Display device

Abstract

Disclosed is a display device having a display region and a non-display region, the display device comprising: a substrate; a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged on the substrate; a cover frame disposed on the substrate and made of an opaque material; and a cover layer arranged on the cover frame so as to overlap the plurality of light-emitting elements, and comprising a plurality of cover openings. The plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged at varying intervals, and the plurality of cover openings are arranged at equidistant intervals.

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] The points disclosed in the background section above are intended to promote understanding of the background of the present invention and may include information that does not constitute prior art.

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide a display device, for example, a flexible display device.

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention disclose a display device including a display area and a non-display area, comprising: a substrate; a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate; and a cover layer disposed on the substrate and including an opaque material; and a plurality of cover openings disposed in the cover frame so as to overlap the plurality of light-emitting elements; wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements are disposed at different intervals from each other, and the plurality of cover openings are disposed at equal intervals.

[0006] In the present embodiment, the plurality of cover openings may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a first center line, which is a virtual center line penetrating the center of the display area along a first direction, and a second center line, which is a virtual center line penetrating the center of the display area along a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0007] In the present embodiment, the plurality of light-emitting elements may include: a plurality of first light-emitting elements arranged linearly along the first center line; and a plurality of second light-emitting elements arranged linearly along a first line, which is an imaginary line spaced apart from the first center line in the second direction and convex in the second direction.

[0008] In this embodiment, the distance between the first center line and the first line may gradually decrease along the first direction based on the second center line.

[0009] In the present embodiment, the plurality of light-emitting elements may further include a plurality of third light-emitting elements arranged linearly along a second line, which is an imaginary line symmetrical with respect to the first line with respect to the first center line.

[0010] In this embodiment, the modulus of the cover frame may be smaller than the modulus of the substrate.

[0011] In this embodiment, on a plane, the size of each of the plurality of cover openings may be larger than the size of each of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0012] In the present embodiment, the cover layer may further include a support member that supports the cover frame from the substrate.

[0013] In this embodiment, the support portion is provided in multiple numbers, and at least one of the multiple support portions can be placed in the display area.

[0014] In the present embodiment, the cover frame may include at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyethylene (TPE), and silicone rubber.

[0015] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses a display device switchable between a first structure and a second structure extended in a first direction from the first structure, the display device comprising: a substrate; a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate; and a cover frame disposed on the substrate and comprising an opaque material, and a cover layer including a plurality of cover openings disposed in the cover frame so as to overlap the plurality of light-emitting elements; wherein, in the second structure, compared to the first structure, the spacing between the plurality of light-emitting elements is uniform.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the plurality of light-emitting elements may include: a plurality of first light-emitting elements arranged linearly along a first center line, which is an imaginary center line extending in a first direction; and, in the first structure, a plurality of second light-emitting elements arranged linearly along a first line, which is an imaginary line spaced apart from the first center line, which is the imaginary center line, in a second direction intersecting the first direction and convex in the second direction.

[0017] In the present embodiment, in the second structure, the curvature of the first line can be reduced compared to the first structure.

[0018] In the present embodiment, in the second structure, compared to the first structure, the gap between the first center line and the first line can be reduced.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the plurality of light-emitting elements may further include a plurality of third light-emitting elements arranged linearly along a second line, which is an imaginary line symmetrical with respect to the first line with respect to the first center line.

[0020] In this embodiment, the modulus of the cover frame may be smaller than the modulus of the substrate.

[0021] In this embodiment, on a plane, the size of each of the plurality of cover openings may be larger than the size of each of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0022] In the present embodiment, the cover layer may further include a support member that supports the cover frame from the substrate.

[0023] In this embodiment, the support members may be provided in multiple numbers spaced apart from each other.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the cover frame may include at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyethylene (TPE), and silicone rubber.

[0025] Other aspects, features and advantages other than those described above will become apparent from the following drawings, claims and detailed description of the invention.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a display device with improved visibility and durability can be provided.

[0027] These effects are exemplary and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the above-described effects.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figures 2a and 2b are perspective views showing the display device of Figure 1 extended in the first direction.

[0030] Figure 2c is a perspective view showing the display device of Figure 1 extended in the second direction.

[0031] Figure 2d is a perspective view showing the display device of Figure 1 extended in the first direction and the second direction.

[0032] Figure 2e is a perspective view showing the display device of Figure 1 extended in the third direction.

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 4A is a schematic plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 5A is a schematic plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 5b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIGS. 7A to 7C are equivalent circuit diagrams of subpixels of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0040] FIG. 8a is a schematic plan view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 8b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIGS. 9A to 9G are perspective views schematically illustrating embodiments of an electronic device including a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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 reference numerals and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0045] 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.

