Display device, electronic device including same, and manufacturing method of display device

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a display device including a plurality of island areas disposed spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of bridge areas connecting the plurality of island areas. The display device comprises: a substrate; a pixel driving circuit unit disposed on the substrate; a first electrode pad disposed on the pixel driving circuit unit so as to be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit unit; a second electrode pad disposed on the pixel driving circuit unit so as to be electrically connected to a power voltage; a first touch conductive layer disposed on the pixel driving circuit unit and including a first conductive pattern; an inorganic light-emitting diode disposed on the first electrode pad and the second electrode pad; a first planarization layer disposed on the inorganic light-emitting diode; a first connection unit disposed on the first planarization layer and electrically connecting the inorganic light-emitting diode and the first electrode pad; a second connection unit disposed on the first planarization layer and electrically connecting the inorganic light-emitting diode and the second electrode pad; and a second touch conductive layer disposed on the first planarization layer so as to be electrically connected to the first touch conductive layer and including a second conductive pattern.

Description

Display device, electronic device including the same, and method of manufacturing a display device

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a display device, such as a flexible 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 display devices of various structures, such as stretchable display devices that can change into various shapes, is actively underway.

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention provide a display device, such as a flexible display device. However, these are exemplary and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention is a display device comprising a plurality of island regions arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of bridge regions connecting the plurality of island regions, the display device comprising: a substrate; a pixel driving circuit portion disposed on the substrate; a first electrode pad disposed on the pixel driving circuit portion so as to be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit portion; a second electrode pad disposed on the pixel driving circuit portion so as to be electrically connected to a power supply voltage; a first touch conductive layer disposed on the pixel driving circuit portion and comprising a first conductive pattern; an inorganic light-emitting diode disposed on the first electrode pad and the second electrode pad; a first planarization layer disposed on the inorganic light-emitting diode; a first connection portion disposed on the first planarization layer and electrically connecting the inorganic light-emitting diode and the first electrode pad; and a second connection portion disposed on the first planarization layer and electrically connecting the inorganic light-emitting diode and the second electrode pad. A display device is disclosed comprising: a second touch conductive layer disposed on the first flattening layer so as to be electrically connected to the first touch conductive layer and comprising a second conductive pattern.

[0005] In one embodiment, the first electrode pad, the second electrode pad, and the first touch conductive layer are disposed on the same layer and may include the same material.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first connecting part, the second connecting part, and the second touch conductive layer are disposed on the same layer and may include the same material.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and the second touch conductive layer can each penetrate the first flattening layer.

[0008] In one embodiment, the second touch conductive layer may be disposed in each of the plurality of island regions and the plurality of bridge regions.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first touch conductive layer is disposed in the plurality of island regions and can be spaced apart from the plurality of bridge regions.

[0010] In one embodiment, a first shielding layer disposed in the same layer as the first touch conductive layer so as to overlap with the second touch conductive layer disposed in the plurality of bridge regions may be further included.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first shielding layer may include the same material as the first touch conductive layer.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first touch conductive layer may be disposed in each of the plurality of island regions and the plurality of bridge regions.

[0013] In one embodiment, a second shielding layer disposed between the first touch conductive layer and the pixel driving circuit portion may be further included so as to overlap with the first touch conductive layer disposed in the plurality of island regions.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first connecting portion may include: a first-1 connecting portion that overlaps with the inorganic light-emitting diode on a plane and is provided with a transparent material; and a first-2 connecting portion that electrically connects the first-1 connecting portion and the first electrode pad and includes the same material as the second touch conductive layer.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second connecting portion may include: a second-1 connecting portion that overlaps with the inorganic light-emitting diode on a plane and is provided with a transparent material; and a second-2 connecting portion that electrically connects the second-1 connecting portion and the second electrode pad and includes the same material as the second touch conductive layer.

[0016] An embodiment of the present invention comprises an electronic device having a flexible display device comprising a plurality of island regions arranged spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of bridge regions connecting the plurality of island regions, wherein the display device comprises: a substrate; a pixel driving circuit portion disposed on the substrate; a first electrode pad disposed on the pixel driving circuit portion so as to be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit portion; a second electrode pad disposed on the pixel driving circuit portion so as to be electrically connected to a power supply voltage; an inorganic light-emitting diode disposed on the first electrode pad and the second electrode pad; a first planarization layer disposed on the inorganic light-emitting diode; a first connection portion disposed on the first planarization layer and electrically connecting the inorganic light-emitting diode and the first electrode pad; and a second connection portion disposed on the first planarization layer and electrically connecting the inorganic light-emitting diode and the second electrode pad. An electronic device is disclosed comprising: a first touch conductive layer disposed on the first flattening layer and having a first conductive pattern; a second flattening layer disposed on the first touch conductive layer; and a second touch conductive layer disposed on the second flattening layer and having a second conductive pattern so as to be electrically connected to the first touch conductive layer.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first connecting part, the second connecting part, and the first touch conductive layer are disposed on the same layer and may include the same material.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion can each penetrate the first flattening layer.

[0019] In one embodiment, the second touch conductive layer may be disposed in each of the plurality of island regions and the plurality of bridge regions.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first touch conductive layer is disposed in the plurality of island regions and can be spaced apart from the plurality of bridge regions.

[0021] In one embodiment, the display device may further include a first shielding layer disposed on the same layer as each of the first electrode pad and the second electrode pad so as to overlap with the second touch conductive layer disposed in the plurality of bridge regions.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first shielding layer may include the same material as the first electrode pad and the second electrode pad, respectively.

[0023] In one embodiment, the display device may further include a third shielding layer disposed on the same layer as each of the first electrode pad and the second electrode pad so as to overlap with the first touch conductive layer disposed in the plurality of island regions.

[0024] Other aspects, features, and advantages other than those described above will become clear from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the invention.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a display device capable of stretching in various directions with improved elongation can be provided. Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited by such effects.

[0026] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIGS. 2a and FIGS. 2b are perspective views showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in a first direction.

[0029] FIG. 2c is a perspective view showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in a second direction.

[0030] FIG. 2d is a perspective view showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in the first direction and the second direction.

[0031] FIG. 2e is a perspective view showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in a third direction.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 4a is a plan view of part IV of FIG. 3 as a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 4b is a plan view of part IV of FIG. 3 as a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] FIGS. 6a to 6c are equivalent circuit diagrams of subpixels of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically illustrating a touch unit of the display device of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 10a is an enlarged plan view schematically illustrating a touch sensor included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 10b is a diagram illustrating the operating principle of a touch sensor included in a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIGS. 11a and FIGS. 11b are plan views schematically illustrating a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIGS. 16a to 16g are perspective views schematically illustrating embodiments of an electronic device including a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Now, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same components. In this regard, the present embodiment may take various forms and should not be limited by the contents described in this specification. Accordingly, the present embodiment is presented only for the purpose of explaining one aspect of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[0051] As used herein, the term "and / or" means any combination comprising one or more of the listed items. Additionally, as used throughout this specification, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" is interpreted to mean a only, b only, c only, a and b, a and c, b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] In the following embodiments, terms such as first, second, etc. are used not in a limiting sense, but for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

[0055] In the following examples, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0056] In the following embodiments, terms such as "include" or "have" mean that the features or components described in the specification are present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0057] In the following embodiments, 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 directly on top of another part, but also cases where another film, region, or component is interposed in between.

[0058] 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.

[0059] In the following embodiments, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to three axes in an orthogonal coordinate system and can be interpreted in a broader sense that includes them. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be orthogonal to each other, but they may also refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

[0060] Where an embodiment 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.

[0061] In this specification, "on a plane" means a plane viewed from a direction perpendicular to the substrate (100, see FIG. 5). That is, "A and B spaced apart from each other on a plane" means "A and B spaced apart from each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the substrate (100, see FIG. 5)."

[0062] In this specification, "on a cross-section" means a plane cut in a direction perpendicular to the substrate (100, see FIG. 5). That is, "A and B spaced apart from each other on a cross-section" means "A and B spaced apart from each other on a plane cut in a direction perpendicular to the substrate (100, see FIG. 5)."

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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) may completely surround the display area (DA).

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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), may protrude along the -z direction (or be sunken along the z direction).

[0069] 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.

[0070] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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.

[0074] In some embodiments, the elongation rate of the non-display area (NDA) may be equal to or less than the elongation rate of the display area (DA). In one embodiment, the elongation rates of the non-display area (NDA) may differ from one another. 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 rates of the first non-display area (NDA1), the second non-display area (NDA2), and the third non-display area (NDA3), respectively.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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).

[0077] 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).

[0078] 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).

[0079] The display device (1) may include second island sections (21) spaced apart from each other in a non-display area, for example, a first non-display area (NDA1) shown in FIG. 4a, and second bridge sections (22) connecting adjacent second island sections (21).

