Display device and electronic apparatus including same

Abstract

This display device comprises: island portions each including a light-emitting element and a pixel driving circuit electrically connected to the light-emitting element; bridge portions respectively connected between two adjacent island portions among the island portions; and loading portions spaced apart from each other on a plane. The first loading portion, which is one of the loading portions, overlaps at least two bridge portions positioned adjacent to each other among the bridge portions on a plane.

Description

Display device, and electronic device including the same

[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate to a display device and an electronic device including the same.

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

[0003] Embodiments of the invention provide a display device and an electronic device including the same.

[0004] In one embodiment of the invention, a display device comprises: island portions each including a light-emitting element and a pixel driving circuit electrically connected to the light-emitting element; bridge portions each connected between two adjacent island portions among the island portions; and force portions spaced apart from each other in a plane; wherein a first force portion, which is one of the force portions, overlaps with at least two bridge portions arranged adjacently among the bridge portions in a plane.

[0005] In one embodiment, the modulus of the first power application part may be greater than the modulus of each of the at least two bridge parts.

[0006] In one embodiment, the modulus (M) of the first power application part may be greater than about 27 megapascals (MPa) and equal to or less than about 12 gigapascals (GPa).

[0007] In one embodiment, the first force applying member may include a first polymer material.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first force applying part may further include a layer comprising a second polymer material different from the first polymer material.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first polymer material comprises a UV-curable polymer, and the second polymer material may comprise a thermoreactive polymer.

[0010] In one embodiment, the display device is stretchable, and the overlapping area of ​​the first force application part and the at least two bridge parts when the display device is stretched may be smaller than the overlapping area of ​​the first force application part and the at least two bridge parts when the display device is not stretched.

[0011] In one embodiment, each of the bridge portions includes a straight portion and a curved portion, and the first force portion may overlap the curved portion of each of the at least two bridge portions on a plane.

[0012] In one embodiment, each of the bridge sections may include: a first curved section connected to one of the two adjacent island sections; a second curved section connected to the other of the two adjacent island sections; and a straight section connecting the first curved section and the second curved section.

[0013] In one embodiment, an upper protective layer disposed on the force applying members may be further included, and the upper protective layer may include an elastomer.

[0014] In one embodiment, a first adhesive layer disposed between the force applying portions and the upper protective layer may be further included, and the first adhesive layer may include an adhesive material.

[0015] In one embodiment, the force applying members may be disposed on the first adhesive layer.

[0016] In one embodiment, each of the force applying parts may have a circular, elliptical, or polygonal shape in a plane.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, an electronic device comprising a display device, wherein the display device comprises: a display panel comprising island portions and bridge portions connected between two adjacent island portions among the island portions; and force application portions disposed on the display panel and spaced apart from each other, wherein each of the bridge portions comprises a curve portion and a straight portion, and a first force application portion, which is any one of the force application portions, may overlap with the curve portion of each of at least two adjacent bridge portions among the bridge portions.

[0018] In one embodiment, the modulus of the first power application part may be greater than the modulus of each of the at least two bridge parts. The modulus (M) of the first power application part may be greater than about 27 megapascals (MPa) and equal to or less than about 12 gigapascals (GPa).

[0019] In one embodiment, the first force applying member may include a first polymer material.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first polymer material may include a UV-curable polymer.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first force applying member further includes a layer comprising a second polymer material different from the first polymer material, and the second polymer material may include a thermoreactive polymer.

[0022] In one embodiment, the display panel is stretchable, and the overlapping area of ​​the first force application part and the at least two bridge parts when the display panel is stretched may be smaller than the overlapping area of ​​the first force application part and the at least two bridge parts when the display device is not stretched.

[0023] In one embodiment, the display device of the electronic device may further include an upper protective layer disposed on the force application parts, and the upper protective layer may be an elastomer.

[0024] In one embodiment, the display device of the electronic device may further include a first adhesive layer disposed between the force applying parts and the upper protective layer, and the first adhesive layer may include an adhesive material.

[0025] In one embodiment, the force applying members may be disposed on the first adhesive layer.

[0026] In one embodiment, each of the force applying members may have a circular, elliptical, or polygonal shape in a plane.

[0027] In one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a strain sensor that measures a change in physical quantity due to the stretching of the display panel.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, failure of a display device and / or electronic device caused by stress applied to a bridge portion during stretching of the display device and / or electronic device can be effectively prevented by providing a force applying portion that overlaps the bridge portions.

[0029] These effects are exemplary and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIGS. 2a and FIGS. 2b are perspective views showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in a first direction.

[0032] FIG. 2c is a perspective view showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in a second direction.

[0033] FIG. 2d is a perspective view showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in the first direction and the second direction.

[0034] FIG. 2e is a perspective view showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in a third direction.

[0035] FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a display device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 3b is a schematic plan view of a display panel of a display device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 4a is a plan view of part IV of FIG. 3b as a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0038] FIG. 4b is a plan view of the display area of ​​FIG. 3b enlarged as part of a display panel according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0039] FIGS. 5A and FIGS. 5B are cross-sectional views schematically showing a first island portion and a first bridge portion disposed in the display area of ​​a display panel according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0040] FIGS. 6a to 6c are equivalent circuit diagrams of subpixels of a display device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0041] FIGS. 7a and 7b are cross-sectional views schematically showing a light-emitting element of a display panel according to embodiments of the invention.

[0042] FIGS. 8a to 8c are plan views showing a portion of the display area of ​​a display device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0043] FIGS. 9A and FIGS. 9B are cross-sectional views showing a portion of the display area of ​​a display device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display panel according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0045] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the pixel driving circuit and wiring of a display panel according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0046] FIG. 12a is a plan view showing the non-stretched state of the display device, and FIG. 12b is a plan view showing the stretched state of the display device.

[0047] FIGS. 13a to 13e are cross-sectional views showing the process according to the process of forming a force applying part according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0048] FIG. 14a is a schematic perspective view of an electronic device including a display device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0049] FIG. 14b is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electronic device including a display device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0050] FIGS. 15a to 15d are schematic perspective views illustrating embodiments of an electronic device including a display device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0051] In one embodiment of the invention, a display device comprises: island portions each including a light-emitting element and a pixel driving circuit electrically connected to the light-emitting element; bridge portions each connected between two adjacent island portions among the island portions; and force portions spaced apart from each other in a plane; wherein a first force portion, which is one of the force portions, overlaps with at least two bridge portions arranged adjacently among the bridge portions in a plane.

[0052] In one embodiment of the invention, an electronic device comprising a display device, wherein the display device comprises: a display panel including island portions and bridge portions each connected between two adjacent island portions among the island portions; and force application portions disposed on the display panel and spaced apart from each other, wherein each of the bridge portions includes a curve portion and a straight portion, and a first force application portion, which is any one of the force application portions, may overlap with the curve portion of each of at least two adjacent bridge portions among the bridge portions.

[0053] The invention will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are illustrated. However, the invention may be embodied in various different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to ensure that the disclosure is thorough and complete and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Identical reference numerals refer to identical elements.

[0054] When an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it must be understood that it could be directly above the other element or that intervening elements exist between them. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, no intervening elements exist.

[0055] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, it should be understood that these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are not to be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Accordingly, the "first element," "component," "region," "layer," or "section" discussed below may be named the second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the scope of this teaching.

[0056] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, "one (a, an)," "the," and "at least one" do not indicate a limitation of quantity and are intended to include both singular and plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Therefore, where a reference to the "the" element follows a reference to the "an" element in a claim, it includes both the one element and the plural elements. For example, "an element" has the same meaning as "at least one element" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. "At least one" should not be interpreted as limiting "one (a)" or "one (an)." "Or" means "and / or." As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more of the items listed in association. Additionally, it should also be understood that when used herein, the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” or “includes” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, regions, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0057] Additionally, relative terms such as "lower" or "bottom" and "upper" or "top" may be used here to describe the relationship between one element and another, as exemplified in the drawings. It should be understood that relative terms are intended to include directions of the device other than those depicted in the drawings. For example, if one of the devices in the drawings is inverted, an element described as being on the "lower" side of another element will be oriented on the "upper" side of that element. Therefore, the term "lower" may include both "lower" and "upper" directions depending on the specific orientation of the drawings. Similarly, if one of the devices in the drawings is inverted, an element described as being "below" or "beneath" of another element will be oriented "above" of that element. Therefore, the terms "lower" or "beneath" may include both upper and lower directions.

[0058] The terms “about” or “approximately” used herein include specified values ​​and mean that they are within an acceptable range of deviation from a specific value determined by a person skilled in the art, taking into account errors related to the measurement of the object and a specific quantity (i.e., limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” may mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, or 5% of the specified value.

[0059] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as generally understood by a person skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Furthermore, it should be understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the relevant technology and the context of this disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0060] Where specific embodiments can be implemented differently, specific process sequences may be performed differently from the described order. For example, two processes described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of the described order.

