Display panel and electronic device

Abstract

An aspect of the present invention provides a display panel comprising: a substrate including a first opening extending in a first direction and a second opening extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a light-emitting diode disposed on the substrate, wherein at least one of a first width of the first opening in the second direction and a second width of the second opening in the first direction is in the range from 6 micrometers to 8 micrometers.

Description

Display panels and electronic devices

[0001] The present invention relates to a display panel including a light-emitting diode and an electronic device including such a display panel.

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

[0003] One or more embodiments provide a high-resolution stretchable display panel.

[0004] According to embodiments of the present invention, a display panel comprises: a substrate including a first opening extending in a first direction and a second opening extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a light-emitting diode disposed on the substrate; wherein at least one of a first width along the second direction of the first opening and a second width along the first direction of the second opening is in the range of 6 micrometers to 8 micrometers.

[0005] According to embodiments of the present invention, a display panel comprises: a substrate including a plurality of first openings extending in a first direction, a plurality of second openings extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a plurality of island portions partially surrounded by the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings; and an inorganic insulating layer disposed on the substrate and including a groove that overlaps with the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings; wherein the inorganic insulating layer has a shape that includes a plurality of islands that are spaced apart from each other by the groove and overlap with the plurality of island portions of the substrate.

[0006] An electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention may include a display panel according to the aforementioned embodiments.

[0007] An electronic device according to embodiments of the present invention may include a display unit, a display panel corresponding to the display unit and according to the aforementioned embodiments, and a stroke disposed below the display panel and moving up and down.

[0008] According to embodiments of the present invention, a stretchable display panel capable of realizing high-quality images can be provided. The aforementioned effects are exemplary, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a display panel in a state extended in the first direction.

[0011] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of a display panel in a state extended in the first direction.

[0012] FIG. 2c is a perspective view of a display panel in a state extended in the second direction.

[0013] FIG. 2d is a perspective view of a display panel in a state extended in the first direction and the second direction.

[0014] FIG. 2e is a perspective view of a display panel in a state extended in the third direction.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a substrate of a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a plan view of an inorganic insulating layer of a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7a is a plan view of a substrate of a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 7b is a plan view of a substrate of a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 7c is a plan view of a substrate of a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 7d is a plan view of a substrate of a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 8a is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel of a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 8b is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel of a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 8c is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel of a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 9a is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting diode of a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting diode of a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 9c is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting diode of a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 9d is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting diode of a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 9e is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting diode of a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an electronic device including a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an electronic device including a display panel according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 12a is a perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 12b is a perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0037] In one embodiment, the substrate may include a plurality of first openings and a plurality of second openings, and may further include a bridge portion disposed between one of the plurality of first openings and one of the plurality of second openings.

[0038] In one embodiment, the bridge portion may include a first bridge portion extending in a first direction and a second bridge portion extending in a second direction, and at least one of the first direction length of the first bridge portion and the second direction length of the second bridge portion may be in the range of 17 micrometers to 25 micrometers.

[0039] In one embodiment, the substrate may include an island portion partially surrounded by the first opening and the second opening, and the light-emitting diode may overlap the island portion.

[0040] In one embodiment, the display panel may further include an inorganic insulating layer disposed between the substrate and the light-emitting diode and overlapping with the island portion, and including a groove that overlaps with the first opening or the second opening.

[0041] In one embodiment, the inorganic insulating layer may have a shape including a plurality of islands spaced apart from each other by the groove.

[0042] In one embodiment, the inorganic insulating layer may include recesses defined in the inorganic insulating layer adjacent to both ends of the first opening and both ends of the second opening.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first opening may include an extension having a width greater than the first width, provided at least one of the two ends along the first direction.

[0044] In one embodiment, the width of the end portion of the first opening along the first direction may be smaller than the width of the center portion of the first opening.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first opening may have a shape in which the central part of the first opening along the first direction is indented along the second direction.

[0046] In one embodiment, the display panel may further include a plurality of light-emitting diodes disposed on the substrate, each overlapping with the plurality of island portions.

[0047] In one embodiment, at least one of the first width along the second direction of one of the plurality of first openings and the second width along the first direction of one of the plurality of second openings may be in the range of 6 micrometers to 8 micrometers.

[0048] In one embodiment, the substrate may further include a bridge portion disposed between one of the plurality of first openings and one of the plurality of second openings.

[0049] In one embodiment, the bridge portion may include a first bridge portion extending in a first direction and a second bridge portion extending in a second direction, and at least one of the first direction length of the first bridge portion and the second direction length of the second bridge portion may be in the range of 17 micrometers to 25 micrometers.

[0050] In one embodiment, at least some of the plurality of island portions of the substrate may be connected to each other by the bridge portion.

[0051] In one embodiment, the inorganic insulating layer may include a recess defined adjacent to both ends of one of the plurality of first openings and both ends of one of the plurality of second openings.

[0052] In one embodiment, the width along the second direction of a part of one of the plurality of first openings and the width along the second direction of another part of the first opening may be different.

[0053] In one embodiment, the width of the first opening along the second direction may vary along the first direction.

[0054] In one embodiment, the substrate may have an extension portion provided at both ends of the first opening and having a width greater than the width along the second direction of the first opening.

[0055] In one embodiment, the electronic device may further include the display panel and a frame in which the stroke is housed.

[0056] In one embodiment, the electronic device may be a wearable electronic device.

[0057] In one embodiment, the display panel can be stretched three-dimensionally by the stroke.

[0058] In one embodiment, the display part may have a dome shape when the display panel is not stretched three-dimensionally.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] In the following examples, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] In the following embodiments, when it is stated that a membrane, region, component, etc. is connected, it includes not only cases where the membrane, region, or component is directly connected, but also cases where other membranes, regions, or components are interposed between them to form an indirect connection. For example, when it is stated in this specification that a membrane, region, component, etc. is electrically connected, it includes not only cases where the membrane, region, or component, etc. are directly electrically connected, but also cases where other membranes, regions, or components are interposed between them to form an indirect electrical connection.

[0068] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a display panel (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b are perspective views showing the display panel (10) of FIG. 1 extended in a first direction. FIG. 2c is a perspective view showing the display panel (10) of FIG. 1 extended in a second direction. FIG. 2d is a perspective view showing the display panel (10) of FIG. 1 extended in the first direction and the second direction. FIG. 2e is a perspective view showing the display panel (10) of FIG. 1 extended in a third direction.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 1, a display panel (10) may include a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA). The display area (DA) may include a plurality of pixels. The display panel (10) 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).

[0070] The display panel (10) can be extended or retracted in various directions. The display panel (10) 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 panel (10) 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 panel (10) remains fixed.

[0071] The display panel (10) 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 panel (10) can be extended in the y direction and the -y direction. In another embodiment, one side of the display panel (10) can be extended in the y direction or the -y direction while remaining fixed.

[0072] The display panel (10) 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 panel (10) can be extended in the ±x direction and ±y direction.

[0073] The display panel (10) can be extended in a third direction (e.g., the z direction or the -z direction) by an external force applied by an external object or a part of a person's body. In one embodiment, FIG. 2e illustrates a part of the display panel (10), such as a part of the display area (DA), protruding in the z direction. In another embodiment, a part of the display panel (10), such as a part of the display area (DA), may protrude along the z direction (or be sunken along the -z direction).

[0074] FIGS. 2a to 2e illustrate a display panel (10) 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 panel (10) may be deformed into various irregular shapes, such as having two or more axes, being bent or twisted.

[0075] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a part of a display panel (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 3, the display panel (10) may include an island section (11), a bridge section (BR), a first opening (OS1), and a second opening (OS2). In one embodiment, the area where the island section (11) is placed can be understood as the first area, and the area where the bridge section (BR), the first opening (OS1), and the second opening (OS2) are placed can be understood as the second area.

[0077] The first region and the second region of the display panel (10) may have different elongation rates. For example, the display panel (10) may include a first region with a relatively small elongation rate and a second region with a relatively large elongation rate. In this specification, elongation rate is a numerical value representing the change in length (ΔL / L) by which the display panel (10) can be stretched without physical damage to the display panel (10) when an external force is applied to the display panel (10). Here, ΔL is the amount of change in length of the display panel (10), and L represents the initial length of the display panel (10). Accordingly, the elongation rate of each of the first region and the second region may represent the change in length of each of the first region and the second region when the same external force is applied to the first region and the second region.

[0078] If the elongation of the first region is smaller than the elongation of the second region, it may indicate a case where the deformation of the first region due to an external force occurs relatively less. Therefore, the first region can be called a low-deformation region, and the second region can be called a high-deformation region.