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 substantially 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 one side of an adjacent second island section (21) and / or one side of another second bridge section (22) by the second opening (CS2).

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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).

[0085] 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 one another, such that one 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).

[0086] 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 substantially the same shape as the first island portion (11) and the first bridge portion (12) of the display area (DA).

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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 substantially the same as the structure of the display area (DA) described above with reference to FIG. 4a.

[0089] 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).

[0090] 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).

[0091] 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).

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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).

[0094] 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).

[0095] FIG. 4c 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.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 4c, the display device (1) may include first island sections (11) spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction) in a display area (DA), and first bridge sections (12) connecting adjacent first island sections (11).

[0097] 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'.

[0098] 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).

[0099] The display device (1) may include second island sections (21) spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction) in a non-display area, e.g., a first non-display area (NDA1) shown in FIG. 4c, and second bridge sections (22) connecting adjacent second island sections (21).

[0100] 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 portion (22) may be larger than the radius of curvature of the rounded portion of the first bridge portion (12).

[0101] 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).

[0102] 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).

[0103] 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. A first end of the third bridge section (23) may be connected to the second island section (21), and a second end of the third bridge section (23) may be connected to the first island section (11). For example, the first 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 second end of the third bridge section (23) can be connected to the central part of one side of the first island section (11).

[0104] 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 -y-direction), a third opening (CS3) and a fourth opening (CS4) of different shapes may be alternately arranged between the third bridge sections (23).

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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).

[0107] 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). 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). 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) may each emit red, green, blue, and white light.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] The touch unit (200) is placed on an insulating layer (IL) and a light-emitting element (LED) and can detect an external input applied from the outside.

[0111] 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).

[0112] In one embodiment, the substrate (100) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12) may have a laminated structure substantially identical to that of 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 laminated structure from that of the substrate (100) corresponding to the first island portion (11). In some embodiments, the substrate (100) corresponding to the first island portion (11) may have 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.

[0113] As previously explained, the wiring (WL) of the first bridge section (12) may be signal lines (e.g., gate lines, data lines, etc.) for providing an electrical signal to a transistor 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 a voltage.

[0114] 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 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 shape as the first opening (CS1).

[0115] FIGS. 6a to 6c are equivalent circuit diagrams of subpixels of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] 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).

[0117] The second transistor (T2) can be electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and the data line (DL). The first scan line (SL1) can provide a first scan signal (GW1) to 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 (GW1) input from the first scan line (SL1).

[0118] 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).

[0119] 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 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) that supplies the second power supply voltage (VSS).

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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).

[0122] 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).

[0123] 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).

[0124] 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).

[0125] 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).

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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).

[0128] 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 simultaneously turned on 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).

[0129] 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).

[0130] 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).

[0131] 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).

[0132] 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), a holding voltage line (VSL), and a first voltage line (VDDL).

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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).

[0135] The second transistor (T2) is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and the data line (DL), and is electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and the eighth transistor (T8). The second transistor (T2) is turned on 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).

[0136] 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 connects the first transistor (T1) to the diode, thereby compensating for the threshold voltage of the first transistor (T1).

[0137] 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).

[0138] The fifth transistor (T5), the sixth transistor (T6), and the eighth transistor (T8) are electrically connected to the light emission control line (EML) and are simultaneously turned on according to the light emission control signal (EM) received through the light emission 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).

[0139] 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).

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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) can be turned off and the ninth transistor (T9) can be turned on during the initialization period and the data writing period, and the eighth transistor (T8) can be turned on and the ninth transistor (T9) can 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) can be improved due to the voltage drop of the first voltage line (VDDL).

[0142] 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).

[0143] 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 the problem of the black brightness rising when the sixth transistor (T6) is turned off.

[0144] FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a light-emitting element of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] 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).

[0146] 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).

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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).

[0149] 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 (semi)transparent 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 (semi)transparent layer comprising the aforementioned materials.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first semiconductor layer (231) may include a p-type semiconductor layer. The p-type semiconductor layer may be selected from semiconductor materials having the compositional formula InxAlyGa1-x-yN (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1), such as GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, AlInN, etc., and may be doped with p-type dopants such as Mg, Zn, Ca, Sr, Ba, etc.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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) can be formed by including a semiconductor material having, for example, the composition formula InxAlyGa1-x-yN (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1), and can be formed as a single quantum well structure or a multi-quantum well (MQW) structure. Additionally, it may include a quantum wire structure or a quantum dot structure.

[0155] 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.

[0156] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 8, the display device (1) may include a touch unit (200), a display driving unit (100D), a touch driving unit (200D), and a main processor (1D).

[0158] The touch unit (200) can detect an external input (1000) applied from the outside. The external input (1000) may include a suitable input means capable of providing a change in capacitance. For example, the touch unit (200) can detect input by a passive type input means, such as the user's body, as well as input by an active type input means that provides a driving signal.

[0159] The main processor (1D) can control the overall operation of the display device (1). For example, the main processor (1D) can control the operation of the display driver (100D) and the touch driver (200D). The main processor (1D) may include at least one microprocessor and may further include a graphics controller. The main processor (1D) may be referred to as an application processor, a central processing unit, or a main driver.

[0160] The display driver (100D) can receive image data (RGB) and a control signal (D-CS) from the main processor (1D). The control signal (D-CS) may include various signals. For example, the control signal (D-CS) may include an input vertical synchronization signal, an input horizontal synchronization signal, a main clock, and a data enable signal. Based on the control signal (D-CS), the display driver (100D) can generate a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal to control the timing of providing signals to the display panel.

[0161] The touch driving unit (200D) can drive the touch unit (200). The touch driving unit (200D) can receive a control signal (I-CS) from the main processor (1D). The control signal (I-CS) may include a mode determination signal and a clock signal that determine the driving mode of the touch driving unit (200D).

[0162] The touch driving unit (200D) can apply a touch driving signal (Tx) to the touch unit (200) in response to a control signal (I-CS) received from the main processor (1D). The touch driving unit (200D) can apply a touch driving signal (Tx) having a predetermined driving frequency to the touch unit (200).

[0163] The touch driving unit (200D) receives a touch detection signal (Rx) from the touch unit (200) and can convert it into a digital signal. The touch driving unit (200D) can calculate coordinate information of the input based on the touch detection signal (Rx) received from the touch unit (200) and provide a coordinate signal (I-SS) having coordinate information to the main processor (1D). The main processor (1D) executes an operation corresponding to the user input based on the coordinate signal (I-SS). For example, the main processor (1D) can operate the display driving unit (100D) so that a new application image is displayed on the display panel.

[0164] FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically illustrating the touch unit (200) of the display device (1) of FIG. 1.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 9, a touch unit (200) that operates by forming an electrical signal according to a user's touch is illustrated. In one embodiment, the touch unit (200) may be of the electrostatic capacitive type. In one embodiment, the touch unit (200) may be of the mutual capacitive type.

[0166] The touch unit (200) may include a touch sensor (TS) including a touch electrode (TCE). The touch unit (200) may include a plurality of touch electrodes (TCE). These plurality of touch electrodes (TCE) may be electrically connected to each other through connection patterns (SP). The outer region of the plurality of touch electrodes (TCE) may further include signal wiring (SLL1, SLL2) that connects the plurality of touch electrodes (TCE) to an external driving circuit through a pad portion (PD).

[0167] A plurality of touch electrodes (TCE) may include driving electrodes (TE) formed to be connected along a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) and sensing electrodes (RE) formed to be connected along a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) and distributed between the driving electrodes (TE) so as not to overlap with the driving electrodes (TE). These driving electrodes (TE) and sensing electrodes (RE) may be alternately distributed so as not to overlap with each other.

[0168] Meanwhile, the first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) in which the driving electrodes (TE) are connected and the second direction (e.g., y-axis direction) in which the sensing electrodes (RE) are connected are different directions that intersect each other, for example, if the first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) is set as a row direction, the second direction (e.g., y-axis direction) can be set as a column direction.

[0169] That is, driving electrodes (TE) are arranged in multiple numbers along a column line and / or a row line, and driving electrodes (TE) located in the same column line or row line (in this embodiment, the same row line) can be formed to be connected along a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) by first connection patterns (SP1) arranged in multiple numbers along the same column line or row line. The form in which driving electrodes (TE) are connected in multiple numbers along the same column line or row line is referred to as a driving electrode line (TEL). For example, one driving electrode line (TEL) may extend in a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction), and multiple driving electrode lines (TEL) may be arranged along a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction). The driving electrode lines (TEL) may be connected to each first signal wiring (SLL1) on a line-by-line basis. The first signal wiring (SLL1) may be wiring that transmits a touch driving signal (Tx) applied from the touch driving unit (200D) of FIG. 8 to the driving electrodes (TE) of the touch unit (200). That is, the touch driving signal (Tx) may be applied to the driving electrodes (TE) through the first signal wiring (SLL1).

