Display device and electronic device comprising same

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention provides a display device comprising: a substrate including a first display area and a second display area surrounded by the first display area; a plurality of first light-emitting diodes and a plurality of first pixel driving circuits in the first display area; and a gate driving circuit disposed in the second display area and configured to provide scan signals to the plurality of first pixel driving circuits, wherein the shape of the second display area in the substrate is different from the shape of the first display area.

Description

Display device, and electronic device including the same

[0001] Embodiments of the present 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 stretchable display devices capable of changing into various shapes and electronic devices of various structures including such devices are actively underway.

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a highly reliable display device and an electronic device including the same.

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention provides a display device comprising: a substrate having a first display area and a second display area surrounded by the first display area; a plurality of first light-emitting diodes and a plurality of first pixel driving circuits disposed in the first display area; and a gate driving circuit disposed in the second display area and providing a scan signal to the plurality of first pixel driving circuits, wherein the shape of the second display area on the substrate is different from the shape of the first display area.

[0005] As described above, in the display device and electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention, a gate driving circuit is disposed inside the display area, so the reliability of the display device and electronic device can be ensured.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] FIGS. 2a and FIGS. 2b are perspective views showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in a first direction.

[0008] FIG. 2c is a perspective view showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in a second direction.

[0009] FIG. 2d is a perspective view showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in the first direction and the second direction.

[0010] FIG. 2e is a perspective view showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in a third direction.

[0011] FIG. 2f is a perspective view showing the display device of FIG. 1 extended in the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction.

[0012] FIG. 3a is a schematic plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 3b is a schematic perspective view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a plan view of part A of FIG. 3a as a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a first island portion and a first bridge portion disposed in the display area of ​​a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIGS. 6a to 6c are equivalent circuit diagrams of pixel driving circuits that may be included in a display device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a light-emitting element of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a light-emitting element of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a plan view of part A of FIG. 3a as a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIGS. 10a and FIGS. 10b are plan views showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 11a is a schematic perspective view of an electronic device including a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 11b is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electronic device including a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIGS. 12a to 12g are schematic perspective views illustrating embodiments of an electronic device including a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] One embodiment of the present invention provides a display device comprising: a substrate having a first display area and a second display area surrounded by the first display area; a plurality of first light-emitting diodes and a plurality of first pixel driving circuits disposed in the first display area; and a gate driving circuit disposed in the second display area and providing a scan signal to the plurality of first pixel driving circuits, wherein the shape of the second display area on the substrate is different from the shape of the first display area.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first display area includes a plurality of first islands spaced apart by a plurality of first opening areas penetrating the substrate, and the second display area may be provided as a single second island in which the substrate is continuously arranged.

[0027] In one embodiment, the substrate further includes an intermediate region disposed between the first display area and the second display area, and the intermediate region includes a plurality of third islands spaced apart by a plurality of third opening regions penetrating the substrate, and the shape of the third opening region may be different from the shape of the first opening region.

[0028] In one embodiment, it further includes a third light-emitting diode disposed in the intermediate region; wherein the third light-emitting diode may be connected to one of the plurality of first pixel driving circuits disposed in the first display region.

[0029] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a second light-emitting diode disposed in the second display area and a second pixel driving circuit for driving the second light-emitting diode; wherein the second light-emitting diode may include a second-1 light-emitting diode superimposed with the second pixel driving circuit and a second-2 light-emitting diode superimposed with the gate driving circuit.

[0030] In one embodiment, the second pixel driving circuit may be positioned closer to the first display area than the gate driving circuit.

[0031] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a plurality of scan lines connected to the gate driving circuit and transmitting the scan signal; wherein the plurality of scan lines may be arranged radially from the second display area to the outer edge of the first display area.

[0032] In one embodiment, a plurality of data lines intersecting the plurality of scan lines are further included; and the plurality of data lines may be arranged to surround the second display area.

[0033] In one embodiment, the plurality of data lines and the plurality of scan lines may be arranged in a curved shape.

[0034] One embodiment of the present invention provides a display device comprising: a substrate having a display area comprising a first display area and a second display area surrounded by the first display area; a plurality of first light-emitting diodes and a plurality of first pixel driving circuits disposed in the first display area; a gate driving circuit disposed in the second display area and providing a scan signal to the plurality of first pixel driving circuits; and a plurality of second light-emitting diodes disposed in the second display area and at least partially overlapping with the gate driving circuits.

[0035] In one embodiment, the second display area may be positioned in the center of the display area.

[0036] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of second pixel driving circuits disposed in the second display area and driving the plurality of second light-emitting diodes; wherein the plurality of second light-emitting diodes may include a plurality of second-1 light-emitting diodes superimposed with the plurality of second pixel driving circuits and a plurality of second-2 light-emitting diodes superimposed with the gate driving circuit.

[0037] In one embodiment, the plurality of second pixel driving circuits may be positioned closer to the first display area than the gate driving circuit.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first display area includes a plurality of first islands spaced apart by a plurality of first opening areas penetrating the substrate, and the second display area may be provided as a single second island in which the substrate is continuously arranged.

[0039] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a plurality of scan lines connected to the gate driving circuit and transmitting the scan signal; wherein the plurality of scan lines may be arranged radially from the second display area to the outer edge of the first display area.

[0040] One embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device comprising a display device, wherein the display device comprises: a substrate having a display area comprising a first display area and a second display area surrounded by the first display area; a plurality of first light-emitting diodes and a plurality of first pixel driving circuits disposed in the first display area; a gate driving circuit disposed in the second display area and providing a scan signal to the plurality of first pixel driving circuits; and a plurality of second light-emitting diodes disposed in the second display area and at least partially overlapping with the gate driving circuits.

[0041] In one embodiment, the second display area may be positioned in the center of the display area.

[0042] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of second pixel driving circuits disposed in the second display area and driving the plurality of second light-emitting diodes; wherein the plurality of second light-emitting diodes may include a plurality of second-1 light-emitting diodes superimposed with the plurality of second pixel driving circuits and a plurality of second-2 light-emitting diodes superimposed with the gate driving circuit.

[0043] In one embodiment, the plurality of second pixel driving circuits may be positioned closer to the first display area than the gate driving circuit.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first display area includes a plurality of first islands spaced apart by a plurality of first opening areas penetrating the substrate, and the second display area may be provided as a single second island in which the substrate is continuously arranged.

[0045] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various forms.

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0047] In the following embodiments, terms such as first, second, etc. are used not in a limiting sense, but for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

[0048] In the following examples, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0049] In the following embodiments, terms such as "include" or "have" mean that the features or components described in the specification are present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0050] In the following embodiments, when a part such as a film, region, or component is described as being on or above another part, it includes not only cases where it is directly on top of another part, but also cases where another film, region, or component is interposed in between.

[0051] In the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and width of each component shown in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, so the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated.

[0052] In the following embodiments, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to three axes in an orthogonal coordinate system and can be interpreted in a broader sense that includes them. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be orthogonal to each other, but they may also refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a display device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b are perspective views showing the display device (1) of FIG. 1 extended in a first direction. FIG. 2c is a perspective view showing the display device (1) of FIG. 1 extended in a second direction. FIG. 2d is a perspective view showing the display device (1) of FIG. 1 extended in a first direction and a second direction. FIG. 2e is a perspective view showing the display device (1) of FIG. 1 extended in a third direction. FIG. 2f is a perspective view showing the display device (1) of FIG. 1 extended in a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 1, a display device (1) may include a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA). The display area (DA) may include a plurality of pixels. The display device (1) may provide a predetermined image using light emitted from a plurality of pixels. The non-display area (NDA) may be placed outside the display area (DA). The non-display area (NDA) is an area where pixels are not placed and may completely surround the display area (DA).

[0055] The display device (1) can be extended or shortened in various directions. The display device (1) can be extended in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) by an external force applied by an external object or a user. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the display area (DA) and / or non-display area (NDA) of the display device (1) can be extended in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction). For example, as shown in FIG. 2a, it can be extended along the x direction and -x direction, or as shown in FIG. 2b, it can be extended along the x direction while one side of the display device (1) remains fixed.

[0056] 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.

[0057] The display device (1) can be extended in multiple directions, such as a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction) and a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction) by an external force applied by an external object or a part of a person's body. As shown in FIG. 2d, the display area (DA) and / or non-display area (NDA) of the display device (1) can be extended in the ±x direction and ±y direction.

