto. Accordingly, the first region (11) may have a plurality of pixel circuits (PC) included in each of the plurality of pixels arranged therein. At this time, the region where the plurality of pixel circuits (PC) are arranged may be referred to as a pixel circuit region (13).

[0110] The second region (12) is an area surrounding a plurality of first regions (11), and may be an area remaining in the display area (DA) excluding the first region (11). The second region (12) is an area where a plurality of pixels are not arranged, and pixel circuits or light-emitting elements may not be arranged. However, the second region (12) may be an area where connecting wires (WL, FIG. 5) connecting adjacent pixels among the plurality of pixels are arranged. The connecting wires (WL, FIG. 5) may connect adjacent pixel circuits among the plurality of pixel circuits.

[0111] Specifically, a first wiring (21) and a second wiring (22) disposed on the first wiring (21) may be disposed in the display area (DA). The first wiring (21) is a wiring disposed in the first area (11) and may be electrically connected to any one of a plurality of pixel circuits (PC, FIG. 6) in the pixel circuit area (13).

[0112] The second wiring (22) may be a wiring that is arranged in the second region (12) and electrically connects unit pixels that are arranged adjacent to each other. Specifically, one end of the second wiring (22) may be connected to a first wiring (21) arranged in one of the first regions (11), and the other end of the second wiring (22) may be connected to a first wiring (21) arranged in another first region (11) adjacent thereto. That is, the second wiring (22) may be a connecting wiring (WL, FIG. 5) described above. The second wiring (22) may correspond to a signal line (e.g., a scan line, a data line, etc.) or a voltage line (e.g., a first voltage line, a second voltage line, etc.) that provides a signal.

[0113] In one embodiment, the modulus of the first wiring (21) and the modulus of the second wiring (22) may be different. Specifically, the modulus of the first wiring (21) may be greater than the modulus of the second wiring (22). Since the second wiring (22) is composed of a material having a lower modulus than the first wiring (21), when the display device is stretched, the second wiring (22) can alleviate high stress, thereby reducing the stress of the pixel circuit area (13) including the first wiring (21) and increasing the stability of the device.

[0114] For example, the first wiring (21) may include a metal thin film made of a low-resistance metal material, and the second wiring (22) may include a metal nanostructure and an elastic polymer. The first wiring (21) may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc., and may be formed as a multilayer or single layer including the above materials. For example, the first wiring (21) may be provided as a metal thin film formed as a triple layer of a titanium (Ti) / aluminum (Al) / titanium (Ti) structure. The metal nanostructure of the second wiring (22) may include at least one of a nanoparticle (Ag nanoparticle), a silver nanoflake (Ag nanoflake), and a silver nanowire (Ag nanowire), and the elastic polymer may include at least one of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyurethane (PU), and Ecoflex. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and both the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) may be composed of a metal thin film. Alternatively, both the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) may include materials having different moduli, while including a metal nanostructure and an elastic polymer.

[0115] Next, referring to FIG. 9, the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) may extend in directions intersecting each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the first wiring (21) may extend in a first direction (e.g., x direction) and the second wiring (22) may extend in a second direction (e.g., y direction). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first wiring (21) may extend in a second direction (e.g., y direction) and the second wiring (22) may extend in the first direction (e.g., x direction).

[0116] As the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) extend in directions intersecting each other, the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) may each include an overlapping area (OA) in which they are arranged to overlap each other. In one embodiment, at least one of the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) may include an opening (OP) in the overlapping area (OA). Specifically, the first wiring (21) may include a first opening (21OP) in the overlapping area (OA), and the second wiring (22) may include a second opening (22OP) in the overlapping area (OA).