[0046] In the examples below, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] In the following examples, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to three axes on an 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 may also refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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).

[0058] 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.

[0059] Figure 3 is a plan view schematically showing a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] 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) arranged on both sides of the display area (DA). 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. 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).

[0061] The data drive circuit (DDC) may be disposed in a third non-display area (NDA3) and / or a 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 drive circuit (DDC) is disposed in the fourth non-display area (NDA4). In another embodiment, the data drive circuit (DDC) may be disposed in each of the third non-display area (NDA3) and the fourth non-display area (NDA4).

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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).

[0064] FIG. 4a is a schematic plan view of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Specifically, FIG. 4a is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 3, and FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view along line Ⅳ-Ⅳ' of FIG. 4a.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the display device (1) may include a substrate (100), a circuit element layer (110), a light emitting element (LED), a bank layer (120), a cover layer (130), and an encapsulation layer (300).

[0067] The substrate (100) 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. In one embodiment, the substrate (100) may be a single layer including the aforementioned polymer resin. In another embodiment, the substrate (100) may be a multilayer structure including a base layer including the aforementioned polymer resin and a barrier layer including an inorganic insulating material. The substrate (100) including the polymer resin may have flexible, rollable, and / or bendable properties.

[0068] A circuit element layer (110) may be disposed on a substrate (100). The circuit element layer (110) may include a pixel driver circuit unit (PC). The pixel driver circuit unit (PC) may include a thin film transistor and a storage capacitor. Layers forming the thin film transistor and the storage capacitor, such as a semiconductor layer and electrode layers, may be disposed with an insulating layer therebetween. A plurality of pixel driver circuit units (PC) may be provided. The plurality of pixel driver circuit units (PC) may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. For example, the pixel driver circuit unit (PC) may include a first pixel driver circuit unit (PC1), a second pixel driver circuit unit (PC2), and a third pixel driver circuit unit (PC3) that are disposed to be spaced apart from each other.

[0069] The bank layer (120) may be disposed on the circuit element layer (110). The bank layer (120) may be formed of an organic or inorganic material. When the bank layer (120) is formed of an organic material, the bank layer (120) may be formed of one or more organic insulating materials selected from the group consisting of polyimide, polyamide, an acrylic resin layer, benzocyclobutene, and a phenol resin layer. When the bank layer (120) is formed of an inorganic material, the bank layer (120) may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers including silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), and / or silicon oxynitride (SiON).

[0070] A light-emitting element (LED) is arranged on a circuit element layer (110) and may be electrically connected to a pixel driver circuit (PC). The light-emitting element (LED) may include a plurality of sub light-emitting elements (LEDs). For example, the light-emitting element (LED) may include a first sub light-emitting element (LEDs1), a second sub light-emitting element (LEDs2), and a third sub light-emitting element (LEDs3). The first sub light-emitting element (LEDs1), the second sub light-emitting element (LEDs2), and the third sub light-emitting element (LEDs3) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The first sub light-emitting element (LEDs1) may be electrically connected to the first pixel driver circuit (PC1), the second sub light-emitting element (LEDs2) may be electrically connected to the second pixel driver circuit (PC2), and the third sub light-emitting element (LEDs3) may be electrically connected to the third pixel driver circuit (PC3).

[0071] The first sub-light-emitting element (LEDs1) may include a first pixel electrode (211), a first light-emitting layer (212), a common electrode (201), a first functional layer (202), and a second functional layer (203). The second sub-light-emitting element (LEDs2) may include a second pixel electrode (221), a second light-emitting layer (222), a common electrode (201), a first functional layer (202), and a second functional layer (203). The third sub-light-emitting element (LEDs3) may include a third pixel electrode (231), a third light-emitting layer (232), a common electrode (201), a first functional layer (202), and a second functional layer (203).

[0072] The first to third pixel electrodes (211, 221, 231) may be arranged on the circuit element layer (110) to be spaced apart from each other. The first to third pixel electrodes (211, 221, 231) 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 to third pixel electrodes (211, 221, 231) may include a reflective film 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 to third pixel electrodes (211, 221, 231) may further include a film formed of ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3 on / under the aforementioned reflective film.

[0073] The bank layer (120) may be disposed on the first to third pixel electrodes (211, 221, 231). The bank layer (120) may include a cover portion (121) and a bank opening (OP120). The cover portion (121) may cover an end portion of each of the first to third pixel electrodes (211, 221, 231). In addition, the bank opening (OP120) may expose a portion of each of the first to third pixel electrodes (211, 221, 231).