[0058] 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 illustrates a part of the display device (1), such as a part of the display area (DA), protruding in the z direction. In another embodiment, a part of the display device (1), such as a part of the display area (DA), may protrude along the -z direction (or be sunken along the z direction).

[0059] The display device (1) can be extended in multiple directions, such as a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction), a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction), and a third direction (e.g., z direction and / or -z direction) by an external force applied by an external object or a part of a person's body. As shown in FIG. 2f, the display area (DA) and / or non-display area (NDA) of the display device (1) can be extended in the ±x direction, ±y direction, and ±z direction.

[0060] FIG. 3a is a schematic plan view of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3b is a schematic perspective view of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b, a display device (1) may have a substrate (100). The substrate (100) may have a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA) outside the display area (DA). In this case, the substrate (100) may include a first area (1A), a second area (2A), and a banding area (BA). In this case, the first area (1A) may be a display unit, and the second area (2A) may be a connection unit connected to an external device. In this case, the display unit may display an image according to the operation of the display area (DA) by exposing the display area (DA) to the outside. The display area (DA) as described above may be included in the first area (1A), and the non-display area (NDA) may include a part of the first area (1A) excluding the display area (DA), the second area (2A), and the banding area (BA).

[0062] The first region (1A) may be non-square in shape. The non-square shape may be, for example, a circle, an ellipse, a polygon that is partly circular, or a polygon that is not a square. Of course, the first region (1A) may have the shape of a square or a square with rounded corners.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 3b, the display device (1) may be provided in a dome shape in the first region (1A). For example, the display device (1) may be extended in the first region (1A) in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction), a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction), and a third direction (e.g., z direction and / or -z direction), as described with reference to FIG. 2f. Accordingly, the display area (DA) and non-display area (NDA) placed in the first region (1A) may be extended in the first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction), the second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction), and the third direction (e.g., z direction and / or -z direction), respectively.

[0064] The substrate (100) has a bending region (BA) extended in a first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction). The bending region (BA) is located between the first region (1A) and the second region (2A) in a second direction (e.g., y direction and / or -y direction) that intersects the first direction. For example, the substrate (100) may be bent around a bending axis (BAX) extended in the first direction (e.g., x direction and / or -x direction), as shown in FIG. 3b. FIG. 3b is illustrated as having the substrate (100) bent with the same radius of curvature with respect to the bending axis (BAX), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The substrate (100) may be bent with an uneven radius of curvature with respect to the bending axis (BAX).

[0065] The substrate (100) may include various materials having flexible or bendable properties, such as polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, or polymer resins such as cellulose acetate propionate. The substrate (100) may have a single layer or a multilayer structure of the above materials, and in the case of a multilayer structure, may further include an inorganic layer.

[0066] The first area (1A) includes a display area (DA). Of course, as shown in FIG. 3a, the first area (1A) includes a portion of the non-display area (NDA) outside the display area (DA) in addition to the display area (DA). The second area (2A) may include another portion of the non-display area (NDA).

[0067] The display area (DA) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of a part of the substrate (100). In FIG. 3a, an example is illustrated in which a part of the substrate (100) is circular and the display area (DA) is circular corresponding to the shape of the part of the substrate (100).

[0068] A display area (DA) includes a plurality of pixels (PX) to realize an image. The plurality of pixels (PX) may be realized by a light-emitting element, and the light-emitting element may be driven by a pixel driving circuit connected thereto. The pixel driving circuit may include components such as a thin film transistor (TFT) and a storage capacitor. The pixel driving circuit may be connected to a scan line and a data line that intersects the scan line. Additionally, the pixel driving circuit may be connected to a driving voltage line (PL).

[0069] Each pixel (PX) may emit light of, for example, red, green, blue, or white. A display area (DA) provides a predetermined image through the light emitted from the pixels (PX). As described above, a pixel (PX) refers to a subpixel that emits light of any one of the colors red, green, blue, or white.

[0070] The non-display area (NDA) of the first area (1A) is an area where pixels (PX) are not placed and does not provide an image. A first power supply line (30) and a second power supply line (40) that apply different power supply voltages may be placed in the non-display area (NDA).

[0071] The first power supply line (30) may be positioned to surround at least a portion of the display area (DA) in the non-display area (NDA). The first power supply line (30) may be positioned to surround most of the display area (DA), excluding the portion where the second power supply line (40) is positioned in the non-display area (NDA). In some embodiments, the first power supply line (30) may be positioned to surround a portion of the second power supply line (40). The first power supply line (30) may be electrically connected to the opposing electrodes of the light-emitting elements positioned in the display area (DA) to transmit a common voltage. Meanwhile, the first power supply line (30) may be connected to the pad (2111) of the pad portion (20). Since the first power supply line (30) is connected to the pad (2111), it may include a portion extending to the pad portion (20), for example, a portion extending in the -y direction.

[0072] The second power supply line (40) may be positioned to correspond to the lower part of the display area (DA) in the non-display area (NDA). A plurality of driving voltage lines (PL) that transmit driving voltage to a plurality of pixel driving circuits positioned in the display area (DA) may be connected to the second power supply line (40). Meanwhile, the second power supply line (40) may be connected to the pad (2112) of the pad section (20). Since the second power supply line (40) is connected to the pad section (20), it may include a portion extended to the pad section (20), for example, a portion extended in the -y direction.

[0073] A pad portion (20) may be disposed in the second region (2A). The pad portion (20) includes a plurality of pads (2111, 2112, 2113). The pad portion (20) is exposed without being covered by an insulating layer and may be electrically connected to a control unit such as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a driving driver (150).

[0074] The driving driver (150) is placed on a separate flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), and the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) can be connected to the pad portion (20). In another embodiment, the driving driver (150) can be placed in various ways. For example, the driving driver (150) can be placed directly on the upper surface of the substrate that extends and protrudes from the substrate (100) in a COG (Chip On Glass) or COP (Chip On Plastic) manner.

[0075] The control unit converts multiple video signals transmitted from the outside into multiple video data signals and transmits the converted signals to the display area (DA) through the pad unit (20). Additionally, the control unit receives a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and a clock signal, generates a control signal to control the operation of a gate driving circuit (not shown), and transmits it to the gate driving circuit through the pad unit (20). The control unit can transmit different voltages to the first power supply line (30) and the second power supply line (40), respectively, through the pad unit (20). The pad unit (20) is connected to multiple fan-out wirings (60) and can transmit voltage and various signals to the display area (DA).

[0076] Multiple fan-out wires (60) may be arranged to overlap with the bending area (BA). The fan-out wires (60) may be arranged to extend from the first area (1A) through the bending area (BA) to the second area (2A). The fan-out wires (60) may be extended to intersect the bending axis (BAX). The fan-out wires (60) may be arranged in various ways, such as intersecting perpendicularly with the bending axis (BAX) or intersecting obliquely at a predetermined angle. Additionally, the fan-out wires (60) may have various shapes, such as curved shapes or zigzag shapes, rather than straight shapes.

[0077] The display area (DA) may include a first display area (DA1) and a second display area (DA2). The second display area (DA2) may be surrounded by the first display area (DA1). The second display area (DA2) may be placed in an area of ​​the display area (DA) that receives less stress due to stretching. The modulus of the second display area (DA2) may be provided to be larger than the modulus of the first display area (DA1). The modulus of the second display area (DA2) may be provided to be 100 to 500 times larger than the modulus of the first display area (DA1). For example, the modulus of the second display area (DA2) may be 5 to 10 GPa, and the modulus of the first display area (DA1) may be 20 to 50 MPa.

[0078] The elongation of the second display area (DA2) may be provided to be smaller than the elongation of the first display area (DA1). In this specification, elongation refers to a numerical value representing the change in length (ΔL / L) by which the display device (1) can be extended without physical damage to the display device (1) when an external force is applied to the display device (1). Here, ΔL is the amount of change in length of the display device and L represents the initial length of the display device.

[0079] When the display device is stretched due to the difference between the modulus of the second display area (DA2) and the modulus of the first display area (DA1), less stretching may occur in the second display area (DA2) and more stretching may occur in the first display area (DA1).

[0080] In this embodiment, a gate driving circuit that provides scan signals and / or light emission control signals to pixel driving circuits may be disposed in the second display area (DA2). In some embodiments, the second display area (DA2) may be disposed in the center of the display area (DA). The gate driving circuit may be disposed in the center of the planar display device (1). The gate driving circuit may have a plurality of thin-film transistors disposed therein and may provide various scan signals and / or light emission control signals. Accordingly, the number of wires connected to the gate driving circuit may be substantial.

