Display panel and electronic device comprising same

Abstract

The present invention provides a display panel and an electronic device comprising same, the display panel comprising: a substrate including a plurality of island areas, and a plurality of bridge areas for connecting neighboring island areas among the plurality of island areas; a plurality of pixels disposed in the plurality of island areas; a plurality of wires disposed in the plurality of bridge areas; a first organic layer for covering the plurality of pixels, the plurality of wires and a side surface of the substrate; a first electrode layer for covering an upper surface and side surfaces of the first organic layer and defining a plurality of first openings that overlap the plurality of pixels in a plan view; a second organic layer for covering an upper surface and side surfaces of the first electrode layer; and a second electrode layer for covering an upper surface and side surfaces of the second organic layer, and defining a plurality of second openings that overlap the plurality of pixels in a plan view.

Description

Display panel and electronic device including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a display panel and an electronic device including the same, and more specifically, to a flexible display panel and an electronic device including the same.

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

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention provide a display panel, such as a flexible display panel, and an electronic device including the same.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display panel is provided comprising: a substrate including a plurality of island regions and a plurality of bridge regions connecting adjacent island regions among the plurality of island regions; a plurality of pixels disposed in the plurality of island regions; a plurality of wirings disposed in the plurality of bridge regions; a first organic layer covering the plurality of pixels, the plurality of wirings, and the side of the substrate; a first electrode layer covering the upper surface and side of the first organic layer and defining a plurality of first openings that overlap with the plurality of pixels in a planar plane; a second organic layer covering the upper surface and side of the first electrode; and a second electrode layer covering the upper surface and side of the second organic layer and defining a plurality of second openings that overlap with the plurality of pixels in a planar plane.

[0005] In one embodiment, the second electrode layer comprises a plurality of first electrode cells arranged in a first direction; and a plurality of second electrode cells arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and the first electrode layer may include a plurality of connecting electrodes connecting adjacent second electrode cells among the plurality of second electrode cells.

[0006] In one embodiment, among the plurality of first electrode cells, the first electrode cells adjacent in the first direction may be provided as a single unit.

[0007] In one embodiment, the plurality of first electrode cells and the plurality of second electrode cells may be spaced apart from each other.

[0008] In one embodiment, the connecting electrode may intersect with one of the plurality of first electrode cells, be electrically separated by the second organic layer, and be electrically connected to the overlapping second electrode cells among the plurality of second electrode cells through contact holes penetrating the second organic layer.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second electrode layer may include a first portion extending along the edge of each of the plurality of island regions in a plane, and a second portion extending along each of the plurality of bridge regions in a plane.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second portion may be electrically connected to the first electrode layer through a contact hole penetrating the second organic layer.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second portion defines a third opening that exposes the upper surface of the second organic layer, and the second electrode layer may further include an auxiliary electrode disposed within one of the plurality of second openings and a first auxiliary wiring disposed within the third opening.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first electrode layer may further include a second auxiliary wiring connected to the auxiliary electrode and the first auxiliary wiring.

[0013] In one embodiment, the plurality of bridge regions may have a wavy shape.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a display panel is provided, comprising: a substrate including a plurality of island regions and a plurality of bridge regions connecting adjacent island regions among the plurality of island regions; a display layer including a plurality of pixels disposed in the plurality of island regions and a plurality of wires disposed in the plurality of bridge regions; and an input sensing layer covering the upper surface and side surface of the display layer, the input sensing layer including a plurality of first touch electrodes extending in a first direction and a second touch electrode extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein each of the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes covers the side surface of the substrate along the edges of the plurality of island regions and the plurality of bridge regions.

[0015] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of first touch electrodes includes a plurality of first electrode cells arranged in the first direction, and each of the plurality of second touch electrodes includes a plurality of second electrode cells arranged in the second direction and a plurality of connecting electrodes connecting adjacent second electrode cells among the plurality of second electrode cells, and the plurality of first electrode cells and the plurality of connecting electrodes may be disposed on different layers.

[0016] In one embodiment, among the plurality of first electrode cells, the first electrode cells adjacent in the first direction may be provided as a single unit.

[0017] In one embodiment, the plurality of first electrode cells and the plurality of second electrode cells may be spaced apart from each other.

[0018] In one embodiment, the display panel further comprises an insulating layer disposed between the plurality of first electrode cells and the plurality of second electrode cells and one of the plurality of connecting electrodes, wherein the connecting electrode intersects with one of the first electrode cells among the plurality of first electrode cells, is electrically separated by the insulating layer, and can be electrically connected to overlapping second electrode cells among the plurality of second electrode cells through contact holes penetrating the insulating layer.

[0019] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes may include a first portion extending along the edge of each of the plurality of island regions; and a second portion extending along each of the plurality of bridge regions.

[0020] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of second touch electrodes includes a plurality of electrode cells arranged in the second direction and a connecting electrode connecting adjacent electrode cells among the plurality of electrode cells, and the input sensing layer further includes an insulating layer disposed between the plurality of first touch electrodes, the plurality of second touch electrodes, and the connecting electrode; and the second portion of the second touch electrode that overlaps with the connecting electrode among the plurality of second touch electrodes can be electrically connected to the connecting electrode through a contact hole penetrating the insulating layer.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first part may define a first aperture that overlaps with the plurality of pixels.

[0022] In one embodiment, the second portion defines a second opening that overlaps with the plurality of bridge regions, and the input sensing layer may include an auxiliary electrode disposed within the first opening, a first auxiliary wiring disposed within the second opening, and a second auxiliary wiring connecting the auxiliary electrode and the first auxiliary wiring.

[0023] In one embodiment, the plurality of bridge regions may have a wavy shape.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device comprising a flexible display panel is provided, wherein the display panel comprises: a substrate including a plurality of island regions and a plurality of bridge regions connecting adjacent island regions among the plurality of island regions; a plurality of pixels disposed in the plurality of island regions; a plurality of wires disposed in the plurality of bridge regions; a first organic layer covering the plurality of pixels, the plurality of wires and a side of the substrate; a first electrode layer covering the upper surface and side of the first organic layer and defining a plurality of first openings that overlap with the plurality of pixels in a planar manner; a second organic layer covering the upper surface and side of the first electrode; and a second electrode layer covering the upper surface and side of the second organic layer and defining a plurality of second openings that overlap with the plurality of pixels in a planar manner.

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

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention as described above, a high-resolution display panel having high elasticity and an electronic device including the same can be realized. Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited by such effects.

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

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

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

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

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

[0032] FIGS. 3a to 3c are each equivalent circuit diagrams of pixels included in a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIGS. 4a to 4c are schematic plan views showing the display area of ​​a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIGS. 5a to 5d are cross-sectional views schematically showing a light-emitting diode of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIGS. 6a and FIGS. 6b are schematic plan views showing touch electrodes and connection electrodes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing a part of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section along line IV-IV' of the display panel shown in FIG. 7.

[0038] FIGS. 9a and FIGS. 9b are each schematic plan views showing a portion of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 10a is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section along the line V-V' of the display panel shown in FIG. 9a.

[0040] FIG. 10b is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section along the line VI-VI' of the display panel shown in FIG. 9a.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing a part of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 13a is a perspective view schematically showing an electronic device including a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 13b is a block diagram showing an electronic device including a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIGS. 14a to 14g are schematic perspective views illustrating embodiments of an electronic device including a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] In this specification, terms such as first, second, etc. are used not in a limiting sense, but for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0049] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0050] In this specification, terms such as "include" or "have" mean that the features or components described in the specification exist, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0051] In this specification, when a part such as a film, region, or component is described as being on or above another part, it includes not only cases where it is immediately above the other part, but also cases where another film, region, or component is interposed therein.