[0079] A display panel (10) may include a plurality of island sections (11). The island sections (11) may be spaced apart from each other and arranged in a two-dimensional manner. The island sections (11) may be arranged repeatedly along a first direction (e.g., ±x direction) and a second direction (e.g., ±y direction). The island sections (11) may be areas where pixels are placed. Accordingly, the area where the island section (11) is located (or the first area) may be called a pixel area or a light-emitting area. One or more pixels may be placed in each island section (11). Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) corresponding to the pixels may be placed in the island section (11). FIG. 3 illustrates three light-emitting diodes (LEDs), namely the first to third light-emitting diodes (LED1, LED2, LED3), placed in the island section (11), but the number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) placed in the island section (11) may vary. The first to third light-emitting diodes (LED1, LED2, LED3) can emit light of different colors, such as red, green, and blue light.

[0080] A pixel circuit for operating a light-emitting diode (LED) may be placed in the island section (11). The pixel circuit may include a transistor and a capacitor.

[0081] The second area may be located between adjacent island sections (11) (or, first areas). The second area may have a shape that surrounds each island section (11). A first opening (OS1), a second opening (OS2), and a bridge section (BR) may be placed in the second area.

[0082] The first opening (OS1) may extend in a first direction (e.g., ±x direction). The first opening (OS1) may be positioned between island portions (11) arranged in a second direction (e.g., ±y direction). The first opening (OS1) may be defined across the entire display panel (10) in a third direction, i.e., in the thickness direction of the display panel (10) (e.g., ±z direction). In other words, the first opening (OS1) may be a through hole.

[0083] The second opening (OS2) may extend in a second direction (e.g., ±y direction). The second opening (OS2) may be positioned between island portions (11) arranged in a first direction (e.g., ±x direction). The second opening (OS2) may be defined across the entire display panel (10) in a third direction, i.e., in the thickness direction of the display panel (10) (e.g., ±z direction). In other words, the second opening (OS2) may be a through hole.

[0084] When viewed from the perspective of one island section (11), two first openings (OS1) and two second openings (OS2) can be arranged around the island section (11) in a propeller shape that rotates clockwise (or counterclockwise).

[0085] The bridge section (BR) may include a first bridge section (12) and a second bridge section (13). As described below, only some of the layers included in the display panel (10) (e.g., not all layers) may be disposed in the bridge section (BR).

[0086] The first bridge section (12) may be a part of the display panel (10). The first bridge section (12) may extend in a first direction (e.g., ±x direction) between adjacent first openings (OS1) and second openings (OS2). The first bridge section (12) may connect two island sections (11) arranged in a second direction (e.g., ±y direction) in a second direction (e.g., ±y direction). That is, the first bridge section (12) can be understood as a part of the display panel (10) that is positioned between the first opening (OS1) and the second opening (OS2) and connects two island sections (11) in a second direction (e.g., ±y direction). The display panel (10) may have a plurality of first bridge sections (12).

[0087] The second bridge section (13) may be a part of the display panel (10). The second bridge section (13) may extend in a second direction (e.g., ±y direction) between adjacent first openings (OS1) and second openings (OS2). The second bridge section (13) may connect two island sections (11) arranged in a first direction (e.g., ±x direction) in the first direction (e.g., ±x direction). That is, the second bridge section (13) can be understood as a part of the display panel (10) that is positioned between the first opening (OS1) and the second opening (OS2) and connects two island sections (11) in the first direction (e.g., ±x direction). The display panel (10) may have a plurality of second bridge sections (13).

[0088] The first bridge section (12), the second bridge section (13), the first opening (OS1), and the second opening (OS2) can surround the island sections (11) together.

[0089] A line (e.g., gate line, data line, first voltage line, second voltage line, etc.) electrically connected to each pixel circuit placed in each of the two adjacent island sections (11) may pass through the bridge section (BR), such as the first bridge section (12) and the second bridge section (13).

[0090] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a display panel (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, taken along the line III-III' of FIG. 3.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 4, the display panel (10) may include a substrate (100), first to third light-emitting diodes (LED1, LED2, LED3) disposed on the substrate, and thin-film transistors (TFTs) each connected to the first to third light-emitting diodes (LED1, LED2, LED3).

[0092] The substrate (100) may be a flexible substrate. The substrate (100) may include a polymer. For example, the substrate (100) may include polyimide (PI). Of course, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and the substrate (100) may have a multilayer structure including a layer including a polymer and a layer including an inorganic insulator. In this case, for example, the polymer may be polyimide (PI), and the inorganic insulator may be silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN2). x It may be one or more selected from ), and silicon oxynitride (SiON).

[0093] An inorganic insulating layer (IL) may be disposed on the substrate (100). The inorganic insulating layer (IL) may be disposed only on the island portion (11) and not on other parts of the substrate (100). In other words, the inorganic insulating layer (IL) may not be disposed on the first bridge portion (12) or the second bridge portion (13). The placement of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) may contribute to the difference in elongation between the first and second regions mentioned above. The inorganic insulating layer (IL) may include a recess (RC) defined in the island portion (11) in an area adjacent to the first bridge portion (12) or the second bridge portion (13). The recess (RC) will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0094] The inorganic insulating layer (IL) may include a first inorganic insulating layer (101), a second inorganic insulating layer (103) on the first inorganic insulating layer (101), a third inorganic insulating layer (105) on the second inorganic insulating layer (103), a fourth inorganic insulating layer (107) on the third inorganic insulating layer (105), and a fifth inorganic insulating layer (109) on the fourth inorganic insulating layer (107).

[0095] The first inorganic insulating layer (101) may be disposed on the substrate (100). The first inorganic insulating layer (101) may be silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN x It may include inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO2). The first inorganic insulating layer (101) may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. In one embodiment, the first inorganic insulating layer (101) may be a barrier layer.

[0096] The second inorganic insulating layer (103) may be disposed on the first inorganic insulating layer (101). The second inorganic insulating layer (103) may be silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN xIt may include inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO2). The second inorganic insulating layer (103) may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. In one embodiment, the second inorganic insulating layer (103) may be a buffer layer.

[0097] Thin film transistors (TFTs) may be disposed on a second inorganic insulating layer (103). A thin film transistor (TFT) may include an active layer (104), a gate electrode (106), a source electrode (108S), and a drain electrode (108D). The active layer (104) may be disposed on the second inorganic insulating layer (103) and may be patterned to correspond to each thin film transistor (TFT). The active layer (104) may include a drain region overlapping with the drain electrode (108D), a source region overlapping with the source electrode (108S), and a channel region between the drain region and the source region. The source region and the drain region of the active layer (104) may be doped with impurities.

[0098] The third inorganic insulating layer (105) may be disposed on the active layer (104). The third inorganic insulating layer (105) may be silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN xIt may include inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO2). The third inorganic insulating layer (105) may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. In one embodiment, the third inorganic insulating layer (105) may be the first gate insulating layer. FIG. 4 illustrates the case where the third inorganic insulating layer (105) covers the entire active layer (104). In another embodiment, the third inorganic insulating layer (105) may be patterned to correspond to the active layer (104) (or the channel region of the active layer (104)).

[0099] A gate electrode (106) may be disposed on a third inorganic insulating layer (105). The gate electrode (106) may overlap the channel region of the active layer (104). Alternatively, the gate electrode (106) may be patterned to overlap the channel region of the active layer (104). The gate electrode (106) may include one or more of materials such as aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and copper (Cu), and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure including the aforementioned materials.

[0100] The fourth inorganic insulating layer (107) may be disposed on the gate electrode (106). The fourth inorganic insulating layer (107) may be silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN xIt may include inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO2). The fourth inorganic insulating layer (107) may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. In one embodiment, the fourth inorganic insulating layer (107) may be the second gate insulating layer.

[0101] The fifth inorganic insulating layer (109) may be disposed on the fourth inorganic insulating layer (107). The fifth inorganic insulating layer (109) may be silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN x It may include inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO2). The fifth inorganic insulating layer (109) may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. In one embodiment, the fifth inorganic insulating layer (109) may be an interlayer insulating layer.

[0102] Contact holes may be defined in the third inorganic insulating layer (105), the fourth inorganic insulating layer (107), and the fifth inorganic insulating layer (109) that overlap with the source region or drain region of the active layer (104). A source electrode (108S) and a drain electrode (108D) may be disposed on the fifth inorganic insulating layer (109). The source electrode (108S) may overlap with the source region of the active layer (104), and the drain electrode (108D) may overlap with the drain region of the active layer (104). The source electrode (108S) and the drain electrode (108D) may each be connected (e.g., electrically) to the active layer (104) through the contact holes defined in the third inorganic insulating layer (105), the fourth inorganic insulating layer (107), and the fifth inorganic insulating layer (109).