[0081] Since the gate driving circuit is placed in the second display area (DA2) which receives less stress due to stretching, the stress transmitted to the gate driving circuit when the display device (1) is stretched can be minimized, and defects in the wiring connected to the gate driving circuit can be minimized.

[0082] The display area (DA) may further include an intermediate area (MA) positioned between the first display area (DA1) and the second display area (DA2). The intermediate area (MA) is an area connecting the first display area (DA1) and the second display area (DA2), and the modulus of the intermediate area (MA) may have a value between the modulus of the first display area (DA1) and the modulus of the second display area (DA2). This adjustment of the modulus can be implemented in the shape of the substrate (100). Pixels (PX) may also be placed in the intermediate area (MA) and the second display area (DA2) to create an image.

[0083] FIG. 4 is a plan view of part A of FIG. 3a as a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 4, the substrate (100) of the display device (1) includes first island portions (11) spaced apart from each other in a first display area (DA1) and first bridge portions (12) that are spaced apart from each other by a first opening area (CS1) and connect adjacent first island portions (11). The width of the first bridge portion (21) may be smaller than the width of the first island portion (11).

[0085] The first opening area (CS1) may have a bar shape. The first opening area (CS1) may include a first sub-opening area (CS1A) extended in a first direction (e.g., x direction or -x direction) and a second sub-opening area (CS1B) extended in a second direction (e.g., y direction or -y direction). The first sub-opening area (CS1A) and the second sub-opening area (CS1B) may each have a bar shape. The first sub-opening area (CS1A) and the second sub-opening area (CS1B) may have substantially the same width and length. The length of each of the first sub-opening area (CS1A) and the second sub-opening area (CS1B) represents a value measured along the extension direction, and the width represents a value measured along a direction perpendicular to the length direction (e.g., extension direction).

[0086] The shape of the second display area (DA2) may be provided differently from the shape of the first display area (DA1). For example, the entire second display area (DA2) may be provided as a single second island section (21). The substrate (100) may be arranged continuously in the second display area (DA2). The second display area (DA2) may not have an opening area, so the modulus may be provided to be larger than that of the first display area (DA1). In another embodiment, the second display area (DA2) may have a plurality of second island sections and a plurality of second opening areas arranged between them, and the number and size of the plurality of second opening areas may each be provided to be smaller than the number and size of the first opening area (CS1).

[0087] The intermediate area (MA) may include mutually spaced third island sections (31) and third bridge sections (32). Adjacent third island sections (31) may be spaced apart from each other by a third opening area (CS3). The third island section (31) and the first island section (11), or the third island section (31) and the second island section (21) may be spaced apart from each other by a fourth opening area (CS4). The fourth opening area (CS4) may be provided in a bar shape between the first display area (DA1) and the intermediate area (MA), or between the second display area (DA2) and the intermediate area (MA).

[0088] The shape of the third opening region (CS3) may be provided differently from the shape of the first opening region (CS1). The shape of the third opening region (CS3) may be provided in a shape similar to a rhombus. The size of the third opening region (CS3) may be provided differently from the size of the first opening region (CS1). The shape of the third opening region (CS3) may be provided differently from the shape of the fourth opening region (CS4). The fourth opening region (CS4) may be provided in a bar shape extended in the y-direction.

[0089] The third island sections (31) of any row placed in the intermediate area (MA) may correspond to the first island sections (11) of multiple rows arranged in the first display area (DA1). For example, the third island sections (31) of any row placed in the intermediate area (MA) may be placed to correspond to the first island sections (11) arranged in the (i)th row and the first island sections (11) arranged in the (i+1)th row of the display area (DA) (where i is a positive number greater than 0). In another embodiment, the third island sections (31) of any row may correspond to n rows of the first island sections (11) (where n is a positive number greater than or equal to 3).

[0090] The third bridge sections (32) can connect the third island section (31) and the first island section (11), or connect the third island section (31) and the second island section (21). For example, one end of the third bridge section (32) can be connected to the edge of one side of the third island section (31), and the other end of the third bridge section (32) can be connected to the edge of one side of the first island section (11). Alternatively, one end of the third bridge section (32) can be connected to the edge of one side of the third island section (31), and the other end of the third bridge section (32) can be connected to one side of the second island section (21).

[0091] The third bridge section (32) may have a curved shape. For example, the third bridge section (32) may be provided in the shape of an arc that is part of a circle. In another embodiment, the third bridge section (32) may be provided in the shape of a C or an S. The width of the third bridge section (32) may be smaller than the width of the third island section (31).

[0092] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first island part (11) and a first bridge part (12) arranged in a display area (DA) of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 5, the first island section (11) and the first bridge section (12) placed in the display area (DA) may be spaced apart with the first aperture area (CS1) in between. The first island section (11) includes light-emitting elements (LEDs) and a circuit for driving the light-emitting elements electrically connected thereto, such as a pixel driving circuit section (PC), and the first bridge section (12) may include wiring (WL) electrically connected to the pixel driving circuit sections (PCs) placed in each of the adjacent first island sections (11).

[0094] Looking at the first island section (11), a buffer layer (111) containing an inorganic insulating material is disposed on the substrate (100), and a pixel driving circuit section (PC) may be disposed on the buffer layer (111). An insulating layer (IL) containing an inorganic insulating material and / or an organic insulating material may be disposed between the pixel driving circuit section (PC) and the light-emitting element (LED). The light-emitting element (LED) is disposed on the insulating layer (IL) and may be electrically connected to the corresponding pixel driving circuit section (PC). The light-emitting elements (LEDs) may emit light of different colors or light of the same color. In one embodiment, the light-emitting elements (LEDs) may each emit red, green, and blue light. In some embodiments, the light-emitting elements (LEDs) may emit white light. In another embodiment, the light-emitting elements (LEDs) may each emit red, green, blue, and white light.

[0095] 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.

[0096] In one embodiment, FIG. 5 illustrates three pixel driving circuit units (PCs) arranged in each first island unit (11) and three light-emitting elements (LEDs) connected to each pixel driving circuit unit (PC), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the number of pixel driving circuit units (PCs) and light-emitting elements (LEDs) arranged in the first island unit (11) may be one, two, or four or more.

[0097] The encapsulation layer (300) may be placed on a light-emitting element (LED) and may protect the light-emitting element (LED) from external forces and / or moisture penetration. The encapsulation layer (300) may include an inorganic encapsulation layer and / or an organic encapsulation layer. In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer (300) may include a structure in which an inorganic encapsulation layer containing an inorganic insulating material, an organic encapsulation layer containing an organic insulating material, and an inorganic encapsulation layer containing an inorganic insulating material are laminated. In other embodiments, the encapsulation layer (300) may include an organic material such as resin. In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer (300) may include urethane epoxy acrylate. The encapsulation layer (300) may include a photosensitive material, such as a photoresist.

[0098] Looking at the first bridge section (12), an insulating layer (IL) containing an organic insulating material may be disposed on the substrate (100). When the display device (1) is stretched, the first bridge section (12), which undergoes relatively more deformation, may not have a layer containing an inorganic insulating material that is prone to cracking, unlike the first island section (11).

[0099] In one embodiment, the substrate (100) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12) may have the same stacked structure as the substrate (100) corresponding to the first island portion (11). In one embodiment, the substrate (100) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12) and the substrate (100) corresponding to the first island portion (11) may be polymer resin layers formed together in the same process. In another embodiment, the substrate (100) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12) may have a different stacked structure than the substrate (100) corresponding to the first island portion (11). In some embodiments, the substrate (100) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12) has a multilayer structure including a base layer containing a polymer resin and a barrier layer containing an inorganic insulating material, and the substrate (100) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12) may have a structure of a polymer resin layer without a layer containing an inorganic insulating material.

[0100] As previously described, the wiring (WL) of the first bridge section (12) may be signal lines (e.g., gate lines, data lines, etc.) for providing electrical signals to transistors included in the pixel driving circuit section (PC) of the first island section (11), or voltage lines (e.g., driving voltage lines, initialization voltage lines, etc.) for providing voltage. An encapsulation layer (300) may also be disposed in the first bridge section (12). In another embodiment, the encapsulation layer (300) may not exist in the first bridge section (12).