[0117] The first opening (21OP) and the second opening (22OP) can expand or contract along the direction in which the display device is extended. At this time, the first opening (21OP) and the second opening (22OP) can have an elliptical shape, a circular shape, or a diamond shape in a plan view. Specifically, when the first opening (21OP) and the second opening (22OP) have an elliptical shape, the first opening (21OP) and the second opening (22OP) can be formed so that the major axis of the elliptical shape is arranged along the direction in which the wiring defining the opening (OP) extends. For example, the first opening (21OP) can be formed so that the major axis of the ellipse is arranged along the first direction (e.g., the x direction), and the second opening (22OP) can be formed so that the major axis of the ellipse is arranged along the second direction (e.g., the y direction). In addition, when the first opening (21OP) and the second opening (22OP) have a rhombus shape, the first opening (21OP) and the second opening (22OP) may be formed so that the longer diagonal of the two diagonals of the rhombus shape is arranged along the direction in which the wiring defining the opening (OP) extends. For example, the first opening (21OP) may be formed so that the longer diagonal of the rhombus is arranged along the first direction (e.g., the x-direction), and the second opening (22OP) may be formed so that the long diagonal of the rhombus is arranged along the second direction (e.g., the y-direction). This may be to increase the stretchability at the contact portion of the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) and to reduce stress that may be received during stretching.

[0118] Meanwhile, since the second wiring (22) must apply a signal or voltage to a plurality of pixels as a connecting wiring (WL, FIG. 5), the second wiring (22) and the first wiring (21) must be electrically connected. In one embodiment, the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) can be electrically connected through a plurality of sub-contact holes (SCH) arranged in an area excluding the opening (OP) in the overlapping area (OA). The plurality of sub-contact holes (SCH) can be arranged to surround the opening (OP) in the overlapping area (OA).

[0119] The first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) may be electrically connected through two or more sub-contact holes (SCH). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, four sub-contact holes (SCH) including a first sub-contact hole (SCH1), a second sub-contact hole (SCH2), a third sub-contact hole (SCH3), and a fourth sub-contact hole (SCH4) may be arranged within the overlapping area (OA). At this time, the sum of the planar surfaces of the plurality of sub-contact holes (SCH) may be constant regardless of the number of the plurality of sub-contact holes (SCH). Specifically, the sum of the planar areas of the plurality of sub-contact holes (SCH) may be equal to the planar area of ​​one contact hole, assuming that the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) are connected by one contact hole without an opening (OP). For example, when four sub-contact holes (SCH) are arranged between the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) as shown in Fig. 9, the planar area of ​​one sub-contact hole (SCH) may have a size that is 1 / 4 the size of the area of ​​a general contact hole. In another embodiment, when two sub-contact holes (SCH) are arranged between the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22), the planar area of ​​one sub-contact hole (SCH) may have a size that is 1 / 2 the size of the area of ​​a general contact hole.

[0120] That is, the display device according to one embodiment of the present invention can secure excellent stretchability by arranging an opening (OP) in the overlapping area (OA) of each wire. In addition, by arranging a plurality of sub-contact holes (SCH) around the opening (OP), the contact resistance between the first wire (21) and the second wire (22) can be stabilized. Specifically, when the display device is stretched, the contact resistance between the first wire (21) and the second wire (22) can significantly increase. At this time, the display device according to one embodiment of the present invention can relieve stress through the opening (OP) and distribute stress by arranging a plurality of sub-contact holes (SCH), thereby reducing or preventing an increase in the contact resistance between the first wire (21) and the second wire (22).

[0121] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to a cross-section taken along line Ⅰ-Ⅰ' of FIG. 8 and line Ⅱ-Ⅱ' of FIG. 9.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 10, the substrate (100) may be a stretchable substrate that can be stretched or shrunk in a direction (e.g., a set or predetermined direction). The substrate (100) may include an insulating material such as glass, quartz, or a polymer resin. The substrate (100) may include an elastomer. The elastomer may include an organic elastomer, an inorganic elastomer, or a combination thereof. For example, the substrate (100) may include a silicone-based elastomer such as polydimethylsiloxane, a styrene-based elastomer, an olefin-based elastomer, polyurethane, or a mixture thereof. The substrate (100) may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure.

[0123] A buffer layer (111) is disposed on a substrate (100), and a pixel circuit (PC) can be disposed on the buffer layer (111). The buffer layer (111) can include an organic insulator, an inorganic insulator, or an organic-inorganic insulator, and can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure.