[0052] In this specification, when it is stated that a membrane, region, component, etc. is connected, it includes cases where the membrane, region, or component is directly connected, or / or cases where other membranes, regions, or components are interposed between them to form an indirect connection. For example, when it is stated that a membrane, region, or component, etc. is electrically connected in this specification, it indicates cases where the membrane, region, or component, etc. are directly electrically connected, and / or cases where other membranes, regions, or components are interposed between them to form an indirect electrical connection.

[0053] In this specification, "A and / or B" indicates the case where it is A, B, or both A and B. And, "at least one of A and B" indicates the case where it is A, B, or both A and B.

[0054] In this specification, the x direction, y direction, and z direction are not limited to directions along the three axes of an orthogonal coordinate system, but can be interpreted in a broad sense that includes them. For example, the x direction, y direction, and z direction may be orthogonal to each other, but may also refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

[0055] In this specification, the "upper surface" of a substrate refers to the surface on which a display element is placed, and the "lower surface" refers to the surface facing the upper surface. The "side surface" of a substrate may be a surface connecting the upper surface and the lower surface of the substrate. The "lower surface" of each component placed on the substrate refers to the surface facing the substrate, and the "upper surface" may refer to the surface facing the lower surface of the component. The "side surface" of each component may be a surface connecting the upper surface and the lower surface.

[0056] In this specification, "planar" means when the subject part is viewed from above (e.g., when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the substrate), and "cross-sectional" means when the cross-section obtained by vertically cutting the subject part is viewed from the side.

[0057] In this specification, "the first component overlaps" the second component, meaning that the first component is positioned above or below the second component so that at least a portion overlaps on a plane.

[0058] Where any embodiment in this specification can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed differently from the order described. For example, two processes described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously or proceed in the reverse order of the order described.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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).

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The display panel (10) can be extended in a third direction (e.g., z direction or -z direction) by an external force applied by an external object or a part of a person's body. In one embodiment, FIG. 2e 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).

[0066] 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.

[0067] FIGS. 3a to 3c are each equivalent circuit diagrams of pixels included in a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 3a, a pixel may include a light-emitting diode (ED) and a pixel circuit (PC) that controls the brightness of the light-emitting diode (ED). The light-emitting diode (ED) is electrically connected to the pixel circuit (PC), and 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) and a second voltage line (VSSL).

[0069] The second transistor (T2) can be electrically connected to the scan signal line (GWL) and the 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).

[0070] The storage capacitor (Cst) is electrically connected to the second transistor (T2) and the first voltage line (VDDL), and can store a voltage corresponding to the difference between the voltage received from the second transistor (T2) and the first power supply voltage (VDD) supplied by the first voltage line (VDDL).

[0071] The first transistor (T1) is a driving transistor and can control the driving current flowing through the light-emitting diode (ED). 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 (ED) in correspondence with the voltage value stored in the storage capacitor (Cst). The light-emitting diode (ED) can emit light having a predetermined brightness by the driving current. The first electrode of the light-emitting diode (ED) 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).

[0072] FIG. 3a illustrates a pixel circuit (PC) comprising two transistors and one storage capacitor, but in other embodiments, the pixel circuit (PC) may comprise three or more transistors and one storage capacitor.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 3b, 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).

[0074] The pixel circuit (PC) is 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 (VL1, VL2), a first voltage line (VDDL), and a second voltage line (VSSL).

[0075] The first voltage line (VDDL) can transmit a first power supply voltage (VDD) to the first transistor (T1). The first initialization voltage line (VL1) can transmit a first initialization voltage (Vint) that initializes the first transistor (T1) to the pixel circuit (PC). The second initialization voltage line (VL2) can transmit a second initialization voltage (Vaint) that initializes the first electrode of the light-emitting diode (ED) to the pixel circuit (PC).

[0076] 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 (ED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The first transistor (T1) acts as a driving transistor and receives a data signal (Dm) according to the switching operation of the second transistor (T2) and supplies a driving current to the light-emitting diode (ED).

[0077] The second transistor (T2) is a data write transistor and is electrically connected to the scan signal line (GWL) and the data line (DL). The second transistor (T2) is electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5). The second transistor (T2) is turned on according to the scan signal (GW) received through the scan signal line (GWL) and performs a switching operation to transmit the data signal (Dm) transmitted to the data line (DL) to the first node (N1).

[0078] The third transistor (T3) is electrically connected to the scan signal line (GWL) and is electrically connected to the light-emitting diode (ED) 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 can diode-connect the first transistor (T1).

[0079] The fourth transistor (T4) is a first initialization transistor and is electrically connected to the initialization control line (GIL) and the first initialization voltage line (VL1). The fourth transistor (T4) is turned on according to the initialization control signal (GI) received through the initialization control line (GIL) and transmits the first initialization voltage (Vint) from the first initialization voltage line (VL1) 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).

[0080] 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) are electrically connected to the light emission control line (EML) and are simultaneously turned on according to the light emission control signal (EM) received through the light emission control line (EML), thereby forming a current path so that a driving current can flow from the first voltage line (VDDL) toward the light-emitting diode (ED). The first electrode of the light-emitting diode (ED) 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).

[0081] 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 (VL2), 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 initialize the first electrode of the light-emitting diode (ED) by transmitting the second initialization voltage (Vaint) from the second initialization voltage line (VL2) to the first electrode of the light-emitting diode (ED).

[0082] The storage capacitor (Cst) includes a first electrode (CE1) and a second electrode (CE2). The first electrode (CE1) is electrically connected to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1), and the second electrode (CE2) is electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL). The storage capacitor (Cst) can maintain the voltage applied to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1) by storing and maintaining a voltage corresponding to the difference between the voltages of the first voltage line (VDDL) and the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1).

[0083] Referring to FIG. 3c, 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).

[0084] The pixel circuit (PC) is 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 (VL1, VL2), a hold voltage line (VL3), a first voltage line (VDDL), and a second voltage line (VSSL).

[0085] The first voltage line (VDDL) can transmit the first power supply voltage (VDD) to the first transistor (T1). The first initialization voltage line (VL1) can transmit the first initialization voltage (Vint) that initializes the first transistor (T1) to the pixel circuit (PC). The second initialization voltage line (VL2) can transmit the second initialization voltage (Vaint) that initializes the first electrode of the light-emitting diode (ED) to the pixel circuit (PC). The holding voltage line (VL3) can provide the holding voltage (VSUS) to the second electrode (CE2) of the second node (N2), for example, the storage capacitor (Cst), during the initialization period and the data writing period.

[0086] 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 (ED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The first transistor (T1) acts as a driving transistor and can receive a data signal (Dm) according to the switching operation of the second transistor (T2) and supply a driving current to the light-emitting diode (ED).

[0087] The second transistor (T2) is electrically connected to the scan signal line (GWL) and the data line (DL), and is electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and the eighth transistor (T8). The second transistor (T2) is turned on according to the scan signal (GW) received through the scan signal line (GWL) and performs a switching operation to transmit the data signal (Dm) transmitted through the data line (DL) to the first node (N1).

[0088] The third transistor (T3) is electrically connected to the scan signal line (GWL) and is electrically connected to the light-emitting diode (ED) 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).

[0089] The fourth transistor (T4) is electrically connected to the initialization control line (GIL) and the first initialization voltage line (VL1), and is 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 (VL1) 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).

[0090] The fifth transistor (T5), the sixth transistor (T6), and the eighth transistor (T8) are electrically connected to the light emission control line (EML) and are simultaneously turned on according to the light emission control signal (EM) received through the light emission control line (EML), thereby forming a current path so that a driving current can flow from the first voltage line (VDDL) toward the light-emitting diode (ED). The first electrode of the light-emitting diode (ED) is 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).

[0091] 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 (VL2), 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 transmits the second initialization voltage (Vaint) from the second initialization voltage line (VL2) to the first electrode of the light-emitting diode (ED) to initialize the first electrode of the light-emitting diode (ED).

[0092] 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 (VL3). 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.