[0170] Sensing electrodes (REs) are arranged in multiple numbers along row lines and / or column lines, respectively, and sensing electrodes (REs) located in the same row line or column line (in this embodiment, the same column line) may be formed to be connected along a second direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) intersecting the first direction by second connection patterns (SP2) arranged in multiple numbers along the same row line or column line. The form in which sensing electrodes (REs) are connected in multiple numbers along the same column line or row line is referred to as a sensing electrode line (REL). For example, one sensing electrode line (REL) may extend in the second direction (e.g., the y-axis direction), and multiple sensing electrode lines (RELs) may be arranged along the first direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). The sensing electrode lines (RELs) may be connected to each second signal wiring (SLL2) on a line-by-line basis. The second signal wiring (SLL2) may be wiring that transmits a touch detection signal (Rx), described with reference to FIG. 8, to a touch driving unit (200D). That is, through the second signal wiring (SLL2), the touch driving unit (200D) is electrically connected to the sensing electrodes (RE) and can receive a touch detection signal (Rx) from the sensing electrodes (RE). The touch detection signal (Rx) may be a signal that reflects the amount of change in capacitance between the driving electrodes (TE) and the sensing electrodes (RE).

[0171] The connection patterns (SP) include a plurality of first connection patterns (SP1) formed along a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) to connect driving electrodes (TE) along the first direction (e.g., x-axis direction), and a plurality of second connection patterns (SP2) formed along a second direction to connect sensing electrodes (RE) along the second direction. These connection patterns (SP) may be formed of a transparent electrode material or an opaque low-resistance electrode material, and their thickness or width, etc., may be adjusted so as to prevent visualization.

[0172] The signal lines (SLL1, SLL2) are electrically connected to line-unit driving electrodes (TE) and sensing electrodes (RE) connected along a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) and a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction), respectively, and can be connected to an external driving circuit, such as the touch driving unit (100D) described with reference to FIG. 8, through the pad unit (PD). The signal lines (SLL1, SLL2) are mainly located in a touch inactive area (NSE) defined at the outer edge of the touch active area (SEE), avoiding the touch active area (SEE) where an image is displayed. In addition to the transparent electrode material used to form the touch electrodes (TCE), which offers a wide range of material choices, they can be formed from low-resistance materials such as molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and molybdenum / aluminum / molybdenum (Mo / Al / Mo).

[0173] Meanwhile, FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment in which the first and second connection patterns (SP1, SP2) intersect each other, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the driving electrodes (TE) may be connected along the first direction by bypassing the path where the first connection patterns (SP1) overlap with adjacent sensing electrodes (RE) so as not to intersect with the second connection patterns (SP2). In this case, an insulating film may be interposed between the first connection patterns (SP1) and the sensing electrodes (RE) to ensure stability.

[0174] A touch unit (200) having the above-described structure detects a touch position by measuring the capacitance that changes between the driving electrodes (TE) and the sensing electrodes (RE) when an input means, such as a finger, approaches or contacts the touch unit (200).

[0175] Each of the plurality of driving electrodes (TE) and the plurality of sensing electrodes (RE) may be arranged in a structure in which a plurality of consecutive polygons in the shape of a diamond are connected, but is not limited thereto. The shape, size, or arrangement of the plurality of driving electrodes (TE) and the plurality of sensing electrodes (RE) may be varied depending on the shape, size, or sensing method of the display area in which the pixels are arranged.

[0176] FIG. 10a is an enlarged plan view schematically illustrating a touch sensor (TS) included in a display device (1, see FIG. 8) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10b is a drawing for explaining the operating principle of a touch sensor (TS) included in a display device (1, see FIG. 8) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0177] The touch sensor (TS) can correspond to the intersection of the driving electrode line (TEL) and the sensing electrode line (TEL) described with reference to FIG. 9. The touch sensor (TS) can correspond to the intersection of the first connection pattern (SP1) and the second connection pattern (SP2) as shown in FIG. 10a. The touch sensor (TS) can correspond to the overlapping portion of the first connection pattern (SP1) and the second connection pattern (SP2).

[0178] Referring to FIG. 10a, driving electrodes (TE) may be located on the left and right sides of the touch sensor (TS), and sensing electrodes (RE) may be located on the top and bottom sides of the touch sensor (TS). The touch sensor (TS) can detect whether a touch is present through the driving electrodes (TE) and sensing electrodes (RE) located around the touch sensor (TS).

[0179] Specifically, referring to FIG. 10b, the touch sensor (TS) may include a touch capacitor (Ct). The touch capacitor (Ct) may include a first electrode (ELtx) and a second electrode (ELrx). The first electrode (ELtx) corresponds to driving electrodes (TE) located on the left and right sides of the touch sensor (TS), respectively, and the second electrode (ELrx) corresponds to sensing electrodes (RE) located on the top and bottom sides of the touch sensor (TS), respectively.

[0180] A touch capacitor (Ct) comprising a first electrode (ELtx) and a second electrode (ELrx) has a touch capacitance (Cm). The touch capacitor (Ct) has a touch capacitance (Cm) by charging an electric charge between a driving electrode (TE) and a sensing electrode (RE) according to a touch driving signal (Tx) having a specific driving frequency. The touch capacitance (Cm) between the first electrode (ELtx) and the second electrode (ELrx) may be referred to as mutual capacitance. In other words, the touch capacitor (Ct) may have a mutual touch capacitance (Cm) between the driving electrode (TE) and the sensing electrode (RE). When no touch input is made to the display device (1), the capacitance (Cm) does not change and remains at its original value. If a touch input (e.g., a finger touch) is made on the touch sensor (TS) or at a location adjacent thereto, a capacitance is formed between the first electrode (ELtx) or the second electrode (ELrx) and the finger, and the capacitance (Cm) between the first electrode (ELtx) and the second electrode (ELrx) changes. In this way, when any touch input is applied to the display device, the capacitance (Cm) changes, and the touch sensor (TS) can detect whether a touch is present by using the amount of change in the capacitance (Cm) between the first electrode (ELtx) and the second electrode (ELrx).

[0181] In the display unit (200) of the present invention, the driving frequency of the touch driving signal (Tx) can be determined by the driving frequency determination method described below with reference to FIG. 6. In one embodiment, the driving frequency of the touch driving signal (Tx) can be determined based on touch capacitance (Cm) data and data on the amount of change of touch capacitance (Cm).

[0182] FIGS. 11a and FIGS. 11b are plan views schematically showing a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0183] Specifically, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a display device (1) showing a cross-section along the line I-I' of FIG. 11a and a cross-section along the line II-II' of FIG. 11b.

[0184] Referring to FIGS. 11a to 12, the display device (1) may include a plurality of island sections and a plurality of bridge sections. The plurality of island sections may include at least one of a plurality of first island sections (11, see FIGS. 4a to 4c) and a plurality of second island sections (21, see FIGS. 4a to 4c). The plurality of bridge sections may include at least one of a plurality of first bridge sections (12, see FIGS. 4a to 4c) and a plurality of second bridge sections (22, see FIGS. 4a to 4c).

[0185] Additionally, the display device (1) may include a plurality of island areas (EAI) arranged spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of bridge areas (EAB) connecting the plurality of island areas (EAI). The plurality of island areas (EAI) may be areas where a plurality of island parts are arranged within the display device (1). The plurality of bridge areas (EAB) may be areas where a plurality of bridge parts are arranged within the display device (1).

[0186] Hereinafter, the explanation will be based on the premise that a plurality of island parts refer to a plurality of first island parts (11, see FIGS. 4a to 4c) and a plurality of bridge parts refer to a plurality of first bridge parts (12, see FIGS. 4a to 4c).

[0187] Referring to FIG. 11a, the first island portion (11) placed in the display area (DA) may include light-emitting elements and a pixel driving circuit portion (PC) electrically connected thereto. As previously described, the pixel driving circuit portion (PC) may include transistors and at least one capacitor. FIG. 11a illustrates three pixel driving circuit portions (PCs) placed in the first island portion (11), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the number of pixel driving circuit portions (PCs) and light-emitting elements placed in the first island portion (11) may be one, two, or four or more.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 12, the substrate (100) corresponding to the island region (EAI) 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.

[0189] A pixel driving circuit (PC) may be disposed on a substrate (100). A buffer layer (111) may be disposed on the substrate (100), and the 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.

[0190] 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. 12 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.

[0191] The semiconductor layer (Act) may include polysilicon. Alternatively, the semiconductor layer (Act) may include amorphous silicon, an oxide semiconductor, an organic semiconductor, etc. The gate electrode (GE) may include a 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.

[0192] 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, or titanium oxide. The gate insulating layer (113) may be a single layer or a multilayer containing the aforementioned materials.

[0193] 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 conductive material and may be formed as a multilayer or a single layer. 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 material.