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5, the substrate (100) corresponding to the first island portion (11) and the substrate (100) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12) can be connected to each other. In other words, the plan view shown in FIG. 4 above may be substantially the same as the plan view of the substrate (100) in FIG. 5. In other words, the substrate (100) may include an area corresponding to the first island portion (11), an area corresponding to the first bridge portion (12), and an opening (100OP1) having the same shape as the first opening area (CS1).

[0102] Similarly, the bag layer (300) corresponding to the first island portion (11) and the bag layer (300) corresponding to the first bridge portion (12) can be connected to each other. For example, the plan view shown in FIG. 4 above may be substantially identical to the plan view of the bag layer (300). In other words, the bag layer (300) may include an area corresponding to the first island portion (11), an area corresponding to the first bridge portion (12), and an opening (300OP1) having the same shape as the first opening area (CS1).

[0103] The circuit-light-emitting element layer (200) between the substrate (100) and the encapsulation layer (300) may include a buffer layer (111), a pixel driving circuit (PC), wiring (WL), an insulating layer (IL), and a light-emitting element (LED). Similar to the substrate (100), the plan view previously shown in FIG. 4 may be substantially identical to the plan view of the circuit-light-emitting element layer (200). In other words, the circuit-light-emitting element layer (200) may include an opening (200OP1) having the same shape as the first opening region (CS1).

[0104] FIGS. 6a to 6c are equivalent circuit diagrams of subpixels of a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 6a, a light-emitting element (LED) corresponding to a subpixel is electrically connected to a pixel driving circuit (PC), and the pixel driving circuit (PC) may include a first transistor (T1), a second transistor (T2), and a storage capacitor (Cst). The pixel driving circuit (PC) may be electrically connected to a signal line and a voltage line. The signal line may include a gate line such as a first scan line (SL1) and a data line (DL), and the voltage line may include a first voltage line (VDDL).

[0106] The second transistor (T2) can be electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and the data line (DL). The first scan line (SL1) can provide a first scan signal (GW) to the gate electrode of the second transistor (T2). The second transistor (T2) can transmit a data signal (Dm) input from the data line (DL) to the first transistor (T1) according to the first scan signal (GW) input from the first scan line (SL1).

[0107] 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).

[0108] The first transistor (T1) is a driving transistor capable of controlling the driving current flowing through the light-emitting element (LED). The first transistor (T1) can be connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) and the storage capacitor (Cst). The first transistor (T1) can control the driving current flowing through the light-emitting element (LED) from the first voltage line (VDDL) in correspondence with the voltage value stored in the storage capacitor (Cst). The light-emitting element (LED) can emit light having a predetermined brightness by the driving current. The first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) is electrically connected to the first transistor (T1), and the second electrode can be electrically connected to the second voltage line (VSSL) that supplies the second power supply voltage (VSS).

[0109] 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.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 6b, the pixel driving circuit (PC) may include a first transistor (T1), a second transistor (T2), a third transistor (T3), a fourth transistor (T4), a fifth transistor (T5), a sixth transistor (T6), a seventh transistor (T7), and a storage capacitor (Cst).

[0111] 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).

[0112] 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).

[0113] The first transistor (T1) can be electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The first transistor (T1) acts as a driving transistor and receives a data signal (Dm) according to the switching operation of the second transistor (T2) and supplies a driving current to the light-emitting element (LED).

[0114] The second transistor (T2) is a data write transistor and is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and the data line (DL). The second transistor (T2) is electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5). The second transistor (T2) is turned on according to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) and performs a switching operation to transmit the data signal (Dm) transmitted to the data line (DL) to the first node (N1).

[0115] The third transistor (T3) is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and is electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The third transistor (T3) is turned on according to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) and can connect the first transistor (T1) to the diode.

[0116] The fourth transistor (T4) is a first initialization transistor and is electrically connected to the third scan line (SL3) and the first initialization voltage line (VIL1). The fourth transistor (T4) is turned on according to the third scan signal (GI) received through the third scan line (SL3) to transmit the first initialization voltage (Vint) from the first initialization voltage line (VIL1) to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1), thereby initializing the voltage of the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1). The third scan signal (GI) may correspond to the first scan signal of another pixel driving circuit unit placed in the previous row of the corresponding pixel driving circuit unit (PC).

[0117] The fifth transistor (T5) may be an operation control transistor, and the sixth transistor (T6) may be a light-emitting control transistor. The fifth transistor (T5) and the sixth transistor (T6) are electrically connected to the light-emitting control line (EML) and are simultaneously turned on according to the light-emitting control signal (EM) received through the light-emitting control line (EML) to form a current path so that a driving current can flow from the first voltage line (VDDL) toward the light-emitting element (LED).

[0118] The seventh transistor (T7) is a second initialization transistor and can be electrically connected to the second scan line (SL2), the second initialization voltage line (VIL2), and the sixth transistor (T6). The seventh transistor (T7) is turned on according to the second scan signal (GB) received through the second scan line (SL2), and can initialize the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) by transmitting the second initialization voltage (Vaint) from the second initialization voltage line (VIL2) to the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED).

[0119] 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).

[0120] Referring to FIG. 6c, the pixel driving circuit (PC) may include a first transistor (T1), a second transistor (T2), a third transistor (T3), a fourth transistor (T4), a fifth transistor (T5), a sixth transistor (T6), a seventh transistor (T7), an eighth transistor (T8), a ninth transistor (T9), a storage capacitor (Cst), and an auxiliary capacitor (Ca).

[0121] 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).

[0122] 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.

[0123] The first transistor (T1) can be electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and the eighth transistor (T8), and can be electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The first transistor (T1) acts as a driving transistor and can receive a data signal (Dm) according to the switching operation of the second transistor (T2) and supply driving current to the light-emitting element (LED).

[0124] The second transistor (T2) is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and the data line (DL), and is electrically connected to the first voltage line (VDDL) via the fifth transistor (T5) and the eighth transistor (T8). The second transistor (T2) is turned on according to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) and performs a switching operation to transmit the data signal (Dm) transmitted to the data line (DL) to the first node (N1).

[0125] The third transistor (T3) is electrically connected to the first scan line (SL1) and is electrically connected to the light-emitting element (LED) via the sixth transistor (T6). The third transistor (T3) is turned on according to the first scan signal (GW) received through the first scan line (SL1) and connects the first transistor (T1) to the diode, thereby compensating for the threshold voltage of the first transistor (T1).

[0126] The fourth transistor (T4) is electrically connected to the third scan line (SL3) and the first initialization voltage line (VIL1), and is turned on according to the third scan signal (GI) received through the third scan line (SL3) to transmit the first initialization voltage (Vint) from the first initialization voltage line (VIL1) to the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1) to initialize the voltage of the gate electrode of the first transistor (T1). The third scan signal (GI) may correspond to the first scan signal of another pixel driving circuit unit placed in the previous row of the corresponding pixel driving circuit unit (PC).

[0127] The fifth transistor (T5), the sixth transistor (T6), and the eighth transistor (T8) are electrically connected to the light emission control line (EML) and are simultaneously turned on according to the light emission control signal (EM) received through the light emission control line (EML) to form a current path so that driving current can flow from the first voltage line (VDDL) toward the light-emitting element (LED).

[0128] The seventh transistor (T7) is a second initialization transistor and can be electrically connected to the second scan line (SL2), the second initialization voltage line (VIL2), and the sixth transistor (T6). The seventh transistor (T7) is turned on according to the second scan signal (GB) received through the second scan line (SL2) and transmits the second initialization voltage (Vaint) from the second initialization voltage line (VIL2) to the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) to initialize the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED).

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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).

[0132] The auxiliary capacitor (Ca) can be electrically connected to the sixth transistor (T6), the holding voltage line (VSL), and the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED). By storing and maintaining a voltage corresponding to the voltage difference between the first electrode of the light-emitting element (LED) and the holding voltage line (VSL) while the seventh transistor (T7) and the ninth transistor (T9) are turned on, the auxiliary capacitor (Ca) can prevent the problem of the black brightness rising when the sixth transistor (T6) is turned off.

[0133] FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a light-emitting element of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 7a, a light-emitting element according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an organic light-emitting diode (220) containing an organic material. The organic light-emitting diode (220) may include a first electrode (221) disposed on an insulating layer, a second electrode (225) facing the first electrode (221), and a light-emitting layer (223) interposed between the first electrode (221) and the second electrode (225). A first functional layer (222) may be disposed between the first electrode (221) and the light-emitting layer (223), and a second functional layer (224) may be disposed between the light-emitting layer (223) and the second electrode (225).

