Display device and electronic device comprising same

Abstract

The present invention provides a display device comprising: a substrate including island units spaced apart from each other, a bridge unit connecting the island units, and an opening defining a space between the island units; a light-emitting element disposed on the island units; and a luminance compensation layer disposed on the bridge unit and including a color conversion material in which a color change occurs in response to stress.

Description

Display device and electronic device including the same

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a flexible display device, such as a stretchable display device.

[0002] As display devices that visually display electrical signals advance, various display devices with excellent characteristics such as thinness, lightness, and low power consumption are being introduced. For example, flexible display devices that can be folded or rolled into a roll shape are being introduced. Recently, research and development on stretchable display devices that can change into various shapes is actively underway.

[0003] The information disclosed above in this background section is intended solely to enhance understanding of the background of this disclosure and may include information that does not constitute existing technology.

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a flexible display device, such as a stretchable display device.

[0005] However, these tasks are exemplary and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display device is provided comprising: a substrate including a plurality of mutually spaced island portions, a bridge portion connecting the plurality of island portions, and an opening located between the plurality of island portions; a light-emitting element disposed on each of the plurality of island portions; and a brightness compensation layer disposed on the bridge portion and comprising a color-changing material that changes color in response to stress.

[0007] In one embodiment, the color-changing material may be represented by the following chemical formula 1.

[0008] [Chemical Formula 1]

[0009]

[0010] In the above chemical formula 1,

[0011] R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and

[0012] R2 and R3 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a deuterium atom, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a substituted or unsubstituted oxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, and m and n are each independently integers from 0 to 4.

[0013] In one embodiment, the brightness of the brightness compensation layer may increase as the stress applied to the bridge portion increases.

[0014] In one embodiment, the brightness compensation layer may further include a base resin.

[0015] In one embodiment, the brightness compensation layer may be spaced apart from the plurality of island portions.

[0016] In one embodiment, at least one groove located between the plurality of island portions and the bridge portion may be further included.

[0017] In one embodiment, the brightness compensation layer may be arranged so as not to overlap with the groove.

[0018] In one embodiment, a protective layer may be further included to seal the light-emitting element on the plurality of island portions.

[0019] In one embodiment, the protective layer may overlap at least partially with the groove and be spaced apart from the brightness compensation layer.

[0020] In one embodiment, the insulating layer disposed on the bridge portion is further included, and an uneven structure may be provided on the upper surface of the insulating layer.

[0021] In one embodiment, the brightness compensation layer may be located directly on the uneven structure of the insulating layer.

[0022] In one embodiment, the bridge portion includes a first bridge and a second bridge connected to one of the island portions and extended toward different directions, respectively, and the brightness compensation layer may include a first brightness compensation layer disposed on the first bridge and a second brightness compensation layer disposed on the second bridge.

[0023] In one embodiment, the first luminance compensation layer emits a first color, and the second luminance compensation layer can emit a second color different from the first color.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first brightness compensation layer and the second brightness compensation layer can emit the same color.

[0025] In one embodiment, the luminance compensation layer may include a plurality of mutually spaced sub-luminance compensation layers.

[0026] In one embodiment, among the plurality of sub-luminance compensation layers, the first sub-luminance compensation layer and the second sub-luminance compensation layer adjacent to each other can emit light of a different color.

[0027] In one embodiment, the bridge portion has a first width, and the brightness compensation layer may have the same first width as the bridge portion.

[0028] In one embodiment, the bridge portion may have a first width, and the brightness compensation layer may have a second width smaller than the first width.

[0029] In one embodiment, the brightness compensation layer may be located in the edge region of the bridge portion positioned toward the plurality of island portions.

[0030] In one embodiment, a light-blocking layer disposed around the brightness compensation layer may be further included.

[0031] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided comprising a display device including a substrate having island portions spaced apart from each other and forming an opening between said island portions, wherein the substrate further comprises a bridge portion connecting said island portions, a light-emitting element on said island portions, and a brightness compensation layer on said bridge portion, and the color conversion material is configured to change color in response to stress.

[0032] The above electronic device may further include a wearable device, a medical device, an educational device, a robot, a vehicle device, a commercial film or exhibition device, or a controller.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a display device capable of preventing damage caused by stress concentration and capable of stretching in various directions can be provided. These effects are exemplary, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the aforementioned effects.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIGS. 2A and FIGS. 2B are perspective views showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in a first direction.

[0036] FIG. 2c is a perspective view showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in a second direction.

[0037] FIG. 2d is a perspective view showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in the first direction and the second direction.

[0038] FIG. 2e is a perspective view showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in a third direction.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIGS. 4a to 4c are plan views of portion IV of FIG. 3 enlarged as part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a first island portion and a first bridge portion disposed in the display area of ​​a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIGS. 6a to 6c are equivalent circuit diagrams of subpixels of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a light-emitting element of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a light-emitting element of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIGS. 8a to 8c are cross-sectional views schematically showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIGS. 9a to 9c are schematic plan views showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11 are schematic plan views showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIGS. 12a and FIGS. 12b are schematic plan views showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIGS. 13a to 13c are schematic plan views showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIGS. 14a and FIGS. 14b are schematic plan views showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a section taken along the line III-III' of FIG. 14b.

[0052] FIGS. 16a and FIGS. 16b are schematic plan views showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a section taken along the line IV-IV' of FIG. 16b.

[0054] FIGS. 18a to 18g are schematic perspective views illustrating embodiments of an electronic device including a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. However, the present invention may be embodied in various other forms and should not be interpreted as being limited only to the embodiments illustrated herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples to ensure that the disclosure is thorough and complete and to fully convey aspects and features of the invention to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, processes, elements, and techniques that are not necessary to those skilled in the art to fully understand aspects and features of the invention may not be described. Unless otherwise stated, throughout the accompanying drawings and written description, the same reference numerals refer to the same components, so redundant descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0056] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various forms.

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

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

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

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

[0061] In this specification, when a part such as a film, region, or component is described as being on or above another part, it includes not only cases where it is immediately above the other part, but also cases where another film, region, or component is interposed therein.

[0062] In this specification, when it is stated that a membrane, region, component, etc. is connected, it includes cases where the membrane, region, or component is directly connected, or / or cases where other membranes, regions, or components are interposed between them to form an indirect connection. For example, when it is stated that a membrane, region, or component, etc. is electrically connected in this specification, it indicates cases where the membrane, region, or component, etc. are directly electrically connected, and / or cases where other membranes, regions, or components are interposed between them to form an indirect electrical connection.

[0063] In this specification, "A and / or B" indicates the case where it is A, B, or both A and B. And, "at least one of A and B" indicates the case where it is A, B, or both A and B.

[0064] In this specification, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to three axes in an orthogonal coordinate system and may 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 may also refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

[0065] Where any embodiment in this specification can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed differently from the order described. For example, two processes described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously or proceed in the reverse order of the description.

[0066] In the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, so the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated.

[0067] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a display device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b are perspective views showing the display device (1) of FIG. 1 extended in a first direction. FIG. 2c is a perspective view showing the display device (1) of FIG. 1 extended in a second direction. FIG. 2d is a perspective view showing the display device (1) of FIG. 1 extended in the first direction and the second direction. FIG. 2e is a perspective view showing the display device (1) of FIG. 1 extended in a third direction.

[0068] 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 a plurality of pixels. The non-display area (NDA) may be placed outside the display area (DA). The non-display area (NDA) is an area where pixels are not placed and may completely surround the display area (DA).

[0069] The display device (1) can be extended or shortened in various directions. The display device (1) can be extended in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) by an external force applied by an external object or a user. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the display area (DA) and / or non-display area (NDA) of the display device (1) can be extended in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction). For example, as shown in FIG. 2a, it can be extended along the x direction and -x direction, or as shown in FIG. 2b, it can be extended along the x direction while one side of the display device (1) remains fixed.

[0070] The display device (1) can be extended 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 shown in FIG. 2c, the display area (DA) and / or non-display area (NDA) of the display device (1) can be extended in the y direction and the -y direction. In another embodiment, one side of the display device (1) can be extended in the y direction or the -y direction while remaining fixed.

[0071] The display device (1) can be extended in multiple directions, such as a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction), by an external force applied by an external object or a part of a person's body. As shown in FIG. 2d, the display area (DA) and / or non-display area (NDA) of the display device (1) can be extended in the ±x direction and ±y direction.

[0072] The display device (1) can be extended in a third direction (e.g., z direction or -z direction) by an external force applied by an external object or a part of a person's body. In one embodiment, FIG. 2e shows a part of the display device (1), such as a part of the display area (DA), protruding in the z direction. In another embodiment, a part of the display device (1), such as a part of the display area (DA), can be protruded along the -z direction (or sunken along the z direction).