[0194] 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. 12 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 and may be formed as a multilayer or a single layer. The first interlayer insulating layer (115) may be placed between the gate insulating layer (113) and the second interlayer insulating layer (117). The first interlayer insulating layer (115) may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, nitrogen oxide, silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide, and titanium oxide, and may be a single layer or a multilayer containing the aforementioned material.

[0195] The inorganic insulating layer (IOL) on the substrate (100) may include, for example, a buffer layer (111), a gate insulating layer (113), a first interlayer insulating layer (115), and a second interlayer insulating layer (117).

[0196] 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.

[0197] The second voltage line (VSSL) is disposed on the second organic insulating layer (121), and the third organic insulating layer (123) may be disposed on the second organic insulating layer (121) and the second voltage line (VSSL). The third organic insulating layer (123) may include an organic insulating material such as polyimide. The second voltage line (VSSL) may include a conductive material and may be formed as a multilayer or a single layer.

[0198] The first electrode pad (241) may be placed on the pixel driving circuit (PC) so as to be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit (PC). The first electrode pad (241) may be placed 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 electrode (CM1) between the first organic insulating layer (119) and the second organic insulating layer (121), and a second connecting electrode (CM2) between the second organic insulating layer (121) and the third organic insulating layer (123).

[0199] The second electrode pad (242) may be placed on the pixel driving circuit unit (PC) so as to be electrically connected to the power supply voltage. The second electrode pad (242) may be placed on the third organic insulating layer (123). The second electrode pad (242) may be connected to the second voltage line (VSSL) by penetrating the third organic insulating layer (123).

[0200] An inorganic light-emitting diode (230) may be disposed on the first electrode pad (241) and the second electrode pad (242). The inorganic light-emitting diode (230) described in FIG. 7b may be disposed on the first electrode pad (241) and the second electrode pad (242) in an inverted state. A second semiconductor layer (232), an intermediate layer (233), a first semiconductor layer (231), and a first electrode (235) may be sequentially disposed in a direction away from the substrate (100) (e.g., the +z direction). Additionally, a second semiconductor layer (232) and a second electrode (238) may be sequentially disposed in a direction away from the substrate (100) (e.g., the +z direction).

[0201] A first adhesive layer (AD1) may be disposed between the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) and the first electrode pad (241). Additionally, a first adhesive layer (AD1) may be disposed between the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) and the second electrode pad (242). The first adhesive layer (AD1) may be integrally provided between the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) and the first electrode pad (241), and between the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) and the second electrode pad (242). For example, the first adhesive layer (AD1) may include an optical clear adhesive.

[0202] A touch unit (200) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (123). The touch unit (200) may include a driving electrode (TE, see FIG. 9), a first signal wiring (SLL1, see FIG. 9) connected to the driving electrode (TE, see FIG. 9), a sensing electrode (RE, see FIG. 9), a second signal wiring (SLL2, see FIG. 9) connected to the sensing electrode (RE, see FIG. 9), and at least one insulating layer. The touch sensor (TS, see FIG. 9) included in the touch unit (200) may detect an external input, for example, in a capacitance manner. The touch unit (200) may include a first flattening layer (125), a second flattening layer (127), a first touch conductive layer (MTL1), and a second touch conductive layer (MTL2).

[0203] The first touch conductive layer (MTL1) is disposed on the pixel driving circuit unit (PC) and may include a first conductive pattern. The first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (123). The first touch conductive layer (MTL1) can reduce the phenomenon of interference occurring between the signal occurring below the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) and the touch unit (200).

[0204] The first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) are arranged on the same layer so as to be spaced apart from each other and may contain the same material. The first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may be formed simultaneously in the same process on the third organic insulating layer (123). Accordingly, the manufacturing process of the display device (1) can be simplified.

[0205] Each of the first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may have a single-layer structure or a stacked multi-layer structure. For example, each of the first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. For example, each of the first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may include molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and alloys thereof. For example, each of the first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may include a transparent conductive oxide such as ITO (indium tin oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), ZnO (zinc oxide), ITZO (indium tin zinc oxide), etc. Alternatively, each of the first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may include a conductive polymer such as PEDOT, metal nanowires, graphene, etc.

[0206] The first flattening layer (125) can be placed on the inorganic light-emitting diode (230). The first flattening layer (125) can cover the first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), the first touch conductive layer (MTL1), the first adhesive layer (AD1), and the inorganic light-emitting diode (230).

[0207] The first connection part (CP1) may be disposed on the first flattening layer (125). The first connection part (CP1) may electrically connect the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) and the first electrode pad (241). The first connection part (CP1) may be connected to the first electrode (235) of the inorganic light-emitting diode (230). The first connection part (CP1) may be connected to the first electrode pad (241) by penetrating the first flattening layer (125).

[0208] The second connection part (CP2) may be disposed on the first flattening layer (125). The second connection part (CP2) may electrically connect the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) and the second electrode pad (242). The second connection part (CP2) may be connected to the second electrode (238) of the inorganic light-emitting diode (230). The second connection part (CP2) may be connected to the second electrode pad (242) by penetrating the first flattening layer (125).

[0209] The second touch conductive layer (MTL2) is disposed on the first flattening layer (125) and may include a second conductive pattern. The first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern may form a touch sensor. The second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may be electrically connected to the first touch conductive layer (MTL1). The second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may be connected to the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) by penetrating the first flattening layer (125). The first connecting part (CP1), the second connecting part (CP2), and the second touch conductive layer (MTL2) are disposed on the same layer so as to be spaced apart from each other and may include the same material. The first connecting part (CP1), the second connecting part (CP2), and the second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may be formed simultaneously in the same process on the first flattening layer (125). Therefore, the manufacturing process of the display device (1) can be simplified.

[0210] Each of the first connection part (CP1), the second connection part (CP2), and the second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may have a single-layer structure or a stacked multilayer structure. For example, each of the first connection part (CP1), the second connection part (CP2), and the second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may include a transparent conductive layer. For example, each of the first connection part (CP1), the second connection part (CP2), and the second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may include a transparent conductive oxide such as ITO (indium tin oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), ZnO (zinc oxide), ITZO (indium tin zinc oxide), etc. Alternatively, each of the first connection part (CP1), the second connection part (CP2), and the second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may include a conductive polymer such as PEDOT, a metal nanowire, graphene, etc.

[0211] The second flattening layer (127) may be disposed on the first flattening layer (125). The second flattening layer (127) may cover the first connection portion (CP1), the second connection portion (CP2), and the second touch conductive layer (MTL2). Each of the first flattening layer (125) and the second flattening layer (127) may include an organic material. The organic material may include at least one material selected from the group comprising acrylic resin, methacrylate resin, polyisoprene, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, urethane resin, cellulose resin, and perylene resin. Each of the first flattening layer (125) and the second flattening layer (127) may further include an inorganic material. The inorganic material may include at least one material selected from the group comprising silicon nitride (SiNx), aluminum nitride (AlN), zirconium nitride (ZrN), titanium nitride (TiN), hafnium nitride (HfN), tantalum nitride (TaN), silicon oxide (SiOx), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tin oxide (SnO2), cerium oxide (CeO2), and silicon oxynitride (SiON).

[0212] Referring to FIG. 11b, the first bridge section (12) may include a plurality of wires (WL) electrically connected to pixel driving circuit sections (PCs) disposed in each of the adjacent first island sections (11). As previously described, the wires (WL) may be signal lines (e.g., gate lines, data lines, etc.) for providing an electrical signal to a transistor 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 a voltage. FIG. 11b illustrates a plurality of wires (WL), such as first to third wires (WL1, WL2, WL3), disposed on the first bridge section (12), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, a single wire (WL) may be disposed on the first bridge section (12).

[0213] Referring to FIG. 12, in one embodiment, the substrate (100) corresponding to the bridge region (EAB) may have a stacked structure substantially identical to that of the substrate (100) corresponding to the island region (EAI). In one embodiment, the substrate (100) corresponding to the bridge region (EAB) may include a first base layer (101), a first barrier layer (102), a second base layer (103), and a second barrier layer (104). In another embodiment, the substrate (100) corresponding to the bridge region (EAB) may have a stacked structure different from that of the substrate (100) corresponding to the island region (EAI). The substrate (100) corresponding to the bridge region (EAB) may have a structure of a first base layer (101) and a second base layer (103).

[0214] In one embodiment, an inorganic insulating layer (IOL) is not disposed on the substrate (100), and an insulating layer (OL), a first organic insulating layer (119), and a second organic insulating layer (121) may be disposed. The insulating layer (OL) may include an organic insulating material such as polyimide. In one embodiment, the insulating layer (OL) may have a thickness corresponding to that of the inorganic insulating layer (IOL). In some embodiments, the insulating layer (OL) may be omitted.