[0135] The edge of the first electrode (221) may be covered with a bank layer (BKL) containing an insulating material. The bank layer (BKL) may include an opening (B-OP) that overlaps the central portion of the first electrode (221).

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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).

[0138] The second electrode (225) may be made of a conductive material with a low work function. For example, the second electrode (225) may include a (semi)transparent layer comprising silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), or alloys thereof. Alternatively, the second electrode (225) may further include a layer such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, AZO, or In2O3 on the (semi)transparent layer comprising the aforementioned materials.

[0139] FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a light-emitting element of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 7b, in one embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting element may include an inorganic light-emitting diode (230) comprising an inorganic material. The inorganic light-emitting diode (230) may include a first semiconductor layer (231), a second semiconductor layer (232), an intermediate layer (233) between the first semiconductor layer (231) and the second semiconductor layer (232), a first electrode (235) electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer (231), and a second electrode (238) electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer (232). The first electrode (235) and the second electrode (238) of the inorganic light-emitting diode (230) may each be electrically connected to a first electrode pad (241) and a second electrode pad (242) disposed on the same layer.

[0141] In some embodiments, the first semiconductor layer (231) may include a p-type semiconductor layer. The p-type semiconductor layer is In x Al y Ga 1-x-y A semiconductor material having the composition formula N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1) can be selected from, for example, GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, AlInN, etc., and p-type dopants such as Mg, Zn, Ca, Sr, and Ba can be doped.

[0142] The second semiconductor layer (232) may include, for example, an n-type semiconductor layer. The n-type semiconductor layer is In x Al y Ga 1-x-y A semiconductor material having the composition formula N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1) can be selected from, for example, GaN, AlN, AlGaN, InGaN, InN, InAlGaN, AlInN, etc., and can be doped with n-type dopants such as Si, Ge, and Sn.

[0143] The intermediate layer (233) is a region where electrons and holes recombine, and as electrons and holes recombine, they transition to a lower energy level and can generate light having a corresponding wavelength. The intermediate layer (233) is, for example, In x Al y Ga 1-x-y It can be formed by including a semiconductor material having a composition formula of N (0≤x≤1, 0≤y≤1, 0≤x+y≤1), and can be formed as a single quantum well structure or a multi-quantum well (MQW) structure. In addition, it may include a quantum wire structure or a quantum dot structure.

[0144] FIG. 7b illustrates that the first semiconductor layer (231) includes a p-type semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer (232) includes an n-type semiconductor layer, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the first semiconductor layer (231) may include an n-type semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer (232) may include a p-type semiconductor layer.

[0145] FIG. 8 is a plan view of portion A of FIG. 3a as part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, it shows some pixel driving circuits, light-emitting elements, and gate driving circuits arranged in a display area (DA).

[0146] Referring to FIG. 8, a first light-emitting diode (LED1) and a first pixel driving circuit (PC1) for driving the first light-emitting diode (LED1) may be disposed in the first display area (DA1). The first light-emitting diode (LED1) may overlap with the first pixel driving circuit (PC1). In each of the first island portions (11) of the first display area (DA1), a plurality of first light-emitting diodes (LED1) emitting different colors and a plurality of first pixel driving circuits (PC1) for driving them may be disposed.

[0147] For example, three first pixel driving circuits (PC1) and three first light-emitting diodes (LED1) may be arranged in one of the first island sections (11). The three first light-emitting diodes (LED1) can each function as a red pixel (Pr), a green pixel (Pg), and a blue pixel (Pb). These red pixels (Pr), green pixels (Pg), and blue pixels (Pb) may be arranged in a stripe array in a line along the first direction as shown in the drawing. However, they are not limited thereto. The pixel arrangement may be a mosaic array, a diamond array, or a pentile array. TM It can be arranged in various ways, such as arrays.

[0148] A second light-emitting diode (LED2) and a second pixel driving circuit (PC2) for driving the second light-emitting diode (LED2) may be disposed in the second display area (DA2). Additionally, a gate driving circuit (GDC) may be disposed in the second display area (DA2). The gate driving circuit (GDC) is a circuit that provides a scan signal and / or a light emission control signal to the first pixel driving circuits (PC1) and the second pixel driving circuits (PC2), and may be connected to a gate line (GL). The gate line (GL) can transmit a scan signal or a light emission control signal to the pixel driving circuits as a scan line or a light emission control line.

[0149] The second light-emitting diode (LED2) may include a second-1 light-emitting diode (LED2-1) and a second-2 light-emitting diode (LED2-2). The second-1 light-emitting diode (LED2-1) and the second-2 light-emitting diode (LED2-2) can be connected to a single second pixel driving circuit (PC2) and driven simultaneously. The second-1 light-emitting diode (LED2-1) may be placed in overlap with the second pixel driving circuit (PC2). The second-2 light-emitting diode (LED2-2) may be placed in overlap with the gate driving circuit (GDC). As the second-2 light-emitting diode (LED2-2) is placed in overlap with the gate driving circuit (GDC), an image can be realized in the second display area (DA2) where the gate driving circuit (GDC) is located.

[0150] The second display area (DA2) can be divided into a second-1 display area (DA2-1) in which a gate driving circuit (GDC) is placed, and a second-2 display area (DA2-2) in which a second pixel driving circuit (PC2) is placed. The second-2 display area (DA2-2) is an area placed at the edge of the second display area (DA2) and can be placed between the second-1 display area (DA2-1) and the intermediate area (MA). The second pixel driving circuit (PC2) can be placed closer to the first display area (DA1) than the gate driving circuit (GDC).

[0151] In this embodiment, the gate driving circuit (GDC) is placed in the second display area (DA2) which has a large modulus, so that even if the display device is deformed, less stress caused by deformation can be transmitted to the gate driving circuit (GDC).

[0152] When the gate driving circuit (GDC) is positioned at the outer edge of the display area (DA), external force can be easily applied to the gate driving circuit (GDC) during the process of stretching the display device, and defects such as cracks may occur in the gate driving circuit (GDC) due to this external force. In this case, even if a defect occurs in only a part of the gate driving circuit (GDC), a defect occurs in the entire display device.

[0153] In this embodiment, the gate driving circuit (GDC) is placed inside the display area (DA) to minimize the external force applied to the gate driving circuit (GDC), thereby ensuring the reliability of the entire display device (1).

[0154] A third light-emitting diode (LED3) may be placed in the intermediate area (MA). The third light-emitting diode (LED3) may be driven by a first pixel driving circuit (PC1) placed in the first display area (DA1). A pixel driving circuit may not be placed in the intermediate area (MA). A first pixel driving circuit (PC1) that simultaneously drives the third light-emitting diode (LED3) and the first light-emitting diode (LED1) may be placed in an area of ​​the first display area (DA1) that is adjacent to the intermediate area (MA). The first light-emitting diode (LED1) may overlap with the first pixel driving circuit (PC1). The third light-emitting diode (LED3) is placed in the third island portion (31) of the intermediate area (MA) and may overlap with wiring passing through the intermediate area (MA), such as a gate line (GL). As the third light-emitting diode (LED3) is placed in the intermediate area (MA), the boundary between the first display area (DA1) and the second display area (DA2) can be prevented from being visible.

[0155] The wiring passing through the third bridge section (32) of the intermediate area (MA) can be formed in a curved shape along the shape of the third bridge section (32). By having the wiring in a curved shape, the wiring placed in the third bridge section (32) can receive less stress during tension or compression of the display device.

[0156] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 9 shows a part of a first display area, a second display area, and an intermediate area of ​​the display device.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 9, a first light-emitting diode (LED1) and a first pixel driving circuit (PC1) connected to the first light-emitting diode (LED1) may be disposed in the first display area (DA1). The first light-emitting diode (LED1) may overlap with the first pixel driving circuit (PC1).

[0158] A second light-emitting diode (LED2) may be placed in the second display area (DA2). The second light-emitting diode (LED2) may include a second-1 light-emitting diode (LED2-1) and a second-2 light-emitting diode (LED2) connected to each other.

[0159] In the second display area (DA2), a second pixel driving circuit (PC2) connected to a second light-emitting diode (LED2) may be disposed in the second-1 display area (DA2). In the second-2 display area (DA2), a gate driving circuit (GDC) that provides signals such as scan signals and light emission control signals to the pixel driving circuits (PC1, PC2) may be disposed. The second-1 light-emitting diode (LED2-1) may overlap with the second pixel driving circuit (PC2), and the second-2 light-emitting diode (LED2-2) may overlap with the gate driving circuit (GDC).