[0124] A thin film transistor (TFT) may include a semiconductor layer (Act), a gate electrode (GE), a source electrode (SE), and a drain electrode (DE). FIG. 10 illustrates a top gate type in which the gate electrode (GE) is disposed on the semiconductor layer (Act) with a gate insulating layer (113) therebetween, but according to another embodiment, the thin film transistor (TFT) may be a bottom gate type.

[0125] The semiconductor layer (Act) may include polysilicon. Alternatively, the semiconductor layer (Act) may include amorphous silicon, an oxide semiconductor, an organic semiconductor, etc. The gate electrode (GE) may include a metal thin film made of a low-resistance metal material. The gate electrode (GE) may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc., and may be formed as a multilayer or single layer including the above materials. For example, the gate electrode (GE) may be provided as a metal thin film formed as a triple layer of a titanium (Ti) / aluminum (Al) / titanium (Ti) structure.

[0126] The gate insulating layer (113) between the semiconductor layer (Act) and the gate electrode (GE) may include an organic insulator, an inorganic insulator, or an organic-inorganic insulator, and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure.

[0127] The source electrode (SE) and the drain electrode (DE) may be positioned on the same layer, for example, the second interlayer insulating layer (117), and may include the same material. The source electrode (SE) and the drain electrode (DE) may include a metal thin film made of a low-resistance metal material. The source electrode (SE) and the drain electrode (DE) may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc., and may be formed as a multilayer or a single layer including the above materials. For example, the source electrode (SE) and the drain electrode (DE), like the gate electrode (GE), may be provided as a metal thin film formed as a triple layer of a titanium (Ti) / aluminum (Al) / titanium (Ti) structure. The second interlayer insulating layer (117) may include an organic insulating material, an inorganic insulating material, or an organic-inorganic insulating material, and may have a single-layer or a multilayer structure.

[0128] The storage capacitor (Cst) may include a first electrode (CE1) and a second electrode (CE2) that overlap with a first interlayer insulating layer (115) therebetween. The storage capacitor (Cst) may overlap with a thin film transistor (TFT). In this regard, FIG. 10 illustrates that the gate electrode (GE) of the thin film transistor (TFT) is the first electrode (CE1) of the storage capacitor (Cst). In another embodiment, the storage capacitor (Cst) may not overlap with the thin film transistor (TFT). The storage capacitor (Cst) may be covered with a second interlayer insulating layer (117).

[0129] The first interlayer insulating layer (115) may be placed between the gate insulating layer (113) and the second interlayer insulating layer (117). The first interlayer insulating layer (115) may include an organic insulating material, an inorganic insulating material, or an organic-inorganic insulating material, and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure.

[0130] The second electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst) may include a conductive material and may be formed in a multilayer or single layer. The second electrode (CE2) may include a metal thin film made of a low-resistance metal material. The second electrode (CE2) may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc. and may be formed in a multilayer or single layer including the above materials. For example, the second electrode (CE2) may be provided as a metal thin film formed in a triple layer of a titanium (Ti) / aluminum (Al) / titanium (Ti) structure.

[0131] The first organic insulating layer (119) may be disposed on the second interlayer insulating layer (117), and the second organic insulating layer (121) may be disposed on the first organic insulating layer (119). The first organic insulating layer (119) and the second organic insulating layer (121) may each include an organic insulating material such as polyimide.

[0132] A first bridge electrode (BE1) may be disposed on a first organic insulating layer (119), and a second bridge electrode (BE2) may be disposed on a second organic insulating layer (121). The first bridge electrode (BE1) and the second bridge electrode (BE2) may electrically connect a thin film transistor (TFT) and a light emitting diode (LED). The first bridge electrode (BE1) and the second bridge electrode (BE2) may include a metal thin film made of a low-resistance metal material. The first bridge electrode (BE1) and the second bridge electrode (BE2) 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. For example, the first bridge electrode (BE1) and the second bridge electrode (BE2) may be formed of a metal thin film formed of a triple layer of titanium (Ti) / aluminum (Al) / titanium (Ti) structure.