[0061] In the following embodiments, when a layer, region, or element is described as being connected, this includes not only cases where the layer, region, or element is directly connected, but also cases where it is indirectly connected through another layer, region, or element placed between them. For example, when a layer, region, or element is described herein as being electrically connected, this indicates cases where the layer, region, or element is directly electrically connected and / or cases where it may be indirectly electrically connected through another layer, region, or element placed between them.

[0062] The x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to the three axes of an orthogonal coordinate system and can be interpreted in a broader sense that includes them. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be perpendicular to each other, or they may represent other directions that are not perpendicular to each other.

[0063] The embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional drawings, which are schematic examples of ideal embodiments. Accordingly, variations from the shapes of the examples are expected, for example, as a result of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific shapes of the regions illustrated herein, and should include variations in shape resulting from manufacturing, for example. For example, regions illustrated or described as flat may generally have rough or non-linear features. Also, sharp angles illustrated may be rounded. Accordingly, the regions illustrated in the drawings are by nature schematic, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the exact shape of the regions or to limit the scope of the claims.

[0064] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a display device (1) according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b are perspective views showing the display device (1) of FIG. 1 extended in a first direction. FIG. 2c is a perspective view showing the display device (1) of FIG. 1 extended in a second direction. FIG. 2d is a perspective view showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in the first direction and the second direction. FIG. 2e is a perspective view showing the display device (1) of FIG. 1 extended in a third direction.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a display device (1) may include a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA). The display area (DA) may include a plurality of pixels. The display device (1) may provide a predetermined image using light emitted from a plurality of pixels. The non-display area (NDA) may be placed outside the display area (DA). The non-display area (NDA) is an area where pixels are not placed and may completely surround the display area (DA).

[0066] In one embodiment, the display device (1) may be extended or retracted in various directions. The display device (1) may be extended in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) by an external force applied by an external object or a user. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the display area (DA) and / or non-display area (NDA) of the display device (1) may be extended in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction). In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2a, it may be extended along the x direction and -x direction, or as shown in FIG. 2b, it may be extended along the x direction while one side of the display device (1) remains fixed.

[0067] The display device (1) can be extended in a second direction (e.g., the y direction and / or the -y direction) by an external force applied by an external object or a user. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2c, the display area (DA) and / or non-display area (NDA) of the display device (1) can be extended in the y direction and the -y direction. In another embodiment, one side of the display device (1) can be extended in the y direction or the -y direction while remaining fixed.

[0068] The display device (1) can be extended in multiple directions, such as a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction), by an external force applied by an external object or a part of a person's body. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2d, the display area (DA) and / or non-display area (NDA) of the display device (1) can be extended in the ±x direction and ±y direction.

[0069] The display device (1) can be extended in a third direction (e.g., z direction or -z direction) by an external force applied by an external object or a part of a person's body. In one embodiment, FIG. 2e shows a part of the display device (1), such as a part of the display area (DA), protruding in the z direction. In another embodiment, a part of the display device (1), such as a part of the display area (DA), can be protruded along the -z direction (or sunken along the z direction).

[0070] FIGS. 2a to 2e illustrate a display device (1) extended in a first direction, a second direction, and / or a third direction, but the invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the display device (1) may be varied into an irregular shape, such as having two or more axes, being bent or twisted.

[0071] FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 3a, one embodiment of a display device (1) may include a display panel (10), an upper layer (70) disposed on a first surface (e.g., upper surface) of the display panel (10), and a lower layer (80) disposed on a second surface (e.g., lower surface) opposite the first surface (e.g., upper surface) of the display panel (10).

[0073] The display panel (10) may include light-emitting elements corresponding to pixels and pixel driving circuits electrically connected to the light-emitting elements. The upper layer (70) and the lower layer (80) may each protect the first and second surfaces of the display panel (10). The upper layer (70) may include a structure to prevent a part of the display panel (10) from breaking due to the aforementioned stress. Specific structures for the upper layer (70) and the lower layer (80) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9a and 9b.

[0074] FIG. 3b is a schematic plan view showing a display panel (10) of a display device (1, FIG. 3a) according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0075] In one embodiment, the display panel (10) may include a plurality of pixels arranged in a display area (DA). Each pixel may include subpixels that emit light of different colors. A light-emitting element corresponding to each subpixel may be placed in the display area (DA). A circuit for providing electrical signals to the light-emitting elements placed in the display area (DA) and to transistors electrically connected to the light-emitting elements may be located in a non-display area (NDA) surrounding the display area (DA). A gate driving circuit (GDC) may be placed in a first non-display area (NDA1) and a second non-display area (NDA2), respectively, which are placed on both sides of the display area (DA). The gate driving circuit (GDC) of the display panel (10) may include drivers for providing electrical signals to the gate electrodes of each of the transistors electrically connected to the light-emitting elements. FIG. 3b illustrates a gate driving circuit (GDC) disposed in each of the first non-display area (NDA1) and the second non-display area (NDA2), but the invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the gate driving circuit (GDC) may be disposed in either the first non-display area (NDA1) or the second non-display area (NDA2).

[0076] The data driving circuit (DDC) of the display panel (10) may be placed in a third non-display area (NDA3) and / or a fourth non-display area (NDA4) connecting the first non-display area (NDA1) and the second non-display area (NDA2). In one embodiment, FIG. 3b illustrates the data driving circuit (DDC) being placed in the fourth non-display area (NDA4). In another embodiment, the data driving circuit (DDC) may be placed in each of the third non-display area (NDA3) and the fourth non-display area (NDA4).

[0077] FIG. 3b illustrates an embodiment in which a data driving circuit (DDC) is placed in a fourth non-display area (NDA4) of a display panel (10), but the invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the display panel (10) may further include a flexible circuit board (not shown) electrically connected through a terminal portion (not shown) placed in the fourth non-display area (NDA4), and a data driving circuit (DDC) may be placed on the aforementioned flexible circuit board.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b, in one embodiment, the elongation of the non-display area (NDA) of the display device (1) may be equal to or less than the elongation of the display area (DA). In one embodiment, the elongation of the non-display area (NDA) may differ from area to area. In one embodiment, the first non-display area (NDA1), the second non-display area (NDA2), and the third non-display area (NDA3) may have substantially the same elongation, but the elongation of the fourth non-display area (NDA4) may be less than the elongation of each of the first non-display area (NDA1), the second non-display area (NDA2), and the third non-display area (NDA3). In the specification, the term "elongation rate" refers to a numerical value representing the change in length (ΔL / L) by which the display device (1) or display panel (10) can be extended without physical damage to the display device (1, FIG. 3a) or display panel (10) when an external force is applied to the display device (1) or display panel (10). Here, ΔL is the amount of change in length of the display device (1) or display panel (10), and L represents the initial length of the display device.

[0079] FIG. 4a is a plan view of part IV of FIG. 3b as a part of a display panel (10) according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 4a, one embodiment of a display panel (10) may include first island sections (11) spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction) in a display area (DA), and first bridge sections (12) connecting adjacent first island sections (11).

[0081] The first bridge sections (12) may be spaced apart from each other by a first opening (CS1) located between the first bridge sections (12). The first bridge section (12) may have a wavy shape. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4a, the first bridge section (12) may have a shape of approximately the letter 'S' (or a shape like S), such as including two curved sections (12R) and a straight section (12S) between the two curved sections (12R).

[0082] Each first island section (11) may be connected to a plurality of first bridge sections (12). In one embodiment, each first island section (11) may be connected to four first bridge sections (12). Two first bridge sections (12) may be positioned on both sides of the first island section (11) along a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction), and the remaining two first bridge sections (12) may be positioned on both sides of the first island section (11) along a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction). 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).

[0083] The display panel (10) may include second island sections (21) that are spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction) in a non-display area, e.g., a first non-display area (NDA1) shown in FIG. 4a, and second bridge sections (22) that connect adjacent second island sections (21).

[0084] The second bridge sections (22) may be spaced apart from each other by a second opening (CS2) located between the second bridge sections (22). The second bridge section (22) may have a wavy shape. In one embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 4c, the second bridge section (22) may have a shape of approximately the letter 'S'. The size and / or width of the second bridge section (22) may differ from the size and / or width of the first bridge section (12). In one embodiment, for example, the size and / or width of the second bridge section (22) may be larger than the size and / or width of the first bridge section (12). The radius of curvature of the rounded portion of the second bridge section (22) may differ from the radius of curvature of the rounded portion of the first bridge section (12). In one embodiment, for example, the radius of curvature of the rounded portion of the second bridge portion (22) may be larger than the radius of curvature of the rounded portion of the first bridge portion (12).

[0085] Each second island section (21) may be connected to a plurality of second bridge sections (22). Each second island section (21) may be connected to four second bridge sections (22). Two second bridge sections (22) may be positioned on both sides of the second island section (21) along a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction), and the remaining two second bridge sections (22) may be positioned on both sides of the second island section (21) along a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction). In one embodiment, four second bridge sections (22) may be connected to each of the four sides of the second island section (21). Each second bridge section (22) may be connected to the central part of each side of the second island section (21).