[0103] In the first bridge portion (12), the second bridge portion (13), and the recess (RC), an auxiliary layer (110) may be disposed on the substrate (100). The auxiliary layer (110) may provide a flat surface on which the first lines (WL1) can be disposed. In one embodiment, the upper surface of the auxiliary layer (110) may be on the same plane as the upper surface of the fifth inorganic insulating layer (109).

[0104] The first lines (WL1) may be placed on the auxiliary layer (110). The first lines (WL1) may include lines connected to the pixel circuit, such as gate lines, data lines, first voltage lines, and second voltage lines. The first lines (WL1) may be placed on the same layer as the source electrode (108S) and the drain electrode (108D). In one embodiment, the first lines (WL1), the source electrodes (108S), and the drain electrode (108D) may be formed in the same process. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which three first lines (WL1) are placed on each of the first bridge portion (12) and the second bridge portion (13) as an example. In one embodiment, the auxiliary layer (110) may be omitted and the first lines (WL1) may be placed on the upper surface of the substrate (100).

[0105] The first organic insulating layer (111) may be arranged so that the first organic insulating layer (111) covers the source electrode (108S), the drain electrode (108D), and the first line (WL1). The first organic insulating layer (111) may be a flattening layer having a generally flat upper surface. The first organic insulating layer (111) may include an organic insulating material such as, for example, acrylic, BCB (Benzocyclobutene), or HMDSO (hexamethyldisiloxane).

[0106] The first contact metal (CM1) may be placed on the first organic insulating layer (111). The first contact metal (CM1) may be placed on the island portion (11). The first contact metal (CM1) may be connected to the drain electrode (108D) through a contact hole defined in the first organic insulating layer (111). The second lines (WL2) may be placed on the first organic insulating layer (111). The second lines (WL2) may be placed on the first bridge portion (12) or the second bridge portion (13). The first contact metal (CM1) and the second lines (WL2) may be placed on the same layer. In one embodiment, the first contact metal (CM1) and the second lines (WL2) may be formed in the same process. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which three second lines (WL2) are arranged in each of the first bridge section (12) and the second bridge section (13) as an example.

[0107] The second organic insulating layer (113) may be arranged so that the second organic insulating layer (113) covers the first contact metal (CM1) and the second line (WL2). The second organic insulating layer (113) may be a flattening layer having a generally flat upper surface. The second organic insulating layer (113) may include an organic insulating material such as, for example, acrylic, BCB (Benzocyclobutene), or HMDSO (hexamethyldisiloxane).

[0108] The second contact metal (CM2) may be placed on the second organic insulating layer (113). The second contact metal (CM2) may be placed on the island portion (11). The second contact metal (CM2) may be connected to the first contact metal (CM1) through a contact hole defined in the second organic insulating layer (113). The third lines (WL3) may be placed on the second organic insulating layer (113). The third lines (WL3) may be placed on the first bridge portion (12) or the second bridge portion (13). The second contact metal (CM2) and the third lines (WL3) may be placed on the same layer. In one embodiment, the second contact metal (CM2) and the third lines (WL3) may be formed in the same process. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which three third lines (WL3) are arranged in each of the first bridge section (12) and the second bridge section (13) as an example.

[0109] The third organic insulating layer (115) may be arranged so that the third organic insulating layer (115) covers the second contact metal (CM2) and the third line (WL3). The third organic insulating layer (115) may be a flattening layer having a generally flat upper surface. The third organic insulating layer (115) may include an organic insulating material such as, for example, acrylic, BCB (Benzocyclobutene), or HMDSO (hexamethyldisiloxane).

[0110] The first light-emitting diode (LED1), the second light-emitting diode (LED2), and the third light-emitting diode (LED3) may be placed on the third organic insulating layer (115). The first light-emitting diode (LED1), the second light-emitting diode (LED2), and the third light-emitting diode (LED3) may be placed on the island portion (11). The first light-emitting diode (LED1), the second light-emitting diode (LED2), and the third light-emitting diode (LED3) may be connected (e.g., electrically) to corresponding thin-film transistors (TFTs) through the first contact metal (CM1) and the second contact metal (CM2), respectively.

[0111] The encapsulation layer (300) may be arranged so that the encapsulation layer (300) covers a first light-emitting diode (LED1), a second light-emitting diode (LED2), and a third light-emitting diode (LED3). The encapsulation layer (300) may include at least one of an inorganic encapsulation layer comprising an inorganic insulating material and an organic encapsulation layer comprising an organic insulating material. In one embodiment, the encapsulation layer (300) may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer, a second inorganic encapsulation layer on the first inorganic encapsulation layer, and an organic encapsulation layer between the first inorganic encapsulation layer and the second inorganic encapsulation layer.

[0112] The second opening (OS2) may be defined across the entire display panel (10) in a third direction, that is, in the thickness direction of the display panel (10) (e.g., ±z direction). That is, the second opening (OS2) may be a through hole. In one embodiment, the opening (100OP) of the substrate (100), the opening (110OP) of the auxiliary layer (110), the opening (111OP) of the first organic insulating layer (111), the opening (113OP) of the second organic insulating layer (113), the opening (115OP) of the third organic insulating layer (115), and the opening (300OP) of the encapsulation layer (300) may be included together in the second opening (OS2). In other words, the openings (100OP, 110OP, 111OP, 113OP, 115OP, 300OP) of the substrate (100), auxiliary layer (110), first organic insulating layer (111), second organic insulating layer (113), third organic insulating layer (115), and encapsulation layer (300) are spatially connected and can together form a second opening (OS2).

[0113] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the substrate (100) of a display panel (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 3, the first opening (OS1), the second opening (OS2), the first bridge portion (12), and the second bridge portion (13) of the display panel (10) described above may be similarly applied to the substrate (100) of the display panel (10). For example, the second opening (OS2) may be defined in the substrate (100) and may correspond to the opening (100OP) of the substrate (100) in FIG. 4. For convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the first opening (OS1), the second opening (OS2), the first bridge portion (12), and the second bridge portion (13) defined in the substrate (100). However, it should be noted that the features described below are not limited to the substrate (100) only and may be extended and applied to the entire display panel (10).

[0115] Referring to FIG. 5, the substrate (100) may include a first opening (OS1), a second opening (OS2), and a bridge portion (BR). The bridge portion (BR) may include a first bridge portion (12) and a second bridge portion (13).

[0116] The length along the first direction (e.g., ±x direction) of the first opening (OS1) is defined as the first length (OS1L). The length along the second direction (e.g., ±y direction) of the second opening (OS2) is defined as the second length (OS2L). The length along the first direction (e.g., ±x direction) of the first bridge part (12) is defined as the third length (12L). The length along the second direction (e.g., ±y direction) of the second bridge part (13) is defined as the fourth length (13L). The length (or width) along the second direction (e.g., ±y direction) of the first opening (OS1) is defined as the first width (OS1W). The length (or width) along the first direction (e.g., ±x direction) of the second opening (OS2) is defined as the second width (OS2W).

[0117] In one embodiment, the first length (OS1L) may be in the range of about 115 micrometers (μm) to about 125 micrometers (μm). In one embodiment, the first length (OS1L) may be in the range of about 117 micrometers (μm) to about 123 micrometers (μm). In one embodiment, the first length (OS1L) may be about 120 micrometers (μm).

[0118] In one embodiment, the second length (OS2L) may be in the range of about 115 micrometers (μm) to about 125 micrometers (μm). In one embodiment, the second length (OS2L) may be in the range of about 117 micrometers (μm) to about 123 micrometers (μm). In one embodiment, the second length (OS2L) may be about 120 micrometers (μm).

[0119] In one embodiment, the first length (OS1L) and the second length (OS2L) may be the same.

[0120] In one embodiment, the third length (12L) may be in the range of about 17 micrometers (μm) to about 25 micrometers (μm). In one embodiment, the third length (12L) may be in the range of about 19 micrometers (μm) to about 23 micrometers (μm). In one embodiment, the third length (12L) may be about 21 micrometers (μm).

[0121] In one embodiment, the fourth length (13L) may be in the range of about 17 micrometers (μm) to about 25 micrometers (μm). In one embodiment, the fourth length (13L) may be in the range of about 19 micrometers (μm) to about 23 micrometers (μm). In one embodiment, the fourth length (13L) may be about 21 micrometers (μm).