[0133] A second voltage line (VSSL) is disposed on a second organic insulating layer (121), and a third organic insulating layer (123) may be disposed on the second organic insulating layer (121) and the second voltage line (VSSL). The third organic insulating layer (123) may include an organic insulating material such as polyimide. The second voltage line (VSSL) may be connected to a common voltage supply line (13, FIG. 3) to transmit a second power voltage (VSS, FIG. 6) to a second electrode (238). In one embodiment, the second voltage line (VSSL) may be formed of a different material from a second bridge electrode (BE2) disposed on the same layer as the connection line (WL, FIG. 5). The second voltage line (VSSL), like the second line (22), may be formed of a material having a smaller modulus than the second bridge electrode (BE2). For example, the second voltage line (VSSL) may include a metal nanostructure and an elastic polymer. However, this is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the second voltage line (VSSL) may include the same material as the second bridge electrode (BE2).

[0134] The first electrode pad (241) and the second electrode pad (242) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (123). The first electrode pad (241) may be electrically connected to a thin film transistor (TFT) through a first bridge electrode (BE1) between the first organic insulating layer (119) and the second organic insulating layer (121) and a second bridge electrode (BE2) between the second organic insulating layer (121) and the third organic insulating layer (123). The light emitting diode (LED) on the first electrode pad (241) and the second electrode pad (242) is as described above with reference to FIG. 7A. The light emitting diode (LED) may be protected by a protective layer (300), and the protective layer (300) may include an inorganic protective layer and / or an organic protective layer, or may include an organic material such as a resin. FIG. 10 illustrates that the light-emitting diode is an inorganic light-emitting diode as described with reference to FIG. 7a, but as another embodiment, the light-emitting diode may be an organic light-emitting diode as described with reference to FIG. 7e.

[0135] Next, referring to the overlapping area (OA) of the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22), a buffer layer (111), a gate insulating layer (113), a first interlayer insulating layer (115), and a second interlayer insulating layer (117) may be sequentially disposed on the substrate (100). The first wiring (21) may be disposed on the second interlayer insulating layer (117). The first wiring (21) may be disposed on the same layer as the source electrode (SE) and the drain electrode (DE), and may include the same material as the source electrode (SE) and the drain electrode (DE). For example, the first wiring (21) 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. The first wiring (21) may be provided with a metal thin film formed of a triple layer of titanium (Ti) / aluminum (Al) / titanium (Ti) structure.

[0136] A first organic insulating layer (119) may be disposed on the first wiring (21), and a second wiring (22) may be disposed on the first organic insulating layer (119). A second organic insulating layer (121) may be disposed on the second wiring (22). The second wiring (22) is disposed on the same layer as the first bridge electrode (BE1), but may include a different material from the first bridge electrode (BE1). In one embodiment, the second wiring (22) may be composed of a material having a lower modulus than the first wiring (21). Specifically, the second wiring (22) may include a metal nanostructure and an elastic polymer. The metal nanostructure may include at least one of silver nanoparticles, silver nanoflakes, and silver nanowires. The elastic polymer may include at least one of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyurethane (PU), and Ecoflex.

[0137] As described above, the first wiring (21) may include a first opening (21OP) in the overlapping area (OA). Since a first organic insulating layer (119) may be disposed on the first wiring (21), the first opening (21OP) may be filled by the first organic insulating layer (119). Similarly, the second wiring (22) may include a second opening (22OP) in the overlapping area (OA), and the second opening (22OP) may be filled by the second organic insulating layer (121).

[0138] In addition, the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) may be electrically connected through a plurality of sub-contact holes (SCH) surrounding the opening (OP, FIG. 9). In one embodiment, the plurality of sub-contact holes (SCH) may each penetrate the first organic insulating layer (119). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, when the second wiring (22) is disposed on the same layer as the second bridge electrode (BE2), the plurality of sub-contact holes (SCH) may each penetrate the first organic insulating layer (119) and the second organic insulating layer (121).