[0215] A plurality of wirings (WL), for example, first to third wirings (WL1, WL2, WL3), may be disposed on different layers but may be electrically connected to the same pixel driving circuit (PC). For example, the first wiring (WL1) may be disposed between the second organic insulating layer (121) and the third organic insulating layer (123), the second wiring (WL2) may be disposed between the first organic insulating layer (119) and the second organic insulating layer (121), and the third wiring (WL3) may be disposed between the insulating layer (OL) and the first organic insulating layer (119). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, at least some of the first to third wirings (WL1, WL2, WL3) may be disposed on the same layer.

[0216] A first shielding layer (SHP1) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (123). The first shielding layer (SHP1) may be disposed on the same layer as the first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) so as to be spaced apart from each other, and may contain the same material. The first shielding layer (SHP1), the first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may be formed simultaneously in the same process on the third organic insulating layer (123). Thus, the manufacturing process of the display device (1) can be simplified.

[0217] The first shielding layer (SHP1) may have a single-layer structure or a stacked multilayer structure. For example, the first shielding layer (SHP1) may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. For example, the first shielding layer (SHP1) may include molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and alloys thereof. For example, the first shielding layer (SHP1) may include a transparent conductive oxide such as ITO (indium tin oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), ZnO (zinc oxide), ITZO (indium tin zinc oxide), etc. Alternatively, the first shielding layer (SHP1) may include a conductive polymer such as PEDOT, metal nanowires, graphene, etc.

[0218] A first flattening layer (125) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (123) to cover the first shielding layer (SHP1). A second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may be disposed on the first flattening layer (125). Additionally, a second flattening layer (127) may be disposed on the first flattening layer (125) to cover the second touch conductive layer (MTL2).

[0219] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 12, the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) and the second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may have a mesh structure to allow light emitted from an inorganic light-emitting diode (230) to pass through. At this time, the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) and the second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may be arranged so as not to overlap with the inorganic light-emitting diode (230).

[0220] The first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may include second connection patterns (SP2) that connect a plurality of sensing electrodes (RE). The first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may be disposed in a plurality of island regions (EAI) and may be spaced apart from a plurality of bridge regions (EAB). That is, the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may not overlap with the plurality of bridge regions (EAB).

[0221] The second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may include a plurality of sensing electrodes (RE), a plurality of driving electrodes (TE), and a first connection pattern (SP1) connecting the plurality of driving electrodes (TE). The second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may be disposed in each of a plurality of island regions (EAI) and a plurality of bridge regions (EAB).

[0222] A plurality of driving electrodes (TE) may be connected to each other by first connection patterns (SP1) formed on the same layer, and a plurality of sensing electrodes (RE) may be connected to each other by second connection patterns (SP2) formed on another layer through contact holes. In one embodiment, the plurality of driving electrodes (TE) and the first connection patterns (SP1) may be formed integrally.

[0223] The first shielding layer (SHP1) can overlap with the second touch conductive layer (MTL2) disposed in a plurality of bridge regions (EAB). The first shielding layer (SHP1) can reduce the phenomenon of interference occurring between the touch unit (200) disposed on the first shielding layer (SHP1) and the wiring (WL) disposed below the first shielding layer (SHP1).

[0224] In this structure, since at least a portion of the touch unit (200) is placed in the same layer as the inorganic light-emitting diode (230), the thickness of the display device (1) can be reduced. Accordingly, the elongation rate and durability of the display device (1) can be improved.

[0225] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0226] Specifically, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a display device (1) showing a cross-section along the line I-I' of FIG. 11a and a cross-section along the line II-II' of FIG. 11b.

[0227] In FIG. 13, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 12 refer to the same components, so a redundant description thereof is omitted.

[0228] Referring to FIG. 13, the substrate (100) corresponding to the island region (EAI) may include a first base layer (101), a first barrier layer (102), a second base layer (103), and a second barrier layer (104). A pixel driving circuit (PC) may be disposed on the substrate (100). A buffer layer (111) may be disposed on the substrate (100), and a pixel driving circuit (PC) may be disposed on the buffer layer (111). A thin-film transistor (TFT) may include a semiconductor layer (Act), a gate electrode (GE), a source electrode (SE), and a drain electrode (DE). The source electrode (SE) and the drain electrode (DE) may be located on the same layer, for example, a second interlayer insulating layer (117), and may include the same material. The storage capacitor (Cst) may include a first electrode (CE1) and a second electrode (CE2) that overlap with the first interlayer insulating layer (115) in between.

[0229] The inorganic insulating layer (IOL) on the substrate (100) may include, for example, a buffer layer (111), a gate insulating layer (113), a first interlayer insulating layer (115), and a second interlayer insulating layer (117). A first organic insulating layer (119) may be disposed on the second interlayer insulating layer (117), and a second organic insulating layer (121) may be disposed on the first organic insulating layer (119). A second voltage line (VSSL) is disposed on the second organic insulating layer (121), and a third organic insulating layer (123) may be disposed on the second organic insulating layer (121) and the second voltage line (VSSL).

[0230] The first electrode pad (241) may be placed on the pixel driving circuit (PC) so as to be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit (PC). The first electrode pad (241) may be placed 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 electrode (CM1) between the first organic insulating layer (119) and the second organic insulating layer (121), and a second connecting electrode (CM2) between the second organic insulating layer (121) and the third organic insulating layer (123).

[0231] The second electrode pad (242) may be placed on the pixel driving circuit unit (PC) so as to be electrically connected to the power supply voltage. The second electrode pad (242) may be placed on the third organic insulating layer (123). The second electrode pad (242) may be connected to the second voltage line (VSSL) by penetrating the third organic insulating layer (123).

[0232] An inorganic light-emitting diode (230) may be disposed on the first electrode pad (241) and the second electrode pad (242). A first adhesive layer (AD1) may be disposed between the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) and the first electrode pad (241). Additionally, a first adhesive layer (AD1) may be disposed between the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) and the second electrode pad (242).

[0233] A touch unit (200) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (123). The touch unit (200) may include a first flattening layer (125), a second flattening layer (127), a first touch conductive layer (MTL1), and a second touch conductive layer (MTL2). The first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may be disposed on the pixel driving circuit unit (PC) and may include a first conductive pattern. The first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (123). The first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may be disposed on the same layer so as to be spaced apart from each other and may include the same material. The first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) can be formed simultaneously in the same process on the third organic insulating layer (123). Therefore, the manufacturing process of the display device (1) can be simplified.

[0234] The first flattening layer (125) may be disposed on an inorganic light-emitting diode (230). The first flattening layer (125) may cover the first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), the first touch conductive layer (MTL1), the first adhesive layer (AD1), and the inorganic light-emitting diode (230). The first connection portion (CP1) may be disposed on the first flattening layer (125). The second connection portion (CP2) may be disposed on the first flattening layer (125).

[0235] The second touch conductive layer (MTL2) is disposed on the first flattening layer (125) and may include a second conductive pattern. The second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may be electrically connected to the first touch conductive layer (MTL1). The second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may be connected to the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) by penetrating the first flattening layer (125). The second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may be optionally connected to the first touch conductive layer (MTL1). The first connecting portion (CP1), the second connecting portion (CP2), and the second touch conductive layer (MTL2) are disposed on the same layer so as to be spaced apart from each other and may include the same material. The first connection part (CP1), the second connection part (CP2), and the second touch conductive layer (MTL2) can be formed simultaneously in the same process on the first planarization layer (125). Accordingly, the manufacturing process of the display device (1) can be simplified.

[0236] A second flattening layer (127) may be disposed on the first flattening layer (125). The second flattening layer (127) may cover the first connection portion (CP1), the second connection portion (CP2), and the second touch conductive layer (MTL2). A second shielding layer (SHP2) may be disposed between the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) and the pixel driving circuit portion (PC). The second shielding layer (SHP2) may overlap with the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) disposed in a plurality of island regions (EAI).

[0237] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the second shielding layer (SHP2) is placed on the second organic insulating layer (121), and the third organic insulating layer (123) may cover the second shielding layer (SHP2). Alternatively, for example, unlike as illustrated in FIG. 13, the second shielding layer (SHP2) is placed on the first organic insulating layer (119), and the second organic insulating layer (121) may cover the second shielding layer (SHP2).

[0238] The second shielding layer (SHP2) may have a single-layer structure or a stacked multilayer structure. For example, the second shielding layer (SHP2) may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. For example, the second shielding layer (SHP2) may include molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and alloys thereof. For example, the second shielding layer (SHP2) may include a transparent conductive oxide such as ITO (indium tin oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), ZnO (zinc oxide), ITZO (indium tin zinc oxide), etc. Alternatively, the second shielding layer (SHP2) may include a conductive polymer such as PEDOT, metal nanowires, graphene, etc. The second shielding layer (SHP2) can reduce the phenomenon of interference occurring between a signal and a touch unit (200) occurring beneath the second shielding layer (SHP2).