[0086] Any row of second island sections (21) placed in the first non-display area (NDA1) may correspond to a plurality of rows of first island sections (11) arranged in the display area (DA). In one embodiment, for example, any row of second island sections (21) placed in the first non-display area (NDA1) may correspond to the first island sections (11) arranged in the (i)th row and the first island sections (11) arranged in the (i+1)th row of the display area (DA) (where i is a positive integer greater than 0). In another embodiment, any row of second island sections (21) may correspond to n rows of first island sections (11) (where n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 3).

[0087] A non-display area, such as a first non-display area (NDA1), may include a first sub-non-display area (SNDA1) in which the aforementioned second island sections (21) and second bridge sections (22) are arranged, and a second sub-non-display area (SNDA2) between the first sub-non-display area (SNDA1) and the display area (DA). In the second sub-non-display area (SNDA2), third bridge sections (23) may be arranged to connect the display area (DA) and the first sub-non-display area (SNDA1). One end of the third bridge section (23) may be connected to the second island section (21), and the other end of the third bridge section (23) may be connected to the first island section (11). In one embodiment, for example, one end of the third bridge section (23) may be connected to the central part of one side of the second island section (21), and the other end of the third bridge section (23) may be connected to the central part of one side of the first island section (11).

[0088] The third bridge section (23) may have a wavy shape. In one embodiment, the shape of the third bridge section (23) may differ from the shape of the first bridge section (12) and the second bridge section (22), respectively. The width of the third bridge section (23) may differ from the width of the first bridge section (12) and the width of the second bridge section (22). The width of the third bridge section (23) may be greater than the width of the first bridge section (12) and smaller than the width of the second bridge section (22). In the second direction (e.g., the y direction or the -y direction), a third opening (CS3) and a fourth opening (CS4) of different shapes may be alternately arranged between the third bridge sections (23).

[0089] FIG. 4b is a plan view of the display area (DA) of FIG. 3b enlarged as part of a display panel (10) according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 4b, in one embodiment, the display panel (10) may include first island sections (11) spaced apart from each other in a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction) in a display area (DA), and first bridge sections (12) connecting adjacent first island sections (11). The first bridge sections (12) may be spaced apart from each other by a first opening (CS1) located between the first bridge sections (12).

[0091] In one embodiment, at least one of the sides of the first island portion (11) may be oblique to a virtual line connecting the center (C) of the first island portions (11) along a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) and / or a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction). In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4b, the first island portion (11) each comprises first to fourth sides (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d), wherein the first to fourth sides (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) extend along a direction oblique to a first virtual line (IM1) connecting the center (C) of the first island portions (11). FIG. 4b illustrates that the first virtual line (IM1) is extended in a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction), but the first virtual line (IM1) may be extended along a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction).

[0092] In one embodiment, the first side (11a) and the third side (11c), which are parallel to each other, may intersect the first imaginary line (IM1). The smaller angle (hereinafter referred to as the angle, φ) formed by the first side (11a) and the first imaginary line (IM1) may be greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 90 degrees. The angle (φ) formed by the third side (11c) and the first imaginary line (IM1) may be greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 90 degrees.

[0093] The first island section (11) may be connected to a plurality of first bridge sections (12). In one embodiment, 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).

[0094] The first bridge section (12) may have a wavy shape. In one embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 4b, the first bridge section (12) may have a shape of approximately the letter 'S' (or a shape like S), such as including two curved sections (12R) and a straight section (12S) between the two curved sections (12R).

[0095] In one embodiment, the straight section (12S) may be substantially parallel to the side of the adjacent first island section (11) as illustrated in FIG. 4b. In one embodiment, for example, the straight section (12S) of each first bridge section (12) located on both sides of the first island section (11) along a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) may be substantially parallel to the side of the first island section (11) (e.g., first side (11a) and third side (11c)). The straight section (12S) of each first bridge section (12) located on both sides of the first island section (11) along a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction) may be substantially parallel to the side of the first island section (11) (e.g., second side (11b) and fourth side (11d)).

[0096] Each of the first island sections (11) shown in FIG. 4b can be understood as having rotated each of the first island sections (11) shown in FIG. 4a by a first angle (e.g., acute angle) with respect to the center (C). Accordingly, at least one of the sides of the first island section (11) may be oblique to a virtual line connecting the centers (C) of the first island sections (11) along a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) and / or a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction). Depending on the arrangement of the first island sections (11) and / or the structure of the first bridge section (12) described above, the area of ​​the first opening (CS1) shown in FIG. 4b may be relatively smaller than the area of ​​the first opening (CS1) shown in FIG. 4a, and thus the display panel (10) according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4b may provide a relatively high-resolution image.

[0097] FIG. 4b illustrates that when the display panel (10) is not stretched, the straight section (12S) of the first bridge section (12) is substantially parallel to the side of the first island section (11) adjacent to the straight section (12S), but the invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the straight section (12S) of the first bridge section (12) may be oblique to the side of the first island section (11) adjacent to the straight section (12S), as shown in FIG. 4a.

[0098] In one embodiment, the structure of the first non-display area (NDA1, FIG. 3) of the display panel (10) not disclosed in FIG. 4b may be identical to the structure of the display area (DA) disclosed in FIG. 4b. In one embodiment, the structure of the first non-display area (NDA1, FIG. 3) of the display panel (10) not shown in FIG. 4b is substantially identical to the structure of the display area (DA) disclosed in FIG. 4b, but the area of ​​the second island portion placed in the first non-display area (NDA1, FIG. 3) may be larger than the area of ​​the first island portion (11). In this embodiment, one second island portion may correspond to a plurality of first island portions (11) arranged in adjacent rows as described with reference to FIG. 4a.

[0099] FIGS. 5a and FIGS. 5b are schematic cross-sectional views showing a first island section (11) and a first bridge section (12) placed in a display area (DA) of a display panel (10) according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b, in one embodiment, the first island section (11) may include a light-emitting element (LED) and a pixel driving circuit section (PC). The light-emitting element (LED) and pixel driving circuit section (PC) of each first island section (11) may be multiple. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5a, the arrangement direction of the pixel driving circuit sections (PC) and the arrangement direction of the light-emitting elements (LED) may be the same direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction). In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5b, the arrangement direction of the pixel driving circuit sections (PC) (e.g., x direction or -x direction) and the arrangement direction of the light-emitting elements (LED) may intersect each other to form an acute angle. In other words, the arrangement direction of the light-emitting elements (LED) may be oblique to the arrangement direction of the pixel driving circuit sections (PC) (e.g., x direction or -x direction).

[0101] In one embodiment, FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate three pixel driving circuit units (PCs) arranged in each first island unit (11) and three light-emitting elements (LEDs) connected to each pixel driving circuit unit (PC), but the invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the number of pixel driving circuit units (PCs) and light-emitting elements (LEDs) arranged in the first island unit (11) may be one, two, or four or more.

[0102] FIGS. 6a to 6c are equivalent circuit diagrams of subpixels of a display panel (10, FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b) according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 6a, in one embodiment, a light-emitting element (LED) corresponding to a subpixel is electrically connected to a pixel driving circuit (PC), and the pixel driving circuit (PC) may include a first transistor (T1), a second transistor (T2), and a storage capacitor (Cst). The pixel driving circuit (PC) may be electrically connected to a signal line and a voltage line. The signal line may include a gate line such as a first scan line (SL1) and a data line (DL), and the voltage line may include a first voltage line (VDDL).

[0104] The second transistor (T2) can be electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and the data line (DL). The first scan line (SL1) can provide a first scan signal (GW) to the gate electrode of the second transistor (T2). The second transistor (T2) can transmit a data signal (Dm) input from the data line (DL) to the first transistor (T1) in response to the first scan signal (GW) input from the first scan line (SL1).

[0105] 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).

[0106] The first transistor (T1) is a driving transistor capable of controlling the driving current flowing through the light-emitting element (LED). The first transistor (T1) can be connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) and the storage capacitor (Cst). The first transistor (T1) can control the driving current flowing through the light-emitting element (LED) from the first voltage line (VDDL) based on the voltage value stored in the storage capacitor (Cst). The light-emitting element (LED) can emit light having a predetermined brightness corresponding to the driving current. The first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) is electrically connected to the first transistor (T1), and the second electrode can be electrically connected to the second voltage line (VSSL) that supplies the second power supply voltage (VSS).

[0107] FIG. 6a illustrates that the pixel driving circuit (PC) includes two transistors and one storage capacitor, but in other embodiments, the pixel driving circuit (PC) may include three or more transistors.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 6b, in another embodiment, the pixel driving circuit (PC) may include a first transistor (T1), a second transistor (T2), a third transistor (T3), a fourth transistor (T4), a fifth transistor (T5), a sixth transistor (T6), a seventh transistor (T7), and a storage capacitor (Cst).

