Display device with optical sensor

Abstract

A display device with an optical sensor is disclosed. The display device includes a display panel having a display area and a non-display area at least partially surrounding the display area. A panel support sheet is arranged behind the display panel and has a first hole exposing the display area of ​​the display panel. The optical sensor is arranged in the first hole. A first light blocking portion is arranged in a gap area between the panel support sheet and the optical sensor in the first hole.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0089089 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 31, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device having an optical sensor. Background Art

[0004] A display device is an output device for presenting information in a visual form. Display devices are used in various devices, such as smart phones. Display devices such as those used in smart phones may have additional features, such as optical sensors, fingerprint recognition sensors, iris recognition sensors, proximity sensors, etc.

[0005] For example, the optical sensor may be an infrared optical sensor. The infrared optical sensor may include a light emitting portion that emits infrared rays and a sensor that receives infrared rays that have been reflected from a surface (such as a user's face). The infrared optical sensor may perform a sensing function by measuring the time it takes for the emitted infrared rays to be reflected and received by the sensor.

[0006] Such an optical sensor may be arranged directly under the window of the display device or behind the display panel of the display device. By arranging the optical sensor behind the display panel, the portion of the non-display area occupied by the optical sensor can be reduced, thereby reducing the frame of the display device. Summary of the invention

[0007] The display device includes a display panel having a display area and a non-display area at least partially surrounding the display area. The panel support sheet is arranged behind the display panel and has a first hole exposing the display area of ​​the display panel. The optical sensor is arranged in the first hole. The first light blocking portion is arranged in the first hole in a gap area between the panel support sheet and the optical sensor.

[0008] The display device includes a display panel having a display area and a non-display area at least partially surrounding the display area. A driving circuit board is arranged behind the display panel. The driving circuit board is electrically connected to the display panel. The driving circuit board includes a first hole exposing the display area of ​​the display panel. The optical sensor is arranged in the first hole. The first light blocking portion is arranged behind the optical sensor. The first light blocking portion partially overlaps the driving circuit board and the optical sensor, and covers a gap area between the driving circuit board and the optical sensor in the first hole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A rear view of the display device;

[0012] Figure 3 is shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an example of a display device taken along line AA';

[0013] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of area A2;

[0014] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 An enlarged view of area A2 in FIG.

[0016] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 8 is shown with Figure 7 A rear view of an example of a portion of the display device corresponding to area A3;

[0018] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 an enlarged view of area A4;

[0022] Fig.13 It is shown that the formation includes Fig.11 A view of a process for forming a protective layer in a display device;

[0023] Fig.14 and Fig.15is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig.16 and Fig.17 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0025] Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] By referring to the following detailed description and drawings of the embodiments, the features of the inventive concept and the methods for implementing the same may be more easily understood. However, the inventive concept may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concepts of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art.

[0027] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present.

[0028] It should be understood that although the words first, second, etc. can be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts in this article, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these words. These words are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the inventive concept, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0029] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc., may be used herein for convenience of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation shown in the drawings. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the elements described as being "below" or "beneath" other elements or features will subsequently be oriented to be "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" can include both the orientations of above and below. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0030] In the drawings, components may be exaggerated or reduced in size for convenience of explanation.

[0031] Like reference numerals may refer to like elements throughout the specification and drawings.

[0032] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] The display device is configured to display moving images and / or still images. The display device can be used as a display screen of portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, tablet computers, smart watches, watch phones, mobile communication terminals, electronic notebooks, electronic books, portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation devices, and ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs), as well as display screens of various products such as televisions, notebook computers, computer monitors, digital billboards, and various smart devices such as those considered to be Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Examples of display devices include organic light emitting display (OLED) devices, liquid crystal display (LCD) devices, plasma display panel (PDP) devices, field emission display (FED) devices, and electrophoretic display (EPD) devices, etc.

[0034] In the following description, an organic light emitting display device will be described as an example of a display device. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0035] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 , the display device 1 includes a window 20. The display device 1 has a display area DA and a non-display area NDA around the display area DA.

[0037] The display area DA is defined as an area for displaying an image. When viewed from the front, the display area DA may have a substantially rectangular shape, such as a rectangular or Figure 1 . However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The shape of the display area DA is not limited thereto, and it may have other shapes such as a circle or an ellipse.

[0038] The non-display area NDA is arranged to at least partially surround the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may form an edge of the display device 1. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, a front camera, an iris recognition sensor, a proximity sensor, etc. may be arranged in the non-display area NDA.

[0039] The display area DA may include a sensing area SA1.

[0040] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The configuration of the display device 1 is described in detail.

[0041] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A rear view of the display device. Figure 2 An enlarged view of area A1 is shown. Figure 3 is shown along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an example of a display device taken along line AA'.

[0042] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The display device 1 includes a display panel 10, a window 20, a panel support sheet 30, an optical sensor 300, and a first light blocking portion 500 (or a light blocking layer). In addition, the display device 1 may also include a first flexible circuit board 100, a driving circuit board 200, and a second flexible circuit board 400.

[0043] The display panel 10 includes a circuit element layer 11 and a display element layer 12. In addition, the display panel 10 may further include a protective layer 13.

[0044] The circuit element layer 11 includes circuit elements (e.g., transistors, wiring, etc.) arranged on a substrate. The display element layer 12 is arranged on the circuit element layer 11 and includes a plurality of organic light emitting elements. The substrate may be a rigid substrate made of glass or the like, or a flexible substrate made of polyimide or the like. When a polyimide substrate is used as the substrate, the display panel 10 may be bent, curved, folded, or rolled.

[0045] The protective layer 13 is disposed behind the circuit element layer 11. The protective layer 13 can protect the display panel 10 from external impact generated below the display panel 10. The protective layer 13 can protect the display panel 10 from scratches and impacts that may occur during the manufacturing process of the display device 1.