[0074] The first light-emitting layer (212) may be disposed on the first pixel electrode (211), the second light-emitting layer (222) may be disposed on the second pixel electrode (221), and the third light-emitting layer (232) may be disposed on the third pixel electrode (231). The first to third light-emitting layers (212, 222, 232) may be accommodated in the bank opening (OP120) of the bank layer (120). The first to third light-emitting layers (212, 222, 232) may include a polymer or low-molecular organic material that emits light of a predetermined color. Alternatively, the first to third light-emitting layers (212, 222, 232) may include an inorganic light-emitting material or include quantum dots. The first to third light-emitting layers (212, 222, 232) can emit light of different colors. For example, the first light-emitting layer (212) can emit red light, the second light-emitting layer (222) can emit green light, and the third light-emitting layer (232) can emit blue light.

[0075] The common electrode (201) may be disposed on the first to third light-emitting layers (212, 222, 232). The common electrode (201) may cover the bank layer (120). The common electrode (201) may be made of a conductive material having a low work function. For example, the common electrode (201) 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 common electrode (201) may further include a layer such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3 on the (semi-)transparent layer including the aforementioned material.

[0076] The first functional layer (202) may be arranged to be interposed between the first to third light-emitting layers (212, 222, 232) and the first to third pixel electrodes (211, 221, 231). The first functional layer (202) may be arranged on the bank layer (120). For example, the first functional layer (202) may include a hole transport layer (HTL) or may include a hole transport layer and a hole injection layer (HIL).

[0077] The second functional layer (203) may be arranged to be interposed between the first to third light-emitting layers (212, 222, 232) and the common electrode (201). For example, the second functional layer (203) may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and / or an electron injection layer (EIL).

[0078] On the cover portion (121) of the bank layer (120), a first functional layer (202), a second functional layer (203), and a common electrode (201) may be sequentially laminated. The first functional layer (202), the second functional layer (203), and the common electrode (201) may be common layers formed to cover the entire or substantially the entire substrate (100).

[0079] A cover layer (130) may be disposed on a substrate (100). The cover layer (130) may be disposed on a common electrode (201) of a light emitting element (LED). The cover layer (130) may include a cover frame (131), a support (132, see FIG. 5a), and a cover opening (OP130).

[0080] A specific description of the support (132, see Fig. 5a) will be provided later with reference to Figs. 5a and 5b.

[0081] The cover frame (131) may be placed on the substrate (100) so as to be spaced apart from the common electrode (201). The cover frame (131) may be formed of an opaque material. For example, the cover frame (131) may include at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyethylene (TPE), and silicone rubber.

[0082] A cover opening (OP130) may be disposed in a cover frame (131). The cover opening (OP130) may penetrate the cover frame (131). The cover opening (OP130) may overlap a light-emitting element (LED). For example, one cover opening (OP130) may overlap a first sub light-emitting element (LEDs1), a second sub light-emitting element (LEDs2), and a third sub light-emitting element (LEDs3). The light-emitting element (LED) may be exposed to the outside from the cover frame (131) through the cover opening (OP130). Light emitted from the light-emitting element (LED) may be displayed to the outside through the cover opening (OP130). Therefore, the light-emitting element (LED) may be defined as a pixel (PX).

[0083] The encapsulation layer (300) may be disposed on the substrate (100). The encapsulation layer (300) may be disposed on the cover layer (130). The encapsulation layer (300) may be supported by the cover layer (130). The encapsulation layer (300) may include at least one inorganic film and at least one organic film. For example, the encapsulation layer (300) may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer (310), an organic encapsulation layer (320), and a second inorganic encapsulation layer (330) that are sequentially laminated, but is not limited thereto and may have various configurations.

[0084] The first inorganic sealing layer (310) and the second inorganic sealing layer (330) can be formed by including one or more materials selected from the group consisting of silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, hafnium nitride, tantalum nitride, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, and silicon oxynitride.

[0085] The organic sealing layer (320) can be formed by including one or more materials selected from the group consisting of an acrylic resin layer, a methacrylic resin layer, a polyisoprene, a vinyl resin layer, an epoxy resin layer, a urethane resin layer, a cellulose resin layer, and a perylene resin layer.

[0086] Meanwhile, although FIG. 4b illustrates an example in which a sealing layer (300) is formed on a plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs), the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the display device (1) may be provided with a sealing substrate (not shown) instead of the sealing layer (300). The sealing substrate (not shown) is bonded to the substrate (100) by a sealing glass frit or a sealing member, thereby blocking external moisture, air, etc.

[0087] In this embodiment, various functional layers, such as a polarizing layer, a color filter layer, a touch screen layer, etc., may be further arranged on the upper portion of the encapsulating layer (300).

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4a, the first structure of the display device (1) can be seen. The first structure of the display device (1) may be a structure before the display device is extended.