[0109] The pixel driving circuit (PC) is electrically connected to signal lines and voltage lines. The signal lines may include gate lines such as a first scan line (SL1), a second scan line (SL2), a third scan line (SL3), and a light emission control line (EML), and data lines (DL). The voltage lines may include first and second initialization voltage lines (VIL1, VIL2) and a first voltage line (VDDL).

[0110] The first voltage line (VDDL) can transmit the first power supply voltage (VDD) to the first transistor (T1). The first initialization voltage line (VIL1) can transmit the first initialization voltage (Vint) that initializes the first transistor (T1) to the pixel driving circuit (PC). The second initialization voltage line (VIL2) can transmit the second initialization voltage (Vaint) that initializes the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) to the pixel driving circuit (PC).

[0111] The first transistor (T1) can be electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The first transistor (T1) acts as a driving transistor and receives a data signal (Dm) based on the switching operation of the second transistor (T2) and supplies a driving current to the light-emitting element (LED).

[0112] The second transistor (T2) is a data write transistor and is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and the data line (DL). The second transistor (T2) is electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5). The second transistor (T2) is turned on in response to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) and performs a switching operation to transmit the data signal (Dm) transmitted to the data line (DL) to the first node (N1).

[0113] The third transistor (T3) is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and is electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The third transistor (T3) is turned on in response to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) and can diode-connect the first transistor (T1).

[0114] The fourth transistor (T4) is a first initialization transistor and is electrically connected to the third scan line (SL3) and the first initialization voltage line (VIL1). The fourth transistor (T4) is turned on in response to the third scan signal (GI) received through the third scan line (SL3) and transmits the first initialization voltage (Vint) from the first initialization voltage line (VIL1) to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1) to initialize the voltage of the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1). The third scan signal (GI) may correspond to the first scan signal of another pixel driving circuit unit placed in the previous row of the corresponding pixel driving circuit unit (PC).

[0115] The fifth transistor (T5) may be an operation control transistor, and the sixth transistor (T6) may be a light-emitting control transistor. The fifth transistor (T5) and the sixth transistor (T6) are electrically connected to the light-emitting control line (EML) and are simultaneously turned on in response to a light-emitting control signal (EM) received through the light-emitting 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 element (LED).

[0116] The seventh transistor (T7) is a second initialization transistor and can be electrically connected to the second scan line (SL2), the second initialization voltage line (VIL2), and the sixth transistor (T6). The seventh transistor (T7) is turned on in response to the second scan signal (GB) received through the second scan line (SL2), and can initialize the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) by transmitting the second initialization voltage (Vaint) from the second initialization voltage line (VIL2) to the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED).

[0117] 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).

[0118] Referring to FIG. 6c, in another embodiment, the pixel driving circuit (PC) may include a first transistor (T1), a second transistor (T2), a third transistor (T3), a fourth transistor (T4), a fifth transistor (T5), a sixth transistor (T6), a seventh transistor (T7), an eighth transistor (T8), a ninth transistor (T9), a storage capacitor (Cst), and an auxiliary capacitor (Ca).

[0119] The pixel driving circuit (PC) is electrically connected to signal lines and voltage lines. The signal lines may include gate lines such as a first scan line (SL1), a second scan line (SL2), a third scan line (SL3), and a light emission control line (EML), and a data line (DL). The voltage lines may include first and second initialization voltage lines (VIL1, VIL2), a holding voltage line (VSL), and a first voltage line (VDDL).

[0120] The first voltage line (VDDL) can transmit the first power supply voltage (VDD) to the first transistor (T1). The first initialization voltage line (VIL1) can transmit the first initialization voltage (Vint) that initializes the first transistor (T1) to the pixel driving circuit (PC). The second initialization voltage line (VIL2) can transmit the second initialization voltage (Vaint) that initializes the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) to the pixel driving circuit (PC). The holding voltage line (VSL) can provide the holding voltage (VSUS) to the second electrode (CE2) of the second node (N2), for example, the storage capacitor (Cst), during the initialization section and the data writing section.

[0121] The first transistor (T1) can be electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and the eighth transistor (T8), and can be electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The first transistor (T1) acts as a driving transistor and can supply a driving current to the light-emitting element (LED) by receiving a data signal (Dm) based on the switching operation of the second transistor (T2).

[0122] The second transistor (T2) is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and the data line (DL), and is electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and the eighth transistor (T8). The second transistor (T2) is turned on based on the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) and performs a switching operation to transmit the data signal (Dm) transmitted to the data line (DL) to the first node (N1).

[0123] The third transistor (T3) is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and is electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The third transistor (T3) is turned on in response to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) and connects the first transistor (T1) to the diode, thereby compensating for the threshold voltage of the first transistor (T1).

[0124] The fourth transistor (T4) is electrically connected to the third scan line (SL3) and the first initialization voltage line (VIL1), and is turned on in response to the third scan signal (GI) received through the third scan line (SL3) to transmit the first initialization voltage (Vint) from the first initialization voltage line (VIL1) to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1) to initialize the voltage of the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1). The third scan signal (GI) may correspond to the first scan signal of another pixel driving circuit unit placed in the previous row of the corresponding pixel driving circuit unit (PC).

[0125] The fifth transistor (T5), the sixth transistor (T6), and the eighth transistor (T8) are electrically connected to the light emission control line (EML) and are simultaneously turned on in response to the light emission control signal (EM) 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 element (LED).

[0126] The seventh transistor (T7) is a second initialization transistor and can be electrically connected to the second scan line (SL2), the second initialization voltage line (VIL2), and the sixth transistor (T6). The seventh transistor (T7) is turned on in response to the second scan signal (GB) received through the second scan line (SL2) and transmits the second initialization voltage (Vaint) from the second initialization voltage line (VIL2) to the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) to initialize the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED).

[0127] The ninth transistor (T9) can be electrically connected to the second scan line (SL2), the second electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst), and the holding voltage line (VSL). The ninth transistor (T9) is turned on according to the second scan signal (GB) received through the second scan line (SL2), and can transmit a holding voltage (VSUS) to the second node (N2), such as the second electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst), during the initialization period and the data writing period.

[0128] The eighth transistor (T8) and the ninth transistor (T9) can each be electrically connected to the second node (N2), for example, the second electrode (CE2) of the storage capacitor (Cst). In some embodiments, the eighth transistor (T8) may be turned off and the ninth transistor (T9) may be turned on during the initialization period and the data writing period, and the eighth transistor (T8) may be turned on and the ninth transistor (T9) may be turned off during the light emission period. Since the second node (N2) receives the holding voltage (VSUS) during the initialization period and the data writing period, the uniformity of the brightness of the display device (e.g., LRU, Long Range Uniformity) due to the voltage drop of the first voltage line (VDDL) can be improved.

[0129] 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).

[0130] The auxiliary capacitor (Ca) can be electrically connected to the sixth transistor (T6), the holding voltage line (VSL), and the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED). By storing and maintaining a voltage corresponding to the voltage difference between the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) and the holding voltage line (VSL) while the seventh transistor (T7) and the ninth transistor (T9) are turned on, the auxiliary capacitor (Ca) can effectively prevent the problem of the black brightness rising when the sixth transistor (T6) is turned off.

[0131] FIG. 7a is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light-emitting element (LED, FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b) of a display panel (10, FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b) according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 7a, a light-emitting element (LED, FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b) according to one embodiment of the invention may include an organic light-emitting diode (220) containing an organic material. The organic light-emitting diode (220) may include a first electrode (221) disposed on an insulating layer, a second electrode (225) facing the first electrode (221), and a light-emitting layer (223) interposed between the first electrode (221) and the second electrode (225). A first functional layer (222) may be disposed between the first electrode (221) and the light-emitting layer (223), and a second functional layer (224) may be disposed between the light-emitting layer (223) and the second electrode (225).

[0133] The edge of the first electrode (221) may be covered with a bank layer (BKL) containing an insulating material. The bank layer (BKL) may define or have an opening (B-OP) that overlaps the central portion of the first electrode (221).

[0134] The first electrode (221) may include a conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), indium gallium oxide (IGO), or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). In another embodiment, the first electrode (221) may include a reflective layer comprising silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), or a compound thereof. In another embodiment, the first electrode (221) may further include a layer formed of ITO, IZO, ZnO, AZO, or In2O3 above and below the aforementioned reflective layer.

[0135] The light-emitting layer (223) may include a polymer or low-molecular-weight organic material that emits light of a predetermined color. The first functional layer (222) may include a hole transport layer (HTL) and / or a hole injection layer (HIL). The second functional layer (224) may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and / or an electron injection layer (EIL).

[0136] The second electrode (225) may be made of a conductive material with a low work function. In one embodiment, for example, the second electrode (225) may include a (semi)transparent layer comprising silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), or an alloy thereof. Alternatively, the second electrode (225) may further include a layer such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, AZO, or In2O3 on the (semi)transparent layer comprising the aforementioned materials.