[0073] FIGS. 2a to 2e illustrate a display device (1) extended in a first direction, a second direction, and / or a third direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the display device (1) may be varied into an irregular shape, such as having two or more axes, being bent or twisted.

[0074] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] A plurality of pixels may be arranged in the display area (DA) of the display device (1). Each pixel may include subpixels that emit light of different colors. A light-emitting element corresponding to each subpixel may be placed in the display area (DA). A circuit for providing electrical signals to the light-emitting elements placed in the display area (DA) and to the transistors electrically connected to the light-emitting elements may be located in the non-display area (NDA) surrounding the display area (DA). A gate driving circuit (GDC) may be placed in the first non-display area (NDA1) and the second non-display area (NDA2), respectively, which are placed 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 the placement of a gate driving circuit (GDC) in the first non-display area (NDA1) and the second non-display area (NDA2), respectively, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the gate driving circuit (GDC) may be placed in either the first non-display area (NDA1) or the second non-display area (NDA2).

[0076] The data driving circuit (DDC) may be placed 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 the data driving circuit (DDC) being placed in the fourth non-display area (NDA4). In another embodiment, the data driving circuit (DDC) may be placed in each of the third non-display area (NDA3) and the fourth non-display area (NDA4).

[0077] FIG. 3 illustrates a data driving circuit (DDC) placed in the fourth non-display area (NDA4) of a display device (1), but 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) placed in the fourth non-display area (NDA4), and a data driving circuit (DDC) may be placed on the aforementioned flexible circuit board.

[0078] In some embodiments, the elongation rate (e.g., rate of change of length or △L / L) 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 rate of the non-display area (NDA) may differ from area to 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 rate, but the elongation rate of the fourth non-display area (NDA4) may be less than the elongation rate of each of the first non-display area (NDA1), the second non-display area (NDA2), and the third non-display area (NDA3). The elongation rate may be the rate at which the length direction of the display device (1) changes in response to an external force in the same direction.

[0079] FIG. 4a is a plan view of the IV portion of FIG. 3 as a part of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 4a, the display device (1) may include first island sections (11) spaced apart from each other along a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction) in a display area (DA), and first bridge sections (12) connecting adjacent first island sections (11).

[0081] Each first island section (11) may be connected to a plurality of first bridge sections (12). For example, each first island section (11) may be connected to four first bridge sections (12). Two first bridge sections (12) may be positioned on both sides of the first island section (11) along a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction), and the remaining two first bridge sections (12) may be positioned on both sides of the first island section (11) along a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction). In one embodiment, four first bridge sections (12) may be connected to each of the four sides of the first island section (11). Each of the four first bridge sections (12) may be adjacent to each corner of the first island section (11).

[0082] The first bridge sections (12) may be spaced apart from each other by a first opening (CS1) located between the first bridge sections (12). In one embodiment, a first opening (CS1) approximately H-shaped and a first opening (CS1) approximately I-shaped, which is the aforementioned H-shaped rotated 90 degrees, may be alternately arranged along a first direction (e.g., x-direction or -x-direction) and a second direction (e.g., y-direction or -y-direction), respectively. Both ends of each first bridge section (12) are connected to each of the adjacent first island sections (11), and one side of each first bridge section (12) may be spaced apart from one side of the adjacent first island section (11) and / or one side of the other first bridge section (12) by the first opening (CS1).

[0083] The display device (1) may include second island sections (21) spaced apart from each other in a non-display area, e.g., a first non-display area (NDA1) shown in FIG. 4a, and second bridge sections (22) connecting adjacent second island sections (21).

[0084] Each second island section (21) may extend along a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction). The second island sections (21) may be spaced apart from each other along a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction) that intersects the first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction). Each second island section (21) may include drivers of the gate driving circuit (GDC, FIG. 2) described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0085] The second bridge section (22) may have a serpentine shape. The length of the second bridge section (22) may be greater than the shortest distance between adjacent second island sections (21) along the second direction (e.g., the y direction or the -y direction). In one embodiment, the second bridge section (22) may have a shape of approximately omega (Ω) that is convex toward the first direction (e.g., the x direction or the -x direction). The second bridge sections (22) may be positioned between adjacent second island sections (21) but spaced apart from each other.

[0086] The second bridge sections (22) between adjacent second island sections (21) may be spaced apart from each other by a second opening (CS2). Between adjacent second island sections (21), the second openings (CS2) and the second bridge sections (22) may be arranged alternately along a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction). The second openings (CS2) may have the same shape as each other. Both ends of each second bridge section (22) are connected to adjacent second island sections (21), but one side of each second bridge section (22) may be spaced apart from the side of the adjacent second island section (21) and / or the side of the other second bridge section (22) by the second opening (CS2).

[0087] Any one second island section (21) placed in the first non-display area (NDA1) may correspond to a plurality of first island sections (11) arranged in the display area (DA). For example, any one second island section (21) placed in the first non-display area (NDA1) may correspond to the first island sections (11) arranged in the (i)th row and the first island sections (11) arranged in the (i+1)th row in the display area (DA) (where i is a positive number greater than 0). FIG. 4a illustrates that one second island section (21) corresponds to two rows of first island sections (11), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, any one second island section (21) placed in the first non-display area (NDA1) may correspond to n rows of first island sections (11) placed in the display area (DA) (where n is a positive number greater than or equal to 3).

[0088] A non-display area, such as a first non-display area (NDA1), may include a first sub-non-display area (SNDA1) in which the aforementioned second island sections (21) and second bridge sections (22) are arranged, and a second sub-non-display area (SNDA2) between the first sub-non-display area (SNDA1) and the display area (DA). In the second sub-non-display area (SNDA2), third bridge sections (23) for connecting the display area (DA) and the first sub-non-display area (SNDA1) may be arranged. One end of the third bridge section (23) may be connected to the second island section (21) and / or the second bridge section (22), and the other end of the third bridge section (23) may be connected to the first island section (11) and / or the first bridge section (12).

[0089] The third bridge section (23) may have a wavy shape. In one embodiment, the shape of the third bridge section (23) may differ from the shapes of the first bridge section (12) and the second bridge section (22), respectively. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4a, the third bridge section (23) may have a shape of approximately omega (Ω) that is convex toward the second direction (e.g., the y direction or the -y direction). Adjacent third bridge sections (23) arranged along the second direction (e.g., the y direction or the -y direction) may have a structure that is symmetrical to each other, such that one of them is convex toward the y direction and the other is convex toward the -y direction. Between the third bridge sections (23), there may be a structure in which a third opening (CS3) and a fourth opening (CS4) of different shapes are repeated. The width of the third bridge section (23) may differ from the width of the first bridge section (12) and the width of the second bridge section (22). In one embodiment, the width of the third bridge section (23) may be greater than the width of the first bridge section (12) and smaller than the width of the second bridge section (22).

[0090] FIG. 4a shows that the second island portion (21) and the second bridge portion (22) of the non-display area, for example, the first non-display area (NDA1), each have different shapes from the first island portion (11) and the first bridge portion (12) of the display area (DA). In another embodiment of the present invention, the second island portion (21) and the second bridge portion (22) of the non-display area may each have the same shape as the first island portion (11) and the first bridge portion (12) of the display area (DA).

[0091] FIG. 4b is a plan view of the IV portion of FIG. 3 as a part of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 4b, the display device (1) includes first island sections (11) spaced apart from each other in the display area (DA) and first bridge sections (12) that are spaced apart from each other by a first opening (CS1) and connect adjacent first island sections (11). The structure of the display area (DA) in FIG. 4b may be the same as the structure of the display area (DA) described above with reference to FIG. 4a.

[0093] The display device (1) may include second island sections (21) and second bridge sections (22) disposed in a non-display area, for example, a first non-display area (NDA1). In one embodiment, the second island sections (21) and the second bridge sections (22) may each have substantially the same shape as the first island sections (11) and the first bridge sections (12).

[0094] The second island sections (21) may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction) in a non-display area, e.g., a first non-display area (NDA1). Each of the second bridge sections (22) may connect adjacent second island sections (21). The second bridge sections (22) may be spaced apart from each other by a second opening (CS2) located between the second bridge sections (22).

[0095] The second opening (CS2) may have substantially the same shape as the first opening (CS1). For example, a second opening (CS2) with an approximate H shape and a second opening (CS2) with an approximate I shape may be alternately arranged in a non-display area, such as a first non-display area (NDA1). Both ends of each second bridge section (22) are connected to each of the adjacent second island sections (21), and one side of each second bridge section (2) may be separated from one side of the adjacent second island section (21) and / or one side of the other second bridge section (22) by the second opening (CS2).