[0093] The eighth transistor (T8) and the ninth transistor (T9) can each be electrically connected to the second node (N2), for example, the second electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst). In some embodiments, the eighth transistor (T8) can be turned off and the ninth transistor (T9) can be turned on during the initialization period and the data writing period, and the eighth transistor (T8) can be turned on and the ninth transistor (T9) can be turned off during the light emission period.

[0094] The storage capacitor (Cst) includes a first electrode (CE1) and a second electrode (CE2). The first electrode (CE1) is electrically connected to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1), and the second electrode (CE2) is electrically connected to the eighth transistor (T8) and the ninth transistor (T9).

[0095] The auxiliary capacitor (Ca) can be electrically connected to the sixth transistor (T6), the holding voltage line (VL3), and the first electrode of the light-emitting diode (ED). By storing and maintaining a voltage corresponding to the voltage difference between the first electrode of the light-emitting diode (ED) and the holding voltage line (VL3) 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.

[0096] FIGS. 4a to 4c are schematic plan views showing the display area of ​​a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 4a, the display panel (10) may include a plurality of first island portions (11) spaced apart from each other along a first direction (e.g., x direction or –x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction or –y direction) in a display area (DA, see FIG. 1) and a non-display area (NDA, see FIG. 1), and a plurality of first bridge portions (12) extending from the first island portion (11) to the next (or adjacent) first island portion (11).

[0098] Each first island section (11) may extend from a plurality of first bridge sections (12). For example, each first island section (11) may extend from four first bridge sections (12). Two first bridge sections (12) may be positioned on both sides of the first island section (11) along a first direction (e.g., x direction or –x direction), and the remaining two first bridge sections (12) may be positioned on both sides of the first island section (11) along a second direction (e.g., y direction or –y direction). In one embodiment, four first bridge sections (12) may each extend from four sides of the first island section (11). Each of the four first bridge sections (12) may be adjacent to each corner of the first island section (11).

[0099] The first bridge sections (12) may be spaced apart from each other by an opening region (CS) located between the first bridge sections (12). The first bridge section (12) may have a wavy shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 4a, the first bridge section (12) may have a shape of approximately the letter 'S'.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 4b, the display panel (10) may include a plurality of first island portions (11) spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., x direction or –x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction or –y direction) in a display area (DA, see FIG. 1) and a non-display area (NDA, see FIG. 1), and a plurality of first bridge portions (12) extending from the first island portion (11) to the next (or adjacent) first island portion (11). The first bridge portions (12) may be spaced apart from each other by an opening area (CS) located between the first bridge portions (12).

[0101] In one embodiment, at least one of the sides of the first island portion (11) may be tilted obliquely with respect to a first direction (e.g., x direction or –x direction) and / or a second direction (e.g., y direction or –y direction). FIG. 4b illustrates that all four sides of the first island portion (11) are tilted obliquely in a clockwise direction.

[0102] The first island section (11) may extend from a plurality of first bridge sections (12). For example, the first island section (11) may be connected to four first bridge sections (12). Two first bridge sections (12) may be positioned on both sides of the first island section (11) along a first direction (e.g., x direction or –x direction), and the remaining two first bridge sections (12) may be positioned on both sides of the first island section (11) along a second direction (e.g., y direction or –y direction).

[0103] The first bridge portion (12) may have a wavy shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 4b, the first bridge portion (12) may have a shape of approximately the letter 'S'.

[0104] In one embodiment, the first bridge section (12) may extend substantially parallel to the side of the adjacent first island section (11) as shown in FIG. 4b. For example, the first bridge section (12) may have two rounded sections extending from the first island section (11) and the next (or adjacent) first island section (11), and straight sections extending from the rounded sections. The straight sections of the first bridge section (12) may extend substantially parallel to the side of the adjacent first island section (11).

[0105] Depending on the arrangement of the first island section (11) and / or the structure of the first bridge section (12) described above, the area of ​​the opening region (CS) shown in FIG. 4b may be relatively smaller than the area of ​​the opening region (CS) shown in FIG. 4a, and thus the display panel (10) according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4a may provide a relatively high-resolution image.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 4c, the display panel (10) may include a plurality of first island portions (11) spaced apart from each other along a first direction (e.g., x direction or –x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction or –y direction) in a display area (DA, see FIG. 1) and a non-display area (NDA, see FIG. 1), and a plurality of first bridge portions (12) connecting adjacent first island portions (11).

[0107] Each first island section (11) may extend from a plurality of first bridge sections (12). For example, each first island section (11) may extend from four first bridge sections (12). Two first bridge sections (12) may be positioned on both sides of the first island section (11) along a first direction (e.g., x direction or –x direction), and the remaining two first bridge sections (12) may be positioned on both sides of the first island section (11) along a second direction (e.g., y direction or –y direction). In one embodiment, four first bridge sections (12) may each be connected to four sides of the first island section (11). Each of the four first bridge sections (12) may be adjacent to each corner of the first island section (11).

[0108] The first bridge sections (12) may be spaced apart from each other by an opening region (CS) located between the first bridge sections (12). In one embodiment, an opening region (CS) of approximately H shape and an opening region (CS) of approximately I shape, which is the aforementioned H shape rotated 90 degrees, may be alternately arranged along a first direction (e.g., x direction or –x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction or –y direction), respectively. Both ends of each first bridge section (12) extend to one first island section (11) and the adjacent first island section (11), respectively, and one side of each first bridge section (12) may be spaced apart from one side of the adjacent (or neighboring) first island section (11) and / or one side of the other first bridge section (12) by the opening region (CS).

[0109] In one embodiment, the display panel (10) may include a plurality of second island portions spaced apart from each other along a first direction (e.g., x direction or –x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction or –y direction) in a non-display area (NDA, see FIG. 1), and a plurality of second bridge portions connecting adjacent second island portions. Thus, the non-display area (NDA) of the display panel (10) may also be stretchable in various directions. Each of the second island portions and the second bridge portions may have the same or similar shape as the first island portion (11) and the first bridge portion (12) of the display area (DA) described with reference to FIG. 4a to 4c. In another embodiment of the present invention, the second island portion and the second bridge portion of the non-display area (NDA) may each have a different shape from the first island portion (11) and the first bridge portion (12) of the display area (DA).

[0110] FIGS. 5a to 5d are cross-sectional views schematically showing a light-emitting diode of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 5a, the light-emitting diode (LED) may include an inorganic light-emitting diode 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. 5a) or a conductive layer electrically connected to the second voltage line (VSSL, FIG. 5a).

[0112] In some embodiments, the first semiconductor layer (231) may include a p-type semiconductor layer. The p-type semiconductor layer is In x AlyGa 1-x-y A semiconductor material having the composition formula N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1) can be selected from, for example, GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, AlInN, etc., and p-type dopants such as Mg, Zn, Ca, Sr, and Ba can be doped.

[0113] The second semiconductor layer (232) may include, for example, an n-type semiconductor layer. The n-type semiconductor layer is In x AlyGa 1-x-y A semiconductor material having the composition formula N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1) can be selected from, for example, GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, AlInN, etc., and can be doped with n-type dopants such as Si, Ge, and Sn.

[0114] The intermediate layer (233) is a region where electrons and holes recombine, and as electrons and holes recombine, they transition to a lower energy level and can generate light having a corresponding wavelength. The intermediate layer (233) is, for example, In x Al y Ga 1-x-y It can be formed by including a semiconductor material having a composition formula of N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1), and can be formed as a single quantum well structure or a multi-quantum well (MQW) structure. In addition, it may include a quantum wire structure or a quantum dot structure.

[0115] FIG. 5a 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.

[0116] FIG. 5a 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. 5b, the first electrode pad (241) and the second electrode pad (242) may be disposed on different layers. For example, a bank layer (230) defining 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) illustrated in FIG. 5b is the same as previously described with reference to FIG. 5a.