[0137] FIG. 7b is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light-emitting element (LED, FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b) of a display panel (10, FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b) according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 7b, in one embodiment of the invention, a light-emitting element (LED, FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b) may include an inorganic light-emitting diode (230) comprising an inorganic material. The inorganic light-emitting diode (230) may include a first semiconductor layer (231), a second semiconductor layer (232), an intermediate layer (233) between the first semiconductor layer (231) and the second semiconductor layer (232), a first electrode (235) electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer (231), and a second electrode (238) electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer (232). The first electrode (235) and the second electrode (238) of the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) may each be electrically connected to a first electrode pad (241) and a second electrode pad (242) disposed on (or immediately above) the same layer.

[0139] In some embodiments, the first semiconductor layer (231) may include a p-type semiconductor layer. The p-type semiconductor layer may be selected from semiconductor materials having the compositional formula InxAlyGa1-x-yN (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1), such as GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, AlInN, etc., and may be doped with p-type dopants such as Mg, Zn, Ca, Sr, Ba, etc.

[0140] The second semiconductor layer (232) may include, for example, an n-type semiconductor layer. The n-type semiconductor layer may be selected from semiconductor materials having the composition formula InxAlyGa1-x-yN (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1), for example, GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, AlInN, etc., and may be doped with n-type dopants such as Si, Ge, and Sn.

[0141] The intermediate layer (233) is a region where electrons and holes recombine, and as electrons and holes recombine, they transition to a lower energy level and can generate light having a corresponding wavelength. The intermediate layer (233) can be formed by including a semiconductor material having, for example, the composition formula InxAlyGa1-x-yN (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1), and can be formed as a single quantum well structure or a multi-quantum well (MQW) structure. Additionally, it may include a quantum wire structure or a quantum dot structure.

[0142] FIG. 7b illustrates that the first semiconductor layer (231) includes a p-type semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer (232) includes an n-type semiconductor layer, but the 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.

[0143] FIGS. 8a to 8c are plan views showing a portion of the display area (DA) of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 8a through 8c, in one embodiment, the display device (1) may include mutually spaced force members (40) in a plane (or when viewed in the z direction). In a plane, the force members (40) may overlap with the display panel (10). In a plane, the force members (40) may overlap with at least two first bridge members (12). In the present disclosure, the force member (40) may be an element that applies force or pressure in the z direction to the first bridge member (12), for example, a torsional-resistant pressure element. Here, the z direction may be the thickness direction of the display panel. FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate embodiments in which each force member (40) overlaps with two adjacent first bridge members (12) in a plane, and FIG. 8c illustrates an embodiment in which each force member (40) overlaps with four adjacent first bridge members (12) in a plane. Each applied force part (40) on the plane can overlap with the curved part (12R) of the corresponding first bridge part (12).

[0145] The force applying member (40) may have a polygonal shape, an ellipse, or a circle shape in a planar plane. In one embodiment, the force applying member (40) may have a polygonal shape in a planar plane, such as a square shape as shown in FIG. 8a. FIG. 8a illustrates the force applying member (40) having a square shape, but the invention is not limited thereto. The force applying member (40) may have a polygonal shape of various structures, such as a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, etc. In one embodiment, for example, the force applying member (40) may have an elliptical shape in a planar plane as shown in FIG. 8b. In one embodiment, for example, the force applying member (40) may have a circle shape in a planar plane as shown in FIG. 8c.

[0146] FIGS. 8A and FIGS. 8B illustrate embodiments in which the force members (40) are extended along the same direction, but the invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the extension direction of each of the force members (40) of the nth row (n is a positive integer) arranged along the first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) and the extension direction of each of the force members (40) of the n-1th row may be different from each other.

[0147] FIGS. 9a and FIGS. 9b are cross-sectional views showing a portion of a display area (DA) of a display device (1) according to an embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 9a and FIGS. 9b are cross-sectional views along the line IX-IX' of FIGS. 8, illustrating one of the force applying parts (40) shown in FIGS. 8 (e.g., a first force applying part, 40). The characteristics of one of the force applying parts (e.g., a first force applying part, 40) described based on FIGS. 9a and FIGS. 9b are identical to the characteristics of the other force applying parts (40) shown in FIGS. 8.

[0148] In one embodiment, the display device (1) may include a display panel (10) and a force applying member (40) disposed on the display panel (10) and overlapping with a first bridge member (12). An upper protective layer (or a first protective layer, 30) may be disposed on a first surface (e.g., a top surface) of the display panel (10), and the force applying member (40) may be disposed between the first surface (e.g., a top surface) of the display panel (10) and the upper protective layer (30). In some embodiments, a first adhesive layer (20) may be disposed between the force applying member (40) and the upper protective layer (30). The force applying member (40), the first adhesive layer (20), and the upper protective layer (30) may correspond to the upper layer (70) described above with reference to FIG. 3a.

[0149] A lower protective layer (or a second protective layer, 60) may be disposed on a second surface (e.g., a lower surface) opposite to the first surface (e.g., an upper surface) of the display panel (10). In some embodiments, a second adhesive layer (50) may be disposed between the second surface (e.g., a lower surface) of the display panel (10) and the lower protective layer (60). The second adhesive layer (50) and the lower protective layer (60) may correspond to the lower layer (80) described above with reference to FIG. 3a.

[0150] The upper protective layer (30) and / or the lower protective layer (60) may include an elastic polymer. The upper protective layer (30) and / or the lower protective layer (60) is thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone, thermoplastic rubbers, elastolefin, thermoplastic olefin, polyamide, polyether block amide, synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene, epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomers, ethylene-vinyl acetate, It may include at least one selected from PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) and Ecoflex. The upper protective layer (30) and the lower protective layer (60) may include the same material or different materials.

[0151] The force applying member (40) is interposed between the first adhesive layer (20) and the display panel (10), and the first surface of the force applying member (40) (e.g., the surface facing the display panel (10), the lower surface in FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b) may come into contact with the display panel (10) but is not fixed to the display panel (10). When the display device (1) is stretched, the first surface of the force applying member (40) (e.g., the lower surface) may slide relative to each other while in contact with the first surface of the display panel (10) (e.g., the surface facing the force applying member (40), the upper surface in FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b). When the display device (1) is stretched, the shape between the first bridge portions (12) of the display panel (10) (e.g., the shape of the first opening (CS1) described with reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b) may be deformed, and the distance between the first island portions (11) may increase. When the display device (1) is stretched, the first bridge portions (12) may be twisted and deformed, and a problem may occur in which the curve portion (12R, refer to FIGS. 4a and 4b) of the first bridge portion (12) breaks as stress is concentrated on the curve portion (12R, refer to FIGS. 4a and 4b). However, in an embodiment of the invention, the force applying portion (40) applies force to the first bridge portion (12, e.g., the curve portion (12R, refer to FIGS. 4a and 4b)) of the first bridge portion (12), so the aforementioned problem can be effectively prevented or substantially minimized. In the specification, the stretching of the display device (1) may mean the stretching of the display panel (10). Therefore, in the specification, "stretching of the display device (1)" can be understood as "stretching of the display panel (10)".

[0152] The modulus (or Young's modulus) of the power application part (40) may be greater than the modulus (or Young's modulus) of the first bridge part (12) of the display panel (10). In one embodiment, for example, the modulus (M) of the power application part (40) may be greater than about 27 MPa and may be equal to or less than about 12 GPa (i.e., 27 MPa < M ≤ 2 GPa).

[0153] The force applying member (40) may include a first polymer material. In one embodiment, for example, the first polymer material of the force applying member (40) may include a polymer that hardens by heat or light. In one embodiment, the force applying member (40) may include a polymer that hardens by ultraviolet (UV) light. The force applying member (40) may include various types of first polymers, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylic, or epoxy polymers.

[0154] In one embodiment, the force applying member (40) may further include a second polymer material. The second polymer material is a material of a different type from the first polymer material, and the second polymer material may have a function that facilitates the separation of the force applying member (40) from the carrier substrate during the manufacturing process of the force applying member (40). The second polymer material may include a polymer whose adhesiveness can be changed by heat or light. In one embodiment, the second polymer material may include a thermo-responsive polymer such as polycaprolactone (PCL). The force applying member (40) including the second polymer material will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13a to 13e.

[0155] The first adhesive layer (20) and / or the second adhesive layer (50) may include a polymer resin. In one embodiment, for example, the first adhesive layer (20) and / or the second adhesive layer (50) may include a Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA), an Optical Clear Adhesive (OCA), or an Optical Clear Resin (OCR).