[0096] Each second island section (21) can be connected to four second bridge sections (22). Each second island section (21) may include drivers of the gate driving circuit (GDC, FIG. 2) described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0097] Any row of the second island portions (21) placed in the first non-display area (NDA1) may correspond to any row of the first island portions (11) arranged in the display area (DA). For example, the second island portions (21) arranged in the (i)th row along the first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) in the first non-display area (NDA1) may correspond to the first island portions (11) arranged in the same row, e.g., the (i)th row, in the display area (DA) (where i is a positive number greater than 0).

[0098] The display device (1) may include third bridge sections (23) disposed in a second sub-non-display area (SNDA2) to connect a display area (DA) and a first sub-non-display area (SNDA1). A non-display area, such as a first non-display area (NDA1), may include a first sub-non-display area (SNDA1) in which second island sections (21) and second bridge sections (22) are disposed, and a second sub-non-display area (SNDA2) located between the first sub-non-display area (SNDA1) and the display area (DA), which includes the third bridge sections (23). The third bridge section (23) may be substantially identical to the first bridge section (12) and the second bridge section (22). For example, the width of the third bridge section (23) may be the same as the width of the first bridge section (12) and the width of the second bridge section (22).

[0099] FIG. 4c is a plan view of the IV portion of FIG. 3 as a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 4c, the display device (1) may include first island sections (11) that are spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction) in a display area (DA), and first bridge sections (12) that connect adjacent first island sections (11).

[0101] The first bridge sections (12) may be spaced apart from each other by a first opening (CS1) located between the first bridge sections (12). The first bridge section (12) may have a wavy shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 4c, the first bridge section (12) may have a shape of approximately the letter 'S'.

[0102] Each first island section (11) may be connected to a plurality of first bridge sections (12). For example, each first island section (11) may be connected to four first bridge sections (12). Two first bridge sections (12) may be placed on both sides of the first island section (11) along a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction), and the remaining two first bridge sections (12) may be placed on both sides of the first island section (11) along a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction). Four first bridge sections (12) may each be connected to four sides of the first island section (11). Each of the four first bridge sections (12) may be adjacent to each corner of the first island section (11).

[0103] The display device (1) may include second island sections (21) that are spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction) in a non-display area, e.g., a first non-display area (NDA1) shown in FIG. 4c, and second bridge sections (22) that connect adjacent second island sections (21).

[0104] The second bridge sections (22) may be spaced apart from each other by a second opening (CS2) located between the second bridge sections (22). The second bridge section (22) may have a wavy shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 4c, the second bridge section (22) may have a shape of approximately the letter 'S'. The size and / or width of the second bridge section (22) may differ from the size and / or width of the first bridge section (12). For example, the size and / or width of the second bridge section (22) may be larger than the size and / or width of the first bridge section (12). The radius of curvature of the rounded portion of the second bridge section (22) may differ from the radius of curvature of the rounded portion of the first bridge section (12). For example, the radius of curvature of the rounded portion of the second bridge section (22) may be larger than the radius of curvature of the rounded portion of the first bridge section (12).

[0105] Each second island section (21) may be connected to a plurality of second bridge sections (22). Each second island section (21) may be connected to four second bridge sections (22). Two second bridge sections (22) may be positioned on both sides of the second island section (21) along a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction), and the remaining two second bridge sections (22) may be positioned on both sides of the second island section (21) along a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction). In one embodiment, four second bridge sections (22) may be connected to each of the four sides of the second island section (21). Each second bridge section (22) may be connected to the central part of each side of the second island section (21).

[0106] Any row of second island sections (21) placed in the first non-display area (NDA1) may correspond to multiple rows of first island sections (11) arranged in the display area (DA). For example, any row of second island sections (21) placed in the first non-display area (NDA1) may correspond to the first island sections (11) arranged in the (i)th row and the first island sections (11) arranged in the (i+1)th row of the display area (DA) (where i is a positive number greater than 0). In another embodiment, any row of second island sections (21) may correspond to n rows of first island sections (11) (where n is a positive number greater than or equal to 3).

[0107] A non-display area, such as a first non-display area (NDA1), may include a first sub-non-display area (SNDA1) in which the aforementioned second island sections (21) and second bridge sections (22) are arranged, and a second sub-non-display area (SNDA2) between the first sub-non-display area (SNDA1) and the display area (DA). In the second sub-non-display area (SNDA2), third bridge sections (23) may be arranged to connect the display area (DA) and the first sub-non-display area (SNDA1). One end of the third bridge section (23) may be connected to the second island section (21), and the other end of the third bridge section (23) may be connected to the first island section (11). For example, one end of the third bridge section (23) can be connected to the central part of one side of the second island section (21), and the other end of the third bridge section (23) can be connected to the central part of one side of the first island section (11).

[0108] The third bridge section (23) may have a wavy shape. In one embodiment, the shape of the third bridge section (23) may differ from the shape of the first bridge section (12) and the second bridge section (22), respectively. The width of the third bridge section (23) may differ from the width of the first bridge section (12) and the width of the second bridge section (22). The width of the third bridge section (23) may be greater than the width of the first bridge section (12) and smaller than the width of the second bridge section (22). In the second direction (e.g., the y direction or the -y direction), a third opening (CS3) and a fourth opening (CS4) of different shapes may be alternately arranged between the third bridge sections (23).

[0109] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first island part (11) and a first bridge part (12) arranged in a display area (DA) of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 5, the first island section (11) and the first bridge section (12) placed in the display area (DA) may be spaced apart with the first opening (CS1) in between. The first island section (11) includes light-emitting elements (LEDs) and a circuit for driving the light-emitting elements electrically connected thereto, such as a pixel driving circuit section (PC), and the first bridge section (12) may include wiring (WL) electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit sections (PCs) placed in each of the adjacent first island sections (11).

[0111] Looking at the first island portion (11), a buffer layer (111) containing an inorganic insulating material is disposed on the substrate (100), and a pixel driving circuit portion (PC) may be disposed on the buffer layer (111). (As used herein, "located on" may mean "above.") An insulating layer (IL) containing an inorganic insulating material and / or an organic insulating material may be disposed between the pixel driving circuit portion (PC) and the light-emitting element (LED). The light-emitting element (LED) is disposed on the insulating layer (IL) and may be electrically connected to the corresponding pixel driving circuit portion (PC). The light-emitting elements (LEDs) may emit light of different colors or light of the same color. In one embodiment, the light-emitting elements (LEDs) may each emit red, green, and blue light. In some embodiments, the light-emitting elements (LEDs) may emit white light. In another embodiment, the light-emitting elements (LEDs) can each emit red, green, blue, and white light.

[0112] The substrate (100) may include a polymer resin such as polyethersulfone, polyarylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyimide, polycarbonate, cellulose triacetate, and cellulose acetate propionate. In one embodiment, the substrate (100) may be a single layer comprising the aforementioned polymer resin. In another embodiment, the substrate (100) may be a multilayer structure comprising a base layer comprising the aforementioned polymer resin and a barrier layer comprising an inorganic insulating material. The substrate (100) comprising the polymer resin may have flexible, rollable, and bendable properties.

[0113] In one embodiment, FIG. 5 illustrates three pixel driving circuit units (PCs) arranged in each first island unit (11) and three light-emitting elements (LEDs) connected to each pixel driving circuit unit (PC), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the number of pixel driving circuit units (PCs) and light-emitting elements (LEDs) arranged in the first island unit (11) may be one, two, or four or more.

[0114] The encapsulation layer (300) may be placed on a light-emitting element (LED) and may protect the light-emitting element (LED) from external forces and / or moisture penetration. The encapsulation layer (300) may include an inorganic encapsulation layer and / or an organic encapsulation layer. In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer (300) may include a structure in which an inorganic encapsulation layer containing an inorganic insulating material, an organic encapsulation layer containing an organic insulating material, and an inorganic encapsulation layer containing an inorganic insulating material are laminated. In other embodiments, the encapsulation layer (300) may include an organic material such as resin. In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer (300) may include urethane epoxy acrylate. The encapsulation layer (300) may include a photosensitive material, such as a photoresist.

[0115] Looking at the first bridge section (12), an insulating layer (IL) containing an organic insulating material may be disposed on the substrate (100). When the display device (1) is stretched, the first bridge section (12), which undergoes relatively more deformation, may not have a layer containing an inorganic insulating material that is prone to cracking, unlike the first island section (11).