[0117] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5c, 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) defines an opening that overlaps 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. 5c is the same as previously described with reference to FIG. 5a.

[0118] FIGS. 5a to 5c 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. 5d, the first electrode (235) and the second electrode (238) of the light-emitting diode (LED) may face in opposite directions.

[0119] The bank layer (230) defines 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 may be an organic material having insulating properties.

[0120] FIGS. 6a and FIGS. 6b are schematic plan views showing touch electrodes and connection electrodes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, a display panel (10, see FIG. 1) may include a touch sensing area (TSA). The touch sensing area (TSA) may include first touch electrodes (RE, or sensing electrodes) and second touch electrodes (TE, or driving electrodes) that form a touch sensor.

[0122] The first touch electrodes (RE) extend along a first direction (e.g., x direction or –x direction) and may be spaced apart from each other in a second direction (e.g., y direction or –y direction). The first touch electrode (RE) may include first electrode cells (EC1) arranged along the first direction (e.g., x direction or –x direction). The first electrode cells (EC1) adjacent to each other in the first direction (e.g., x direction or –x direction) may be provided as a single unit.

[0123] The second touch electrodes (TE) extend along a second direction (e.g., y direction or –y direction) and may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., x direction or –x direction). The second touch electrode (TE) may include second electrode cells (EC2) arranged spaced apart from each other along the second direction (e.g., y direction or –y direction) and connecting electrodes (BRE) connecting adjacent second electrode cells (EC2).

[0124] In one embodiment, the connecting electrode (BRE) and the second electrode cell (EC2) may be disposed on different conductive layers. For example, the connecting electrode (BRE) may be included in the first electrode layer, and the second electrode cell (EC2) may be included in the second electrode layer disposed on the first electrode layer. At least one insulating layer may be disposed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. In one embodiment, the first electrode cell (EC1) may be disposed on the same conductive layer as the second electrode cell (EC2).

[0125] One first touch electrode (RE) and one second touch electrode (TE) may intersect each other. A connecting electrode (BRE) may be disposed in the area where the first touch electrode (RE) and the second touch electrode (TE) intersect. Since the first electrode cells (EC1) of the first touch electrode (RE) are disposed on the second electrode layer and the connecting electrode (BRE) is disposed on the first electrode layer, the first touch electrode (RE) and the second touch electrode (TE) may be electrically insulated.

[0126] Each of the first electrode cells (EC1) of the first touch electrode (RE) may include a first part (453) disposed in the first island part (11, see FIG. 4a) and a second part (454) disposed in the first bridge part (12, see FIG. 4a). Adjacent first parts (453) may be connected by the second part (454). The first parts (453) and the second parts (454) belonging to the same first electrode cell (EC1) may be provided integrally.

[0127] Each of the second electrode cells (EC2) of the second touch electrode (TE) may include a first part (451) disposed in the first island part (11) and a second part (452) disposed in the first bridge part (12). The first parts (451) of adjacent second electrode cells (EC2) may be connected by the second part (452). The first parts (451) and the second parts (452) belonging to the same second electrode cell (EC2) may be provided integrally.

[0128] The first portion (453) of the first electrode cell (EC1) and the first portion (451) of the second electrode cell (EC2) may have (or be defined) an electrode hole (Eh) that exposes the center of the first island portion (11). The electrode hole (Eh, or the second opening) may overlap with pixels arranged in the first island portion (11) on a plane.

[0129] The connecting electrode (BRE) may include a first part (BREa) disposed in the first island part (11) and a second part (BREb) disposed in the first bridge part (12). In one embodiment, the second part (BREb) may be disposed in the first bridge parts (12) that extend in a second direction (e.g., the y direction or the –y direction). For example, the first part (BREa) of the connecting electrode (BRE) may be connected to two second parts (BREb). The first part (BREa) and the second part (BREb) belonging to the same connecting electrode (BRE) may be provided integrally.

[0130] A first portion (BREa) of the connecting electrode (BRE) may have an electrode hole that exposes the center of the first island portion (11). The electrode hole (or first opening) may overlap with pixels disposed in the first island portion (11) in a planar manner. A second portion (BREb) of the connecting electrode (BRE) may be electrically connected to a second electrode cell (EC2) through a contact hole (CNT). The contact hole (CNT) may be defined by at least one insulating layer disposed between the second portion (452) of the second electrode cell (EC2) and the second portion (BREb) of the connecting electrode (BRE).

[0131] In the area where the first touch electrode (RE) and the second touch electrode (TE) intersect, the first touch electrode (RE) and the connecting electrode (BRE) are electrically separated by at least one insulating layer, thereby forming a type of capacitor. When a user's finger or stylus, etc., approaches or contacts the touch sensor, the self-capacitance of each of the first touch electrode (RE) and the second touch electrode (TE) and / or the mutual capacitance between the first touch electrode (RE) and the second touch electrode (TE) changes. By detecting this change in capacitance, it is possible to determine whether a touch input is made by the user's finger or stylus, etc., and to determine the touch location.

[0132] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing a portion of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section along line IV-IV' of the display panel shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b are each schematic plan views showing a portion of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10a is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section along line V-V' of the display panel shown in FIG. 9a, and FIG. 10b is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section along line VI-VI' of the display panel shown in FIG. 9a. FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing a portion of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged view of Region I of the display panel (10) illustrated in FIG. 6a. Region I is the area where the second electrode cell (EC2) is placed. FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b each illustrate an enlarged view of Region II of the display panel (10) illustrated in FIG. 6a. Region II is the area where the first touch electrode (RE) and the second touch electrode (TE) intersect. FIG. 11 illustrates an enlarged view of Region III of the display panel (10) illustrated in FIG. 6a. Region III is the area where the boundary between the first touch electrode (RE) and the second touch electrode (TE) is located.

[0134] First, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the first island portion (11) and the first bridge portion (12) of the display panel (10) may be spaced apart with an opening area (CS) in between. A plurality of pixels (Ps1, Ps2, Ps3) may be arranged in the first island portion (11). Each of the pixels (Ps1, Ps2, Ps3) may emit red, green, and blue light. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate three pixels (Ps1, Ps2, Ps3) arranged in the first island portion (11), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the number of pixels arranged in the first island portion (11) may be one, two, or four or more. In the first bridge section (12), wiring (WL) electrically connected to pixel circuits (PC1, PC2, PC3) disposed in each of the adjacent first island sections (11) may be disposed. In one embodiment, a layer including pixels (Ps1, Ps2, Ps3) and wiring (WL) may be represented as a display layer.

[0135] The substrate (100) may include an island region (100a) corresponding to the first island portion (11) of the display panel (10) and a bridge region (100b) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12) of the display panel (10). The substrate (100) may include a polymer resin such as polyethersulfone, polyarylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyimide, polycarbonate, cellulose triacetate, and cellulose acetate propionate. In one embodiment, the substrate (100) may be a single layer comprising the aforementioned polymer resin. In another embodiment, the substrate (100) may be a multilayer structure comprising at least one base layer comprising the aforementioned polymer resin and at least one barrier layer comprising an inorganic insulating material. In a planar view, the barrier layer may be positioned corresponding to the island region (100a) and spaced apart from the bridge regions (100b). The bridge region (100b) may include only a base layer and may not include a barrier layer. Since the first bridge portion (12) undergoes relatively significant deformation when the display panel (10) is stretched, the bridge region (100b) may not contain a layer containing an inorganic insulating material that is prone to cracking. The substrate (100) containing a polymer resin may have flexible, rollable, and bendable characteristics.