[0122] In one embodiment, the third length (12L) and the fourth length (13L) may be the same.

[0123] In one embodiment, the first width (OS1W) may be in the range of about 6 micrometers (μm) to about 8 micrometers (μm). In one embodiment, the first width (OS1W) may be in the range of about 6.5 micrometers (μm) to about 7.5 micrometers (μm). In one embodiment, the first width (OS1W) may be about 7 micrometers (μm).

[0124] In one embodiment, the second width (OS2W) may be in the range of about 6 micrometers (μm) to about 8 micrometers (μm). In one embodiment, the second width (OS2W) may be in the range of about 6.5 micrometers (μm) to about 7.5 micrometers (μm). In one embodiment, the second width (OS2W) may be about 7 micrometers (μm).

[0125] In one embodiment, the first width (OS1W) and the second width (OS2W) may be the same.

[0126] Features other than the above features regarding the first opening (OS1), the second opening (OS2), the first bridge part (12), and the second bridge part (13) are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0127] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing a portion of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) of a display panel (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] The features of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) described below with reference to FIG. 6 can be applied to the first inorganic insulating layer (101), the second inorganic insulating layer (103), the third inorganic insulating layer (105), the fourth inorganic insulating layer (107), and the fifth inorganic insulating layer (109) described above with reference to FIG. 4.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 4 through 6 together, a groove (GR) is defined in the inorganic insulating layer (IL) so that the inorganic insulating layer (IL) can be divided into a plurality of islands (11A). The groove (GR) of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) may have a mesh shape overall. Accordingly, each of the plurality of islands (11A) of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) may be spaced apart from one another. The islands (11A) of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) may overlap with the island portion (11) of the aforementioned substrate (100).

[0130] The groove (GR) of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) may include a first groove (GR1) extending in a first direction (e.g., ±x direction). The groove (GR) of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) may include a second groove (GR2) extending in a second direction (e.g., ±y direction). The first groove (GR1) and the second groove (GR2) of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) may intersect each other and may be spatially connected. Accordingly, a mesh-like structure of the groove (GR) of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) can be realized.

[0131] A first groove (GR1) of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) may overlap with a first opening (OS1) or a second opening (OS2). A second groove (GR2) of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) may overlap with a first opening (OS1) or a second opening (OS2). Accordingly, in the area where the first groove (GR1) or the second groove (GR2) overlaps with the first opening (OS1) or the second opening (OS2), the display panel (10) may be open along the entire thickness direction (e.g., ±z direction).

[0132] The first groove (GR1) of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) may overlap with the first bridge portion (12). The second groove (GR2) of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) may overlap with the second bridge portion (13). In one embodiment, an auxiliary layer (110) may be disposed in the area where the first groove (GR1) overlaps with the first bridge portion (12). In one embodiment, an auxiliary layer (110) may be disposed in the area where the second groove (GR2) overlaps with the second bridge portion (13).

[0133] The groove (GR) of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) can be defined along the entire inorganic insulating layer (IL) in a third direction, that is, in the thickness direction of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) (e.g., ±z direction). Accordingly, a plurality of islands (11A) of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) can be spaced apart from each other.

[0134] The inorganic insulating layer (IL) may include a recess (RC) extending from the groove (GR) toward the island (11A). In other words, a portion of the island (11A) of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) may be recessed. FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment in which four recesses (RC) are provided per island (11A), but the invention is not necessarily limited to this number.

[0135] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 together, a recess (RC) of the inorganic insulating layer (IL) may be positioned near the respective ends of the first opening (OS1) or the second opening (OS2). In other words, the recess (RC) may be defined in the inorganic insulating layer (IL) adjacent to both ends of the first opening (OS1) or the second opening (OS2) when viewed in a planar view. For example, in a planar view, each of the recess (RC) defined in the inorganic insulating layer (IL) may be adjacent to one end of the first opening (OP1) or one end of the second opening (OP2). For example, when viewed in a planar view, the recess (RC) may be defined in the inorganic insulating layer (IL) at a location adjacent to both ends of the first direction (e.g., ±x direction) of the first opening (OS1). Similarly, when viewed in a planar view, a recess (RC) may be defined in the inorganic insulating layer (IL) at a location adjacent to both ends of the second direction (e.g., ±y direction) of the second opening (OS2).

[0136] In one embodiment, the recess (RC) may have a roughly hemispherical shape. In one embodiment, the hemisphere of the recess (RC) may have a diameter of about 15 micrometers (μm) to about 20 micrometers (μm). Of course, the present invention is not limited to the shape of such a recess (RC).

[0137] When the display panel (10) is deformed, stress may be concentrated near the end of the first opening (OS1) or the second opening (OS2). By partially removing the inorganic insulating layer (IL), that is, by forming a recess (RC), it is possible to prevent cracks from forming in the inorganic insulating layer (IL) in the area where stress is concentrated as described above.

[0138] FIGS. 7a, FIGS. 7b, FIGS. 7c, and FIGS. 7d ​​are schematic plan views of a substrate (100) of a display panel (10) according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0139] FIGS. 7a through 7d illustrate embodiments of various shapes of a first opening (OS1) and a second opening (OS2) defined in a substrate (100). The width of each of the first opening (OS1) and the second opening (OS2) may vary along the longitudinal direction. In other words, the width of one part of each of the first opening (OS1) and the second opening (OS2) may differ from the width of another part. For example, in the case of the first opening (OS1), the width of the first opening (OS1) along the second direction (e.g., ±y direction) may vary along the longitudinal direction of the first opening (OS1) (e.g., the first direction or ±x direction). Similarly, in the case of the second opening (OS2), the width of the second opening (OS2) along the first direction (e.g., ±x direction) may vary along the length direction of the second opening (OS2) (e.g., second direction or ±y direction).

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 7a, 7c, and 7d, the first opening (OS1) may include a first extension (EX1) provided at both ends of a first direction (e.g., ±x direction). In one embodiment, the width of the first extension (EX1) in the second direction (e.g., ±y direction) may be greater than the width of the first opening (OS1), i.e., the first width (OSW1) (see FIG. 5). FIG. 7a illustrates a case where the first opening (OS1) has the first extension (EX1) at the end in the +x direction and the end in the -x direction, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. The first extension (EX1) may be provided at only one of the end in the +x direction and the end in the -x direction of the first opening (OS1).

[0141] Similarly, the second opening (OS2) may include a second extension (EX2) provided at both ends of the second direction (e.g., ±y direction). In one embodiment, the width of the second extension (EX2) in the first direction (e.g., ±x direction) may be greater than the width of the second opening (OS2), i.e., the second width (OSW2) (see FIG. 5). FIG. 7a illustrates a case where the second opening (OS2) has a second extension (EX2) at the end in the +y direction and the end in the -y direction, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. The second extension (EX2) may be provided at only one of the end in the +y direction and the end in the -y direction of the second opening (OS2).

[0142] The first extension (EX1) and the second extension (EX2) may be provided in various shapes. In one embodiment, the first extension (EX1) and the second extension (EX2) may have a roughly rectangular shape with rounded corners as shown in FIG. 7a. In one embodiment, the first extension (EX1) and the second extension (EX2) may have a circular shape as shown in FIG. 7c and FIG. 7d. In this case, the diameter of each circle of the first extension (EX1) and the second extension (EX2) may be larger than the width of each of the first opening (OS1) and the second opening (OS2).

[0143] Referring to FIG. 7b, the width of each of the first opening (OS1) and the second opening (OS2) can gradually change along one direction.

[0144] In one embodiment, for the first opening (OS1), the width of the first opening (OS1) in the second direction (e.g., ±y direction) may gradually change along the length direction of the first opening (OS1) (e.g., the first direction or ±x direction). For example, the width of the first opening (OS1) in the second direction (e.g., ±y direction) may gradually decrease from the center of the first opening (OS1) toward the end. In other words, the width of the end of the first opening (OS1) may be smaller than the width of the center of the first opening (OS1).

[0145] In one embodiment, for the second opening (OS2), the width of the second opening (OS2) in the first direction (e.g., ±x direction) may gradually change along the length direction of the second opening (OS2) (e.g., second direction or ±y direction). For example, the width of the second opening (OS2) in the first direction (e.g., ±x direction) may gradually decrease from the center of the second opening (OS2) toward the end. In other words, the width of the end of the second opening (OS2) may be smaller than the width of the center of the second opening (OS2).