[0116] In one embodiment, the substrate (100) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12) may have the same stacked structure as the substrate (100) corresponding to the first island portion (11). In one embodiment, the substrate (100) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12) and the substrate (100) corresponding to the first island portion (11) may be polymer resin layers formed together in the same process. In another embodiment, the substrate (100) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12) may have a different stacked structure than the substrate (100) corresponding to the first island portion (11). In some embodiments, the substrate (100) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12) has a multilayer structure including a base layer containing a polymer resin and a barrier layer containing an inorganic insulating material, and the substrate (100) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12) may have a structure of a polymer resin layer without a layer containing an inorganic insulating material.

[0117] As previously described, the wiring (WL) of the first bridge section (12) may be signal lines (e.g., gate lines, data lines, etc.) for providing electrical signals to transistors included in the pixel driving circuit section (PC) of the first island section (11), or voltage lines (e.g., driving voltage lines, initialization voltage lines, etc.) for providing voltage. An encapsulation layer (300) may also be disposed in the first bridge section (12). In another embodiment, the encapsulation layer (300) may not exist in the first bridge section (12).

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 4a through 4c and FIG. 5, the substrate (100) corresponding to the first island portion (11) and the substrate (100) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12) can be connected to each other. In other words, the plan view shown in FIGS. 4a through 4c above may be substantially the same as the plan view of the substrate (100) in FIG. 5. In other words, the substrate (100) may include or define an area corresponding to the first island portion (11), an area corresponding to the first bridge portion (12), and an opening (100OP1) having the same or substantially the same shape as the first opening (CS1).

[0119] Similarly, the bag layer (300) corresponding to the first island portion (11) and the bag layer (300) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12) can be connected to each other. For example, the plan view shown in FIGS. 4a through 4c above may be substantially identical to the plan view of the bag layer (300). In other words, the bag layer (300) may include an area corresponding to the first island portion (11), an area corresponding to the first bridge portion (12), and an opening (300OP1) having the same or substantially the same shape as the first opening (CS1).

[0120] The circuit-light-emitting element layer (200) between the substrate (100) and the encapsulation layer (300) may include a buffer layer (111), a pixel driving circuit (PC), wiring (WL), an insulating layer (IL), and a light-emitting element (LED). Similar to the substrate (100), the plan view previously shown in FIGS. 4a through 4c may be substantially identical to the plan view of the circuit-light-emitting element layer (200). In other words, the circuit-light-emitting element layer (200) may include an opening (200OP1) having the same shape as the first opening (CS1).

[0121] FIGS. 6a to 6c are equivalent circuit diagrams of subpixels of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 6a, a light-emitting element (LED) corresponding to a subpixel is electrically connected to a pixel driving circuit (PC), and the pixel driving circuit (PC) may include a first transistor (T1), a second transistor (T2), and a storage capacitor (Cst). The pixel driving 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).

[0123] 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 (GW) to the 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 (GW) input from the first scan line (SL1).

[0124] 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).

[0125] The first transistor (T1) is a driving transistor capable of controlling the driving current flowing through the light-emitting element (LED). The first transistor (T1) can be connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) and the storage capacitor (Cst). The first transistor (T1) can control the driving current flowing through the light-emitting element (LED) from the first voltage line (VDDL) in correspondence with the voltage value stored in the storage capacitor (Cst). The light-emitting element (LED) can emit light having a brightness (e.g., a predetermined brightness) by the driving current. The first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) is electrically connected to the first transistor (T1), and the second electrode can be electrically connected to the second voltage line (VSSL) which supplies the second power supply voltage (VSS).

[0126] FIG. 6a illustrates that the pixel driving circuit (PC) includes two transistors and one storage capacitor, but in other embodiments, the pixel driving circuit (PC) may include three or more transistors.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 6b, the pixel driving circuit (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).

[0128] The pixel driving 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 a light 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).

[0129] The first voltage line (VDDL) can transmit the first power supply 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 driving 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 driving circuit (PC).

[0130] The first transistor (T1) can be electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The first transistor (T1) acts as a driving transistor and receives a data signal (Dm) according to the switching operation of the second transistor (T2) and supplies a driving current to the light-emitting element (LED).

[0131] The second transistor (T2) is a data write 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 according 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).

[0132] 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 according to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) and can connect the first transistor (T1) to the diode.

[0133] 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) to transmit the first initialization voltage (Vint) from the first initialization voltage line (VIL1) to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1), thereby initializing 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 placed in the previous row of the corresponding pixel driving circuit unit (PC).

[0134] The fifth transistor (T5) may be an operation control transistor, and the sixth transistor (T6) may be a light-emitting control transistor. The fifth transistor (T5) and the sixth transistor (T6) are electrically connected to the light-emitting control line (EML) and are turned on simultaneously (e.g., simultaneously or substantially simultaneously) according to the light-emitting control signal (EM) received through the light-emitting control line (EML) to form a current path so that a driving current can flow from the first voltage line (VDDL) toward the light-emitting element (LED).

[0135] 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) received through the second scan line (SL2), and can initialize the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) by transmitting the second initialization voltage (Vaint) from the second initialization voltage line (VIL2) to the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED).

[0136] 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 first voltage line (VDDL). The storage capacitor (Cst) can maintain the voltage applied to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1) by storing and maintaining a voltage corresponding to the difference between the voltages of the first voltage line (VDDL) and the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1).

[0137] Referring to FIG. 6c, the pixel driving circuit (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).

[0138] The pixel driving circuit (PC) may be electrically connected to signal lines and voltage lines. The signal lines may include gate lines. The gate lines may include gate lines such as a first scan line (SL1), a second scan line (SL2), a third scan line (SL3), and a light emission control line (EML), and a data line (DL). The voltage lines may include first and second initialization voltage lines (VIL1, VIL2), a holding voltage line (VSL), and a first voltage line (VDDL).

[0139] The first voltage line (VDDL) can transmit the first power supply 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 driving 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 driving circuit (PC). The holding voltage line (VSL) can provide the holding voltage (VSUS) to the second electrode (CE2) of the second node (N2), for example, the storage capacitor (Cst), during the initialization section and the data writing section.

[0140] The first transistor (T1) can be electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and the eighth transistor (T8), and can be electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The first transistor (T1) acts as a driving transistor and can receive a data signal (Dm) according to the switching operation of the second transistor (T2) and supply driving current to the light-emitting element (LED).

[0141] The second transistor (T2) is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and the data line (DL), and can be electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and the eighth transistor (T8). The second transistor (T2) can perform a switching operation in which it is turned on according to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) and transmits the data signal (Dm) transmitted to the data line (DL) to the first node (N1).

[0142] The third transistor (T3) is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and can be electrically connected to a light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The third transistor (T3) is turned on according to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) and connects the first transistor (T1) to the diode, thereby compensating for the threshold voltage of the first transistor (T1).

[0143] The fourth transistor (T4) is electrically connected to the third scan line (SL3) and the first initialization voltage line (VIL1), and is turned on according to the third scan signal (GI) received 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 placed in the previous row of the corresponding pixel driving circuit unit (PC).

[0144] The fifth transistor (T5), the sixth transistor (T6), and the eighth transistor (T8) are electrically connected to the light-emitting control line (EML) and are turned on simultaneously (e.g., simultaneously or substantially simultaneously) according to the light-emitting control signal (EM) received through the light-emitting control line (EML) to form a current path so that driving current can flow from the first voltage line (VDDL) toward the light-emitting element (LED).

[0145] 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) 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).

[0146] 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 holding voltage line (VSL). The ninth transistor (T9) is turned on according to the second scan signal (GB) received through the second scan line (SL2), and can transmit a holding voltage (VSUS) to the second node (N2), such as the second electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst), during the initialization period and the data writing period.

[0147] The eighth transistor (T8) and the ninth transistor (T9) can each be electrically connected to the second node (N2), for example, the second electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst). In some embodiments, the eighth transistor (T8) may be turned off and the ninth transistor (T9) may be turned on during the initialization period and the data writing period, and the eighth transistor (T8) may be turned on and the ninth transistor (T9) may be turned off during the light emission period. Since the second node (N2) receives the holding voltage (VSUS) during the initialization period and the data writing period, the uniformity of the brightness of the display device (e.g., LRU, Long Range Uniformity) due to the voltage drop of the first voltage line (VDDL) can be improved.

[0148] 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).

[0149] The auxiliary capacitor (Ca) can be electrically connected to the sixth transistor (T6), the holding voltage line (VSL), and the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED). By storing and maintaining a voltage corresponding to the voltage difference between the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) and the holding voltage line (VSL) while the seventh transistor (T7) and the ninth transistor (T9) are turned on, the auxiliary capacitor (Ca) can prevent or substantially reduce the problem of the black brightness rising when the sixth transistor (T6) is turned off.