[0136] First, looking at the first island portion (11), pixel circuits (PC1, PC2, PC3) and light-emitting diodes (ED1, ED2, ED3) may be disposed on the island area (100a) of the substrate (100). The first pixel (Ps1) may include a first light-emitting diode (ED1) and a first pixel circuit (PC1) electrically connected to the first light-emitting diode (ED1). The second pixel (Ps2) may include a second light-emitting diode (ED2) and a second pixel circuit (PC2) electrically connected to the second light-emitting diode (ED2). The third pixel (Ps3) may include a third light-emitting diode (ED3) and a third pixel circuit (PC3) electrically connected to the third light-emitting diode (ED3).

[0137] Insulating layers may be disposed on top of and / or below at least one semiconductor layer and a conductive layer constituting the pixel circuits (PC1, PC2, PC3). The insulating layers (ILa) disposed on the first island portion (11) may include an inorganic insulating layer and / or an organic insulating layer. Light-emitting diodes (ED1, ED2, ED3) may be disposed on the insulating layers (ILa). The light-emitting diodes (ED1, ED2, ED3) may emit light of different colors or light of the same color. The boundary of each pixel (Ps1, Ps2, Ps3) illustrated in FIG. 7 represents the boundary of the light-emitting region of the light-emitting diodes (ED1, ED2, ED3).

[0138] A first organic layer (410) may be disposed on light-emitting diodes (ED1, ED2, ED3). The first organic layer (410) covers the light-emitting diodes (ED1, ED2, ED3) and may extend to cover the sides of the insulating layers (ILa) and the sides of the island region (100a) of the substrate (100). The first organic layer (410) may include an organic insulating material. In one embodiment, the first organic layer (410) may include an organic material such as resin. In some embodiments, the first organic layer (410) may include urethane, epoxy and / or acrylate. The first organic layer (410) may include a photosensitive material, such as a photoresist.

[0139] A second organic layer (430) may be disposed on the first organic layer (410). A first electrode layer may be disposed between the first organic layer (410) and the second organic layer (430). The second organic layer (430) may extend to cover the upper and side surfaces of the first organic layer (410). The second organic layer (430) may include an organic insulating material. In one embodiment, the second organic layer (430) may include an organic material such as resin. In some embodiments, the second organic layer (430) may include urethane, epoxy and / or acrylate. The second organic layer (430) may include a photosensitive material, such as a photoresist.

[0140] Looking at the first bridge section (12), wiring (WL) can be placed on the bridge area (100b) of the substrate (100). The wiring (WL) may be signal lines (e.g., gate lines, data lines, etc.) for providing electrical signals to transistors included in pixel circuits (PC1, PC2, PC3) or voltage lines (e.g., power supply voltage lines, initialization voltage lines, etc.) for providing voltage.

[0141] Insulating layers may be disposed on top of and / or below at least one conductive layer including wiring (WL). The insulating layers (ILb) disposed in the first bridge portion (12) may include organic insulating layers. For example, among the insulating layers (ILa) disposed in the first island portion (11), the inorganic insulating layers may have an isolated shape corresponding to the first island portion (11) in a planar view. The inorganic insulating layers may be spaced apart from the first bridge portion (12) and may not overlap with the first bridge portion (12).

[0142] A first organic layer (410) may be disposed on insulating layers (ILb). The first organic layer (410) may be extended to cover the upper surface and side surface of the insulating layers (ILb). The first organic layer (410) of the first island portion (11) and the first organic layer (410) of the first bridge portion (12) are formed simultaneously through the same process and may contain the same material. For example, an opening (OP1) defined by the substrate (100) and an opening (OP2) defined by the insulating layer (IL) are disposed overlappingly, and the first organic layer (410) may cover the side walls of the openings (OP1, OP2).

[0143] A second organic layer (430) may be disposed on the first organic layer (410). The second organic layer (430) may be extended to cover the upper surface and side surface of the first organic layer (410). The second organic layer (430) of the first island portion (11) and the second organic layer (430) of the first bridge portion (12) are formed simultaneously through the same process and may contain the same material.

[0144] A second electrode layer may be disposed on the second organic layer (430) of the first island portion (11) and the first bridge portion (12). The second electrode layer may include a first electrode cell (EC1, see FIG. 6a) of the first touch electrode (RE, see FIG. 6a) and a second electrode cell (EC2) of the second touch electrode (TE, see FIG. 6a). The first electrode cell (EC1) may have the same or similar structure as the second electrode cell (EC2) shown in FIG. 8. The second electrode layer may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc., and may be formed as a multilayer or single layer including the above materials.

[0145] The second electrode cell (EC2) may include a first portion (451) extending along the edge of the island region (100a) of the substrate (100) and a second portion (452) extending along the edge of the bridge region (100b). Here, the second organic layer (430) has a first side (430ss1) approximately parallel to the side of the first island portion (11) (or the side of the island region (100a)) and a first upper surface (430us1) overlapping with the upper surface of the first island portion (11) (or the upper surface of the island region (100a)). The second organic layer (430) has a second side (430ss2) that is approximately parallel to the side of the first bridge portion (12) (or the side of the bridge region (100b)) and a second upper surface (430us2) that overlaps with the upper surface of the first bridge portion (12) (or the upper surface of the bridge region (100b)).

[0146] The fact that the first portion (451) of the second electrode cell (EC2) extends along the edge of the island region (100a) in a plane means that the first portion (451) is positioned to cover the outer edge of the first upper surface (430us1) of the second organic layer (430) and the first side (430ss1). The first portion (451) may have a first electrode hole (Eh1, or first opening) that overlaps with pixels (Ps1, Ps2, Ps3) in a plane.

[0147] Likewise, the fact that the second portion (452) of the second electrode cell (EC2) extends along the bridge region (100b) on the plane means that the second portion (452) is positioned to cover the second upper surface (430us2) and the second side surface (430ss2) of the second organic layer (430). In one embodiment, the second portion (452) can completely cover the second upper surface (430us2) of the second organic layer (430). As the second electrode cell (EC2) extends to the first side surface (430ss1) and the second side surface (430ss2) of the second organic layer (430), the second electrode cell (EC2) can have a sufficient width and thus a relatively low resistance.

[0148] A protective layer (470) may be disposed on the second electrode layer. The protective layer (470) may include an organic insulating material. In one embodiment, the protective layer (470) may include an organic material such as resin. In some embodiments, the protective layer (470) may include urethane, epoxy and / or acrylate. The protective layer (470) may include a photosensitive material, such as photoresist.

[0149] Referring to FIGS. 9a, 9b, 10a, and 10b, the first touch electrode (RE) includes a first electrode cell (EC1, see FIG. 6a), and the first electrode cell (EC1) may include a first portion (453) extending along the edge of the island region (100a) of the substrate (100) and a second portion (454) extending along the edge of the bridge region (100b). That is, in the area where the first touch electrode (RE) and the second touch electrode (TE) intersect, the first portion (453) of the first electrode cell (EC1) may be positioned to cover the outer edge of the first upper surface (430us1) and the first side surface (430ss1) of the second organic layer (430). The first part (453) of the first electrode cell (EC1) may have a first electrode hole (Eh1) that overlaps with pixels (Ps1, Ps2, Ps3) on a plane.

[0150] In the area where the first touch electrode (RE) and the second touch electrode (TE) intersect, the second portion (454) of the first electrode cell (EC1) may be placed on first bridge portions (12) connecting the first island portions (11) adjacent in the first direction (e.g., x direction or –x direction). The second portion (454) of the first electrode cell (EC1) may be placed to cover the second upper surface (430us2) and the second side surface (430ss2) of the second organic layer (430). The first portion (453) and the second portion (454) of the first electrode cell (EC1) may be provided integrally.

[0151] The second touch electrode (TE) may include a second-1 portion (452a) and a second-2 portion (452b). The second-1 portion (452a) may be included in a second-1 electrode cell located in the +y direction, and the second-2 portion (452b) may be included in a second-2 electrode cell located in the –y direction. The second-1 portion (452a) and the second-2 portion (452b) are spaced apart from the first portion (453) of the first touch electrode (RE), so that the second-1 electrode cell, the second-2 electrode cell, and the first touch electrode (RE) can be electrically separated.