[0239] A substrate (100) corresponding to a bridge region (EAB) may have the same stacked structure as a substrate (100) corresponding to an island region (EAI). In one embodiment, a substrate (100) corresponding to a bridge region (EAB) may include a first base layer (101), a first barrier layer (102), a second base layer (103), and a second barrier layer (104).

[0240] In one embodiment, an inorganic insulating layer (IOL) is not disposed on the substrate (100), and an insulating layer (OL), a first organic insulating layer (119), and a second organic insulating layer (121) may be disposed. A plurality of wirings (WL), such as first to third wirings (WL1, WL2, WL3), may be disposed on different layers but may be electrically connected to the same pixel driving circuit unit (PC). A first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (123). The first touch conductive layer (MTL1) can reduce the phenomenon of interference occurring between a signal and a touch unit (200) occurring below the first touch conductive layer (MTL1).

[0241] The first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) are arranged on the same layer so as to be spaced apart from each other and may contain the same material. The first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may be formed simultaneously in the same process on the third organic insulating layer (123). Accordingly, the manufacturing process of the display device (1) can be simplified.

[0242] A first flattening layer (125) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (123) to cover the first touch conductive layer (MTL1). A second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may be disposed on the first flattening layer (125). Additionally, a second flattening layer (127) may be disposed on the first flattening layer (125) to cover the second touch conductive layer (MTL2).

[0243] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0244] Specifically, FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a display device (1) showing a cross-section along the line I-I' of FIG. 11a and a cross-section along the line II-II' of FIG. 11b.

[0245] In FIG. 14, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 12 refer to the same components, so a redundant description thereof is omitted.

[0246] Referring to FIG. 14, the substrate (100) corresponding to the island region (EAI) may include a first base layer (101), a first barrier layer (102), a second base layer (103), and a second barrier layer (104). A pixel driving circuit (PC) may be disposed on the substrate (100). A buffer layer (111) may be disposed on the substrate (100), and a pixel driving circuit (PC) may be disposed on the buffer layer (111). A thin-film transistor (TFT) may include a semiconductor layer (Act), a gate electrode (GE), a source electrode (SE), and a drain electrode (DE). The source electrode (SE) and the drain electrode (DE) may be located on the same layer, for example, a second interlayer insulating layer (117), and may include the same material. The storage capacitor (Cst) may include a first electrode (CE1) and a second electrode (CE2) that overlap with the first interlayer insulating layer (115) in between.

[0247] The inorganic insulating layer (IOL) on the substrate (100) may include, for example, a buffer layer (111), a gate insulating layer (113), a first interlayer insulating layer (115), and a second interlayer insulating layer (117). A first organic insulating layer (119) may be disposed on the second interlayer insulating layer (117), and a second organic insulating layer (121) may be disposed on the first organic insulating layer (119). A second voltage line (VSSL) is disposed on the second organic insulating layer (121), and a third organic insulating layer (123) may be disposed on the second organic insulating layer (121) and the second voltage line (VSSL).

[0248] The first electrode pad (241) may be placed on the pixel driving circuit (PC) so as to be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit (PC). The first electrode pad (241) may be placed 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 electrode (CM1) between the first organic insulating layer (119) and the second organic insulating layer (121), and a second connecting electrode (CM2) between the second organic insulating layer (121) and the third organic insulating layer (123).

[0249] The second electrode pad (242) may be placed on the pixel driving circuit unit (PC) so as to be electrically connected to the power supply voltage. The second electrode pad (242) may be placed on the third organic insulating layer (123). The second electrode pad (242) may be connected to the second voltage line (VSSL) by penetrating the third organic insulating layer (123).

[0250] An inorganic light-emitting diode (230) may be disposed on the first electrode pad (241) and the second electrode pad (242). A first adhesive layer (AD1) may be disposed between the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) and the first electrode pad (241). Additionally, a first adhesive layer (AD1) may be disposed between the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) and the second electrode pad (242).

[0251] A touch unit (200) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (123). The touch unit (200) may include a first flattening layer (125), a second flattening layer (127), a first touch conductive layer (MTL1), and a second touch conductive layer (MTL2). The first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may be disposed on the pixel driving circuit unit (PC) and may include a first conductive pattern. The first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (123). The first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may be disposed on the same layer so as to be spaced apart from each other and may include the same material. The first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) can be formed simultaneously in the same process on the third organic insulating layer (123). Therefore, the manufacturing process of the display device (1) can be simplified.

[0252] The first flattening layer (125) can be placed on the inorganic light-emitting diode (230). The first flattening layer (125) can cover the first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), the first touch conductive layer (MTL1), the first adhesive layer (AD1), and the inorganic light-emitting diode (230).

[0253] The first connection part (CP1) can be placed on the first flattening layer (125). The first connection part (CP1) can electrically connect the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) and the first electrode pad (241).

[0254] The first connection part (CP1) may include a first-1 connection part (CP1-1) and a first-2 connection part (CP1-2). The first-1 connection part (CP1-1) may overlap with an inorganic light-emitting diode (230) on a plane. The first-1 connection part (CP1-1) may be provided with a transparent material. For example, the first-1 connection part (CP1-1) may include a transparent conductive oxide such as ITO (indium tin oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), ZnO (zinc oxide), ITZO (indium tin zinc oxide), etc.

[0255] The first-2 connection part (CP1-2) can electrically connect the first-1 connection part (CP1-1) and the first electrode pad. The first-2 connection part (CP1-2) can be connected to the first-1 connection part (CP1-1). The first-2 connection part (CP1-2) can be connected to the first electrode pad (241) by penetrating the first flattening layer (125). The first-2 connection part (CP1-2) may include the same material as the second touch conductive layer. The first-2 connection part (CP1-2) may include molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and alloys thereof.

[0256] Since the first-1 connection part (CP1-1) is provided with a transparent material, light emitted from the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) can pass through the first-1 connection part (CP1-1). Additionally, the first-2 connection part (CP1-2) may be provided with a material that is opaque but has a higher elongation rate compared to the first-1 connection part (CP1-1). Therefore, in such a structure, the visibility of the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) is ensured while the elongation rate of the display device (1) can be increased.

[0257] The second connection part (CP2) may be disposed on the first flattening layer (125). The second connection part (CP2) may electrically connect the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) and the second electrode pad (242). The second connection part (CP2) may include a second-1 connection part (CP2-1) and a second-2 connection part (CP2-2).

[0258] The second-1 connection portion (CP2-1) can be superimposed on an inorganic light-emitting diode (230) in a planar manner. The second-1 connection portion (CP2-1) can be provided with a transparent material. For example, the second-1 connection portion (CP2-1) may include a transparent conductive oxide such as ITO (indium tin oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), ZnO (zinc oxide), ITZO (indium tin zinc oxide), etc.

[0259] The second-2 connection part (CP2-2) can electrically connect the second-1 connection part (CP2-1) and the second electrode pad. The second-2 connection part (CP2-2) can be connected to the second-1 connection part (CP2-1). The second-2 connection part (CP2-2) can be connected to the second electrode pad (242) by penetrating the first flattening layer (125). The second-2 connection part (CP2-2) may include the same material as the second touch conductive layer. The second-2 connection part (CP2-2) may include molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and alloys thereof.

[0260] Since the second-1 connection part (CP2-1) is provided with a transparent material, light emitted from the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) can pass through the second-1 connection part (CP2-1). Additionally, the second-2 connection part (CP2-2) can be provided with a material that is opaque but has a higher elongation rate compared to the second-1 connection part (CP2-1). Therefore, in such a structure, the visibility of the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) is ensured while the elongation rate of the display device (1) can be increased.

[0261] The first-2 connection part (CP1-2), the second-2 connection part (CP2-2), and the second touch conductive layer are arranged on the same layer so as to be spaced apart from each other and may contain the same material. First, the first-1 connection part (CP1-1) and the second-1 connection part (CP2-1) are formed on the third organic insulating layer, and then the first-2 connection part (CP1-2), the second-2 connection part (CP2-2), and the second touch conductive layer can be formed simultaneously. Accordingly, the manufacturing process of the display device (1) can be simplified.

[0262] The second touch conductive layer (MTL2) is disposed on the first flattening layer (125) and may include a second conductive pattern. The second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may be electrically connected to the first touch conductive layer (MTL1). The second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may be connected to the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) by penetrating the first flattening layer (125). The second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may be optionally connected to the first touch conductive layer (MTL1). The first connecting portion (CP1), the second connecting portion (CP2), and the second touch conductive layer (MTL2) are disposed on the same layer so as to be spaced apart from each other and may include the same material.

[0263] The first connection part (CP1), the second connection part (CP2), and the second touch conductive layer (MTL2) can be formed simultaneously in the same process on the first planarization layer (125). Accordingly, the manufacturing process of the display device (1) can be simplified.

[0264] The second flattening layer (127) may be placed on the first flattening layer (125). The second flattening layer (127) may cover the first connection part (CP1), the second connection part (CP2), and the second touch conductive layer (MTL2).