[0146] Referring to FIG. 7c, an embodiment can be seen in which the first opening (OS1) and second opening (OS2) with decreasing width and the circular first extension (EX1) and second extension (EX2) shown in FIG. 7b are combined.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 7d, the first opening (OS1) and the second opening (OS2) with decreasing widths and the circular first extension (EX1) and second extension (EX2) shown in FIG. 7b may be combined, and additionally, a portion of the first opening (OS1) and the second opening (OS2) may be recessed. For example, the central portion of each of the first opening (OS1) and the second opening (OS2) may be recessed. In one embodiment, in the case of the first opening (OS1), the central portion of the first opening (OS1) may be recessed in a second direction (e.g., ±y direction). In one embodiment, in the case of the second opening (OS2), the central portion of the second opening (OS2) may be recessed in a first direction (e.g., ±x direction).

[0148] The features of the first opening (OS1) and the second opening (OS2) of the substrate (100) described with reference to FIGS. 7a to 7d can be combined with each other in various ways.

[0149] FIGS. 8a to 8c are each equivalent circuit diagrams of pixels of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 8a, a light-emitting diode (LED) corresponding to a pixel may be electrically connected to a pixel circuit (PC). The pixel circuit (PC) may include a first transistor (T1), a second transistor (T2), and a storage capacitor (Cst). The pixel circuit (PC) may be electrically connected to signal lines and voltage lines. The signal lines may include a scan signal line (GWL) and a data line (DL), and the voltage lines may include a first voltage line (VDDL).

[0151] The second transistor (T2) is a data write transistor and can be electrically connected to a scan signal line (GWL) and a data line (DL). The scan signal line (GWL) can provide a scan signal (GW) to the gate electrode of the second transistor (T2). The second transistor (T2) can transmit a data signal (Dm) input from the data line (DL) to the first transistor (T1) according to the scan signal (GW) input from the scan signal line (GWL).

[0152] The storage capacitor (Cst) can be 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).

[0153] The first transistor (T1) is a driving transistor and can control the driving current flowing through the light-emitting diode (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 from the first voltage line (VDDL) to the light-emitting diode (LED) in correspondence with the voltage value stored in the storage capacitor (Cst). The light-emitting diode (LED) can emit light having a predetermined brightness by the driving current. The first electrode of the light-emitting diode (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).

[0154] FIG. 8a illustrates a pixel circuit (PC) comprising one switching transistor (e.g., a second transistor (T2)) and one capacitor (e.g., a storage capacitor (Cst)), but in other embodiments, the pixel circuit (PC) may comprise two or more switching transistors and / or two or more capacitors.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 8b, the pixel 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). The first transistor (T1) may be a driving transistor, and the second transistor (T2), the third transistor (T3), the fourth transistor (T4), the fifth transistor (T5), the sixth transistor (T6), and the seventh transistor (T7) may be switching transistors.

[0156] The pixel circuit (PC) may be electrically connected to signal lines and voltage lines. The signal lines may include gate lines such as a scan signal line (GWL), a bypass control line (GBL), an initialization control line (GIL), and an emission control line (EML), and data lines (DL). The voltage lines may include first and second initialization voltage lines (VIL1, VIL2) and a first voltage line (VDDL).

[0157] The first voltage line (VDDL) can transmit a first power supply voltage (VDD) to the first transistor (T1). The first initialization voltage line (VIL1) can transmit a first initialization voltage (Vint) that initializes the first transistor (T1) to the pixel circuit (PC). The second initialization voltage line (VIL2) can transmit a second initialization voltage (Vaint) that initializes the first electrode of the light-emitting diode (LED) to the pixel circuit (PC).

[0158] 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 diode (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The first transistor (T1) can function as a driving transistor and can receive a data signal (Dm) according to the switching operation of the second transistor (T2) and supply a driving current to the light-emitting diode (LED).

[0159] The second transistor (T2) is a data write transistor and can be electrically connected to the scan signal line (GWL) and the data line (DL). The second transistor (T2) can be electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5). The second transistor (T2) can perform a switching operation in which it is turned on according to the scan signal (GW) received through the scan signal line (GWL) and transmits the data signal (Dm) transmitted to the data line (DL) to the first node (N1).

[0160] The third transistor (T3) can be electrically connected to the scan signal line (GWL) and can be electrically connected to the light-emitting diode (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The third transistor (T3) can be turned on according to the scan signal (GW) received through the scan signal line (GWL) to diode-connect the first transistor (T1).

[0161] The fourth transistor (T4) is a first initialization transistor and can be electrically connected to an initialization control line (GIL) and a first initialization voltage line (VIL1). The fourth transistor (T4) is turned on according to an initialization control signal (GI) received through the initialization control line (GIL) and can transmit a 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 initialization control signal (GI) may correspond to a scan signal of another pixel circuit placed in the previous row of the corresponding pixel circuit (PC).

[0162] The fifth transistor (T5) may be an operation control transistor, and the sixth transistor (T6) may be a light emission control transistor. The fifth transistor (T5) and the sixth transistor (T6) may be electrically connected to a light emission control line (EML), and may be simultaneously turned on according to a light emission control signal (EM) received through the light emission 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 diode (LED). The first electrode of the light-emitting diode (LED) may be electrically connected to the first transistor (T1) through the sixth transistor (T6), and the second electrode may be electrically connected to the second voltage line (VSSL) that supplies the second power supply voltage (VSS).

[0163] The seventh transistor (T7) is a second initialization transistor and can be electrically connected to the bypass control line (GBL), the second initialization voltage line (VIL2), and the sixth transistor (T6). The seventh transistor (T7) can be turned on according to the bypass control signal (GB) received through the bypass control line (GBL), and can initialize the first electrode of the light-emitting diode (LED) by transmitting the second initialization voltage (Vaint) from the second initialization voltage line (VIL2) to the first electrode of the light-emitting diode (LED).

[0164] A storage capacitor (Cst) may include a first electrode (CE1) and a second electrode (CE2). The first electrode (CE1) may be electrically connected to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1), and the second electrode (CE2) may be 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).

[0165] Referring to FIG. 8c, the pixel 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). The first transistor (T1) may be a driving transistor, and the second transistor (T2), the third transistor (T3), the fourth transistor (T4), the fifth transistor (T5), the sixth transistor (T6), the seventh transistor (T7), the eighth transistor (T8), and the ninth transistor (T9) may be switching transistors.

[0166] The pixel circuit (PC) may be electrically connected to signal lines and voltage lines. The signal lines may include gate lines such as a scan signal line (GWL), a bypass control line (GBL), an initialization control line (GIL), and an emission control line (EML), and data lines (DL). The voltage lines may include first and second initialization voltage lines (VIL1, VIL2), a hold voltage line (VSL), and a first voltage line (VDDL).

[0167] The first voltage line (VDDL) can transmit a first power supply voltage (VDD) to the first transistor (T1). The first initialization voltage line (VIL1) can transmit a first initialization voltage (Vint) that initializes the first transistor (T1) to the pixel circuit (PC). The second initialization voltage line (VIL2) can transmit a second initialization voltage (Vaint) that initializes the first electrode of the light-emitting diode (LED) to the pixel circuit (PC). The holding voltage line (VSL) can provide a holding voltage (VSUS) to the second electrode (CE2) of the second node (N2), for example, the storage capacitor (Cst), during the initialization period and the data writing period.

[0168] 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 diode (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The first transistor (T1) can function as a driving transistor and can receive a data signal (Dm) according to the switching operation of the second transistor (T2) and supply a driving current to the light-emitting diode (LED).

[0169] The second transistor (T2) can be electrically connected to the scan signal line (GWL) and the data line (DL), and can be electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and the eighth transistor (T8). The second transistor (T2) can perform a switching operation in which it is turned on according to the scan signal (GW) received through the scan signal line (GWL) and transmits the data signal (Dm) transmitted to the data line (DL) to the first node (N1).

[0170] The third transistor (T3) can be electrically connected to the scan signal line (GWL) and can be electrically connected to the light-emitting diode (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The third transistor (T3) is turned on according to the scan signal (GW) received through the scan signal line (GWL) and connects the first transistor (T1) to the diode, thereby compensating for the threshold voltage of the first transistor (T1).

[0171] The fourth transistor (T4) can be electrically connected to the initialization control line (GIL) and the first initialization voltage line (VIL1), and can be turned on according to the initialization control signal (GI) received through the initialization control line (GIL) 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 initialization control signal (GI) may correspond to a scan signal of another pixel circuit placed in the previous row of the corresponding pixel circuit (PC).

[0172] The fifth transistor (T5), the sixth transistor (T6), and the eighth transistor (T8) can be electrically connected to the light emission control line (EML) and can be 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 a driving current can flow from the first voltage line (VDDL) toward the light-emitting diode (LED). The first electrode of the light-emitting diode (LED) can be electrically connected to the first transistor (T1) through the sixth transistor (T6), and the second electrode can be electrically connected to the second voltage line (VSSL) that supplies the second power supply voltage (VSS).