[0156] In one embodiment, the force applying member (40) may be placed on one side of the first adhesive layer (20) facing the display panel (10), as shown in FIG. 9a. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9a, a certain gap (or cavity) may exist between one side of the first adhesive layer (20) and the display panel (10) around the force applying member (40). In one embodiment, the force applying member (40) may be placed or embedded in the first adhesive layer (20), as shown in FIG. 9b. In this embodiment, the material corresponding to the first adhesive layer (20) may be in direct contact with the remaining surfaces, such as the side of the force applying member (40) and the second surface of the force applying member (40), excluding the first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the force applying member (40). The thickness of a portion of the first adhesive layer (20) that overlaps the force application portion (40) in the z-direction may be smaller than the thickness of a portion of the first adhesive layer (20) that does not overlap the force application portion (40) in the z-direction.

[0157] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a display panel (10) according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, the first island section (11) may include light-emitting elements (LEDs) and a circuit for driving the light-emitting elements electrically connected thereto, such as a pixel driving circuit section (PC). The first bridge section (12) may include wiring (WL) electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit sections (PCs) disposed in each of the adjacent first island sections (11).

[0159] Looking at the first island portion (11), a buffer layer (111) containing an inorganic insulating material is disposed on the substrate (100), and a pixel driving circuit portion (PC) may be disposed on the buffer layer (111). Insulating layers containing an inorganic insulating material and / or an organic insulating material may be disposed between the pixel driving circuit portion (PC) and the light-emitting element (LED). In one embodiment, for example, a gate insulating layer (112) may be disposed between the semiconductor layer of the transistor of the pixel driving circuit portion (PC) and the gate electrode, and an interlayer insulating layer (113) may be interposed between the gate electrode and the source electrode and / or between the gate electrode and the drain electrode. The buffer layer (111), the gate insulating layer (112), and the interlayer insulating layer (113) may include an inorganic insulating material. A planarization layer (114) may be interposed between the pixel driving circuit portion (PC) and the light-emitting element (LED). The flattening layer (114) may include an organic insulating material.

[0160] A light-emitting element (LED) is placed on a flattening layer (114) and can be electrically connected to a corresponding pixel driving circuit (PC). The light-emitting elements (LEDs) may emit light of different colors or light of the same color. In one embodiment, the light-emitting elements (LEDs) may each emit red, green, and blue light. In some embodiments, the light-emitting elements (LEDs) may emit white light. In another embodiment, the light-emitting elements (LEDs) may each emit red, green, blue, and white light.

[0161] The substrate (100) may include a polymer resin such as polyethersulfone, polyarylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyimide, polycarbonate, cellulose triacetate, and cellulose acetate propionate. In one embodiment, the substrate (100) may be a single layer comprising the aforementioned polymer resin. In another embodiment, the substrate (100) may be a multilayer structure comprising a base layer comprising the aforementioned polymer resin and a barrier layer comprising an inorganic insulating material. The substrate (100) comprising the polymer resin may have flexible, rollable, and bendable properties.

[0162] In one embodiment, the substrate (100) may include an area corresponding to the first island portion (11) and an area corresponding to the first bridge portion (12). In this embodiment, the planar shape of the display panel (10) described with reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b may be substantially the same as the shape of the substrate (100). In one embodiment, for example, the substrate (100) may have an opening area corresponding to the first opening (CS1) described with reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b. Likewise, the substrate (100) may include an area corresponding to the first island portion (11), an area corresponding to the first bridge portion (12), an area corresponding to the second island portion (21), an area corresponding to the second bridge portion (22), an opening area corresponding to the first opening (CS1), and an opening area corresponding to the second opening (CS2), similar to the structure described with reference to FIG. 4a. The planar shape of the display panel (10) shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b is substantially the same as the planar shape of the substrate (100).

[0163] FIG. 10 illustrates an example in which three pixel driving circuit units (PCs) are arranged in each first island unit (11) and three light-emitting elements (LEDs) are connected to each pixel driving circuit unit (PC), but the invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the number of pixel driving circuit units (PCs) and light-emitting elements (LEDs) arranged in the first island unit (11) may be one, two, or four or more.

[0164] The encapsulation layer (300) can be placed on a light-emitting element (LED), can fix the position of the light-emitting element (LED), and can protect the light-emitting element (LED) from external foreign substances. In another embodiment, the encapsulation layer (300) may include an organic material such as resin. In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer (300) may include urethane epoxy acrylate. The encapsulation layer (300) may include a photosensitive material, such as a photoresist.

[0165] In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer (300) may include an inorganic encapsulation layer and / or an organic encapsulation layer. In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer (300) may include a structure in which an inorganic encapsulation layer comprising an inorganic insulating material, an organic encapsulation layer comprising an organic insulating material, and an inorganic encapsulation layer comprising an inorganic insulating material are laminated.

[0166] Looking at the first bridge section (12), an auxiliary insulating layer (115) containing an organic insulating material may be disposed on the substrate (100). Inorganic insulating layers disposed on the first island section (11), such as a buffer layer (111), a gate insulating layer (112), and an interlayer insulating layer (113), may not extend to the first bridge section (12). The auxiliary insulating layer (115) may cover the step difference at each end of the inorganic insulating layers, such as the buffer layer (111), the gate insulating layer (112), and the interlayer insulating layer (113), and may support the wiring (WL). A flattening layer (114), which is an organic insulating layer, may extend to the first bridge section (12) and may protect the upper part of the wiring (WL). The encapsulation layer (300) may not extend to the first bridge section (12).

[0167] As previously explained, the wiring (WL) of the first bridge section (12) may be signal lines (e.g., gate lines, data lines, etc.) for providing an electrical signal to a transistor included in the pixel driving circuit section (PC) of the first island section (11), or voltage lines (e.g., driving voltage lines, initialization voltage lines, etc.) for providing a voltage.

[0168] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the pixel driving circuit (PC) and wiring (WL) of a display panel (10) according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0169] Referring to FIG. 11, in one embodiment, wiring (WL) electrically connected to pixel driving circuit sections (PCs) of the first island section (11) may pass through or extend to first bridge sections (12) connected to the first island section (11). Wiring (WL) passing through any one of the first bridge sections (12) may electrically connect two adjacent pixel driving circuit sections (PCs) of the first island section (11).

[0170] The wiring (WL) may be a signal line (e.g., gate line, data line, etc.) for providing an electrical signal to a transistor included in the pixel driving circuit (PC), or a voltage line (e.g., driving voltage line, initialization voltage line, etc.) for providing voltage.

[0171] In an embodiment in which the first bridge portion (12) includes a curve portion as shown in FIG. 11, the wiring (WL) may be offset toward the outer edge (12E2) which has a relatively larger radius of curvature among the two edges (12E1, 12E2) of the curve portion (12R) of the first bridge portion (12). Since the inner edge (12E1) of the curve portion (12R) which has a relatively smaller radius of curvature experiences more stress concentration than the outer edge (12E2), damage to the wiring (WL) can be prevented through the aforementioned arrangement of the wiring (WL).

[0172] Referring to FIGS. 8a, 8b, 8c, and 11, the power application part (40, FIGS. 8a, 8b, 8c) may overlap with the non-stretched and / or stretched wiring (WL) of the display device (1, FIGS. 8a, 8b, 8c).

[0173] FIG. 12a is a plan view showing a display device (1) in a non-stretched state, and FIG. 12b is a plan view showing a display device (1) in a stretched state.

[0174] Referring to FIG. 12a, in the non-stretched state of the display device (1) (e.g., the non-stretched state of the display panel (10)), the force member (40) may overlap with at least two first bridge members (12). FIG. 12a illustrates an embodiment in which the force member (40) overlaps with four adjacent first bridge members (12) in the z-direction. In one embodiment, for example, the force member (40) may overlap with the curved portions of each first bridge member (12).

[0175] Referring to FIG. 12b, in the extended state of the display device (1) (e.g., the extended state of the display panel (10)), the force applying member (40) can overlap with the same number of first bridge members (12) as in the non-extended state. The force applying member (40) is in contact with the first surface (e.g., the top surface) of the display panel (10) as described with reference to FIG. 9a and 9b, but is not fixed to the first surface of the display panel (10). Therefore, when the display device (1) is extended, as the distance between adjacent first bridge members (12) increases, the area of ​​each first bridge member (12) overlapping with the force applying member (40) can be reduced. In this embodiment, the contact area between the force applying part (40) and the first bridge part (12) in the extended state of the display device (1) may be smaller than the contact area between the force applying part (40) and the first bridge part (12) in the non-extended state of the display device (1).

[0176] In the extended state of the display device (1), the force applying member (40) still overlaps with the adjacent first bridge member (12) and applies force to the first bridge member (12), so the twisting of the first bridge member (12) can be reduced, the breakage of the first bridge member (12) due to the twisting of the first bridge member (12) can be effectively prevented, and damage to the wiring (WL, FIG. 11) of the first bridge member (12) can be effectively prevented.

[0177] FIGS. 13a to 13e are cross-sectional views showing the process according to the formation process of the force applying member (40) according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 13a and FIG. 13b, in one embodiment, a layer (hereinafter referred to as the second polymer layer, 41L) containing a second polymer material can be formed on a carrier substrate (CA). The aforementioned second polymer layer (41L) may be a type of sacrificial layer or auxiliary layer for removing a force-applying portion from the carrier substrate (CA) in a process to be described later.