[0139] Fig. 11 is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is an enlarged plan view showing a part of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to area B of Fig. 11. Referring to Figs. 11 and 12, except for the features of the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22), other features are the same as those described in Figs. 8 to 10. The same reference numerals among the components in Figs. 11 and 12 replace those described with reference to Figs. 8 to 10, and the following description focuses on the differences.

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a first wiring (21) and a second wiring (22) disposed on the first wiring (21) may be disposed in the display area (DA). The first wiring (21) may be electrically connected to any one of a plurality of pixel circuits (PC, FIG. 6) within the pixel circuit area (13). The second wiring (22) may be a wiring that electrically connects unit pixels disposed adjacent to each other and may be a connecting wiring (WL, FIG. 5).

[0141] In one embodiment, the first wire (21) and the second wire (22) may extend in the same direction. The first wire (21) and the second wire (22) may each include an overlapping area (OA) in which they are arranged to overlap each other. In one embodiment, the first wire (21) and the second wire (22) may each include an opening (OP) in the overlapping area (OA). For example, the first wire (21) may include a first opening (21OP), and the second wire (22) may include a second opening (22OP).

[0142] As described above, the first opening (21OP) and the second opening (22OP) can expand or contract along the direction in which the display device is extended. In addition, the first opening (21OP) and the second opening (22OP) can have an elliptical shape, a circular shape, or a diamond shape in plan view. When the first wire (21) and the second wire (22) extend in the same direction as in Fig. 12, the first opening (21OP) and the second opening (22OP) can be arranged in parallel so that the long axes of the ellipses face the same direction.

[0143] Similarly, when the first opening (21OP) and the second opening (22OP) are arranged side by side, a plurality of sub-contact holes (SCH) may be arranged in the overlapping area (OA) except for the opening (OP). The plurality of sub-contact holes (SCH) may electrically connect the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22). In the overlapping area (OA), four sub-contact holes (SCH) may be arranged to surround the opening (OP) as shown in FIG. 12, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and two or more sub-contact holes (SCH) may be arranged.

[0144] Fig. 13 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 13, except for the features of the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22), other features are the same as those described in Figs. 11 and 12. The same reference numerals among the components in Fig. 13 replace those previously described with reference to Figs. 11 and 12, and the following description focuses on differences.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 13, the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) may extend in the same direction. The first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) may each include an overlapping area (OA) in which they are arranged to overlap each other. In one embodiment, only one of the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) may include an opening (OP) in the overlapping area (OA). For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the first wiring (21) includes a first opening (21OP) in the overlapping area (OA), but the second wiring (22) may not include the opening (OP). In other words, the second wiring (22) may be integrally formed on the entire surface of the overlapping area (OA) without the opening (OP).

[0146] Likewise, even when only the first wiring (21) includes an opening, a plurality of sub-contact holes (SCH) may be arranged in the overlapping area (OA) excluding the opening (OP). The plurality of sub-contact holes (SCH) may electrically connect the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22). In the overlapping area (OA), four sub-contact holes (SCH) may be arranged to surround the opening (OP) as shown in Fig. 13, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and two or more sub-contact holes (SCH) may be arranged.

[0147] As described above, the modulus of the first wiring (21) may be greater than the modulus of the second wiring (22). In other words, the second wiring (22) may be composed of a material having greater flexibility than the first wiring (21). For example, the first wiring (21) may be composed of a low-resistance metal thin film material, and the second wiring (22) may be composed of a composite material of a metal nanostructure and an elastic polymer. That is, a first opening (21OP) may be formed in the first wiring (21) having a large modulus, thereby alleviating the stress applied to the first region (11) when the wiring is elongated. On the other hand, since the second wiring (22) is composed of a material having a small modulus, excellent elongation can be secured even without an opening. In conclusion, a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure can stabilize the contact resistance between the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) while securing excellent elongation.

[0148] Fig. 14 is an enlarged plan view showing a part of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to a cross-section taken along line I-I' of Fig. 8 and line III-III' of Fig. 14. Referring to Figs. 14 and 15, except for the first wiring (21), the second wiring (22), and the connecting material (24), other features are the same as described in Figs. 8 to 10. The same reference numerals among the components of Figs. 14 and 15 replace those described with reference to Figs. 8 to 10, and the following description focuses on differences.