[0173] The seventh transistor (T7) is a second initialization transistor and can be electrically connected to the bypass control line (GBL), the second initialization voltage line (VIL2), and the sixth transistor (T6). The seventh transistor (T7) is turned on according to the bypass control signal (GB) received through the bypass control line (GBL) and can transmit the second initialization voltage (Vaint) from the second initialization voltage line (VIL2) to the first electrode of the light-emitting diode (LED) to initialize the first electrode of the light-emitting diode (LED).

[0174] The ninth transistor (T9) can be electrically connected to the bypass control line (GBL), 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 bypass control signal (GB) received through the bypass control line (GBL), 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.

[0175] 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 one embodiment, 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.

[0176] The storage capacitor (Cst) may include a first electrode (CE1) and a second electrode (CE2). The first electrode (CE1) may be electrically connected to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1), and the second electrode (CE2) may be electrically connected to the eighth transistor (T8) and the ninth transistor (T9).

[0177] 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 diode (LED). By storing and maintaining a voltage corresponding to the voltage difference between the first electrode of the light-emitting diode (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 black brightness rising when the sixth transistor (T6) is turned off.

[0178] FIGS. 9a to 9e are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating a light-emitting diode of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0179] Referring to FIG. 9a, a light-emitting diode (LED) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) containing an organic material. The light-emitting diode (LED) 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).

[0180] The edge of the first electrode (221) may be covered by a bank layer (230) containing an insulating material. The bank layer (230) may include an opening (230-OP) that overlaps the central portion of the first electrode (221).

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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).

[0183] The second electrode (225) may include a conductive material with a low work function. For example, the second electrode (225) may include a (semi)transparent layer including silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), or 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 including the aforementioned materials.

[0184] Referring to FIG. 9b, the light-emitting diode (LED) may include an inorganic light-emitting diode (iLED) containing an inorganic material. The light-emitting diode (LED) may include a first semiconductor layer (231), a second semiconductor layer (232), an intermediate layer (233) between the first semiconductor layer (231) and the second semiconductor layer (232), a first electrode (235) electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer (231), and a second electrode (238) electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer (232). The first electrode (235) and the second electrode (238) of the light-emitting diode (LED) may each be electrically connected to a first electrode pad (241) and a second electrode pad (242) disposed on the same layer. The second electrode pad (242) may be a part of the second voltage line (VSSL, FIG. 4a) or a conductive layer electrically connected to the second voltage line (VSSL, FIG. 4a).

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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. In some aspects, it may include a quantum wire structure or a quantum dot structure.

[0188] FIG. 9b 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.

[0189] FIG. 9b illustrates that the first electrode pad (241) and the second electrode pad (242) are disposed on the same layer, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Referring to FIG. 9c, the first electrode pad (241) and the second electrode pad (242) may be disposed on different layers. For example, a bank layer (230) having an opening that overlaps with at least a portion of the first electrode pad (241) may be disposed on the first electrode pad (241), and the second electrode pad (242) may be disposed on the upper surface of the bank layer (230). The structure of the light-emitting diode (LED) shown in FIG. 9c is the same as the structure of the light-emitting diode (LED) described above with reference to FIG. 9b.

[0190] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9d, the second electrode pad (242) may be positioned on both sides centered on the first electrode pad (241) in a cross-sectional view. The bank layer (230) includes an opening that overlaps with at least a portion of the first electrode pad (241), and the second electrode pad (242) may be positioned around the opening of the bank layer (230). In some embodiments, the second electrode pad (242) may have a closed-loop shape that completely surrounds the opening of the bank layer (230) and / or the first electrode pad (241) in a planar view. The structure of the light-emitting diode (LED) shown in FIG. 9d is the same as the structure of the light-emitting diode (LED) described earlier with reference to FIG. 9b.

[0191] FIGS. 9b to 9d illustrate the first electrode (235) and the second electrode (238) of a light-emitting diode (LED) facing in the same direction (e.g., downward direction, -z direction), but the present invention is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 9e, the first electrode (235) and the second electrode (238) of the light-emitting diode (LED) may face in opposite directions.

[0192] The bank layer (230) includes an opening that exposes at least a portion of the first electrode pad (241), and the thickness of the bank layer (230) may be substantially the same as the thickness of the light-emitting diode (LED). The opening of the bank layer (230) may be filled with a filling material (FM), and the second electrode pad (242) may be disposed on the upper surface of the bank layer (230) so as to be electrically connected (e.g., in contact) with the second electrode (238) of the light-emitting diode (LED). The filling material (FM) may include an organic material having insulating properties.

[0193] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic device (1) including a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an electronic device (1) including a display panel (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 10, the electronic device (1) can be freely deformed in three dimensions and can provide a three-dimensional image surface through the display area (DA). The statement that the electronic device (1) can be freely deformed in three dimensions is distinguished from the operation of an electronic device having a rollable display panel, such as when only a part of the rolled-up display area is visible to the user, and then another part of the rolled-up display area is unfolded so that the entire display area is visible to the user (or when the entire unfolded display area is visible to the user, and then the display area is rolled up so that only a part of the display area is visible to the user). The electronic device (1) according to the embodiments of the present invention may exhibit a deformation such as the area of ​​the entire display area (DA) increasing or decreasing again as the electronic device (1) is deformed in the x direction, y direction, and / or z direction.

[0195] Referring to FIG. 11, the electronic device (1) may include a processor (1100), memory (1200), input module (1300), display module (1400), power module (1500), built-in module (1600), and external module (1700). According to one embodiment, at least one of the above-described components may be omitted from the electronic device (1), or one or more other components may be added. According to one embodiment, some of the above-described components (e.g., built-in module (1600)) may be integrated into another component (e.g., display module (1400)).

[0196] The processor (1100) can execute software to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (1) connected to the processor (1100) and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (1100) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., an input module (1300), a sensor module (1610), or a communication module (1730)) in a volatile memory (1210), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (1210), and store the resulting data in a non-volatile memory (1220).

[0197] The processor (1100) may include a main processor (1110) and an auxiliary processor (1120). The main processor (1110) may include at least one of a central processing unit (1111, CPU) and an application processor (AP). The main processor (1110) may further include at least one of a graphic processing unit (1112, GPU), a communication processor (CP), and an image signal processor (ISP). The main processor (1110) may further include a neural processing unit (1113, NPU). The neural processing unit is a processor specialized for processing artificial intelligence models, and the artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially. At least two of the processing unit and processor described above may be implemented as a single integrated configuration (e.g., a single chip), or each may be implemented as an independent configuration (e.g., multiple chips).

[0198] The auxiliary processor (1120) may include a controller (1121). The controller (1121) may include an interface conversion circuit and a timing control circuit. The controller (1121) receives a video signal from the main processor (1110), converts the data format of the video signal to match the interface specifications with the display module (1400), and outputs video data. The controller (1121) may output various control signals required for driving the display module (1400).

[0199] The auxiliary processor (1120) may further include data processing circuits such as a data conversion circuit (1122), a gamma correction circuit (1123), and a rendering circuit (1124). The data conversion circuit (1122) receives image data from the controller (1121) and can compensate the image data so that the image is displayed at a desired brightness according to the characteristics of the electronic device (1) or the user's settings, or can convert the image data to reduce power consumption or compensate for afterimages. The gamma correction circuit (1123) can convert image data or gamma reference voltage, etc. so that the image displayed on the electronic device (1) has desired gamma characteristics. The rendering circuit (1124) receives image data from the controller (1121) and can render the image data by considering the pixel arrangement of the display panel (10) applied to the electronic device (1). At least one of the data conversion circuit (1122), gamma correction circuit (1123), and rendering circuit (1124) may be integrated into another component (e.g., main processor (1110) or controller (1121)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1120) may be integrated into the data driver (1430).

[0200] The memory (1200) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (1) (e.g., a processor (1100) or a sensor module (1610)) and input or output data for related commands. The memory (1200) may include at least one of a volatile memory (1210) and a non-volatile memory (1220).

[0201] The input module (1300) can receive commands or data to be used for components of the electronic device (1) (e.g., processor (1100), sensor module (1610) or sound output module (1630)) from outside the electronic device (1) (e.g., user or external electronic device (2000)).

[0202] The input module (1300) may include a first input module (1310) into which commands or data are input from a user and a second input module (1320) into which commands or data are input from an external electronic device (2000).