[0179] The aforementioned second polymer layer (41L) can be formed by coating a fibrous second polymer material (41M) as shown in FIG. 13a. The aforementioned coating may utilize an electrospinning process, but the invention is not limited thereto. As another embodiment, a layer containing the second polymer material can be coated on a carrier substrate (CA).

[0180] The second polymer material may include a polymer whose adhesiveness can be altered by heat or light. In one embodiment, the second polymer material may include a heat-reactive polymer such as polycaprolactone (PCL).

[0181] Referring to FIG. 13b, in one embodiment, a first polymer material may be applied onto the aforementioned second polymer layer (41L) to form a first polymer layer (40L). The first polymer material may include a polymer that hardens by heat or light. As one embodiment, FIG. 13b illustrates a case where the first polymer material includes a polymer that hardens by ultraviolet (UV) light. The first polymer material may include various types of polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylic, or epoxy.

[0182] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13c, the force applying part (40) can be formed by irradiating ultraviolet rays to the remaining area excluding the location where the force applying part (40, FIG. 8a, FIG. 8b, FIG. 8c) is to be formed, and then removing the parts exposed to ultraviolet rays.

[0183] The force application members (40) may be separated and spaced apart from each other. Each force application member (40) may include a first polymer material and may further include a layer (hereinafter referred to as an auxiliary layer, 41) that includes a second polymer material. In other words, the force application member (40) may be a laminated structure of a main layer that includes the first polymer material and an auxiliary layer (41) that includes the second polymer material. The auxiliary layer (41) may be formed by the process described above with reference to FIG. 13a, in which case the voids between the fibrous mesh structures of the auxiliary layer (41) may be filled with the first polymer material.

[0184] Referring to FIG. 13d, a first adhesive layer (20) can be formed by applying an adhesive material to the force application portions (40). The material of the first adhesive layer (20) may include PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive), OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive), or OCR (Optical Clear Resin). An upper protective film (PV) can be formed on the first adhesive layer (20).

[0185] The structure on the carrier substrate (CA) illustrated in FIG. 13b can be heated to a selected temperature. The adhesion of the auxiliary layer (41) to the carrier substrate (CA) can be reduced by the heat. Accordingly, the force applying portion (40) including the auxiliary layer (41) can be separated from the carrier substrate (CA).

[0186] Referring to FIG. 13e, a lower protective film (UPV) can be formed on a structure separated from a carrier substrate (CA).

[0187] In the manufacturing process of the display device (1, FIG. 9b), the upper protective film (PV) and the lower protective film (UPV) may be removed, and a force applying member (40) including an auxiliary layer (41) may be placed on the display panel (10, FIG. 9b). The force applying member (40) including the auxiliary layer (41) may be embedded in the first adhesive layer (20).

[0188] FIG. 14a is a schematic perspective view of an electronic device (1000) including a display device according to one embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 14b is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device (1000) including a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 14a, one embodiment of the electronic device (1000) can be freely deformed (or shaped) in three dimensions and can provide a three-dimensional image surface through a display area (DA). The statement that the electronic device (1000) 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 (1000) according to the embodiments of the invention may exhibit a deformation such as the area of ​​the entire display area (DA) increasing or decreasing again as the electronic device (1000) is deformed in the x direction, y direction, and / or z direction.

[0190] Referring to FIG. 14b, one embodiment of an electronic device (1000) 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 (1000), 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)).

[0191] The processor (1100) can execute software to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of an electronic device (1000) 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).

[0192] The processor (1100) may include a main processor (1110) and an auxiliary processor (1120). The main processor (1110) may include at least one selected from a central processing unit (1111, CPU) and an application processor (AP). The main processor (1110) may further include at least one selected from 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 selected from 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).

[0193] 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 used to drive the display module (1400).

[0194] 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 based on the characteristics of the electronic device (1000) 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 (1000) 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 device (1) applied to the electronic device (1000). At least one selected from 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).

[0195] The memory (1200) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (1000) (e.g., a processor (1100) or a sensor module (1610)) and input or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (1200) may include at least one of a volatile memory (1210) and a non-volatile memory (1220).

[0196] The input module (1300) can receive commands or data to be used for components of the electronic device (1000) (e.g., processor (1100), sensor module (1610) or sound output module (1630)) from outside the electronic device (1000) (e.g., user or external electronic device (2000)).

[0197] 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).

[0198] 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, a jog switch, etc., located on the rear or side of the electronic device (1000). The touch input means may include a touchscreen layer of the display device (1).

[0199] The second input module (1320) can be connected to various types of external electronic devices (2000) connected to the electronic device (1000) via wired or wireless connection. According to one embodiment, the second input module (1320) may include a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) 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 (1000) 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 (1000) 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).

[0200] The display module (1400) provides information visually to the user. The display module (1400) may include a display device (1), a scan driver (1420), and a data driver (1430).

[0201] The display device (1) displays (outputs) information processed by the electronic device (1000). The display device (1) can display information on the execution screen of an application running on the electronic device (1000), or UI (User Interface) and GUI (Graphic User Interface) information based on the execution screen information.

[0202] The scan driver (1420) may be mounted on the display device (1) as a driving chip. Alternatively, the scan driver (1420) may be formed directly on the display device (1). In one embodiment, 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 device (1). The scan driver (1420) receives a control signal from the controller (1121) and outputs scan signals to the display device (1) in response to the control signal.

[0203] The display device (1) may further include a light emission control driver. The light emission control driver outputs a light emission control signal to the display device (1) 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).

[0204] 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 device (1).

[0205] The data driver (1430) may be integrated with some components of the auxiliary processor (1120). In one embodiment, 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).

[0206] The power module (1500) supplies power to the components of the electronic device (1000). 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 (1000).

[0207] The electronic device (1000) 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).

[0208] The sensor module (1610) may include touch electrodes of the touchscreen layer of the display device (1) 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 touch sensor (1611), a biosensor (1612), and a strain sensor (1613).

[0209] The touch sensor (1611) can generate data values ​​corresponding to coordinate information of input by the user's body (e.g., finger, etc.) or input by a pen. The touch sensor (1611) can generate data values ​​of a change in capacitance, a change in pressure, or an electromagnetic change resulting from the input.

[0210] The biosensor (1612) can generate data values ​​that recognize a part of the user's body (e.g., fingerprint, iris, face, etc.) or generate data values ​​corresponding to body information (e.g., blood pressure, water content, heart rate, body composition, etc.). The biosensor (1612) can use an optical method, an ultrasonic method, or a capacitive method.

[0211] The strain sensor (1613) may include layers, patterns, or wirings in which a measurable physical quantity changes according to the stretching of the display device (1) (e.g., stretching of the display panel). In one embodiment, for example, the strain sensor (1613) may include wirings in which resistance and / or capacitance changes due to the stretching of the display device (1) (e.g., stretching of the display panel). In another embodiment, the strain sensor (1613) may include an optical layer or optical pattern in which transmittance and / or reflectance changes due to the stretching of the display device (1).

[0212] Based on the change in physical quantity due to the stretching of the display device (1) measured by the strain sensor (1613), the electronic device (1000) can improve the quality of the image implemented in the display device (1) or control the display device (1). The control operation of the display device (1) may include, for example, displaying an operation image for protecting the display device (1), cutting off the voltage for driving the display device (1), or stopping the stretching operation of the display device (1).

[0213] In one embodiment, at least one of a touch sensor (1611), a biosensor (1612), and a strain sensor (1613) may be embedded in the display device (1). In one embodiment, for example, at least one of the touch sensor (1611), the biosensor (1612), and the strain sensor (1613) may be formed through a process that is continuous with the process of forming the pixel driving circuit and / or light-emitting element of the display device (1). As a result, the display device (1) may function as one of the input modules (1300) that provide an input interface between the electronic device (1000) and the user, and may also function as a display module (1400) that provides an output interface between the electronic device (1000) and the user.

[0214] In one embodiment, at least two selected from the touch sensor (1611), the biosensor (1612), and the strain sensor (1613) may be formed to be integrated into a single sensing panel through the same process. In one embodiment, the sensing panel may be placed between the display device (1) and the window cover placed on the front of the display device (1), but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0215] 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 device (1)) or an input sensor (1612), etc.

[0216] The sound output module (1630) is a device for outputting sound signals to the outside of the electronic device (1000), 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 (1000) (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 selected from the receiver and the speaker may be a sound generating device attached to the rear of the display device (1) to vibrate the display device (1) 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 device (1).

[0217] 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.

[0218] 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 (1000). The light module (1720) may operate in conjunction with the camera module (1710) or operate independently.

[0219] The communication module (1730) can support the establishment of a wired or wireless communication channel between an electronic device (1000) 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), Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless USB (Wireless Universal Serial Bus) technologies. The various types of communication modules (1730) described above may be implemented as a single chip or as separate chips.