[0150] FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a light-emitting element of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 7a, a light-emitting element according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an organic light-emitting diode (220) containing an organic material. The organic light-emitting diode (220) may include a first electrode (221) disposed on an insulating layer, a second electrode (225) facing the first electrode (221), and a light-emitting layer (223) interposed between the first electrode (221) and the second electrode (225). A first functional layer (222) may be disposed between the first electrode (221) and the light-emitting layer (223), and a second functional layer (224) may be disposed between the light-emitting layer (223) and the second electrode (225).

[0152] The edge of the first electrode (221) may be covered with a bank layer (BKL) containing an insulating material. The bank layer (BKL) may include an opening (B-OP) that overlaps the central portion of the first electrode (221).

[0153] 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 comprising 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 above and below the aforementioned reflective layer.

[0154] The light-emitting layer (223) may include a polymer or low-molecular-weight organic material that emits light of a predetermined color. The first functional layer (222) may include a hole transport layer (HTL) and / or a hole injection layer (HIL). The second functional layer (224) may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and / or an electron injection layer (EIL).

[0155] The second electrode (225) may be made of a conductive material with a low work function. For example, the second electrode (225) may include a transparent layer (e.g., a translucent layer) comprising 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 alloys thereof. Alternatively, the second electrode (225) may further include a layer such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, AZO, or In2O3 on the transparent layer comprising the aforementioned materials.

[0156] FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a light-emitting element of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 7b, in one embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting element may include an inorganic light-emitting diode (230) comprising an inorganic material. The inorganic light-emitting diode (230) may include a first semiconductor layer (231), a second semiconductor layer (232), an intermediate layer (233) between the first semiconductor layer (231) and the second semiconductor layer (232), a first electrode (235) electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer (231), and a second electrode (238) electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer (232). The first electrode (235) and the second electrode (238) of the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) may each be electrically connected to a first electrode pad (241) and a second electrode pad (242) disposed on the same layer.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first semiconductor layer (231) may include a p-type semiconductor layer. The p-type semiconductor layer is In x Al y Ga 1-x-y A semiconductor material having the composition formula N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1) can be selected from, for example, GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, AlInN, etc., and p-type dopants such as Mg, Zn, Ca, Sr, and Ba can be doped.

[0159] 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 the composition formula InxAlyGa1-x-yN (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1), for example, GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, AlInN, etc., and may be doped with n-type dopants such as Si, Ge, and Sn.

[0160] The intermediate layer (233) is a region where electrons and holes recombine, and as electrons and holes recombine, they transition to a lower energy level and can generate light having a corresponding wavelength. The intermediate layer (233) is, for example, In x Al y Ga 1-x-y It can be formed by including a semiconductor material having a composition formula of N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1), and can be formed as a single quantum well structure or a multi-quantum well (MQW) structure. In addition, it may include a quantum wire structure or a quantum dot structure.

[0161] FIG. 7b illustrates that the first semiconductor layer (231) includes a p-type semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer (232) includes an n-type semiconductor layer, but 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.

[0162] FIGS. 8a to 8c are cross-sectional views schematically showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0163] Referring to FIGS. 8a to 8c, the display device (1) may comprise a plurality of mutually spaced first island portions (11), first bridge portions (12) connecting the plurality of first island portions (11), and a substrate (100OP1) located between the plurality of first island portions (11), a light-emitting element (LED) disposed on each of the plurality of first island portions (11), and a brightness compensation layer (LCL) disposed on each of the first bridge portions (12).

[0164] First, looking at the first island section (11), a buffer layer (111) containing an inorganic insulating material is disposed on the substrate (100), and a pixel driving circuit section (PC) may be disposed on the buffer layer (111). (The term "located on" used here may mean "above.") An insulating layer (IL) containing an inorganic insulating material and / or an organic insulating material may be disposed between the pixel driving circuit section (PC) and the light-emitting element (LED). The light-emitting element (LED) is disposed on the insulating layer (IL) and may be electrically connected to the corresponding pixel driving circuit section (PC).

[0165] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8b, the end of the buffer layer (111) may have a tip structure that protrudes outward or is further extended than the edge of the insulating layer (IL).

[0166] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8c, an inorganic insulating layer (PVX) may be further disposed on the insulating layer (IL). A light-emitting element (LED) may be disposed on the inorganic insulating layer (PVX). For example, the end of the inorganic insulating layer (PVX) may have a tip structure that protrudes outward beyond the edge of the insulating layer (IL).

[0167] Looking at the first bridge section (12), an insulating layer (IL) containing an organic insulating material is disposed on the substrate (100), and a brightness compensation layer (LCL) may be located on the insulating layer (IL). The brightness compensation layer (LCL) may be disposed only on the first bridge section (12). That is, the brightness compensation layer (LCL) may be disposed spaced apart from the first island section (11). This can be understood as being because, when the display device (1) undergoes shape deformation due to external stress, the first island section (11) undergoes very fine deformation due to stress, and thus the deformation of the first island section (11) is insufficient, making it practically difficult to expect the effect of the brightness compensation layer (LCL).

[0168] In one embodiment, the luminance compensation layer (LCL) may include a color-changing material. The color-changing material may refer to a material that "includes a mechanochromic material," and a "mechanochromic" material can change color in response to stress applied to a solid chemical material by mechanical grinding, crushing, or milling. The luminance compensation layer (LCL) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a color-changing material that undergoes a color change in response to such stress. The luminance compensation layer (LCL) may include such a color-changing material so that it can emit light when the first bridge portions (12) are deformed by an external force. Accordingly, the first bridge portions (12) can compensate for the decrease in luminance of the first island portion (11) by assisting the luminance of the first island portion (11) surrounded by the first bridge portions (12).

[0169] In one embodiment, the color-changing material may include a pyropyran compound. The pyropyran compound is transparent and may exhibit color when impact, stress, or deformation is applied.

[0170] In one embodiment, a spyropyran compound can be represented by the following [Chemical Formula 1].

[0171] [Chemical Formula 1]

[0172]

[0173] In the above [Chemical Formula 1], R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and R2 and R3 may each independently be a hydrogen atom, a deuterium atom, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a substituted or unsubstituted oxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted ring-forming aryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, or a substituted or unsubstituted ring-forming heteroaryl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms. Additionally, in [Chemical Formula 1], m and n are each independently integers from 0 to 4, and when m is an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of R3s may be different from each other, identical or substantially identical, and when n is an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of R2s may be different from each other, identical or substantially identical.

[0174] Spiropyran compounds can exhibit a specific color when, for example, in the colorless SP form, their molecular structure changes to the MC form due to external stress such as force, stress, or deformation. For example, in the case of [Equation 1] below, a deep purple color may be exhibited when the molecular structure changes from the SP form to the MC form.

[0175] [Equation 1]

[0176]

[0177] The color expressed by the spiropyran compound may vary depending on the type of substituent. In one example, the spiropyran compound may be made to express at least one color among red, green, or blue. In the case of [Formula 2] below, red may be expressed when the molecular structure changes from the SP form to the MC form.

[0178] [Equation 2]

[0179]

[0180] In one embodiment, the brightness compensation layer (LCL) can increase in brightness as the stress applied to the first bridge portions (12) increases. That is, as more deformation occurs in the first bridge portions (12), the brightness of the brightness compensation layer (LCL) can also increase. As described above, the color-changing material is a material in which color is expressed by the transformation of the SP-shaped molecular structure into the MC-shaped structure due to external stress. As the external stress increases, more SP-shaped molecular structures can be transformed into the MC-shaped structure, which can result in an increase in the brightness of the brightness compensation layer (LCL).

[0181] In one embodiment, the brightness compensation layer (LCL) may further include a base resin in addition to the color-changing material. By imparting elasticity to the brightness compensation layer (LCL), the base resin can prevent or substantially reduce the occurrence of cracks, etc., in the brightness compensation layer (LCL) during the process in which the first bridge portions (12) are deformed. As an example, the base resin may include at least one of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyurethane (PU), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyimide (PI), styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS), polymethyl acrylate, polyacrylate (PA), polyacrylonitrile, polycaprolactone, polysulfone, polyaniline, polystyrene (PS), polybutyl acrylate, epoxy, and silicone.

[0182] Meanwhile, since the color of the spiropyran compound is expressed due to a change in molecular structure caused by external stress, this may be irreversible. That is, the MC-shaped molecular structure deformed by applying stress to the spiropyran compound cannot spontaneously transform into an SP-shaped molecular structure. In other words, this means that after the color is expressed in the luminance compensation layer (LCL) by applying stress to the first bridge parts (12), the luminance compensation layer (LCL) may retain the previously expressed color even after the stress applied to the first bridge parts (12) is removed. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a configuration such as a UV irradiator may be further placed on top of the luminance compensation layer (LCL) to perform a process such as reverting the deformed molecular structure.