[0203] The first input module (1310) may include a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a pen (e.g., a passive pen or an active pen). The first input module (1310) may include mechanical input means or touch input means, such as a button, a dome switch, a jog wheel, or a jog switch, located on the rear or side of the electronic device (1). The touch input means may include a touchscreen layer of the display panel (10).

[0204] The second input module (1320) can be connected to various types of external electronic devices (2000) connected to the electronic device (1) via wired or wireless connection. According to one embodiment, the second input module (1320) may include an HDMI (high definition multimedia interface), a USB (universal serial bus) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface. The second input module (1320) may include a connector capable of physically connecting the electronic device (1) to the external electronic device (2000), for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector). The electronic device (1) can perform appropriate control related to the connected external electronic device (2000) in response to the external electronic device (2000) being connected to the second input module (1320).

[0205] The display module (1400) provides information visually to the user. The display module (1400) may include a display panel (10), a scan driver (1420), and a data driver (1430).

[0206] The display panel (10) displays (outputs) information processed by the electronic device (1). The display panel (10) can display information on the execution screen of an application running on the electronic device (1), or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information based on the execution screen information.

[0207] The scan driver (1420) may be mounted on the display panel (10) as a driving chip. Alternatively, the scan driver (1420) may be formed directly on the display panel (10). For example, the scan driver (1420) may include an ASG (Amorphous Silicon TFT Gate driver circuit), an LTPS (Low Temperature Polycrystalline Silicon) TFT Gate driver circuit, or an OSG (Oxide Semiconductor TFT Gate driver circuit) embedded in the display panel (10). The scan driver (1420) receives a control signal from the controller (1121) and outputs scan signals to the display panel (10) in response to the control signal.

[0208] The display panel (10) may further include a light emission control driver. The light emission driver outputs a light emission control signal to the display panel (10) in response to a control signal received from the controller (1121). The light emission control driver may be formed separately from the scan driver (1420) or may be integrated into the scan driver (1420).

[0209] The data driver (1430) receives a control signal from the controller (1121), converts the image data into an analog voltage data voltage in response to the control signal, and then outputs the data voltages to the display panel (10).

[0210] The data driver (1430) may be integrated with some components of the auxiliary processor (1120). For example, the data driver (1430) may be provided as a timing controller embedded driver integrated circuit (Timing controller embedded driver IC) including a controller (1121).

[0211] A power module (1500) supplies power to the components of an electronic device (1). The power module (1500) may include a battery (80) that charges the power voltage. In some aspects, the power module (1500) is provided with a connection port, which may be included in a second input module (1320) to which an external charger is connected to supply power for charging the battery (80). Alternatively, the power module (1500) may include a wireless power transceiver so as to be able to charge the battery (80) wirelessly. The wireless power transceiver may include a plurality of coil-shaped antenna radiators. The power module (1500) may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The PMIC supplies power optimized for each of the components of the electronic device (1).

[0212] The electronic device (1) may further include an internal module (1600) and an external module (1700). The internal module (1600) may include a sensor module (1610), an antenna module (1620), and an audio output module (1630). The external module (1700) may include a camera module (1710), a light module (1720), and / or a communication module (1730).

[0213] The sensor module (1610) may include touch electrodes of the touchscreen layer of the display panel (10) and a touch sensor driver. The sensor module (1610) may detect input by the user's body or input by a pen and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the input. The sensor module (1610) may include at least one of a fingerprint sensor (1611), an input sensor (1612), and a digitizer (1613).

[0214] The fingerprint sensor (1611) can generate a data value corresponding to the user's fingerprint. The fingerprint sensor (1611) may include either an optical or capacitive fingerprint sensor.

[0215] The input sensor (1612) can generate a data value corresponding to coordinate information of input by the user's body or input by a pen. The input sensor (1612) generates a data value of the amount of change in capacitance due to the input. The input sensor (1612) can detect input by a passive pen or transmit and receive data with an active pen.

[0216] The input sensor (1612) may measure biosignals such as blood pressure, water content, or body fat. For example, if a user contacts a part of their body to the sensor layer or sensing panel and does not move for a certain period of time, the input sensor (1612) may detect biosignals based on changes in the electric field caused by the part of the body and output information desired by the user to the display module (1400).

[0217] The digitizer (1613) can generate a data value corresponding to the coordinate information of the input by the pen. The digitizer (1613) generates the amount of electromagnetic change caused by the input as a data value. The digitizer (1613) can detect input by a passive pen or transmit and receive data with an active pen.

[0218] In one embodiment, at least one of a fingerprint sensor (1611), an input sensor (1612), and a digitizer (1613) may be embedded in the display panel (10). For example, at least one of the fingerprint sensor (1611), the input sensor (1612), and the digitizer (1613) may be formed through a process that is continuous with the process of forming the pixel circuits and light-emitting diodes of the display panel (10). As a result, the display panel (10) may function as one of the input modules (1300) that provide an input interface between the electronic device (1) and the user, and may also function as a display module (1400) that provides an output interface between the electronic device (1) and the user.

[0219] In one embodiment, at least two of the fingerprint sensor (1611), input sensor (1612), and digitizer (1613) may be formed to be integrated into a single sensing panel through the same process. The sensing panel may be positioned between the display panel (10) and a window positioned above the display panel (10), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0220] The antenna module (1620) may include one or more antennas for transmitting a signal or power to the outside or receiving it from the outside. According to one embodiment, the communication module (1730) may transmit a signal to an external electronic device or receive it from an external electronic device through an antenna suitable for a communication method. The antenna pattern of the antenna module (1620) may be integrated with one component of the display module (1400) (e.g., a display panel (10)) or an input sensor (1612), etc.

[0221] The sound output module (1630) is a device for outputting sound signals to the outside of the electronic device (1), and can output sound data received from the communication module (1730) or stored in the memory (1200) in call signal reception, call mode or recording mode, voice recognition mode, broadcast reception mode, etc. The sound output module (1630) can output sound signals related to functions performed in the electronic device (1) (e.g., call signal reception sound, message reception sound, etc.). The sound output module (1630) may include a receiver and a speaker. At least one of the receiver and the speaker may be a sound generating device attached to the lower part of the display panel (10) to vibrate the display panel (10) and output sound. The sound generating device may be a piezoelectric element or a piezoelectric actuator that contracts and expands according to an electric signal, or an exciter that generates magnetic force using a voice coil to vibrate the display panel (10).

[0222] The camera module (1710) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (1710) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, or image signal processors. The camera module (1710) may further include an infrared camera capable of measuring the presence or absence of a user, the location of the user, the user's gaze, etc.

[0223] The light module (1720) can use light from a light source to output a signal to indicate the occurrence of an event or provide light for image acquisition. Here, examples of event occurrences may include receiving a message, receiving a call signal, a missed call, an alarm, a schedule notification, receiving an email, or receiving battery charge capacity information notifications. The light module (1720) may include a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. The light module (1720) may emit single-color or multiple-color light toward the front or rear of the electronic device (1). The light module (1720) may operate in conjunction with the camera module (1710) or operate independently.

[0224] The communication module (1730) can support the establishment of a wired or wireless communication channel between an electronic device (1) and an external electronic device (2000), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (1730) may include one or all of a wireless communication module such as a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module, and a wired communication module such as a LAN (local area network) communication module or a power line communication module. The communication module (1730) can transmit and receive wireless signals over an internet network using at least one of WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Direct, and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) technologies. In some aspects, the communication module (1730) may support short-range communication using at least one of Bluetooth, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technologies. The various types of communication modules (1730) described above may be implemented as a single chip or as separate chips.

[0225] In the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the display panel (10) is described as being included in an electronic device (1) that provides a three-dimensionally deformable image surface by being freely deformed in three dimensions, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As shown in FIGS. 12a to 14, the electronic device includes an image providing area having a fixed shape, and in the process of manufacturing the electronic device, the display panel is placed in the image providing area of ​​the electronic device described above, and the display panel can be fixed to the electronic device in a three-dimensionally deformed state.

[0226] FIGS. 12a to 14 are perspective views showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic devices (1A, 1B, 1C) shown in FIGS. 12a to 14 may each include components of the electronic device (1) described with reference to FIG. 11.