[0220] FIGS. 15a to 15d are schematic perspective views illustrating embodiments of an electronic device including a display device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0221] Referring to FIG. 15a, a display device according to one embodiment of the invention may be utilized in a wearable electronic device (1000A) that can be worn on a part of a user's body. The wearable electronic device (1000A) may include a body portion (3110) and a display portion (3120) provided in the body portion (3110). The display device according to embodiments of the invention may be used as the display portion (3120) of the wearable electronic device (1000A). As illustrated in FIG. 15a, the wearable electronic device (1000A) may be modified. In one embodiment, it may be used as a smart watch or a smartphone depending on the user's choice.

[0222] FIG. 15b illustrates a medical electronic device (1000B). In one embodiment, the medical electronic device (1000B) may include a body part (3210) and a light-emitting part (3220). A display device according to embodiments of the invention may be used as the light-emitting part (3220) of the medical electronic device (1000B). The light-emitting part (3220) may emit light of a specific wavelength band (e.g., infrared, visible light, etc.) to the patient's body. In one embodiment, the body part (3210) may have a stretchable fiber material and may have a structure that can be worn on the user's body.

[0223] FIG. 15c illustrates an educational electronic device (1000C). In one embodiment, the educational electronic device may include a display unit (3320) provided within a housing (3310). The display unit (3320) may utilize a display device according to embodiments of the 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 (1000C) 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. 15c illustrates an electronic device as an educational electronic device (1000C), but its use is not limited as long as it provides certain image information.

[0224] FIGS. 15d and FIGS. 15e illustrate that a display device is used in a wearable electronic device (1000D-1, 1000D-2), such as a smart watch.

[0225] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 15d, the display device corresponding to the display unit (3320) of the electronic device (1000D-1) can be stretched three-dimensionally, so it can provide various haptic information to the user in addition to visual information through images. In one embodiment, the electronic device (1000D-1) can provide haptic information such as Braille markings for the visually impaired or tactile stimulation linked to images by using a plurality of pins (or stroke unit, 3330) placed below the display unit (3320). Since the display device forming the display unit (3320) can be stretched three-dimensionally, it can provide the aforementioned haptic information to the user. The electronic device (1000D-1) may include a body part (3310) comprising a housing (3314) in which a display device forming a display part (3320) and pins (or stroke part, 3330) are housed, and a frame (3312) that can be coupled to the housing (3314) with the display device in between. In some embodiments, the frame (3312) may be formed as a single inseparable integral with the housing (3314).

[0226] The electronic device (1000D-2) of FIG. 15e may include a body part (3310) as in FIG. 15d and a display part (3320) that is housed in the body part (3310) and can provide visual information. In some embodiments, the display device corresponding to the display part (3320) may include a dome-shaped display part (3320) because it is three-dimensionally stretchable. In one embodiment, the display device may be assembled on a dome-shaped body frame during the manufacturing process of the electronic device (1000D-2), and at this time, since the display device is three-dimensionally stretchable, it may be assembled in a stretched state along the shape of a hemispherical body frame.

[0227] FIG. 15f illustrates an electronic device (1000E) according to an embodiment implemented as a robot, which includes a robot. The robot can recognize movement or objects using a camera module (3470) and can display a predetermined image to a user through a display unit (3420, 3430).

[0228] As some embodiments, display devices according to one embodiment of the invention can be assembled to a body frame having a hemispherical shape because they can be extended in various directions as described above, and thus the robot may include a hemispherical display unit (3420, 3430).

[0229] FIG. 15g illustrates a vehicle display device (1000F) as an electronic device according to one embodiment of the invention. The vehicle display device (1000F) may include a cluster (3510), a Center Information Display (CID) (3520), and / or a co-driver display (3530). Since the display device according to the embodiment of the invention can be extended in various directions, it can be used for the cluster (3510), the Center Information Display (CID) (3520), and / or the co-driver display (3530) without being constrained by the shape of the vehicle's internal frame.

[0230] FIG. 15h illustrates an embodiment in which the cluster (3510), CID (Center Information Display) (3520), and / or co-driver display (3530) are separated, but the invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, two or more selected from the cluster (3510), CID (Center Information Display) (3520), and co-driver display (3530) may be connected as a single unit.

[0231] In some embodiments, the vehicle display device (1000F) may include a button (3540) capable of displaying a predetermined image. Referring to the enlarged view of FIG. 15h, the hemispherical button (3540) may include an object (3542) that provides a sense of use of the button while moving in the z-direction or -z-direction, and a display device placed on the object (3542). In some embodiments, if the object (3542) has a three-dimensionally rounded surface, the display device may also have a three-dimensionally rounded surface.

[0232] FIG. 15h illustrates that an electronic device according to one embodiment of the invention is an electronic device (1000G) for advertising or display. In some embodiments, the electronic device (1000G) for advertising or display may be installed on a fixed structure (3610), such as a wall or a column. In an embodiment where the structure (3610) includes an uneven surface as shown in FIG. 15h, the electronic device (1000G) for advertising or display may also be placed along the uneven surface of the structure (3610). In some embodiments, the electronic device (1000G) for advertising or display may be installed on the structure (3610) using a heat-shrink film or the like.

[0233] FIG. 15i illustrates that an electronic device (1000H) according to one embodiment of the invention is a controller. The controller may include image-type buttons. In one embodiment, for example, the controller 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).

[0234] The present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to ensure that the disclosure is thorough and complete, and to sufficiently convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art. Although the present invention has been specifically illustrated and described with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Island sections each comprising a light-emitting element and a pixel driving circuit electrically connected to the light-emitting element; Bridge sections respectively connected between two adjacent island sections among the above island sections; and Force members spaced apart from each other in a plane; Includes, A display device in which, in a plane, a first force applying part, which is any one of the force applying parts, overlaps with at least two bridge parts arranged adjacently among the bridge parts.

2. In Paragraph 1, A display device in which the modulus of the first power application part is greater than the modulus of each of the at least two bridge parts.

3. In Paragraph 1, A display device in which the modulus (M) of the first power application part is greater than about 27 MPa and equal to or less than about 12 GPa.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first force applying part is a display device comprising a first polymer material.

5. In Paragraph 4, A display device comprising a first force applying part further including a layer comprising a second polymer material different from the first polymer material.

6. In Paragraph 5, The first polymer material above includes a UV-curable polymer, and The above second polymer material is a display device comprising a thermoreactive polymer.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above display device is stretchable, and A display device in which the overlapping area of ​​the first force application part and the at least two bridge parts during the stretching of the display device is smaller than the overlapping area of ​​the first force application part and the at least two bridge parts during the non-stretching of the display device.

8. In Paragraph 1, Each of the above bridge sections includes a straight section and a curved section, and A display device in which, in a plane, the first force applying part overlaps with the curved part of each of the at least two bridge parts.

9. In Paragraph 8, Each of the above bridge sections is, A first curved section connected to one of the two adjacent island sections mentioned above; A second curved section connected to the other of the two adjacent island sections mentioned above; and A display device comprising: the straight line connecting the first curve section and the second curve section.

10. In Paragraph 1, A display device further comprising an upper protective layer disposed on the above-mentioned force application parts, wherein the upper protective layer comprises an elastomer.

11. In Paragraph 10, A display device further comprising a first adhesive layer disposed between the above-mentioned force-applying parts and the above-mentioned upper protective layer, wherein the first adhesive layer comprises an adhesive material.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above force applying parts are a display device disposed on the first adhesive layer.

13. An electronic device including a display device, The above display device is, A display panel comprising island sections, and bridge sections respectively connected between two adjacent island sections among the island sections; and Including, on a plane, force applying members disposed on the display panel and spaced apart from each other, Each of the above bridge sections includes a curved section and a straight section, and An electronic device in which, in a plane, a first force applying part, which is any one of the force applying parts, overlaps with the curved part of each of at least two bridge parts arranged adjacently among the bridge parts.

14. In Paragraph 13, An electronic device in which the modulus of the first power application part is greater than the modulus of each of the at least two bridge parts.

15. In Paragraph 13, An electronic device in which the modulus (M) of the first power application part is greater than about 27 MPa and equal to or less than about 12 GPa.

16. In Paragraph 13, The above display panel is stretchable, An electronic device in which the overlapping area of ​​the first force application part and the at least two bridge parts during the stretching of the display panel is smaller than the overlapping area of ​​the first force application part and the at least two bridge parts during the non-stretching of the display device.

17. In Paragraph 13, The above display device is, An electronic device comprising an upper protective layer disposed on the above-mentioned force-applying parts and further comprising an elastomer.

18. In Paragraph 17, The above display device is, An electronic device further comprising a first adhesive layer disposed between the above-mentioned force-applying parts and the above-mentioned upper protective layer, wherein the first adhesive layer comprises an adhesive material.

19. In Paragraph 18, The above force applying parts are electronic devices disposed on the first adhesive layer.

20. In Paragraph 13, An electronic device further comprising a strain sensor for measuring a change in physical quantity due to the stretching of the above-mentioned display panel.

Images