[0089] For convenience of explanation, a virtual center line penetrating the center of the display area (DA) along a first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction) is referred to as a first center line (CL1), and a virtual center line penetrating the center of the display area (DA) along a second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction) is referred to as a second center line (CL2). Here, the second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction) may be a direction intersecting the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction). For example, the angle between the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction) and the second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction) may be a right angle or a substantially right angle.

[0090] In the first structure, an imaginary line that is spaced apart from the first center line (CL1) in a second direction (e.g., the y direction) and is convex in the second direction (e.g., the y direction) is referred to as a first line (L1). In the first structure, the distance between the first center line (CL1) and the first line (L1) may gradually decrease along the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction) with respect to the second center line (CL2). That is, in the first structure, among the distances between the first center line (CL1) and the first line (L1), the distance between the intersection of the first center line (CL1) and the second center line (CL2) and the intersection (ISP1) of the first line (L1) and the second center line (CL2) may be the longest.

[0091] In addition, in the first structure, a virtual line symmetrical with respect to the first line (L1) with respect to the first center line (CL1) is referred to as a second line (L2). That is, in the first structure, the second line (L2) may be a virtual line that is spaced apart from the first center line (CL1) in a second direction (e.g., -y direction) and is convex in the second direction (e.g., -y direction). In the first structure, the distance between the first center line (CL1) and the second line (L2) may gradually decrease along the first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) with respect to the second center line (CL2). That is, in the first structure, among the distances between the first center line (CL1) and the second line (L2), the distance between the intersection of the first center line (CL1) and the second center line (CL2) and the intersection (ISP2) of the second line (L2) and the second center line (CL2) may be the longest.

[0092] A plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs) may be provided. In the first structure, the plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs) may be arranged at different intervals. The plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs) may be arranged symmetrically or substantially symmetrically with respect to the first center line (CL1) and the second center line (CL2).

[0093] For example, the plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs) may include a plurality of first light-emitting elements (LED1), a plurality of second light-emitting elements (LED2), and a third light-emitting element (LED3). The plurality of first light-emitting elements (LED1) may be arranged linearly along the first center line (CL1), the plurality of second light-emitting elements (LED2) may be arranged linearly along the first line (L1), and the third light-emitting elements (LED3) may be arranged linearly along the second line (L2).

[0094] At least one of the plurality of first light-emitting elements (LED1), at least one of the plurality of second light-emitting elements (LED2), and at least one of the plurality of third light-emitting elements (LED3) may be arranged linearly along a second direction (e.g., a y direction and / or a -y direction). The plurality of first light-emitting elements (LED1) may be arranged linearly along the first direction (e.g., an x ​​direction and / or a -x direction), and the plurality of second light-emitting elements (LED2) and the plurality of third light-emitting elements (LED3) may be arranged in a convex curved shape with respect to the first center line (CL1). That is, the plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs) may be arranged radially.

[0095] The cover frame (131) of the cover layer (130) may be placed on a light-emitting element (LED). The cover layer (130) may have a plurality of cover openings (OP130). The plurality of cover openings (OP130) may overlap with the plurality of light-emitting elements (LED). The number of the plurality of cover openings (OP130) is provided to be equal to the number of the plurality of light-emitting elements (LED), and one cover opening (OP130) may correspond to one light-emitting element (LED).

[0096] On a plane, the size of each of the plurality of cover openings (OP130) may be larger than the size of each of the plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs). On a plane, the size of any one of the plurality of cover openings (OP130) may be larger than the sum of the sizes of the first sub-light-emitting element (LEDs1), the second sub-light-emitting element (LEDs2), and the third sub-light-emitting element (LEDs3) of the corresponding one light-emitting element (LED). Therefore, on a plane, the cover frame (131) and the plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs) may not overlap each other.

[0097] The plurality of cover openings (OP130) may be arranged at equal intervals or substantially equal intervals. The plurality of cover openings (OP130) may be arranged in a grid pattern along a first direction (e.g., an x-direction and / or a -x-direction) and a second direction (e.g., a y-direction and / or a -y-direction). The plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs) may be arranged symmetrically or substantially symmetrically with respect to a first center line (CL1) and a second center line (CL2). The intervals between the plurality of cover openings (OP130) arranged linearly along the first direction (e.g., an x-direction and / or a -x-direction) may be equal. In addition, the intervals between the plurality of cover openings (OP130) arranged linearly along the second direction (e.g., an y-direction and / or a -y-direction) may be equal.