[0265] A substrate (100) corresponding to a bridge region (EAB) may have the same stacked structure as a substrate (100) corresponding to an island region (EAI). In one embodiment, a substrate (100) corresponding to a bridge region (EAB) may include a first base layer (101), a first barrier layer (102), a second base layer (103), and a second barrier layer (104).

[0266] In one embodiment, an inorganic insulating layer (IOL) is not disposed on the substrate (100), and an insulating layer (OL), a first organic insulating layer (119), and a second organic insulating layer (121) may be disposed. A plurality of wirings (WL), such as first to third wirings (WL1, WL2, WL3), may be disposed on different layers but may be electrically connected to the same pixel driving circuit unit (PC). A first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (123). The first touch conductive layer (MTL1) can reduce the phenomenon of interference occurring between a signal and a touch unit (200) occurring below the first touch conductive layer (MTL1).

[0267] The first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) are arranged on the same layer so as to be spaced apart from each other and may contain the same material. The first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may be formed simultaneously in the same process on the third organic insulating layer (123). Accordingly, the manufacturing process of the display device (1) can be simplified.

[0268] A first flattening layer (125) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (123) to cover the first touch conductive layer (MTL1). A second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may be disposed on the first flattening layer (125). Additionally, a second flattening layer (127) may be disposed on the first flattening layer (125) to cover the second touch conductive layer (MTL2).

[0269] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0270] Specifically, FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a display device (1) showing a cross-section along the line I-I' of FIG. 11a and a cross-section along the line II-II' of FIG. 11b.

[0271] In FIG. 15, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 12 refer to the same components, so a redundant description thereof is omitted.

[0272] Referring to FIG. 15, the substrate (100) corresponding to the island region (EAI) may include a first base layer (101), a first barrier layer (102), a second base layer (103), and a second barrier layer (104). A pixel driving circuit (PC) may be disposed on the substrate (100). A buffer layer (111) may be disposed on the substrate (100), and a pixel driving circuit (PC) may be disposed on the buffer layer (111). A thin-film transistor (TFT) may include a semiconductor layer (Act), a gate electrode (GE), a source electrode (SE), and a drain electrode (DE). The source electrode (SE) and the drain electrode (DE) may be located on the same layer, for example, a second interlayer insulating layer (117), and may include the same material. The storage capacitor (Cst) may include a first electrode (CE1) and a second electrode (CE2) that overlap with the first interlayer insulating layer (115) in between.

[0273] The inorganic insulating layer (IOL) on the substrate (100) may include, for example, a buffer layer (111), a gate insulating layer (113), a first interlayer insulating layer (115), and a second interlayer insulating layer (117). A first organic insulating layer (119) may be disposed on the second interlayer insulating layer (117), and a second organic insulating layer (121) may be disposed on the first organic insulating layer (119). A second voltage line (VSSL) is disposed on the second organic insulating layer (121), and a third organic insulating layer (123) may be disposed on the second organic insulating layer (121) and the second voltage line (VSSL).

[0274] The first electrode pad (241) may be placed on the pixel driving circuit (PC) so as to be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit (PC). The first electrode pad (241) may be placed 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 electrode (CM1) between the first organic insulating layer (119) and the second organic insulating layer (121), and a second connecting electrode (CM2) between the second organic insulating layer (121) and the third organic insulating layer (123).

[0275] The second electrode pad (242) may be placed on the pixel driving circuit unit (PC) so as to be electrically connected to the power supply voltage. The second electrode pad (242) may be placed on the third organic insulating layer (123). The second electrode pad (242) may be connected to the second voltage line (VSSL) by penetrating the third organic insulating layer (123).

[0276] An inorganic light-emitting diode (230) may be disposed on the first electrode pad (241) and the second electrode pad (242). A first adhesive layer (AD1) may be disposed between the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) and the first electrode pad (241). Additionally, a first adhesive layer (AD1) may be disposed between the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) and the second electrode pad (242).

[0277] A touch unit (200) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (123). The touch unit (200) may include a first flattening layer (125), a second flattening layer (127), a first touch conductive layer (MTL1), and a second touch conductive layer (MTL2).

[0278] The first flattening layer (125) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (123). The first flattening layer (125) may cover the first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), the inorganic light-emitting diode (230), and the first adhesive layer (AD1). The first connection part (CP1) and the second connection part (CP2) may be disposed on the first flattening layer (125). The first connection part (CP1) and the second connection part (CP2) may each penetrate the first flattening layer (125).

[0279] The first touch conductive layer (MTL1) is disposed on the pixel driving circuit unit (PC) and may include a first conductive pattern. The first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may be disposed on the first flattening layer (125).

[0280] The first connection part (CP1), the second connection part (CP2), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) are arranged on the same layer so as to be spaced apart from each other and may contain the same material. The first connection part (CP1), the second connection part (CP2), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) may be formed simultaneously in the same process on the first planarization layer (125). Accordingly, the manufacturing process of the display device (1) can be simplified.

[0281] The second flattening layer (127) may be placed on the first flattening layer (125). The second flattening layer (127) may cover the first connection part (CP1), the second connection part (CP2), and the first touch conductive layer (MTL1).

[0282] The second touch conductive layer (MTL2) is disposed on the second flattening layer (127) and may include a second conductive pattern. The second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may be electrically connected to the first touch conductive layer (MTL1). The second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may be connected to the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) by penetrating the second flattening layer (127).

[0283] A third shielding layer (SHP2) may be disposed between the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) and the pixel driving circuit (PC). For example, the third shielding layer (SHP3) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (123). For example, the first flattening layer (125) may cover the third shielding layer (SHP3).

[0284] The third shielding layer (SHP3) can overlap with the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) disposed in a plurality of island regions (EAI). The third shielding layer (SHP3) can reduce the phenomenon of interference occurring between the signal and the touch unit (200) occurring below the third shielding layer (SHP3).

[0285] The first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the third shielding layer (SHP3) are arranged on the same layer so as to be spaced apart from each other and may contain the same material. The first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the third shielding layer (SHP3) may be formed simultaneously in the same process on the third organic insulating layer (123). Thus, the manufacturing process of the display device (1) can be simplified.

[0286] A substrate (100) corresponding to a bridge region (EAB) may have the same stacked structure as a substrate (100) corresponding to an island region (EAI). In one embodiment, a substrate (100) corresponding to a bridge region (EAB) may include a first base layer (101), a first barrier layer (102), a second base layer (103), and a second barrier layer (104).

[0287] In one embodiment, an inorganic insulating layer (IOL) is not disposed on the substrate (100), and an insulating layer (OL), a first organic insulating layer (119), and a second organic insulating layer (121) may be disposed. A plurality of wirings (WL), such as first to third wirings (WL1, WL2, WL3), may be disposed on different layers but may be electrically connected to the same pixel driving circuit (PC).

[0288] A first shielding layer (SHP1) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (123). The first shielding layer (SHP1) may be disposed on the same layer as the first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the third shielding layer (SHP3) so as to be spaced apart from each other, and may contain the same material. The first shielding layer (SHP1), the first electrode pad (241), the second electrode pad (242), and the third shielding layer (MTL3) may be formed simultaneously in the same process on the third organic insulating layer (123). Accordingly, the manufacturing process of the display device (1) can be simplified.

[0289] A first flattening layer (125) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (123) to cover the first shielding layer (SHP1). A second flattening layer (127) may be disposed on the first flattening layer (125). A second touch conductive layer (MTL2) may be disposed on the second flattening layer (127).

[0290] In this structure, the second touch conductive layer (MTL2) can be disposed in each of the plurality of island regions (EAI) and the plurality of bridge regions (EAB). Additionally, the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) can be disposed in the plurality of island regions (EAI) and spaced apart from the plurality of bridge regions (EAB). Since the first touch conductive layer (MTL1) is not disposed in the plurality of bridge regions (EAB), the elongation rate of the display device (1) in the bridge region (EAB) can be improved.

[0291] FIGS. 16a to 16g are perspective views schematically illustrating embodiments of an electronic device including a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0292] The stretchable display device (1) according to the embodiments described above can be used in various electronic devices capable of providing an image. Here, an electronic device refers to a device that uses electricity and can provide a predetermined image.

[0293] Referring to FIG. 16a, a stretchable display device according to one embodiment of the present invention can 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 on the body part (3110). The stretchable display device according to embodiments of the present invention can be used as the display part (3120) of the wearable electronic device (3100). As illustrated in FIG. 16a, the wearable electronic device (3100) may be modified. In one embodiment, it can be used as a smart watch or a smartphone depending on the user's choice.

[0294] FIG. 16b 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 stretchable 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.