[0227] FIG. 12a illustrates a smart watch as an electronic device (1A) according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the display unit (2110) of the smart watch may include a display panel described above with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 9e. In one embodiment, the display panel corresponding to the display unit (2110) can be stretched three-dimensionally, so it can provide various haptic information to the user. For example, haptic information or visual information can be provided to the user by the movement of a stroke (2120) placed below the display unit (2110). In one embodiment, as the stroke (2120) moves along a third direction (e.g., the z-direction or the -z-direction), the display panel is stretched three-dimensionally, and thus the image displayed on the display unit (2110) can be implemented to have a three-dimensional height. Alternatively, the stroke (2120) may move along a third direction (e.g., z-direction or -z-direction) to provide haptic information (e.g., Braille information for the visually impaired, etc.) to the user through the display unit (2110, or display panel). The display panel corresponding to the display unit (2110) and the stroke (2120) may be housed or assembled in a frame (or housing, 2130).

[0228] FIG. 12a illustrates that the display unit (2110) has a dome shape in a state where it is not stretched three-dimensionally (e.g., the off state of the electronic device (1A), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In a state where it is not stretched three-dimensionally (e.g., the off state of the electronic device (1A), the display unit (2110) may be flat.

[0229] FIG. 12a illustrates a smart watch that can be stretched three-dimensionally, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, since the display panel of the smart watch can be stretched three-dimensionally, it can be fixedly assembled to the body frame while being stretched three-dimensionally along the body frame having a predetermined shape (e.g., a hemispherical shape) during the manufacturing process of the smart watch to form a display part (2110), and such a display part (2110) of the smart watch may not be deformed three-dimensionally.

[0230] FIG. 12b illustrates another embodiment of a smart watch as an electronic device (1A). The electronic device (1A) illustrated in FIG. 12b includes a display unit (3310), wherein the display unit (3310) may be a three-dimensional dome shape (or hemispherical shape). In the manufacturing process of the electronic device (1A), a display device may be assembled on a dome-shaped body frame, and since the display device is three-dimensionally stretchable, it may be assembled in a stretched state along the shape of a hemispherical body frame.

[0231] FIG. 13 illustrates a robot as another electronic device (1B) in one embodiment. The robot can move or perceive objects using a camera module (1710) and can display a predetermined image to a user through a display unit (3420, 3430). In some embodiments, since the display panels according to one embodiment of the present invention can be extended in various directions as described above, they can be assembled to the frame of the electronic device (1B) while being extended three-dimensionally along a body frame having a hemispherical shape to form a display unit (3420, 3430).

[0232] FIG. 14 illustrates a vehicle display device as another electronic device (1C) in one embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle display device may include a cluster (4510), a Center Information Display (CID) (4520), and / or a passenger display (4530). Since the display panel according to the embodiment of the present invention can be extended in various directions, it can be used for the cluster (4510), the CID (4520), and / or the passenger display (4530) regardless of the shape of the vehicle's internal frame.

[0233] FIG. 14 illustrates the cluster (4510), CID (4520), and / or passenger seat indicator (4530) being separated, but the invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, two or more selected from the cluster (4510), CID (4520), and passenger seat indicator (4530) may be connected as a single unit.

[0234] In some embodiments, the vehicle display device may include a button (4540) capable of displaying a predetermined image. The hemispherical button (4540) may sense touch input from a user (e.g., driver) in the z-direction or -z-direction. In some embodiments, the button (4540) of FIG. 14 may also include a stroke as previously described with reference to FIG. 12a.

[0235] FIGS. 12a, FIGS. 12b, FIGS. 13, and FIGS. 14 illustrate that the electronic device (1A, 1B, 1C) is a wearable electronic device that can be worn on the body, or an electronic device for a robot or a vehicle, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The electronic device of the present invention may include electronic devices for various uses, such as commercial electronic devices, office electronic devices, educational electronic devices, wearable electronic devices, medical electronic devices, etc. In other words, the display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided in various electronic devices as long as it includes an area capable of providing an image.

[0236] The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A substrate comprising a first opening extending in a first direction and a second opening extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and A light-emitting diode disposed on the above substrate; comprising, At least one of the first width along the second direction of the first opening and the second width along the first direction of the second opening is in the range of 6 micrometers to 8 micrometers, Display panel.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above substrate is, It includes a plurality of first openings and a plurality of second openings, and A bridge portion further comprising a first opening among the plurality of first openings and a second opening among the plurality of second openings. Display panel.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above bridge portion includes a first bridge portion extending in a first direction and a second bridge portion extending in a second direction, and At least one of the first directional length of the first bridge portion and the second directional length of the second bridge portion is in the range of 17 micrometers to 25 micrometers, Display panel.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above substrate includes an island portion partially surrounded by the first opening and the second opening, and the light-emitting diode overlaps the island portion. Display panel.

5. In Paragraph 4, An inorganic insulating layer disposed between the substrate and the light-emitting diode, overlapping with the island portion, and including a groove overlapping with the first opening or the second opening; further comprising Display panel.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above-mentioned inorganic insulating layer has a shape including a plurality of islands spaced apart from each other by the grooves, Display panel.

7. In Paragraph 5, The above inorganic insulating layer includes recesses defined in the inorganic insulating layer adjacent to both ends of the first opening and both ends of the second opening. Display panel.

8. In Paragraph 1, The first opening is provided at least one of the two ends along the first direction and includes an extension having a width greater than the first width. Display panel.

9. In Paragraph 1, The width of the end portion of the first opening along the first direction is smaller than the width of the center portion of the first opening. Display panel.

10. In Paragraph 1, The first opening has a shape in which the central part of the first opening along the first direction is indented along the second direction. Display panel.

11. A substrate comprising a plurality of first openings extending in a first direction, a plurality of second openings extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a plurality of island portions partially enclosed by the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings; and An inorganic insulating layer disposed on the substrate and comprising a groove overlapping the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings; wherein The above-mentioned inorganic insulating layer has a shape including a plurality of islands that are spaced apart from each other by the grooves and overlap with the plurality of island portions of the substrate. Display panel.

12. In Paragraph 11, A plurality of light-emitting diodes disposed on the substrate, each overlapping with the plurality of island portions; further comprising Display panel.

13. In Paragraph 11, At least one of the first width along the second direction of one of the plurality of first openings and the second width along the first direction of one of the plurality of second openings is in the range of 6 micrometers to 8 micrometers, Display panel.

14. In Paragraph 11, The above substrate is, A bridge portion further comprising a first opening among the plurality of first openings and a second opening among the plurality of second openings. Display panel.

15. In Paragraph 14, The above bridge portion includes a first bridge portion extending in a first direction and a second bridge portion extending in a second direction, and At least one of the first directional length of the first bridge portion and the second directional length of the second bridge portion is in the range of 17 micrometers to 25 micrometers, Display panel.

16. In Paragraph 14, At least some of the plurality of island portions of the substrate are connected to each other by the bridge portions, Display panel.

17. In Paragraph 11, The above-mentioned inorganic insulating layer comprises a recess defined adjacent to both ends of one of the plurality of first openings and both ends of one of the plurality of second openings. Display panel.

18. In Paragraph 11, The width along the second direction of a part of one of the plurality of first openings and the width along the second direction of another part of the first opening are different. Display panel.

19. In Paragraph 18, The width of the first opening along the second direction varies along the first direction. Display panel.

20. In Paragraph 18, The above substrate is provided at both ends of the first opening and has an extension portion having a width greater than the width along the second direction of the first opening. Display panel.

21. An electronic device that provides an image, wherein the electronic device includes a display panel, The above display panel is, A substrate comprising a plurality of first openings extending in a first direction, a plurality of second openings extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a plurality of island portions partially enclosed by the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings; and An inorganic insulating layer disposed on the substrate and comprising a groove overlapping the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings; wherein The above-mentioned inorganic insulating layer has a shape including a plurality of islands that are spaced apart from each other by the grooves and overlap with the plurality of island portions of the substrate. Electronic devices.

22. In an electronic device including a display unit, A display panel corresponding to the above-mentioned display unit; and A stroke positioned below the above display panel and moving up and down; including, The above display panel is, A substrate comprising a plurality of first openings extending in a first direction, a plurality of second openings extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a plurality of island portions partially enclosed by the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings; and An inorganic insulating layer disposed on the substrate and comprising a groove overlapping the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings; wherein The above-mentioned inorganic insulating layer has a shape including a plurality of islands that are spaced apart from each other by the grooves and overlap with the plurality of island portions of the substrate. Electronic devices.

23. In Paragraph 22, Further comprising the above display panel and the frame in which the stroke is housed, Electronic devices.

24. In Paragraph 22, The above electronic device includes a wearable electronic device, Electronic devices.

25. In Paragraph 22, The above display panel is capable of being stretched three-dimensionally by the stroke, Electronic devices.

26. In Paragraph 22, In a state where the above display panel is not stretched three-dimensionally, the display part has a dome shape, Electronic devices.

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