[0098] In this structure, since the cover opening (OP130) is defined as a pixel (PX), even if a plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs) are arranged at different intervals, a plurality of pixels (PXs) can be arranged at equal intervals or substantially equal intervals. That is, even if a plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs) are arranged radially, a plurality of pixels (PXs) can be arranged uniformly or substantially uniformly in a grid pattern.

[0099] FIG. 5a is a schematic plan view of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Specifically, FIG. 5a is an enlarged view of area B of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V' of FIG. 5a.

[0101] In FIGS. 5a and 5b, the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 4a and 4b refer to the same members, and their redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b, the display device (1) may include a substrate (100), a circuit element layer (110), a light emitting element (LED), a bank layer (120), a cover layer (130), and an encapsulation layer (300).

[0103] The substrate (100) may have flexible, rollable, and / or bendable characteristics. A circuit element layer (110) may be disposed on the substrate (100). The circuit element layer (110) may include a pixel driver circuit unit (PC). For example, the pixel driver circuit unit (PC) may include a first pixel driver circuit unit (PC1), a second pixel driver circuit unit (PC2), and a third pixel driver circuit unit (PC3) that are disposed to be spaced apart from each other. A bank layer (120) may be disposed on the circuit element layer (110).

[0104] A light-emitting element (LED) is disposed on a circuit element layer (110) and may be electrically connected to a pixel driver circuit (PC). The light-emitting element (LED) may include a plurality of sub-light-emitting elements (LEDs). For example, the light-emitting element (LED) may include a first sub-light-emitting element (LEDs1), a second sub-light-emitting element (LEDs2), and a third sub-light-emitting element (LEDs3).

[0105] The first sub-light-emitting element (LEDs1) may include a first pixel electrode (211), a first light-emitting layer (212), a common electrode (201), a first functional layer (202), and a second functional layer (203). The second sub-light-emitting element (LEDs2) may include a second pixel electrode (221), a second light-emitting layer (222), a common electrode (201), a first functional layer (202), and a second functional layer (203). The third sub-light-emitting element (LEDs3) may include a third pixel electrode (231), a third light-emitting layer (232), a common electrode (201), a first functional layer (202), and a second functional layer (203). The bank layer (120) may be disposed on the first to third pixel electrodes (211, 221, 231). The bank layer (120) may include a cover portion (121) and a bank opening (OP120).

[0106] A cover layer (130) may be disposed on a substrate (100). The cover layer (130) may be disposed on a common electrode (201) of a light emitting element (LED). The cover layer (130) may include a cover frame (131), a cover frame (131), and a cover opening (OP130).

[0107] The cover frame (131) may be placed on the substrate (100) so as to be spaced apart from the common electrode (201). The cover frame (131) may be formed of an opaque material. For example, the cover frame (131) may include at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyethylene (TPE), and silicone rubber.

[0108] The support member (132) can support the cover frame (131) from the substrate (100). For example, at least a portion of the support member (132) can be placed in a non-display area (NDA, see FIG. 3) to support the cover frame (131). One side of the support member (132) can be fixed to the common electrode (201), and the other side can be fixed to the cover frame (131). The support member (132) can be formed of the same material as the cover frame (131). For example, the support member (132) can include at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyethylene (TPE), and silicone rubber. The support member (132) and the cover frame (131) can be formed integrally.

[0109] A cover opening (OP130) may be disposed in a cover frame (131). The cover opening (OP130) may penetrate the cover frame (131). The cover opening (OP130) may overlap a light-emitting element (LED). For example, one cover opening (OP130) may overlap all of the first sub light-emitting element (LEDs1), the second sub light-emitting element (LEDs2), and the third sub light-emitting element (LEDs3). The light-emitting element (LED) may be exposed to the outside from the cover frame (131) through the cover opening (OP130). Light emitted from the light-emitting element (LED) may be displayed to the outside through the cover opening (OP130). Therefore, the light-emitting element (LED) may be defined as a pixel (PX).

[0110] The encapsulation layer (300) may be disposed on the substrate (100). The encapsulation layer (300) may be disposed on the cover layer (130). The encapsulation layer (300) may be supported by the cover layer (130). The encapsulation layer (300) may include at least one inorganic film and at least one organic film. For example, the encapsulation layer (300) may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer (310), an organic encapsulation layer (320), and a second inorganic encapsulation layer (330) that are sequentially laminated, but is not limited thereto and may have various configurations.

[0111] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Specifically, Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of area A of Fig. 3. In Fig. 6, the same reference numerals as in Fig. 4a denote the same members, and their redundant description is omitted.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6, a second structure of the display device (1) can be seen. The second structure of the display device (1) can be a structure that is extended in a first direction (e.g., in the x direction and / or the -x direction) from the first structure of the display device (1). That is, the display device (1) can be switched between the first structure illustrated in FIG. 4A and the second structure illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0114] The elongation of the substrate (100) may vary depending on the location. As the distance from the second center line (CL2) in the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction) increases, the elongation of the substrate (100) in the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction) may increase. That is, the elongation of the substrate (100) in the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction) may be the smallest at the second center line (CL2).