[0183] Meanwhile, a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a protective layer (400) covering each first island portion (11). The protective layer (400) may be provided to seal a light-emitting element (LED) placed on the first island portion (11). As the protective layer (400) seals the light-emitting element (LED), it may serve to protect the light-emitting element (LED) from external forces or external elements such as moisture. The protective layer (400) may be placed on each first island portion (11) to individually seal each first island portion (11). In some embodiments, a sealing layer (300) described with reference to FIG. 5 may be further disposed on the protective layer (400).

[0184] In one embodiment, the protective layer (400) may include an inorganic insulating material. For example, when the protective layer (400) includes an inorganic insulating material, the protective layer (400) may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride, etc.

[0185] The protective layer (400) covers the light-emitting element (LED) and can be extended in the direction of the substrate (100) (e.g., -z direction) to completely seal the first island portion (11). Accordingly, the protective layer (400) can cover the insulating layer (IL) and the side of the substrate (100), thereby blocking or substantially reducing external air permeating through the insulating layer (IL) and the side of the substrate (100).

[0186] In one embodiment, the protective layer (400) may not be placed on the first bridge portion (12). As described above, since the protective layer (400) is formed by including an inorganic insulating material, it is suitable not to place it on the first bridge portion (12), where deformation occurs due to stress, as there is a risk of damage due to cracks, etc.

[0187] FIGS. 9a to 9c are schematic plan views showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0188] Referring to FIGS. 9a to 9c, a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes each first bridge part (12) connected to a first island part (11), and a brightness compensation layer (LCL) may be disposed on each first bridge part (12).

[0189] A light-emitting element (LED) corresponding to a subpixel may be placed on the first island section (11). Multiple light-emitting elements (LEDs) may be placed on one first island section (11). FIGS. 9a to 9c illustrate three light-emitting elements (LEDs) placed on one first island section (11). Each light-emitting element (LED) may emit the same color or different colors (e.g., different colors).

[0190] In one embodiment, the luminance compensation layer (LCL) may be arranged in various forms on each of the first bridge portions (12). Referring to FIG. 9a, the luminance compensation layer (LCL) may be arranged to cover the entire first bridge portion (12). That is, the width (w') of the luminance compensation layer (LCL) may be the same as or substantially the same as the width (w) of the first bridge portion (12).

[0191] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9b, the brightness compensation layer (LCL) may be positioned to cover a portion of the first bridge portion (12). That is, the width (w') of the brightness compensation layer (LCL) may be smaller than the width (w) of the first bridge portion (12). For example, the brightness compensation layer (LCL) may be positioned in a portion of the first bridge portion (12) adjacent to the first island portion (11). When the display device (1) undergoes deformation due to an external force, the portion of the first bridge portion (12) adjacent to the first island portion (11) may be an area where stress is more concentrated than the portion of the first bridge portion (12) that is not relatively adjacent to the first island portion (11). Therefore, by positioning the brightness compensation layer (LCL) in a portion of the first bridge portion (12) adjacent to the first island portion (11), the efficiency of the brightness compensation layer (LCL) can be improved in response to increased stress.

[0192] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9c, the luminance compensation layer (LCL) may have a slit shape (e.g., including or defining a gap or slit) comprising a plurality of sub-luminance compensation layers (LCLa). The plurality of sub-luminance compensation layers (LCLa) may be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. The width and number of the plurality of sub-luminance compensation layers (LCLa) may vary. Thus, the shape and area of ​​the luminance compensation layer (LCL) may vary according to the embodiment, thereby allowing the luminance of the luminance compensation layer (LCL) to be easily controlled.

[0193] Referring again to FIG. 9a, there may also be at least one groove (G) located between the first island section (11) and each first bridge section (12) connected to the first island section (11). The groove (G) may serve to prevent cracks from propagating or outside air from penetrating through each first bridge section (12) to the first island section (11) at the part where the first island section (11) and each first bridge section (12) are connected.

[0194] The luminance compensation layer (LCL) may cover the entire first bridge portion (12) but may not overlap with the groove (G). In other words, the end of the luminance compensation layer (LCL) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the groove (G). By not overlapping with the groove (G), the luminance compensation layer (LCL) may be positioned so as not to mutually affect the first island portion (11). This may be applied in the same way to the embodiments of FIG. 9b and FIG. 9c.

[0195] FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11 are schematic plan views showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 may correspond to a cross-section taken along line I-I' in FIG. 9a. FIG. 11 may correspond to a cross-section taken along line II-II' in FIG. 9a.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 10, the substrate (100) corresponding to the first island portion (11) may comprise a first base layer (101), a first barrier layer (102), a second base layer (103), and a second barrier layer (104). The first base layer (101) and the second base layer (103) may each comprise a polymer resin such as polyethersulfone, polyarylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyimide, polycarbonate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose acetate propionate, etc. The first barrier layer (102) and the second barrier layer (104) may each comprise an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, etc.

[0197] The size or area of ​​an inorganic insulating layer, such as a second barrier layer (104), disposed on the top layer of the substrate (100) may be smaller than the size or area of ​​the first island portion (11) shown in FIG. 9a. Referring to FIG. 10, the size or area of ​​an inorganic insulating layer, such as a second barrier layer (104), disposed on the top layer of the substrate (100) may be equal to or smaller than the size or area of ​​the first base layer (101), the first barrier layer (102), and / or the second base layer (103) of the substrate (100) corresponding to the first island portion (11).

[0198] A buffer layer (111) is disposed on the substrate (100), and a pixel driving circuit (PC) may be disposed on the buffer layer (111). The buffer layer (111) may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride.

[0199] 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 placed on the semiconductor layer (Act) with the gate insulating layer (113) in between, but according to other embodiments, the thin-film transistor (TFT) may be a bottom-gate type.

[0200] The semiconductor layer (Act) may include polysilicon. Alternatively, the semiconductor layer (Act) may include amorphous silicon, oxide semiconductor, organic semiconductor, etc. The gate electrode (GE) may include 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.

[0201] The gate insulating layer (113) between the semiconductor layer (Act) and the gate electrode (GE) may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, nitrogen oxide, silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide, and / or titanium oxide. The gate insulating layer (113) may be a single layer or a multilayer containing the aforementioned materials.

[0202] The source electrode (SE) and the drain electrode (DE) may be located on the same layer, for example, the second interlayer insulating layer (117), and may contain the same material. The source electrode (SE) and the drain electrode (DE) may contain a material with good conductivity. The source electrode (SE) and the drain electrode (DE) may contain a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), and / or titanium (Ti), and may be formed as a multilayer or single layer containing the above materials. In one embodiment, the source electrode (SE) and the drain electrode (DE) may be formed as a multilayer structure of a titanium layer, an aluminum layer, and a titanium layer (Ti / Al / Ti). The second interlayer insulating layer (117) may contain an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, nitrogen oxide, silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide, or titanium oxide, and may be a single layer or a multilayer containing the aforementioned materials.

[0203] A storage capacitor (Cst) may include a first electrode (CE1) and a second electrode (CE2) that overlap with a first interlayer insulating layer (115) in between. 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 by a second interlayer insulating layer (207). The second electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst) may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), and / or titanium (Ti), and may be formed as a multilayer or single layer including the above materials. The first interlayer insulating layer (115) may be disposed between the gate insulating layer (113) and the second interlayer insulating layer (117). The first interlayer insulating layer (115) may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, nitrogen oxide, silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide, and / or titanium oxide, and may be a single layer or a multilayer containing the aforementioned material.

[0204] 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.

[0205] 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). The third organic insulating layer (123) may include an organic insulating material such as polyimide. The second voltage line (VSSL) may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), and / or titanium (Ti), and may be formed as a multilayer or single layer including the above materials.

[0206] 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 connecting piece (CM1) between the first organic insulating layer (119) and the second organic insulating layer (121), and a second connecting piece (CM2) between the second organic insulating layer (121) and the third organic insulating layer (123). The inorganic light-emitting diode (230) on the first electrode pad (241) and the second electrode pad (242) is as described above with reference to FIG. 7b. The light-emitting diode, such as the inorganic light-emitting diode (230), may be protected by a protective layer (400). In some cases, an encapsulation layer (300) described with reference to FIG. 5 may be further disposed on the protective layer (400). The encapsulation layer (300) may include an inorganic encapsulation layer and / or an organic encapsulation layer, or may include an organic material such as resin. FIG. 10 shows that the light-emitting diode is an inorganic light-emitting diode (230) described with reference to FIG. 7b, but as another embodiment, the light-emitting diode may be an organic light-emitting diode (220) described with reference to FIG. 7a.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 11, at least one groove (G) may be disposed on the substrate (100). FIG. 11 illustrates a structure in which two grooves (G) are spaced apart at a predetermined interval. In one embodiment, the groove (G) may be provided through an opening (G-OP) in which a portion of the third organic insulating layer (123) is removed. In another embodiment, the opening (G-OP) of the groove (G) may be extended in the direction of the substrate (100) (e.g., the -z direction), in which case a portion of the second organic insulating layer (121) located below the third organic insulating layer (123) may be further removed. In another embodiment, a metal layer or an inorganic layer may be further disposed on the bottom surface of the groove (G), i.e., the bottom surface of the opening (G-OP).