[0149] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, a first wiring (21) and a second wiring (22) disposed on the first wiring (21) may be disposed in the display area (DA). The first wiring (21) may be electrically connected to any one of a plurality of pixel circuits (PC, FIG. 6) within the pixel circuit area (13). The second wiring (22) may be a wiring that electrically connects unit pixels disposed adjacent to each other and may be a connecting wiring (WL, FIG. 5).

[0150] In one embodiment, the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) may be composed of the same material. Specifically, the first wiring (21) may be disposed on the same layer as the source electrode (SE) and the drain electrode (DE), and may include the same material as the source electrode (SE) and the drain electrode (DE). The second wiring (22) may be disposed on the same layer as the first bridge electrode (BE1), and may include the same material as the first bridge electrode (BE1). That is, the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) may be composed of a metal thin film including a low-resistance metal material. For example, the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) 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. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the modulus of the first wiring (21) may be greater than the modulus of the second wiring (22). For example, the first wiring (21) may be composed of a metal thin film, and the second wiring (22) may be composed of a composite material of a metal nanostructure and an elastic polymer.

[0151] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) may not include an opening (OP, FIG. 9) in the overlapping area (OA) and may not be connected through a plurality of sub-contact holes (SCH, FIG. 9). However, in a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention, a connecting material (24) may be disposed between the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22). Specifically, the first organic insulating layer (119) disposed between the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) may include an insulating layer opening (119OP) overlapping the overlapping area (OA), and the connecting material (24) may be disposed within the insulating layer opening (119OP). As the insulating layer opening (119OP) penetrates the first organic insulating layer (119), the connecting material (24) can directly contact the upper surface of the first wiring (21) and the lower surface of the second wiring (22). The first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) can be electrically connected through the connecting material (24) having conductivity instead of the contact hole.

[0152] At this time, the modulus of the connecting material (24) may be smaller than the modulus of the first wiring (21) and the modulus of the second wiring (22). In one embodiment, the connecting material (24) may include a liquid metal. For example, the connecting material (24) may include a liquid metal including a eutectic gallium-indium alloy (EGaIn) or a gallium-indium-tin alloy (Galinstan). That is, the connecting material (24) may include at least one of gallium (Ga), indium (In), or tin (Sn). In particular, in the case of the eutectic gallium-indium alloy (EGaIn), which is a eutectic alloy of gallium (Ga) and indium (In), the melting point thereof is lower than room temperature, so that it can have a low resistivity while remaining in a liquid state at room temperature.

[0153] That is, the display device according to another embodiment of the present invention can secure excellent stretchability by connecting the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) with a connecting material (24). In addition, since the connecting material (24) is composed of a liquid metal having a low modulus, the contact resistance between the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) can be stabilized. In general, when the display device is stretched, the contact resistance between the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) can increase significantly. At this time, when a liquid metal having a low modulus is disposed between the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22), the connecting material (24) can relieve stress even when the display device is stretched, so the first wiring (21) and the second wiring (22) can be stably connected, and the increase in contact resistance can also be reduced.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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). 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.

[0156] 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.) toward the patient's body. In one embodiment, the body portion (3210) may be made of a stretchable fiber material and may have a structure that can be worn on a user's body.

[0157] 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 so that the image displayed on the display unit (3320) has a three-dimensional height as they move along a third direction (e.g., the z direction or the -z direction). Although Fig. 16c describes an educational electronic device (3300), its use is not limited to providing image information (e.g., a set or predetermined image information).

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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 can display images (e.g., a set or 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).

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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. 13F, 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.

[0164] 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).

[0165] 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 variations of the 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. Substrate; A first wiring arranged on the substrate; and A second wiring is disposed on the first wiring and is electrically connected to the first wiring; The first wiring and the second wiring include an overlapping area in which they are arranged to overlap each other on a plane, A display device, wherein at least one of the first wiring or the second wiring includes an opening in the overlapping area.