[0115] As the substrate (100) is elongated in a first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction), the substrate (100) may shrink in a second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction) toward the first center line (CL1). In the second structure, compared to the first structure, the distance between the first center line (CL1) and the first line (L1) may decrease. In addition, in the second structure, compared to the first structure, the distance between the first center line (CL1) and the second line (L2) may decrease. At this time, the degree of shrinkage of the substrate (100) toward the first center line (CL1) may decrease as it gets farther away from the second center line (CL2) in the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction). That is, at the second center line (CL2), the shrinkage rate in the direction toward the first center line (CL1) of the substrate (100) may be the greatest.

[0116] In the second structure, as the display device (1) is elongated in a first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction), the distance between the plurality of light emitting elements (LEDs) along the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction) may increase. In addition, in the second structure, as the display device (1) is elongated in the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction), the distance between the plurality of light emitting elements (LEDs) along the second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction) may decrease. In particular, in the second structure, as the display device (1) is elongated in the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction), the distance between the plurality of light emitting elements (LEDs) arranged adjacent to the second center line (CL2) may decrease most significantly.

[0117] Accordingly, in the second structure, the curvature of each of the first line (L1) and the second line (L2) may be reduced compared to the first structure. For example, in the second structure, the curvatures of the first line (L1) and the second line (L2) may each be 0. In this case, in the second structure, the first line (L1) and the second line (L2) may be straight or substantially straight. In the second structure, compared to the first structure, the spacing between the plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs) may be uniform or substantially uniform. In the second structure, when the curvatures of the first line (L1) and the second line (L2) are 0, the plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs) may be arranged in a grid shape along the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction) and the second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction).

[0118] The modulus of the cover frame (131) may be smaller than the modulus of the substrate (100). Therefore, the elongation at each position of the cover frame (131) may be uniform or substantially uniform compared to the substrate (100).

[0119] As the cover frame (131) is elongated in the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction), the cover frame (131) may contract in a direction toward the first center line (CL1). At this time, the degree of contraction of the cover frame (131) toward the first center line (CL1) may be uniform or substantially uniform compared to the substrate (100).

[0120] In the second structure, as the display device (1) is extended in the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction), the distance between the plurality of cover openings (OP130) along the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction) may increase. In addition, in the second structure, as the display device (1) is extended in the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction), the distance between the plurality of cover openings (OP130) along the second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction) may decrease.

[0121] However, even when switching from the first structure to the second structure, the spacing between the plurality of cover openings (OP130) may remain uniform or substantially uniform. That is, in each of the first structure and the second structure, the plurality of cover openings (OP130) may be arranged in a grid pattern along the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction) and the second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction). In the second structure, since the plurality of cover openings (OP130) are arranged at equal intervals or substantially equal intervals, the plurality of pixels (PX) may also be arranged at equal intervals or substantially equal intervals. That is, in the second structure, the plurality of pixels (PX) may be arranged uniformly or substantially uniformly in a grid pattern.

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 6, in each of the first structure and the second structure, a plurality of pixels (PX) can be uniformly arranged at equal intervals. That is, even if the display device (1) is elongated in the first direction (e.g., the x direction and / or the -x direction) and a deformation occurs in the arrangement of the plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs), the cover layer (130) can compensate for the deformation in the arrangement of the plurality of light-emitting elements (LEDs).

[0123] In addition, since the plurality of light emitting elements (LEDs) are arranged radially in the first structure, even if the spacing between the first center line (CL1), the first line (L1), and the second line (L2) in the second structure is reduced, the minimum distance between the plurality of light emitting elements (LEDs) required can be secured. Since the substrate (100) shrinks in the second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction), the phenomenon in which the distances of the plurality of light emitting elements (LEDs) in the second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction) become excessively small can be reduced. Accordingly, the stress generated in the substrate (100) and the plurality of light emitting elements (LEDs) is reduced, and the durability of the display device (1) can be improved.

[0124] Figures 7a to 7c are equivalent circuit diagrams of subpixels of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 7a, 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).

[0126] 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).

[0127] 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).

[0128] 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) in response to 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).

[0129] Although FIG. 7a 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.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 7b, 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).

[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) and a first voltage line (VDDL).

[0132] 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).

[0133] 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) 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 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).

[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) 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).

[0136] 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).

[0137] 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).

[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 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).