[0152] The connecting electrode (BRE) may include a first portion (BREa) extending along the edge of the island region (100a) of the substrate (100) and a second portion (BREb) extending along the edge of the bridge region (100b). The first organic layer (410) has a first side (410ss1) approximately parallel to the side of the first island portion (11) (or the side of the island region (100a)) and a first top surface (410us1) overlapping with the top surface of the first island portion (11) (or the top surface of the island region (100a)). The first organic layer (410) has a second side (410ss2) that is approximately parallel to the side of the first bridge portion (12) (or the side of the bridge region (100b)) and a second upper surface (410us2) that overlaps with the upper surface of the first bridge portion (12) (or the upper surface of the bridge region (100b)).

[0153] In the area where the first touch electrode (RE) and the second touch electrode (TE) intersect, the first portion (BREa) of the connecting electrode (BRE) may be positioned to cover the outer edge of the first upper surface (410us1) of the first organic layer (410) and the first side surface (410ss1) of the first organic layer (410). The first portion (BREa) of the connecting electrode (BRE) may have a second electrode hole (Eh2, or a second opening) that overlaps with pixels (Ps1, Ps2, Ps3) on a plane.

[0154] A second portion (BREb) of the connecting electrode (BRE) may be placed on first bridge portions (12) connecting adjacent first island portions (11) in a second direction (e.g., y direction or –y direction). The second portion (BREb) of the connecting electrode (BRE) may be placed to cover the second upper surface (410us2) and the second side surface (410ss2) of the first organic layer (410).

[0155] The first part (BREa) of the connection electrode (BRE) and the first part (453) of the first touch electrode (RE) can be electrically separated by the second organic layer (430). The second part (452a) of the second-first electrode cell can be electrically connected to the second part (BREb) of the connection electrode (BRE) through a contact hole (CNT) penetrating the second organic layer (430). Likewise, the second part (452b) of the second-second electrode cell can be electrically connected to the second part (BREb) of the connection electrode (BRE) through a contact hole (CNT) penetrating the second organic layer (430). Accordingly, the 2-1 electrode cell and the 2-2 electrode cell are electrically connected through a connecting electrode (BRE) and can form a second touch electrode (TE) that extends in a second direction (e.g., y direction or –y direction).

[0156] Referring to FIG. 11, in the region where the boundary between the first touch electrode (RE) and the second touch electrode (TE) is located, the first touch electrode (RE) and the second touch electrode (TE) can be separated from each other and electrically isolated.

[0157] The second touch electrode (TE) may include a first dummy portion (455a) disposed in the first island portion (11), and a second-third portion (452c) and a second-fourth portion (452d) connected to the first dummy portion (455a) and disposed in the first bridge portion (12). The first dummy portion (455a) of the second touch electrode (TE) may extend along a portion of the edge of the island region (100a) of the substrate (100). That is, the first dummy portion (455a) of the second touch electrode (TE) may be disposed to cover a portion of the outer edge of the first upper surface (430us1) of the second organic layer (430) and a portion of the side of the first side (430ss1). The second-third portion (452c) and the second-fourth portion (452d) of the second touch electrode (TE) may be arranged to cover the second upper surface (430us2) and the second side surface (430ss2) of the second organic layer (430) corresponding to each first bridge portion (12).

[0158] The first touch electrode (RE) may include a second dummy portion (455b) disposed in the first island portion (11), and a second-5 portion (454a) and a second-6 portion (454b) connected to the second dummy portion (455b) and disposed in the first bridge portion (12). The second dummy portion (455b) of the first touch electrode (RE) may extend along a portion of the edge of the island region (100a) of the substrate (100). The second dummy portion (455b) of the first touch electrode (RE) may be disposed to cover the remaining portion of the outer edge of the first upper surface (430us1) of the second organic layer (430) and the remaining portion of the first side surface (430ss1). The second-5th portion (454a) and the second-6th portion (454b) of the first touch electrode (RE) may be arranged to cover the second upper surface (430us2) and the second side surface (430ss2) of the second organic layer (430) corresponding to each first bridge portion (12).

[0159] The first dummy section (455a) and the second dummy section (455b) may be spaced apart from each other with a gap (Gp) in between. Thus, the first touch electrode (RE) and the second touch electrode (TE) may be electrically separated. FIG. 11 illustrates, by example, the boundary between the first touch electrode (RE) located on the lower right side and the second touch electrode (TE) located on the upper left side. Depending on the number of second touch electrodes (TE) and first touch electrodes (RE) that meet in the first island section (11), the number of dummy sections placed in one first island section (11) may be two or more. In another embodiment, the dummy section of the first touch electrode (RE) and the dummy section of the second touch electrode (TE) may be omitted.

[0160] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is similar to FIG. 8, but differs in that the second electrode layer further includes an auxiliary electrode (457) and a first auxiliary wiring (458). The description of identical or similar configurations will be omitted below, and the explanation will focus on the differences.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 12, the first island portion (11) and the first bridge portion (12) of the display panel (10) may be spaced apart with an opening area (CS) in between. A plurality of pixels (Ps1, Ps2, Ps3) may be arranged in the first island portion (11). Wiring (WL) electrically connected to pixel circuits (PC1, PC2, PC3) arranged in each of the adjacent first island portions (11) may be arranged in the first bridge portion (12).

[0162] The substrate (100) may include an island area (100a) corresponding to the first island portion (11) of the display panel (10) and a bridge area (100b) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12) of the display panel (10).

[0163] Looking at the first island portion (11), pixel circuits (PC1, PC2, PC3) and light-emitting diodes (ED1, ED2, ED3) may be disposed on the island region (100a) of the substrate (100). Insulating layers (ILa) may be disposed on the upper and / or lower portions of at least one semiconductor layer and conductive layer constituting the pixel circuits (PC1, PC2, PC3).

[0164] A first organic layer (410) may be disposed on the light-emitting diodes (ED1, ED2, ED3). The first organic layer (410) covers the light-emitting diodes (ED1, ED2, ED3) and may be extended to cover the sides of the insulating layers (ILa) and the sides of the island region (100a) of the substrate (100).

[0165] A first electrode layer may be disposed on the first organic layer (410). The first electrode layer may include a connecting electrode (BRE, see FIG. 6b) and a second auxiliary wiring. The second auxiliary wiring may include a second-1 auxiliary wiring (441) and a second-2 auxiliary wiring (443). The second auxiliary wiring may be disposed spaced apart from the connecting electrodes (BRE) in a plane.

[0166] The second-1 auxiliary wiring (441) may extend along the edge of the island region (100a) in a planar plane. That is, the second-1 auxiliary wiring (441) may be positioned to cover the outer edge and side of the upper surface of the first organic layer (410) of the first island portion (11). The second-1 auxiliary wiring (441) may have a second electrode hole (Eh2) that overlaps with pixels (Ps1, Ps2, Ps3) in a planar plane. The second-2 auxiliary wiring (443) may extend along the edge of the bridge region (100b) in a planar plane. The second-2 auxiliary wiring (443) may be positioned to cover the upper surface and side of the first organic layer (410) of the first bridge portion (12). The 2-1 auxiliary wiring (441) and the 2-2 auxiliary wiring (443) can be provided as a single unit.

[0167] A second organic layer (430) may be disposed on the first electrode layer. A second electrode layer may be disposed on the second organic layer (430). The second electrode layer may include a first touch electrode (RE, see FIG. 6a), a second electrode cell (EC2, see FIG. 6a) of the second touch electrode (TE, see FIG. 6a), an auxiliary electrode (457), and a first auxiliary wiring (458).