2. In paragraph 1, The above first wiring and the above second wiring, A display device electrically connected through a plurality of sub-contact holes arranged in an area excluding the opening among the above overlapping areas.

3. In paragraph 2, A first insulating layer disposed between the first wiring and the second wiring; and Further comprising a second insulating layer disposed on the second wiring; The first insulating layer fills the opening of the first wiring, A display device, wherein the second insulating layer fills the opening of the second wiring.

4. In paragraph 3, A display device wherein the plurality of sub-contact holes penetrate the first insulating layer.

5. In paragraph 2, A display device in which the sum of the planar areas of the plurality of sub-contact holes is constant regardless of the number of the plurality of sub-contact holes.

6. In paragraph 2, The sum of the planar areas of the above multiple sub-contact holes is A display device, wherein the first wiring and the second wiring have the same planar area as a single contact hole through which they can be electrically connected without the opening.

7. In paragraph 1, A display device wherein the above opening has an elliptical shape, a circular shape, or a rhombus shape on a plane.

8. In paragraph 7, If the above opening has an elliptical shape, A display device in which the opening is formed such that the major axis of the elliptical shape is arranged along the direction in which the wiring defining the opening extends.

9. In paragraph 7, If the above opening has a rhombus shape, A display device in which the opening is formed such that the longer diagonal of the two diagonals of the rhombus shape is arranged along the direction in which the wiring defining the opening extends.

10. In paragraph 1, A display device wherein the modulus of the first wiring is greater than the modulus of the second wiring.

11. In paragraph 10, A display device, wherein each of the first wiring and the second wiring has an opening in the overlapping area.

12. In paragraph 10, A display device, wherein the first wiring has an opening in the overlapping area, and the second wiring is formed integrally without an opening in the overlapping area.

13. In paragraph 1, A plurality of pixel circuits arranged on the substrate; A plurality of light-emitting elements electrically connected to each of the plurality of pixel circuits; and A display device further comprising a bridge electrode connecting one of the plurality of light-emitting elements and one of the plurality of pixel circuits.

14. In paragraph 13, The above first wiring is arranged on the same layer as the source electrode or drain electrode included in the plurality of pixel circuits, A display device in which the second wiring is arranged on the same layer as the bridge electrode.

15. In paragraph 13, The above first wiring is electrically connected to one of the plurality of pixel circuits, A display device, wherein the second wiring is a connecting wiring that electrically connects adjacent pixel circuits among the plurality of pixel circuits.

16. Substrate; A first wiring arranged on the substrate; an insulating layer disposed on the first wiring; and A second wiring disposed on the insulating layer; The first wiring and the second wiring include an overlapping area in which they are arranged to overlap each other on a plane, The above insulating layer includes an opening overlapping the above overlapping region, A display device, wherein a connecting material having a different modulus from each of the first wiring and the second wiring is disposed within the opening of the insulating layer.

17. In paragraph 16, A display device wherein the modulus of the connecting material is smaller than the modulus of the first wiring and the modulus of the second wiring.

18. In paragraph 16, A display device wherein the above connecting material comprises liquid metal.

19. In paragraph 18, A display device, wherein the liquid metal comprises a eutectic gallium-indium alloy (EGaIn) or a gallium-indium-tin alloy (Galinstan).

20. In paragraph 16, The above connecting material is in contact with the upper surface of the first wiring and the lower surface of the second wiring, A display device electrically connecting the first wiring and the second wiring.

21. In paragraph 16, A plurality of pixel circuits arranged on the substrate; A plurality of light-emitting elements electrically connected to each of the plurality of pixel circuits; and A display device further comprising a bridge electrode connecting one of the plurality of light-emitting elements and one of the plurality of pixel circuits.

22. In paragraph 21, The above first wiring is arranged on the same layer as the source electrode or drain electrode included in the plurality of pixel circuits, A display device in which the second wiring is arranged on the same layer as the bridge electrode.

23. In paragraph 21, The above first wiring is electrically connected to one of the plurality of pixel circuits, A display device, wherein the second wiring is a connecting wiring that electrically connects adjacent pixel circuits among the plurality of pixel circuits.

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