[0139] 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).

[0140] Referring to FIG. 7c, 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).

[0141] 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).

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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).

[0144] 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).

[0145] 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).

[0146] 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).

[0147] 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).

[0148] 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).

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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 according to the voltage drop of the first voltage line (VDDL) may be improved.

[0151] 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).

[0152] 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.

[0153] FIG. 8a is a schematic plan view of a display device (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a display device (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0154] Specifically, FIG. 8a is an enlarged view of area A of FIG. 3, and FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view along line Ⅷ-Ⅷ' of FIG. 8a.

[0155] In FIGS. 8a and 8b, the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 4a and 4b refer to the same members, and their redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0156] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the display device (1) may include a substrate (100), a circuit element layer (110), a light emitting element (LED), a bank layer (120), a cover layer (130), and an encapsulation layer (300).

[0157] The substrate (100) may have flexible, rollable, and / or bendable characteristics. A circuit element layer (110) may be disposed on the substrate (100). The circuit element layer (110) may include a pixel driver circuit unit (PC). For example, the pixel driver circuit unit (PC) may include a first pixel driver circuit unit (PC1), a second pixel driver circuit unit (PC2), and a third pixel driver circuit unit (PC3) that are disposed to be spaced apart from each other. A bank layer (120) may be disposed on the circuit element layer (110).

[0158] A light-emitting element (LED) is disposed on a circuit element layer (110) and may be electrically connected to a pixel driver circuit (PC). The light-emitting element (LED) may include a plurality of sub-light-emitting elements (LEDs). For example, the light-emitting element (LED) may include a first sub-light-emitting element (LEDs1), a second sub-light-emitting element (LEDs2), and a third sub-light-emitting element (LEDs3).

[0159] The first sub-light-emitting element (LEDs1) may include a first pixel electrode (211), a first light-emitting layer (212), a common electrode (201), a first functional layer (202), and a second functional layer (203). The second sub-light-emitting element (LEDs2) may include a second pixel electrode (221), a second light-emitting layer (222), a common electrode (201), a first functional layer (202), and a second functional layer (203). The third sub-light-emitting element (LEDs3) may include a third pixel electrode (231), a third light-emitting layer (232), a common electrode (201), a first functional layer (202), and a second functional layer (203). The bank layer (120) may be disposed on the first to third pixel electrodes (211, 221, 231). The bank layer (120) may include a cover portion (121) and a bank opening (OP120).

[0160] A cover layer (130) may be disposed on a substrate (100). The cover layer (130) may be disposed on a common electrode (201) of a light emitting element (LED). The cover layer (130) may include a cover frame (131), a cover frame (131), and a cover opening (OP130).

[0161] The cover frame (131) may be placed on the substrate (100) so as to be spaced apart from the common electrode (201). The cover frame (131) may be formed of an opaque material. For example, the cover frame (131) may include at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyethylene (TPE), and silicone rubber.

[0162] The support member (132) can support the cover frame (131) from the substrate (100). A plurality of support members (132) may be provided. The plurality of support members (132) may be spaced apart from each other. At least one of the plurality of support members (132) may be arranged in the display area (DA, see FIG. 3). The support member (132) arranged in the display area (DA, see FIG. 3) can reduce the phenomenon of the cover frame (131) sagging at the center of the display area (DA, see FIG. 3). In FIG. 8A, four support members (132) are arranged to surround the cover opening (OP130) arranged at the center of the display area (DA, see FIG. 3), but this is only one example, and the number and arrangement of the support members (132) are not limited thereto.

[0163] The support member (132) may be fixed to the common electrode (201) on one side and to the cover frame (131) on the other side. The support member (132) may be formed of the same material as the cover frame (131). For example, the support member (132) may include at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPE), thermoplastic polyethylene (TPE), and silicone rubber. The support member (132) and the cover frame (131) may be formed integrally.

[0164] A cover opening (OP130) may be disposed in a cover frame (131). The cover opening (OP130) may penetrate the cover frame (131). The cover opening (OP130) may overlap a light-emitting element (LED). For example, one cover opening (OP130) may overlap all of the first sub light-emitting element (LEDs1), the second sub light-emitting element (LEDs2), and the third sub light-emitting element (LEDs3). The light-emitting element (LED) may be exposed to the outside from the cover frame (131) through the cover opening (OP130). Light emitted from the light-emitting element (LED) may be displayed to the outside through the cover opening (OP130). Therefore, the light-emitting element (LED) may be defined as a pixel (PX).