[0160] A third light-emitting diode (LED3) may be placed in the intermediate area (MA). The third light-emitting diode (LED3) may be connected to a first pixel driving circuit (PC1) placed in the first display area (DA1).

[0161] The first pixel driving circuit (PC1) may include a first thin-film transistor (TFT1), the second pixel driving circuit (PC2) may include a second thin-film transistor (TFT2), and the gate driving circuit (GDC) may include a third thin-film transistor (TFT3).

[0162] A first connecting wire (CWL1) connecting a first pixel driving circuit (PC1) and a third light-emitting diode (LED3) may be disposed in the first display area (DA1) and the intermediate area (MA). A second connecting wire (CWL2) connecting a second pixel driving circuit (PC2) and a second light-emitting diode (LED2-2) may be disposed in the second-1 display area (DA2-1) and the second-2 display area (DA2-2). The second connecting wire (CWL2) may include a second-1 connecting wire (CWL2-1) and a second-2 connecting wire (CWL2-2) disposed on different layers.

[0163] As described above, the substrate (100) may be made of an insulating material such as a polymer resin. The substrate (100) may be a flexible substrate capable of bending, folding, rolling, etc.

[0164] A buffer layer (111) is positioned on a substrate (100) to reduce or block the penetration of foreign matter, moisture, or outside air from the bottom of the substrate (100) and to provide a flat surface on the substrate (100). The buffer layer (111) may include an inorganic material such as an oxide or a nitride, an organic material, or an organic-inorganic composite, and may be composed of a single layer or a multilayer structure of inorganic and organic materials. A barrier layer (not shown) that blocks the penetration of outside air may be further included between the substrate (100) and the buffer layer (111). In some embodiments, the buffer layer (111) is silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN X It can be provided as ).

[0165] A first thin-film transistor (TFT1), a second thin-film transistor (TFT2), and a third thin-film transistor (TFT3) may be disposed on the upper part of the buffer layer (111). The first thin-film transistor (TFT1) includes a first semiconductor layer (A1), a first gate electrode (G1), a first source electrode (S1), and a first drain electrode (D1). The first thin-film transistor (TFT1) is connected to a first light-emitting diode (LED1) and a third light-emitting diode (LED3) to drive the first light-emitting diode (LED1) and the third light-emitting diode (LED3).

[0166] The second thin-film transistor (TFT2) is connected to the second-1 light-emitting diode (LED2-1) and the second-2 light-emitting diode (LED2-2) to drive the second-1 light-emitting diode (LED2-1) and the second-2 light-emitting diode (LED2-2). The third thin-film transistor (TFT3) is a thin-film transistor included in the gate driving circuit (GDC) and can provide a driving signal such as a scan signal.

[0167] Since the second thin-film transistor (TFT2) and the third thin-film transistor (TFT3) have a configuration similar to the first thin-film transistor (TFT1), the description of the first thin-film transistor (TFT1) serves as a substitute for the description of the second thin-film transistor (TFT2) and the third thin-film transistor (TFT3). The first thin-film transistor (TFT1) may include a first semiconductor layer (A1), a first gate electrode (G1), a first source electrode (S1), and a first drain electrode (D1).

[0168] The first semiconductor layer (A1) is disposed on the buffer layer (111) and may include polysilicon. In another embodiment, the first semiconductor layer (A1) may include amorphous silicon. In another embodiment, the first semiconductor layer (A1) may include an oxide of at least one material selected from the group comprising indium (In), gallium (Ga), stanium (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and zinc (Zn). The first semiconductor layer (A1) may include a channel region, an impurity-doped source region, and a drain region.

[0169] A first gate insulating layer (112) may be provided to cover the first semiconductor layer (A1). The first gate insulating layer (112) may be silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO₂ x N y It may include inorganic insulating materials such as aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), etc. The first gate insulating layer (112) may be a single layer or a multilayer containing the aforementioned inorganic insulating material.

[0170] A first gate electrode (G1) is disposed on the upper portion of the first gate insulating layer (112) so as to overlap with the first semiconductor layer (A1). The first gate electrode (G1) may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers, including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc. As an example, the first gate electrode (G1) may be a single layer of Mo.

[0171] The second gate insulating layer (113) may be provided to cover the first gate electrode (G1). The second gate insulating layer (113) may be silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO₂ x N yIt may include inorganic insulating materials such as aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO2). The second gate insulating layer (113) may be a single layer or a multilayer containing the aforementioned inorganic insulating material.

[0172] Wiring (WL) and capacitor electrodes (not shown) may be disposed on the upper portion of the second gate insulating layer (113). Some of the wiring (WL) disposed in the second display area (DA2) may be connected to a gate driving circuit (GDC) to transmit driving signals. The wiring (WL) may include aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), and / or copper (Cu), and may be a single layer or a multilayer of the aforementioned materials.

[0173] The interlayer insulating layer (115) may be formed to cover the wiring (WL) on the second gate insulating layer (113). The interlayer insulating layer (115) may be silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxynitride (SiO₂ x N y It may include aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), etc. The interlayer insulating layer (115) may be a single layer or a multilayer containing the aforementioned inorganic insulating material.

[0174] The first source electrode (S1) and the first drain electrode (D1) may be disposed on the interlayer insulation layer (115). Additionally, wiring (WL') may be disposed on the interlayer insulation layer (115). The wiring (WL', WL) disposed in the intermediate region (MA) may overlap with the third light-emitting diode (LED3).

[0175] The first source electrode (S1), the first drain electrode (D1), and the wiring (WL') may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc., and may be formed as a multilayer or single layer including the above materials. As an example, the first source electrode (S1) and the first drain electrode (D1) may be formed as a multilayer structure of Ti / Al / Ti.

[0176] A first organic insulating layer (OL1) may be disposed on the upper portion of the interlayer insulating layer (115) to cover the first source electrode (S1) and the first drain electrode (D1). First connecting electrodes (CM1, CM1') connected to pixel driving circuits (PC1, PC2), respectively, may be disposed on the first organic insulating layer (OL1). The first connecting electrodes (CM1, CM1') may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc., and may be formed as a multilayer or single layer including the above materials.

[0177] A second organic insulating layer (OL2) covering first connecting electrodes (CM1, CM1') may be disposed on the first organic insulating layer (OL1). A first connecting wire (CWL1) and a second-1 connecting wire (CWL2-1) may be disposed on the second organic insulating layer (OL2). The first connecting wire (CWL1) may be connected to the first connecting electrode (CM1) connected to the first pixel driving circuit (PC1), and the second-1 connecting wire (CWL2-1) may be connected to the first connecting electrode (CM1') connected to the second pixel driving circuit (PC2).

[0178] The first connecting wire (CWL1) and the second-1 connecting wire (CWL2-1) may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc., and may be formed as a multilayer or single layer including the above materials. Alternatively, the first connecting wire (CWL1) and the second-1 connecting wire (CWL2-1) 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).

[0179] A third organic insulating layer (OL3) covering the first connecting wire (CWL1) and the second-first connecting wire (CWL2-1) may be disposed on the second organic insulating layer (OL2). A second-second connecting wire (CWL2-2) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (OL3). The second-second connecting wire (CWL2-2) may be connected to the second-first connecting wire (CWL2-1) through a contact hole (CNT1) penetrating the third organic insulating layer (OL3).

[0180] The 2-2 connecting wire (CWL2-2) may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), conductive oxide, etc., and may be formed as a multilayer or single layer including the above materials.

[0181] The first connecting wire (CWL1) can be extended from the first display area (DA1) to the intermediate area (MA). The first connecting wire (CWL1) can be extended through the third bridge section (32, see FIG. 8) of the intermediate area (MA) to the third island section (31, see FIG. 8).

[0182] The 2-1 connecting wire (CWL2-1) and the 2-2 connecting wire (CWL2-2) may be arranged to extend from the 2-1 display area (DA2-1) to the 2-2 display area (DA2-2). Accordingly, at least one of the 2-1 connecting wire (CWL2-1) and the 2-2 connecting wire (CWL2-2) may overlap with the gate driving circuit (GDC). Although the 2-2 connecting wire (CWL2) is illustrated as being composed of the 2-1 connecting wire (CWL2-1) and the 2-2 connecting wire (CWL2-2) arranged on different layers, the present invention is not limited thereto. Various variations are possible, such as the 2-2 connecting wire (CWL2) being composed only of the 2-1 connecting wire (CWL2-1) or the 2-2 connecting wire (CWL2-2).