[0168] The second touch electrode (TE) may include a first portion (451) extending along the edge of the island region (100a) of the substrate (100) and a second portion (452) extending along the edge of the bridge region (100b). The first portion (451) of the second touch electrode (TE) may be positioned to cover the outer edge and side of the upper surface of the second organic layer (430) in the first island portion (11). The first portion (451) of the second touch electrode (TE) may have a first electrode hole (Eh1) that overlaps with pixels (Ps1, Ps2, Ps3) in a plane.

[0169] The second portion (452) of the second touch electrode (TE) may be positioned to cover the outer and side portions of the upper surface of the second organic layer (430) in the first bridge portion (12). At this time, the second portion (452) of the second touch electrode (TE) may have a wiring opening (WLh, or a third opening) that exposes the upper surface of the first organic layer (410). The wiring opening (WLh) may extend along the extension direction of the first bridge portion (12).

[0170] The auxiliary electrode (457) may be positioned inside the first electrode hole (Eh1) in a planar plane. The auxiliary electrode (457) may be surrounded by the first part (451) in a planar plane and may have a shape isolated from the first part (451). The auxiliary electrode (457) may be electrically connected to the second-1 auxiliary wiring (441) through a contact hole penetrating the second organic layer (430).

[0171] The first auxiliary wiring (458) may be positioned on the inside of the wiring opening (WLh) in a planar manner. The first auxiliary wiring (458) may be electrically connected to the second-second auxiliary wiring (443) through a contact hole penetrating the second organic layer (430).

[0172] A protective layer (470) may be disposed on the second electrode layer. The protective layer (470) may be extended to cover the upper surface and side of the first part (451).

[0173] In one embodiment, the auxiliary electrode (457), the first auxiliary wire (458), and the second auxiliary wire may be part of a sensor module. For example, the auxiliary electrode (457), the first auxiliary wire (458), and the second auxiliary wire may be part of a stretch sensor, an input sensor, or a fingerprint sensor that detects the stretch of the display panel (10). The present invention is not limited thereto, and the auxiliary electrode (457), the first auxiliary wire (458), and the second auxiliary wire may be utilized as signal lines or voltage lines.

[0174] FIG. 13a is a perspective view schematically showing an electronic device including a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13b is a block diagram showing an electronic device including a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 13a, 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 device, such as when 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.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 13b, 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)).

[0177] 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).

[0178] 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).

[0179] 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).

[0180] 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).

[0181] 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).

[0182] 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)).

[0183] 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).

[0184] 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 an input detection layer of the display panel (10).

[0185] 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).

[0186] 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).

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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.

[0189] The display panel (10) may further include a light emission control driver. The light emission control 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).

[0190] 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).

[0191] 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).

[0192] The power module (1500) supplies power to the components of the electronic device (1). The power module (1500) may include a battery that charges the power voltage. Additionally, the power module (1500) is provided with a connection port, and the connection port may be included in a second input module (1320) to which an external charger that supplies power for charging the battery is connected. Alternatively, the power module (1500) may include a wireless power transmission and reception member so that the battery can be charged wirelessly. The wireless power transmission and reception member may include a plurality of coil-shaped antenna radiators. The power module (1500) may include a PMIC (power management integrated circuit). The PMIC supplies optimized power to each of the components of the electronic device (1).

[0193] 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).

[0194] The sensor module (1610) may include touch electrodes of the input detection 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), a digitizer (1613), and a strain sensor (1614).

[0195] 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 a capacitive fingerprint sensor.

[0196] 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.

[0197] 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).

[0198] 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.

[0199] The strain sensor (1614) may include layers, patterns, or wirings in which a measurable physical quantity changes according to the stretching of the display panel (10). For example, the strain sensor (1614) may include wirings in which resistance and / or capacitance changes due to the stretching of the display panel (10). In another embodiment, the strain sensor (1614) may include an optical layer or optical pattern in which transmittance and / or reflectance changes due to the stretching of the display panel (10).

[0200] Based on the physical quantity of the stretching of the display panel (10) measured by the strain sensor (1614), the electronic device (1) can improve the quality of the image implemented on the display panel (10) or control the display panel (10). The control operation of the display module (1400) may include, for example, displaying an operation image for the protection of the display panel (10), cutting off the voltage for driving the display panel (10), or stopping the stretching operation of the display panel (10).

[0201] In one embodiment, at least one of a fingerprint sensor (1611), an input sensor (1612), a digitizer (1613), and a strain sensor (1614) may be embedded in the display panel (10). For example, at least one of the fingerprint sensor (1611), the input sensor (1612), the digitizer (1613), and the strain sensor (1614) 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.

[0202] 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.

[0203] 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.

[0204] 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).

[0205] 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.

[0206] 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.

[0207] 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. Additionally, the communication module (1730) can support short-range communication by using at least one of Bluetooth™, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra Wideband), 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.

[0208] The electronic device (1) can provide an image surface that is deformable in three dimensions by being freely deformed in three dimensions. In another embodiment, the electronic device (1) includes an image providing area having a fixed shape, and in the process of manufacturing the electronic device, a display panel (10) is placed in the image providing area of ​​the electronic device (1), and the display panel (10) can be fixed to the electronic device (1) in a state that is deformed in three dimensions.

[0209] FIGS. 14a to 14g are schematic perspective views illustrating embodiments of an electronic device including a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 14a, a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention can be utilized in a wearable electronic device (3100) that can be worn on a part of a user's body. The wearable electronic device (3100) may include a body part (3110) and a display part (3120) provided on the body part (3110). The display panel according to embodiments of the present invention can be used as the display part (3120) of the wearable electronic device (3100). As illustrated in FIG. 14a, the wearable electronic device (3100) may be modified. In one embodiment, it can be used as a smart watch or a smartphone depending on the user's choice.

[0211] FIG. 14b illustrates a medical electronic device (3200). In one embodiment, the medical electronic device (3200) may include a body part (3210) and a light-emitting part (3220). A display panel according to embodiments of the present invention may be used as the light-emitting part (3220) of the medical electronic device (3200). The light-emitting part (3220) may emit light of a specific wavelength band (e.g., infrared, visible light, etc.) to the patient's body. In one embodiment, the body part (3210) may have a stretchable fiber material and the light-emitting part (3220) may have a structure that can be worn on the user's body.

[0212] FIG. 14c illustrates an educational electronic device (3300). In one embodiment, the educational electronic device (3300) may include a display unit (3320) provided within a frame (3310). The display unit (3320) may utilize a display panel according to embodiments of the present invention. The display unit (3320) may provide images such as a sea with waves, a snow-covered mountain, or a volcano with flowing lava, wherein the display unit (3320) may extend in the height direction (e.g., z-direction) to reflect the height of the waves, mountain, or volcano. In some embodiments, a portion of the display unit (3320) may sequentially vary in height along the direction of the lava flow to show the movement of the lava in three dimensions. The educational electronic device (3300) may include a plurality of pins (or stroke units, 3330) arranged on the back of the display unit (3320) so that the display unit (3320) extends in the height direction. The pins (3330) can be implemented to move along a third direction (e.g., z direction or –z direction) so that the image displayed on the display unit (3320) has a three-dimensional height. FIG. 14c describes an educational electronic device (3300), but its use is not limited as long as it provides certain image information.

[0213] The electronic device illustrated in FIGS. 14a to 14c describes an electronic device whose shape may be variable, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As in the embodiments described below, the display panel according to the embodiments of the present invention may be used in an electronic device in which a portion capable of displaying an image (e.g., a screen) is fixed.

[0214] FIG. 14d illustrates a robot (3400) as another electronic device in one embodiment of the present invention. The robot (3400) can move or perceive objects using a camera unit (3440) and can display a predetermined image to a user through a display unit (3420, 3430). In some embodiments, since the display panels according to one embodiment of the present invention can be extended in various directions as described above, they can be assembled to a body frame having a hemispherical shape, and thus the robot (3400) may include a hemispherical display unit (3420, 3430).