[0165] The encapsulation layer (300) may be disposed on the substrate (100). The encapsulation layer (300) may be disposed on the cover layer (130). The encapsulation layer (300) may be supported by the cover layer (130). The encapsulation layer (300) may include at least one inorganic film and at least one organic film. For example, the encapsulation layer (300) may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer (310), an organic encapsulation layer (320), and a second inorganic encapsulation layer (330) that are sequentially laminated, but is not limited thereto and may have various configurations.

[0166] FIGS. 9A to 9G are perspective views schematically illustrating embodiments of an electronic device including a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, respectively.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 9A, 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. 9A, 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.

[0168] FIG. 9B 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 may have a structure that allows the light-emitting portion to be worn on the body of a user.

[0169] FIG. 9C 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 use a display device according to embodiments of the present invention. The display unit (3320) may provide an image such as a sea with 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 show 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. 9c describes an educational electronic device (3300), but its use is not limited to providing certain image information.

[0170] While the electronic devices illustrated in FIGS. 9A through 9C 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.

[0171] FIG. 9D 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).

[0172] FIG. 9E 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 can 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.

[0173] Although FIG. 9e 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.

[0174] 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. 9E, 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.

[0175] FIG. 9F 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. 9F, 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.

[0176] FIG. 9G 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).

[0177] 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. In a display device including a display area and a non-display area, substrate; A plurality of light-emitting elements arranged on the substrate; and A cover layer including a cover frame disposed on the substrate and including an opaque material, and a plurality of cover openings disposed in the cover frame so as to overlap the plurality of light-emitting elements; The above plurality of light emitting elements are arranged at different intervals, A display device in which the above plurality of cover openings are arranged at equal intervals.

2. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of cover openings are, A display device that is arranged symmetrically based on a first center line, which is a virtual center line that passes through the center of the display area along a first direction, and a second center line, which is a virtual center line that passes through the center of the display area along a second direction that intersects the first direction.

3. In paragraph 2, The above plurality of light-emitting elements are, A plurality of first light-emitting elements arranged linearly along the first center line; and A display device comprising a plurality of second light-emitting elements arranged linearly along a first line, which is an imaginary line spaced apart from the first center line in the second direction and convex in the second direction.

4. In paragraph 3, The distance between the first center line and the first line is A display device that gradually decreases along the first direction based on the second center line.

5. In paragraph 3, The above plurality of light-emitting elements are, A display device further comprising a plurality of third light-emitting elements arranged linearly along a second line, which is an imaginary line symmetrical with respect to the first center line.

6. In paragraph 1, A display device wherein the modulus of the cover frame is smaller than the modulus of the substrate.

7. In paragraph 1, A display device, wherein, on a plane, the size of each of the plurality of cover openings is larger than the size of each of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

8. In paragraph 1, A display device, wherein the cover layer further includes a support member that supports the cover frame from the substrate.

9. In paragraph 8, The above support member is provided in multiple pieces, A display device, wherein at least one of the plurality of supports is arranged in a display area.

10. In paragraph 1, The above cover frame, A display device comprising at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyethylene (TPE), and silicone rubber materials.

11. In a display device capable of switching between a first structure and a second structure extended in a first direction from the first structure, substrate; A plurality of light-emitting elements arranged on the substrate; and A cover layer including a cover frame disposed on the substrate and including an opaque material, and a plurality of cover openings disposed in the cover frame so as to overlap the plurality of light-emitting elements; A display device in which, in the second structure, the spacing between the plurality of light-emitting elements is uniform compared to the first structure.

12. In paragraph 11, The above plurality of light-emitting elements are, A plurality of first light-emitting elements arranged linearly along a first center line, which is an imaginary center line extending in a first direction; and A display device comprising, in the first structure, a plurality of second light-emitting elements arranged linearly along a first line, which is a virtual line convex in the second direction and spaced apart from the first center line, which is the virtual center line, in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

13. In paragraph 12, A display device in which, in the second structure, the curvature of the first line is reduced compared to the first structure.

14. In paragraph 12, A display device in which, in the second structure, the gap between the first center line and the first line is reduced compared to the first structure.

15. In paragraph 12, The above plurality of light-emitting elements are, A display device further comprising a plurality of third light-emitting elements arranged linearly along a second line, which is an imaginary line symmetrical with respect to the first center line.

16. In paragraph 11, A display device wherein the modulus of the cover frame is smaller than the modulus of the substrate.

17. In paragraph 11, A display device, wherein, on a plane, the size of each of the plurality of cover openings is larger than the size of each of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

18. In paragraph 11, A display device, wherein the cover layer further includes a support member that supports the cover frame from the substrate.

19. In paragraph 18, A display device in which the above-mentioned support members are provided in multiple units spaced apart from each other.

20. In paragraph 11, The above cover frame, A display device comprising at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyethylene (TPE), and silicone rubber materials.

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