[0208] The inorganic insulating layer (IOL) may be partially extended to overlap with the groove (G). In another embodiment, the inorganic insulating layer (IOL) may not be located below the grooves (G), or it may be located only below at least some of the grooves (G).

[0209] The edge of the inorganic insulating layer (IOL) may be covered by an organic layer (OL). The organic layer (OL) may have a frame shape that includes an opening corresponding to the central part of the first island portion (11) and extends along the edge of the first island portion (11). A portion of the organic layer (OL) may extend toward the first bridge portion (12). The organic layer (OL) may include an organic insulating material such as polyimide.

[0210] The luminance compensation layer (LCL) can be positioned so as not to overlap with the groove (G). The luminance compensation layer (LCL) can have a predetermined separation distance (d) from the groove (G).

[0211] A portion of the protective layer (400) may extend to the part where the groove (G) is located. That is, the protective layer (400) may overlap with the groove (G) in some areas. However, even in this case, the protective layer (400) does not extend past the groove (G) to the first bridge section (12). This is because if the protective layer (400) were to extend to the first bridge section (12), a crack could occur in the protective layer (400) due to deformation of the first bridge section (12).

[0212] FIGS. 12a and FIGS. 12b are schematic plan views showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0213] The embodiments of FIGS. 12a and 12b may correspond to the structure described with reference to FIG. 4c. First, referring to FIG. 12a, the first bridge portion (12) may have locally different widths. For example, the straight portion (12B) of the first bridge portion (12) may have a first width (w1), and the width (wa) of the first round portion (12A) and / or the width (wc) of the second round portion (12C) may differ from the first width (w1) of the straight portion (12B). For example, the width (wa) of the first round portion (12A) and / or the width (wc) of the second round portion (12C) of the first bridge portion (12) may be larger than the first width (w1) of the straight portion (12B).

[0214] The first bridge section (12) connected to the first island section (11) can have both sides smoothly connected to the sides of the first island section (11) that are adjacent to each other.

[0215] As illustrated in FIG. 12a, the luminance compensation layer (LCL) may be placed on the straight section (12B) of the first bridge section (12), which has a shape of approximately the letter 'S'. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and as illustrated in FIG. 12b, the luminance compensation layer (LCL) may be extended and placed to the first and second round sections (12A, 12C) of the first bridge section (12). In other embodiments, although not illustrated, various variations are possible, such as the luminance compensation layer (LCL) being placed only on the first and second round sections (12A, 12C) of the first bridge section (12). For example, when stress is applied to the first bridge section (12), a relatively greater stress may be applied to the first and second round sections (12A, 12C) than to the straight section (12B), thereby improving the efficiency of the luminance compensation layer (LCL).

[0216] FIGS. 13a to 13c are schematic plan views showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0217] Referring to FIGS. 13a to 13c, a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes each first bridge portion (12) connected to a first island portion (11), and a brightness compensation layer (LCL) may be disposed on each first bridge portion (12). The embodiment of FIG. 13a has the same structure as the embodiment of FIG. 9a described above, the embodiment of FIG. 13b has the same structure as the embodiment of FIG. 9b described above, and the embodiment of FIG. 13c may have the same structure as FIG. 9c described above.

[0218] First to third light-emitting elements (LEDr, LEDg, LEDb) corresponding to subpixels may be arranged on the first island portion (11). For example, the first light-emitting element (LEDr) may emit light of a red wavelength, the second light-emitting element (LEDg) may emit light of a green wavelength, and the third light-emitting element (LEDb) may emit light of a blue wavelength. In another embodiment, the first to third light-emitting elements (LEDr, LEDg, LEDb) may all emit the same color. That is, the first to third light-emitting elements (LEDr, LEDg, LEDb) may all emit light of a red wavelength, or the first to third light-emitting elements (LEDr, LEDg, LEDb) may all emit light of a green wavelength, or the first to third light-emitting elements (LEDr, LEDg, LEDb) may all emit light of a blue wavelength.

[0219] The luminance compensation layer (LCL) includes a color-changing material that changes color in response to stress, and the band gap and the changed color can be controlled by changing the substituents (or terminal groups) of the color-changing material.

[0220] In one embodiment, a first brightness compensation layer (LCL1), a second brightness compensation layer (LCL2), a third brightness compensation layer (LCL3), and a fourth brightness compensation layer (LCL4) may be located on each of the first bridge sections (12) connected to the first island section (11). The first brightness compensation layer (LCL1), the second brightness compensation layer (LCL2), the third brightness compensation layer (LCL3), and the fourth brightness compensation layer (LCL4) may each produce the same color or different colors. For example, when the same color is produced in the first to fourth luminance compensation layers (LCL1, LCL2, LCL3, LCL4), the first to fourth luminance compensation layers (LCL1, LCL2, LCL3, LCL4) may all be red, the first to fourth luminance compensation layers (LCL1, LCL2, LCL3, LCL4) may all be green, or the first to fourth luminance compensation layers (LCL1, LCL2, LCL3, LCL4) may all be blue. In other words, the first to fourth luminance compensation layers (LCL1~LCL4) may all display the same color, and the color may be one of red, green, blue, or a similar color. For example, when different colors are produced in the first to fourth luminance compensation layers (LCL1, LCL2, LCL3, LCL4), the first luminance compensation layer (LCL1) may be red, the second luminance compensation layer (LCL2) and the fourth luminance compensation layer (LCL4) may be green, and the third luminance compensation layer (LCL3) may be blue. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible. Of course, the above-described embodiments can be applied in the same way to the first to fourth luminance compensation layers (LCL1, LCL2, LCL3, LCL4) illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 13b.

[0221] Referring to FIG. 13c, the luminance compensation layer (LCL) may have a slit shape (e.g., a slit or a gap) comprising a plurality of sub-luminance compensation layers (LCLa). In one embodiment, the sub-luminance compensation layers (LCLa) may each have the same color or different colors. For example, when the same color is produced in the plurality of sub-luminance compensation layers (LCLa), the plurality of sub-luminance compensation layers (LCLa) may all have a red color, the plurality of sub-luminance compensation layers (LCLa) may all have a green color, or the plurality of sub-luminance compensation layers (LCLa) may all have a blue color. For example, when different colors are emitted from multiple sub-luminance compensation layers (LCLa), the first sub-luminance compensation layer (LCLa1) may appear red, the second sub-luminance compensation layer (LCLa2) adjacent to the first sub-luminance compensation layer (LCLa1) may appear green, and the third sub-luminance compensation layer (LCLa3) adjacent to the second sub-luminance compensation layer (LCLa2) may appear blue. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible.

[0222] FIGS. 14a and FIGS. 14b are schematic plan views showing a part of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a section taken along the line III-III' of FIG. 14b.

[0223] FIGS. 14a and FIGS. 14b are enlarged plan views illustrating a first bridge portion (12) according to an embodiment of the present invention. An uneven structure (EV) may be provided on the upper surface of an insulating layer (IL) located on the first bridge portion (12). More specifically, the upper surface of the insulating layer (IL) is provided with alternating concave portions (U1) and convex portions (U2), which may form an uneven structure (EV) as shown in FIG. 15. The concave portions (U1) and convex portions (U2) may have a structure extending along a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) as shown in FIG. 14a. Alternatively, the concave portions (U1) and convex portions (U2) may have a structure extending along a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction) as shown in FIG. 14b. In another embodiment, the concave portion (U1) and the convex portion (U2) may have a structure that extends in a third direction (e.g., a diagonal direction in the x and y directions) intersecting the first and second directions.

[0224] Referring to FIG. 15, a brightness compensation layer (LCL) can be placed directly on the upper surface of an insulating layer (IL) having an uneven structure (EV). By forming an uneven structure (EV) on the upper surface of the insulating layer (IL), the stress concentration on the upper surface of the insulating layer (IL) can be improved compared to a structure in which the upper surface of the insulating layer (IL) is flattened. The brightness compensation layer (LCL) can be placed on the upper surface of the insulating layer (IL) with increased roughness to improve sensitivity to mechanical discoloration.

[0225] FIGS. 16a and FIGS. 16b are schematic plan views showing a part of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a section taken along the line IV-IV' of FIG. 16b.