[0215] FIG. 14ea illustrates a vehicle display device (3500) as another electronic device in one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14eb is an enlarged view of a part of the vehicle display device (3500). The vehicle display device (3500) may include a cluster (3510), a Center Information Display (CID) (3520), and / or a passenger display (3530). 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 (3510), the CID (3520), and / or the passenger display (3530) without being constrained by the shape of the vehicle's internal frame.

[0216] FIG. 14ea illustrates the cluster (3510), CID (3520), and / or passenger seat indicator (3530) being separated, but the invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, two or more selected from the cluster (3510), CID (3520), and / or passenger seat indicator (3530) may be connected as a single unit.

[0217] In some embodiments, the vehicle display device (3500) may include a button (3540) capable of displaying a predetermined image. Referring to the enlarged view of FIG. 14eb, the hemispherical button (3540) may include an object (3542) that provides a tactile sensation of the button while moving in the z-direction or –z-direction, and an electronic device placed on the object (3542). In some embodiments, if the object (3542) has a three-dimensionally rounded surface, the electronic device may also have a three-dimensionally rounded surface.

[0218] FIG. 14f illustrates that an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an electronic device for advertising or display (3600). In some embodiments, the electronic device for advertising or display (3600) may be installed on a fixed structure (3610), such as a wall or a column. If the structure (3610) includes an uneven surface as shown in FIG. 14f, the electronic device for advertising or display (3600) may also be placed along the uneven surface of the structure (3610). In some embodiments, the electronic device for advertising or display (3600) may be installed on the structure (3610) using a heat-shrink film or the like.

[0219] FIG. 14g illustrates that an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a controller (3700). The controller (3700) may include an image-type button. For example, the controller (3700) may include first to third button areas (3720, 3730, 3740) in which a portion of the display portion (3710) protrudes in the z-direction or protrudes in the –z-direction (or is recessed in the z-direction). In some embodiments, the first and third button areas (3720, 3740) may protrude in the z-direction, and the second button area (3730) may protrude in the –z-direction (or be recessed in the z-direction).

[0220] According to the embodiments described above, a display panel having relatively high elasticity and relatively high resolution and an electronic device including the same can be realized. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0221] 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 plurality of island regions and a plurality of bridge regions connecting adjacent island regions among the plurality of island regions; A plurality of pixels arranged in the above plurality of island regions; A plurality of wirings disposed in the above plurality of bridge regions; The plurality of pixels, the plurality of wirings, and a first organic layer covering the side of the substrate; A first electrode layer covering the upper and side surfaces of the first organic layer; A second organic layer covering the upper and side surfaces of the first electrode layer; and A second electrode layer covering the upper surface and side surface of the second organic layer; comprising A plurality of first openings that overlap with the plurality of pixels on a plane are defined in the first electrode layer, and A display panel in which a plurality of second openings overlapping with the plurality of pixels on a plane are defined in the second electrode layer.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above second electrode layer is, A plurality of first electrode cells arranged in a first direction; and A plurality of second electrode cells arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; comprising A display panel comprising a plurality of connecting electrodes that connect adjacent second electrode cells among the plurality of second electrode cells, wherein the first electrode layer comprises a plurality of connecting electrodes.

3. In Paragraph 2, A display panel in which the first electrode cells adjacent in the first direction among the plurality of first electrode cells are integrally provided.

4. In Paragraph 2, A display panel in which the plurality of first electrode cells and the plurality of second electrode cells are spaced apart from each other.

5. In Paragraph 2, A display panel in which the above connecting electrode intersects with one of the plurality of first electrode cells and is electrically separated by the second organic layer, and is electrically connected to the overlapping second electrode cells among the plurality of second electrode cells through contact holes penetrating the second organic layer.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above second electrode layer is, A first portion extending along the edge of each of the plurality of island regions in a plane; and A display panel comprising a second portion extending along each of the plurality of bridge regions in a plane.

7. In Paragraph 6, A display panel in which the second part is electrically connected to the first electrode layer through a contact hole penetrating the second organic layer.

8. In Paragraph 6, A third opening exposing the upper surface of the second organic layer is defined in the second part, and A display panel further comprising: an auxiliary electrode disposed within one of the plurality of second openings and a first auxiliary wiring disposed within the third opening.

9. In Paragraph 8, A display panel further comprising: a first electrode layer, a second auxiliary wiring connected to the auxiliary electrode and the first auxiliary wiring.

10. In Paragraph 1, A display panel in which each of the above plurality of bridge regions has a wavy shape.

11. A substrate comprising a plurality of island regions and a plurality of bridge regions connecting adjacent island regions among the plurality of island regions; A display layer comprising a plurality of pixels disposed in the plurality of island regions and a plurality of wires disposed in the plurality of bridge regions; An input sensing layer covering the upper and side surfaces of the above-mentioned display layer and including a plurality of first touch electrodes extending in a first direction and second touch electrodes extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; A display panel in which each of the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes covers the side of the substrate along the edges of the plurality of island regions and the edges of the plurality of bridge regions.

12. In Paragraph 11, Each of the above plurality of first touch electrodes includes a plurality of first electrode cells arranged in the first direction, and Each of the plurality of second touch electrodes includes a plurality of second electrode cells arranged in the second direction and a plurality of connecting electrodes connecting adjacent second electrode cells among the plurality of second electrode cells. A display panel in which the plurality of first electrode cells and the plurality of connecting electrodes are arranged on different layers.

13. In Paragraph 12, A display panel in which the first electrode cells adjacent in the first direction among the plurality of first electrode cells are integrally provided.

14. In Paragraph 12, A display panel in which the plurality of first electrode cells and the plurality of second electrode cells are spaced apart from each other.

15. In Paragraph 12, The apparatus further comprises an insulating layer disposed between the plurality of first electrode cells and the plurality of second electrode cells and one of the plurality of connecting electrodes. A display panel in which the above connecting electrode intersects with one of the plurality of first electrode cells, is electrically separated by the insulating layer, and is electrically connected to the overlapping second electrode cells among the plurality of second electrode cells through contact holes penetrating the insulating layer.

16. In Paragraph 11, Each of the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes is, A first portion extending along the edge of each of the plurality of island regions; and A display panel comprising a second portion extending along each of the plurality of bridge regions.

17. In Paragraph 16, Each of the plurality of second touch electrodes includes a plurality of electrode cells arranged in the second direction and a connecting electrode connecting adjacent electrode cells among the plurality of electrode cells. The input sensing layer further comprises an insulating layer disposed between the plurality of first touch electrodes and the plurality of second touch electrodes and the connecting electrode. A display panel in which the second portion of the second touch electrode that overlaps with the connecting electrode among the plurality of second touch electrodes is electrically connected to the connecting electrode through a contact hole penetrating the insulating layer.

18. In Paragraph 17, A display panel in which a first aperture overlapping with the plurality of pixels is defined in the first portion.

19. In Paragraph 18, A second opening overlapping with the plurality of bridge regions is defined in the second part, and The above input sensing layer comprises an auxiliary electrode disposed within the first opening, a first auxiliary wiring disposed within the second opening, and a second auxiliary wiring connecting the auxiliary electrode and the first auxiliary wiring, forming a display panel.

20. In an electronic device including a retractable display panel, The above display panel is, A substrate comprising a plurality of island regions and a plurality of bridge regions connecting adjacent island regions among the plurality of island regions; A plurality of pixels arranged in the above plurality of island regions; A plurality of wirings disposed in the above plurality of bridge regions; The plurality of pixels, the plurality of wirings, and a first organic layer covering the side of the substrate; A first electrode layer covering the upper and side surfaces of the first organic layer; A second organic layer covering the upper and side surfaces of the first electrode layer; and A second electrode layer covering the upper surface and side surface of the second organic layer; comprising A plurality of first openings that overlap with the plurality of pixels on a plane are defined in the first electrode layer, and An electronic device in which a plurality of second openings overlapping with the plurality of pixels on a plane are defined in the second electrode layer.

Images