[0295] FIG. 16c illustrates an educational electronic device (3300). In one embodiment, the educational electronic device may include a display unit (3320) provided within a frame (3310). The display unit (3320) may utilize a stretchable display device according to embodiments of the present invention. Images such as a sea with waves, a snow-covered mountain, or a volcano with flowing lava may be provided through the display unit (3320), wherein the display unit (3320) may be stretched 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) may be stretched 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. 16c describes an educational electronic device (3300), but its use is not limited as long as it provides certain image information.

[0296] The electronic device illustrated in FIGS. 16a to 16c describes an electronic device whose shape may be variable, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As in the embodiments described below, the stretchable 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.

[0297] FIG. 16d 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, since the stretchable display devices according to one embodiment of the present invention can be stretched in various directions as described above, they can be assembled to a body frame having a hemispherical shape, and thus the robot (3400) may include a hemispherical display unit (3420, 3430).

[0298] FIG. 16e 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 stretchable display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be stretched in various directions, it can be used in the cluster (3510), the Center Information Display (CID) (3520), and / or a co-driver display without being constrained by the shape of the vehicle's internal frame.

[0299] FIG. 16e 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.

[0300] In some embodiments, the vehicle display device (3500) may include a button (3540) capable of displaying a predetermined image. Referring to the enlarged view of FIG. 16e, the hemispherical button (3540) may include an object (3542) that provides a sense of use of the button while moving in the z-direction or -z-direction, and a stretchable display device placed on the object (3542). In some embodiments, if the object (3542) has a three-dimensionally rounded surface, the stretchable display device may also have a three-dimensionally rounded surface.

[0301] FIG. 16f 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. 16f, 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.

[0302] FIG. 16g 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).

[0303] A method for manufacturing a display device is also provided.

[0304] FIG. 17 illustrates a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a display device (1700), such as a display device (1) or other display devices described herein. The method for manufacturing a display device (1700) may include a step (1702) of forming a substrate. The method for manufacturing a display device (1700) may include a step (1704) of forming a pixel driving circuit portion on the substrate. The method for manufacturing a display device (1700) may include a step of forming a first electrode pad (1706) on the pixel driving circuit portion so as to be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit portion. The method for manufacturing a display device (1700) may include a step (1708) of forming a second electrode pad on the pixel driving circuit portion so as to be electrically connected to a power supply voltage. The method for manufacturing a display device (1700) may include a step (1710) of forming a first touch conductive layer disposed on the pixel driving circuit portion and including a first conductive pattern. A method for manufacturing a display device (1700) may include a step (1712) of forming an inorganic light-emitting diode on a first electrode pad and a second electrode pad. A method for manufacturing a display device (1700) may include a step (1714) of forming a first flattening layer on the inorganic light-emitting diode. A method for manufacturing a display device (1700) may include a step (1716) of forming a first connection portion disposed on the first flattening layer and electrically connecting the inorganic light-emitting diode and the first electrode pad. A method for manufacturing a display device (1700) may include a step (1718) of forming a second connection portion disposed on the first flattening layer and electrically connecting the inorganic light-emitting diode and the second electrode pad. A method for manufacturing a display device (1700) may include the step (1720) of forming a second touch conductive layer having a second conductive pattern, which is disposed on a first flattening layer so as to be electrically connected to a first touch conductive layer.

[0305] As such, the present invention has been described with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and variations of the 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 display device comprising a plurality of island regions spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of bridge regions connecting the plurality of island regions, Substrate; A pixel driving circuit unit disposed on the above substrate; A first electrode pad disposed on the pixel driving circuit so as to be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit; A second electrode pad disposed on the pixel driving circuit portion so as to be electrically connected to the power supply voltage; A first touch conductive layer disposed on the pixel driving circuit portion and comprising a first conductive pattern; An inorganic light-emitting diode disposed on the first electrode pad and the second electrode pad; A first planarization layer disposed on the above-mentioned inorganic light-emitting diode; A first connecting part disposed on the first planarization layer and electrically connecting the inorganic light-emitting diode and the first electrode pad; A second connecting part disposed on the first planarization layer and electrically connecting the inorganic light-emitting diode and the second electrode pad; and A display device comprising: a second touch conductive layer disposed on the first flattening layer so as to be electrically connected to the first touch conductive layer and including a second conductive pattern.

2. In Paragraph 1, A display device comprising the first electrode pad, the second electrode pad, and the first touch conductive layer arranged in the same layer and containing the same material.

3. In Paragraph 1, A display device comprising the first connecting part, the second connecting part, and the second touch conductive layer arranged in the same layer and containing the same material.

4. In Paragraph 1, A display device in which the first connecting part, the second connecting part, and the second touch conductive layer each penetrate the first planarization layer.

5. In Paragraph 1, A display device wherein the second touch conductive layer is disposed in each of the plurality of island regions and the plurality of bridge regions.

6. In Paragraph 5, A display device wherein the first touch conductive layer is disposed in the plurality of island regions and spaced apart from the plurality of bridge regions.

7. In Paragraph 6, A display device further comprising: a first shielding layer disposed in the same layer as the first touch conductive layer so as to overlap with the second touch conductive layer disposed in the plurality of bridge regions.

8. In Paragraph 7, A display device in which the first shielding layer comprises the same material as the first touch conductive layer.

9. In Paragraph 1, A display device wherein the first touch conductive layer is disposed in each of the plurality of island regions and the plurality of bridge regions.

10. In Paragraph 1, A display device further comprising: a second shielding layer disposed between the first touch conductive layer and the pixel driving circuit portion so as to overlap with the first touch conductive layer disposed in the plurality of island regions.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above first connecting part is, A first-1 connecting portion that overlaps with the inorganic light-emitting diode on a plane and is provided with a transparent material; and A display device comprising: a first-2 connection portion that electrically connects the first-1 connection portion and the first electrode pad and includes a material identical to that of the second touch conductive layer.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above second connecting part is, A second-1 connecting portion that overlaps with the inorganic light-emitting diode on a plane and is provided with a transparent material; and A display device comprising: a second-2 connection portion that electrically connects the second-1 connection portion and the second electrode pad and includes a material identical to the second touch conductive layer.

13. An electronic device comprising a plurality of island regions spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of bridge regions connecting the plurality of island regions, and a retractable display device, wherein The above display device is, Substrate; A pixel driving circuit unit disposed on the above substrate; A first electrode pad disposed on the pixel driving circuit so as to be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit; A second electrode pad disposed on the pixel driving circuit portion so as to be electrically connected to the power supply voltage; An inorganic light-emitting diode disposed on the first electrode pad and the second electrode pad; A first planarization layer disposed on the above-mentioned inorganic light-emitting diode; A first connecting part disposed on the first planarization layer and electrically connecting the inorganic light-emitting diode and the first electrode pad; A second connecting part disposed on the first planarization layer and electrically connecting the inorganic light-emitting diode and the second electrode pad; A first touch conductive layer disposed on the first planarization layer and comprising a first conductive pattern; A second planarization layer disposed on the first touch conductive layer; and An electronic device comprising: a second touch conductive layer disposed on the second planarization layer so as to be electrically connected to the first touch conductive layer and including a second conductive pattern.

14. In Paragraph 13, An electronic device comprising the first connecting portion, the second connecting portion, and the first touch conductive layer arranged in the same layer and containing the same material.

15. In Paragraph 13, An electronic device in which the first connecting part and the second connecting part each penetrate the first flattening layer.

16. In Paragraph 13, The electronic device, wherein the second touch conductive layer is disposed in each of the plurality of island regions and the plurality of bridge regions.

17. In Paragraph 16, An electronic device wherein the first touch conductive layer is disposed in the plurality of island regions and spaced apart from the plurality of bridge regions.

18. In Paragraph 17, The above display device is, An electronic device further comprising: a first shielding layer disposed in the same layer as each of the first electrode pad and the second electrode pad, so as to overlap with the second touch conductive layer disposed in the plurality of bridge regions.

19. In Paragraph 18, An electronic device in which the first shielding layer comprises the same material as the first electrode pad and the second electrode pad, respectively.

20. Step of forming a substrate; A step of forming a pixel driving circuit on the above substrate; A step of forming a first electrode pad on the pixel driving circuit so as to be electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit; A step of forming a second electrode pad on the pixel driving circuit portion so as to be electrically connected to the power supply voltage; A step of forming a first touch conductive layer comprising a first conductive pattern disposed on the pixel driving circuit portion above; A step of forming an inorganic light-emitting diode on the first electrode pad and the second electrode pad; A step of forming a first planarization layer on the above-mentioned inorganic light-emitting diode; A step of forming a first connection portion disposed on the first planarization layer and electrically connecting the inorganic light-emitting diode and the first electrode pad; A step of forming a second connection portion disposed on the first planarization layer and electrically connecting the inorganic light-emitting diode and the second electrode pad; and A method for manufacturing a display device comprising the step of forming a second touch conductive layer having a second conductive pattern, disposed on the first flattening layer so as to be electrically connected to the first touch conductive layer.

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