[0226] Referring to FIGS. 16a, 16b, and 17, a light-blocking layer (BM) may be disposed at the edge of the first bridge portion (12) to surround the outer edge of the luminance compensation layer (LCL). The light-blocking layer (BM) may have a frame shape that surrounds the outer edge of the luminance compensation layer (LCL). The light-blocking layer (BM) may serve to prevent color mixing between adjacent luminance compensation layers (LCL) when color is expressed. The light-blocking layer (BM) may include at least one of a black pigment, a black dye, or black particles in an organic base. For example, the light-blocking layer (BM) may include materials such as Cr or CrOx, Cr / CrOx, Cr / CrOx / CrNy, resin (carbon pigment, RGB mixed pigment), graphite, or non-Cr-based materials.

[0227] Referring to FIG. 17, the light-blocking layer (BM) may extend along the edge of the first bridge portion (12). In one embodiment, the height (h) of the light-blocking layer (BM) may be higher than or equal to the height (h') of the brightness compensation layer (LCL). In the manufacturing process, after forming the light-blocking layer (BM) along the edge of the first bridge portion (12), the brightness compensation layer (LCL) may be formed within the opening of the light-blocking layer (BM).

[0228] Meanwhile, although not shown, the luminance compensation layer (LCL) that has already expressed color has irreversible characteristics, so a liquid crystal compensation layer may be further placed on top of the luminance compensation layer (LCL). This allows the light emitted from the luminance compensation layer (LCL) to be easily or substantially blocked through the liquid crystal compensation layer when black needs to be achieved in the display device (1).

[0229] FIGS. 18a to 18g are schematic perspective views illustrating embodiments of an electronic device including a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0230] Referring to FIG. 18a, a display device according to one 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 part (3110) and a display part (3120) provided in the body part (3110). The display device according to embodiments of the present invention may be used as the display part (3120) of the wearable electronic device (3100). As illustrated in FIG. 18a, the wearable electronic device (3100) may be modified. In one embodiment, it may be used as a smart watch or a smartphone depending on the user's choice.

[0231] FIG. 18b illustrates a medical electronic device (3200). In one embodiment, the medical electronic device (3200) may include a body part (3210) and a light-emitting part (3220). A display device according to embodiments of the present invention may be used as the light-emitting part (3220) of the medical electronic device (3200). The light-emitting part (3220) may emit light of a specific wavelength band (e.g., infrared, visible light, etc.) to the patient's body. In one embodiment, the body part (3210) may have a stretchable fiber material and may have a structure that can be worn on the body of the user of the light-emitting part.

[0232] FIG. 18c 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 images such as a sea with waves, a snow-covered mountain, or a volcano with flowing lava, wherein the display unit (3320) may extend in the height direction (e.g., z-direction) to reflect the height of the waves, mountain, or volcano. In some embodiments, a portion of the display unit (3320) may sequentially vary in height along the direction of the lava flow to show the movement of the lava in three dimensions. The educational electronic device (3300) may include a plurality of pins (or stroke units, 3330) arranged on the back of the display unit (3320) so that the display unit (3320) extends in the height direction. The pins (3330) can be implemented to move along a third direction (e.g., z direction or -z direction) so that the image displayed on the display unit (3320) has a three-dimensional height. FIG. 18c describes an educational electronic device (3300), but its use is not limited as long as it provides certain image information.

[0233] The electronic device illustrated in FIGS. 18a to 18c describes an electronic device whose shape may be variable, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As in the embodiments described below, the display device according to the embodiments of the present invention may be used in an electronic device in which a portion capable of displaying an image (e.g., a screen) is fixed.

[0234] FIG. 18d illustrates a robot (3400) as another electronic device in one embodiment of the present invention. The robot (3400) can move or perceive objects using a camera unit (3440) and can display a predetermined image to a user through a display unit (3420, 3430). In some embodiments, the display devices according to one embodiment of the present invention can be assembled to a body frame having a hemispherical shape, as they can be extended in various directions as described above, and thus the robot (3400) may include a hemispherical display unit (3420, 3430).

[0235] FIG. 18e illustrates a vehicle display device (3500) as another electronic device in 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 passenger display. Since the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be extended in various directions, it can be used for the cluster (3510), the Center Information Display (CID) (3520), and / or the co-driver display without being constrained by the shape of the vehicle's internal frame.

[0236] FIG. 18e illustrates the cluster (3510), the Center Information Display (CID) (3520), and / or the co-driver display being separated, but the 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 a single unit.

[0237] In one embodiment, a vehicle display device (3500) may include a button (3540) capable of displaying a predetermined image. Referring to the enlarged view of FIG. 18e, the hemispherical button (3540) may include an object (3542) that provides a sense of use of the button while moving in the z-direction or -z-direction, and a display device placed on the object (3542). In some embodiments, if the object (3542) has a three-dimensionally rounded surface, the display device may also have a three-dimensionally rounded surface.

[0238] FIG. 18f illustrates that an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an electronic device for advertising or display (3600). In some embodiments, the electronic device for advertising or display (3600) may be installed on a fixed structure (3610), such as a wall or a column. If the structure (3610) includes an uneven surface as shown in FIG. 18f, the electronic device for advertising or display (3600) may also be placed along the uneven surface of the structure (3610). In some embodiments, the electronic device for advertising or display (3600) may be installed on the structure (3610) using a heat-shrink film or the like.

[0239] FIG. 18g illustrates that an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is 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 portion (3710) protrudes in the z-direction or protrudes in the -z-direction (or is recessed 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 be recessed in the z-direction).

[0240] The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A substrate comprising mutually spaced island portions, a bridge portion connecting the island portions, and an opening defining the space between the island portions; A light-emitting element positioned on top of the above island sections; and A luminance compensation layer disposed on the upper part of the above bridge portion and further comprising a color-changing material that changes color in response to stress; A display device having 2. In Paragraph 1, A display device comprising a color-changing material represented by the following chemical formula 1. [Chemical Formula 1] In the above chemical formula 1, R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and R2 and R3 are independently a hydrogen atom, a deuterium atom, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a substituted or unsubstituted oxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, and m and n are each independently integers from 0 to 4.

3. In Paragraph 1, A display device in which the brightness of the brightness compensation layer increases as the stress applied to the bridge portion increases.

4. In Paragraph 1, A display device comprising a base resin in addition to the above-mentioned brightness compensation layer.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above brightness compensation layer is a display device spaced apart from the above island portions.

6. In Paragraph 1, A display device further comprising at least one groove located between the island portions and the bridge portion on a flat plane.

7. In Paragraph 6, A display device in which the above-mentioned brightness compensation layer is arranged non-overlapping with the above-mentioned groove.

8. In Paragraph 6, A display device further comprising a protective layer disposed to seal the light-emitting element on the plurality of island portions.

9. In Paragraph 8, A display device in which the protective layer overlaps at least partially with the groove and is spaced apart from the brightness compensation layer.

10. In Paragraph 1, It further includes an insulating layer disposed on the upper part of the above bridge portion and having an uneven structure, A display device in which the brightness compensation layer is located directly on the irregular structure of the insulating layer.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above bridge section includes a first bridge section and a second bridge section connected to one of the island sections and extending toward different directions, respectively. A display device comprising a first brightness compensation layer disposed on the first bridge portion and a second brightness compensation layer disposed on the second bridge portion.

12. In Paragraph 11, A display device in which the first brightness compensation layer emits a first color, and the second brightness compensation layer emits a second color different from the first color.

13. In Paragraph 11, A display device in which the first brightness compensation layer and the second brightness compensation layer emit the same color.

14. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned luminance compensation layer includes a plurality of mutually spaced sub-luminance compensation layers, and A display device in which a first sub-luminance compensation layer and a second sub-luminance compensation layer adjacent to each other among the plurality of sub-luminance compensation layers emit light of a different color.

15. In Paragraph 1, A display device having a first width for the bridge portion and a second width substantially the same as the bridge portion.

16. In Paragraph 1, A display device having a first width for the bridge portion and a second width smaller than the first width for the brightness compensation layer.

17. In Paragraph 16, A display device in which the brightness compensation layer is located in the edge region of the bridge portion adjacent to the island portions.

18. In Paragraph 1, A display device further comprising a light-blocking layer disposed around the luminance compensation layer on a flat plane.

19. In an electronic device including a display device, The above display device is, A substrate comprising mutually spaced island portions, a bridge portion connecting the island portions, and an opening defining the space between the island portions; A light-emitting element positioned on top of the above island sections; and A luminance compensation layer disposed on the upper part of the above bridge portion and further comprising a color-changing material that changes color in response to stress; An electronic device having 20. In Paragraph 19, An electronic device comprising a wearable device, medical device, educational device, robot, automotive device, commercial video or display device, or a controller.

Images