[0183] A fourth organic insulating layer (OL4) may be disposed on the third organic insulating layer (OL3) to cover the second-2 connecting wire (CWL2-2). The fourth organic insulating layer (OL4) may have a flat upper surface so that the first electrodes (221) of the light-emitting diodes (LED1, LED2, LED3) disposed thereon can be formed flatly.

[0184] These first organic insulating layer (OL1), second organic insulating layer (OL2), third organic insulating layer (OL3), and fourth organic insulating layer (OL4) may include general-purpose polymers such as BCB (Benzocyclobutene), polyimide, HMDSO (Hexamethyldisiloxane), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), or polystyrene, polymer derivatives having a phenolic group, acrylic polymers, imide polymers, aryl ether polymers, amide polymers, fluorine polymers, p-xylene polymers, or vinyl alcohol polymers. Various modifications are possible, such as the first organic insulating layer (OL1), second organic insulating layer (OL2), third organic insulating layer (OL3), and fourth organic insulating layer (OL4) being provided with the same material or different materials.

[0185] Light-emitting diodes (LED1, LED2, LED3) may be disposed on the upper portion of the fourth organic insulating layer (OL4). The light-emitting diodes (LED1, LED2, LED3) may include a first electrode (221), a light-emitting layer (223), and a second electrode (225), as described with reference to FIG. 7a.

[0186] The first electrode (221) of the first light-emitting diode (LED1) and the first electrode (221) of the third light-emitting diode (LED2) can each be connected to the first connecting wire (CWL1) through a contact hole. The first electrode (221) of the second-first light-emitting diode (LED2-1) and the first electrode (221) of the second-second light-emitting diode (LED2-2) can be formed as a single unit. However, this is not limited thereto. Various variations are possible, such as the first electrode (221) of the second-first light-emitting diode (LED2-1) and the first electrode (221) of the second-second light-emitting diode (LED2-2) each being connected to the second-second connecting wire (CWL2-2) through a contact hole.

[0187] A bank layer (BKL) is disposed on a fourth organic insulating layer (OL4) and can define a light-emitting region of light-emitting diodes (LED1, LED2, LED3). The bank layer (BKL) covers the edge of the first electrode (221) of the light-emitting diodes (LED1, LED2, LED3) and may have an opening that exposes the central part of the first electrode (221). The size and shape of the light-emitting region of the light-emitting diodes (LED1, LED2, LED3) can be defined by the opening.

[0188] The bank layer (BKL) can be formed using organic insulating materials such as polyimide, polyamide, acrylic resin, benzocyclobutene, HMDSO (hexamethyldisiloxane), and phenolic resin, and by methods such as spin coating.

[0189] A light-emitting layer (223) is disposed inside the opening of the bank layer (BKL), and a second electrode (225) is disposed on the light-emitting layer (223). The second electrode (225) can be integrally formed to correspond to light-emitting diodes (LED1, LED2, LED3) as a common electrode.

[0190] An upper layer (250) containing an organic material may be formed on the second electrode (225). The upper layer (250) may be a layer provided to protect the second electrode (225) while simultaneously increasing light extraction efficiency. The upper layer (250) may contain an organic material with a higher refractive index than the second electrode (225). Alternatively, the upper layer (250) may be provided by stacking layers with different refractive indices. For example, the upper layer (250) may be provided by stacking a high refractive index layer, a low refractive index layer, and a high refractive index layer. In this case, the refractive index of the high refractive index layer may be 1.7 or higher, and the refractive index of the low refractive index layer may be 1.3 or lower.

[0191] The upper layer (250) may additionally include LiF. Alternatively, the upper layer (250) may additionally include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiNx).

[0192] FIGS. 10a and FIGS. 10b are plan views showing parts of a display device according to embodiments of the present invention. Specifically, FIGS. 10a and FIGS. 10b show the arrangement relationship of a gate line and a data line according to one embodiment.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 10a, the substrate (100) of the display device (1) includes a first display area (DA1) and a second display area (DA2) surrounded by the first display area (DA1). The second display area (DA2) may be positioned in the center of the substrate (100). The first display area (DA1) is provided with a first aperture area (CS1), and the second display area (DA2) may not have an aperture area. Accordingly, the modulus of the second display area (DA2) may be provided to be larger than the modulus of the first display area (DA1).

[0194] A gate driving circuit (GDC) is disposed in the second display area (DA2), and a scan signal and / or light emission control signal can be provided to pixel driving circuits (PCs) disposed in the first display area (DA1) through the gate line (GL).

[0195] In this embodiment, a gate line (GL) connected to a gate driving circuit (GDC) may extend from a second display area (DA2) to the edge of a first display area (DA2). A plurality of gate lines (GL) may be provided, and the plurality of gate lines (GL) may be arranged radially from a second display area (DA2) located in the center of the substrate (100) to the edge of the substrate (100).

[0196] The data line (DL) can be positioned to intersect the gate line (GL). Accordingly, the data line (DL) can be positioned to surround at least a portion of the second display area (DA2).

[0197] The gate line (GL) and data line (DL) are connected to the pixel driving circuit (PC) to transmit scan signals and data signals, respectively.

[0198] In FIG. 10a, the gate line (GL) is shown as a straight line and the data line (DL) is shown as a circle, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 10b, the gate line (GL) and data line (DL) may be provided in a curved shape. For example, the gate line (GL) and data line (DL) may be provided in a wavy shape or a zigzag shape. The first display area (DA1) is provided with a first opening area (CS1), and the gate line (GL) and data line (DL) may be arranged to bypass the first opening area (CS1). That is, a plurality of gate lines (GL) are arranged radially from the center of the display area (DA) to the edge, and each gate line (GL) may be provided in a wavy shape. Likewise, the data lines (DL) are also arranged to surround the second display area (DA2), and each data line (DL) may be provided in a wavy shape.

[0200] The display device (1) according to the above-described embodiments can be used in various electronic devices capable of providing an image. Here, an electronic device refers to a device that uses electricity and has the function of providing a predetermined image.

[0201] FIG. 11a is a schematic perspective view of an electronic device (1000) including a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11b is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device (1000) including a display device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 11a, the electronic device (1000) can be freely deformed in three dimensions and can provide a three-dimensional image surface through the display area (DA). The statement that the electronic device (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 embodiments of the present invention may exhibit a deformation such as the area of ​​the entire display area (DA) increasing or decreasing again as the electronic device (1000) is deformed in the x direction, y direction, and / or z direction.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 11b, the 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)).

[0204] 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).

[0205] The processor (1100) may include a main processor (1110) and an auxiliary processor (1120). The main processor (1110) may include at least one of a central processing unit (1111, CPU) and an application processor (AP). The main processor (1110) may further include at least one of a graphic processing unit (1112, GPU), a communication processor (CP), and an image signal processor (ISP). The main processor (1110) may further include a neural processing unit (1113, NPU). The neural processing unit is a processor specialized for processing artificial intelligence models, and the artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially. At least two of the processing unit and processor described above may be implemented as a single integrated configuration (e.g., a single chip), or each may be implemented as an independent configuration (e.g., multiple chips).

[0206] The auxiliary processor (1120) may include a controller (1121). The controller (1121) may include an interface conversion circuit and a timing control circuit. The controller (1121) receives a video signal from the main processor (1110), converts the data format of the video signal to match the interface specifications with the display module (1400), and outputs video data. The controller (1121) may output various control signals required for driving the display module (1400).

[0207] The auxiliary processor (1120) may further include data processing circuits such as a data conversion circuit (1122), a gamma correction circuit (1123), and a rendering circuit (1124). The data conversion circuit (1122) receives image data from the controller (1121) and can compensate the image data so that the image is displayed at a desired brightness according to the characteristics of the electronic device (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 of the data conversion circuit (1122), gamma correction circuit (1123), and rendering circuit (1124) may be integrated into another component (e.g., main processor (1110) or controller (1121)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (1120) may be integrated into the data driver (1430).

[0208] 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).

[0209] 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)).

[0210] 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).

[0211] 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).

[0212] 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).

[0213] 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).

[0214] 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.

[0215] 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). 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.

[0216] 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).

[0217] 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).

[0218] The data driver (1430) may be integrated with some components of the auxiliary processor (1120). For example, the data driver (1430) may be provided as a timing controller embedded driver integrated circuit (Timing controller embedded driver IC) including a controller (1121).

[0219] 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 transceiver so that the battery can be charged wirelessly. The wireless power transceiver may include a plurality of coil-shaped antenna radiators. The power module (1500) may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). The PMIC supplies optimized power to each of the components of the electronic device (1000).

[0220] 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).

[0221] 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).

[0222] 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.

[0223] The biosensor (1512) 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 (1512) can use an optical method, an ultrasonic method, or a capacitive method.

[0224] 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). 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). 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).

[0225] 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).

[0226] In one embodiment, at least one of a touch sensor (1611), a biosensor (1612), a digitizer (1613), and a strain sensor (1613) may be embedded in the display device (1). 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.

[0227] In one embodiment, at least two of the touch sensor (1611), biosensor (1612), and 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 a window cover placed on the front of the display device (1), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0228] 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.

[0229] 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 of 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).

[0230] 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.

[0231] 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.

[0232] 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.

[0233] FIGS. 12a to 12d are schematic perspective views illustrating embodiments of an electronic device including a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0234] Referring to FIG. 12a, a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention can 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 part (3110) and a display part (3120) provided in the body part (3110). The display device according to embodiments of the present invention can be used as the display part (3120) of the wearable electronic device (1000A). As illustrated in FIG. 12a, the wearable electronic device (1000A) may be modified. In one embodiment, it can be used as a smart watch or a smartphone depending on the user's choice.

[0235] FIG. 12b illustrates a medical electronic device (1000B). In one embodiment, the medical electronic device (1000B) may include a body portion (3210) and a light-emitting portion (3220). A display device according to embodiments of the present invention may be used as the light-emitting portion (3220) of the medical electronic device (1000B). The light-emitting portion (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 portion (3210) may have a stretchable fiber material and may have a structure that can be worn on the user's body.

[0236] FIG. 12c illustrates an educational electronic device (1000C). In one embodiment, the educational electronic device may include a display unit (3320) provided within a body unit (3310). The display unit (3320) may utilize a display device according to embodiments of the present invention. The display unit (3320) may provide images such as a sea with waves, a snow-covered mountain, or a volcano with flowing lava, wherein the display unit (3320) may extend in the height direction (e.g., z-direction) to reflect the height of the waves, mountain, or volcano. In some embodiments, a portion of the display unit (3320) may sequentially vary in height along the direction of the lava flow to show the movement of the lava in three dimensions. The educational electronic device (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. 12c illustrates an educational electronic device (1000C), but its use is not limited as long as it provides a certain image information.

[0237] FIGS. 12d and FIGS. 12e illustrate that a display device is used in a wearable electronic device (1000D-1, 1000D-2), such as a smart watch.

[0238] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 12d, 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 integrally with the housing (3314).

[0239] The electronic device (1000D-2) of FIG. 12e may include a body part (3310) as in FIG. 12d 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.

[0240] FIG. 12f illustrates that in one embodiment of the present invention, another electronic device (1000E) 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).

[0241] As some embodiments, display devices according to one embodiment of the present 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).

[0242] FIG. 12ga illustrates a vehicle display device (1000F) as another electronic device in one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12gb illustrates an enlarged portion of FIG. 12ga. 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 an embodiment of the present invention can be extended in various directions, it can be used for the cluster (3510), the Center Information Display (CID) (3520), and / or the co-driver display (3530) without being constrained by the shape of the vehicle's internal frame.

[0243] FIG. 12h illustrates the cluster (3510), the Center Information Display (CID) (3520), and / or the co-driver display (3530) being separated, but the invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, two or more selected from the cluster (3510), the Center Information Display (CID) (3520), and the co-driver display (3530) may be connected as a single unit.

[0244] 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. 12h, 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.

[0245] FIG. 12h illustrates that an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present 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. If the structure (3610) includes an uneven surface as shown in FIG. 12h, 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.

[0246] FIG. 12i illustrates that an electronic device (1000H) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a controller. The controller may include image-type buttons. 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).

[0247] The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A substrate having a first display area and a second display area surrounded by the first display area; A plurality of first light-emitting diodes and a plurality of first pixel driving circuits disposed in the first display area above; A gate driving circuit disposed in the second display area and providing a scan signal to the plurality of first pixel driving circuits; is included. A display device in which the shape of the second display area on the substrate is different from the shape of the first display area.

2. In Paragraph 1, A display device wherein the first display area comprises a plurality of first islands spaced apart by a plurality of first opening areas penetrating the substrate, and the second display area comprises a single second island in which the substrate is continuously arranged.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above substrate further includes an intermediate region disposed between the first display area and the second display area, and The above intermediate region includes a plurality of third islands spaced apart by a plurality of third opening regions penetrating the substrate, and A display device in which the shape of the third opening region is different from the shape of the first opening region.

4. In Paragraph 3, It further includes a third light-emitting diode disposed in the above intermediate region, and A display device in which the third light-emitting diode is connected to one of the plurality of first pixel driving circuits disposed in the first display area.

5. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a second light-emitting diode disposed in the second display area and a second pixel driving circuit for driving the second light-emitting diode; A display device comprising a second light-emitting diode, a second-1 light-emitting diode superimposed with the second pixel driving circuit, and a second-2 light-emitting diode superimposed with the gate driving circuit.

6. In Paragraph 5, A display device in which the second pixel driving circuit is positioned closer to the first display area than the gate driving circuit.

7. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a plurality of scan lines connected to the gate driving circuit and transmitting the scan signal; A display device in which the plurality of scan lines are arranged radially from the second display area to the outer edge of the first display area.

8. In Paragraph 7, It further includes a plurality of data lines intersecting the plurality of scan lines; and A display device in which the plurality of data lines are arranged to surround the second display area.

9. In Paragraph 8, A display device in which the plurality of data lines and the plurality of scan lines are arranged in a curved shape.

10. A substrate having a display area comprising a first display area and a second display area surrounded by the first display area; A plurality of first light-emitting diodes and a plurality of first pixel driving circuits disposed in the first display area above; A gate driving circuit disposed in the second display area and providing a scan signal to the plurality of first pixel driving circuits; and A display device comprising: a plurality of second light-emitting diodes disposed in the second display area and at least partially overlapping with the gate driving circuit.

11. In Paragraph 10, The second display area is a display device positioned in the center of the display area.

12. In Paragraph 10, It further includes a plurality of second pixel driving circuits disposed in the second display area and driving the plurality of second light-emitting diodes; A display device comprising a plurality of second light-emitting diodes, a plurality of second-1 light-emitting diodes superimposed with the plurality of second pixel driving circuits, and a plurality of second-2 light-emitting diodes superimposed with the gate driving circuit.

13. In Paragraph 12, A display device in which the plurality of second pixel driving circuits are positioned closer to the first display area than the gate driving circuit.

14. In Paragraph 10, A display device wherein the first display area comprises a plurality of first islands spaced apart by a plurality of first opening areas penetrating the substrate, and the second display area comprises a single second island in which the substrate is continuously arranged.

15. In Paragraph 10, It further includes a plurality of scan lines connected to the gate driving circuit and transmitting the scan signal; A display device in which the plurality of scan lines are arranged radially from the second display area to the outer edge of the first display area.

16. In an electronic device including a display device, The above display device is, A substrate having a display area comprising a first display area and a second display area surrounded by the first display area; A plurality of first light-emitting diodes and a plurality of first pixel driving circuits disposed in the first display area above; A gate driving circuit disposed in the second display area and providing a scan signal to the plurality of first pixel driving circuits; and An electronic device comprising a plurality of second light-emitting diodes disposed in the second display area and at least partially overlapping with the gate driving circuit.

17. In Paragraph 16, The above second display area is an electronic device positioned in the center of the above display area.

18. In Paragraph 16, It further includes a plurality of second pixel driving circuits disposed in the second display area and driving the plurality of second light-emitting diodes; An electronic device comprising a plurality of second light-emitting diodes, wherein the plurality of second light-emitting diodes includes a plurality of second-1 light-emitting diodes superimposed with the plurality of second pixel driving circuits and a plurality of second-2 light-emitting diodes superimposed with the gate driving circuit.

19. In Paragraph 18, An electronic device in which the plurality of second pixel driving circuits are positioned closer to the first display area than the gate driving circuit.

20. In Paragraph 16, An electronic device wherein the first display area comprises a plurality of first islands spaced apart by a plurality of first opening areas penetrating the substrate, and the second display area is provided as a single second island in which the substrate is continuously arranged.

Images