[0046] The protective layer 13 includes a first hole H1. For example, the first hole H1 is defined in the protective layer 13. The first hole H1 may be aligned with the sensing area SA1 (see Figure 1 ) overlap. The first hole H1 passes through the protective layer 13 and penetrates the panel support sheet 30 to expose the lower surface of the display panel 10. When the protective layer 13 includes a light-blocking material, light emitted from an optical sensor 300 to be described later can be transmitted only through the first hole H1. Alternatively, when the protective layer 13 does not include a light-blocking material, the first hole H1 may be omitted.

[0047] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the protective layer 13 may include a color-changing material and a latent heat storage material. Under certain conditions, the color-changing material can change from a first color state to a second color state. The latent heat storage material can absorb heat and release the stored heat. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The protective layer 13 including the color changing material and the latent heat storage material is described.

[0048] The window 20 is disposed in front of the display panel 10. The window 20 is disposed in front of the display panel 10 to protect the display panel 10 and transmit light emitted from the display panel 10.

[0049] The window 20 may include transparent glass or a transparent material such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene resin, and polyester. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The type of the window 20 is not particularly limited herein as long as it has sufficient transmittance to transmit light emitted from the display panel 10.

[0050] The window 20 may at least partially overlap the display panel 10 and may cover the front surface of the display panel 10. The window 20 may be larger than the display panel 10. For example, the window 20 may protrude outward from the shorter side of the display panel 10. The window 20 may also protrude from the display panel 10 at the longer side of the display device 1. The window 20 may protrude more at the shorter side than at the longer side.

[0051] The window 20 includes a black matrix BM arranged along the edge of the lower surface. The black matrix BM can be used to prevent the elements thereunder from being observed through the front surface (or display surface) of the display device 1.

[0052] A touch panel 40 (or another form of input sensing panel) may be disposed between the display panel 10 and the window 20. The touch panel 40 may be disposed on the front surface of the display panel 10. For example, the touch panel 40 has substantially the same shape and size as the display panel 10, and may overlap the display panel 10.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch panel 40 may be directly formed on the display panel 10. For example, the touch panel 40 can be formed by disposing a touch electrode on a passivation layer of the display panel 10. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch panel 40 may be manufactured as a panel separated from the display panel 10 and later disposed in front of the display panel 10. Then, the display panel 10 may be coupled to the touch panel 40 by an optically clear adhesive (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), or the like.

[0054] The touch panel 40 may be coupled to the window 20 by a first adhesive member AD1 such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA) and an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0055] A first flexible circuit board 100 and a driving circuit board 200 may be disposed on one side of the display panel 10 and the touch panel 40. The first flexible circuit board 100 and the driving circuit board 200 may be disposed in the non-display area NDA adjacent to the sensing area SA1 of the display area DA.

[0056] One side of the first flexible circuit board 100 may be connected to the display panel 10, and the other side of the first flexible circuit board 100 may be connected to one side of the driving circuit board 200 (for example, the first pad portion PD1 formed with the first pad). The first flexible circuit board 100 may electrically connect the display panel 10 and the driving circuit board 200. A driving chip IC (or integrated circuit) for driving the display panel 10 may be mounted on the first flexible circuit board 100. In this case, the first flexible circuit board 100 may electrically connect the driving chip IC to the display panel 10.

[0057] One side of the first flexible circuit board 100 may be attached to the front surface (or display surface) of the display panel 10, and the other side thereof may be arranged to face the rear surface (or the surface opposite to the display surface) of the display panel 10. For example, the first flexible circuit board 100 may be bent from the front surface 10 toward the rear surface of the display panel 10, and the other side of the first flexible circuit board 100 may be arranged on the rear surface of the panel support sheet 30.

[0058] The driving circuit board 200 may include an electronic device for processing a driving signal for driving the display panel 10 (and the touch panel 40). The driving signal generated in the driving circuit board 200 may be transmitted to the driving chip IC and / or the display panel 10 through the first flexible circuit board 100. The driving circuit board 200 may receive a control signal from an external source via one side (e.g., the second pad portion PD2 formed with the second pad), or may output a sensing signal generated from the optical sensor 300, etc. The driving circuit board 200 may be arranged behind the display panel 10 (or the panel support sheet 30) in a smaller size (or occupied area) than the display panel 10.

[0059] The driving circuit board 200 may include a third hole H3. The third hole H3 may be aligned with the sensing area SA1 (see Figure 1 ). The third hole H3 passes through the driving circuit board 200 to expose the lower surface of the display panel 10. The third hole H3 has substantially the same size as the first hole H1 of the protection layer 13 (and the second hole H2 of the panel support sheet 30 described later), and may be substantially aligned with the first hole H1.

[0060] The panel support sheet 30 may be disposed behind the display panel 10. The panel support sheet 30 has substantially the same size as the display panel 10 and may overlap the display panel 10. The side surface of the panel support sheet 30 may be aligned with the side surface of the display panel 10, but is not limited thereto. The panel support sheet 30 may be attached to the lower surface of the display panel 10 by the second adhesive member AD2.

[0061] The panel support sheet 30 may be configured to perform a light blocking function, a heat dissipation function, an electromagnetic wave shielding function, a pattern hiding function, a grounding function, a buffering function, a strength enhancement function, and / or a digitization function, etc. The panel support sheet 30 may include a functional layer having at least one of the above functions. The functional layer may be provided in various forms, such as a layer, a film, a sheet, a plate, and a panel.

[0062] The panel support sheet 30 may include one or more functional layers. When the panel support sheet 30 includes a plurality of functional layers, the functional layers may be stacked on each other so that they overlap each other. The functional layers may be directly stacked on each other, or a coupling layer may be arranged.

[0063] The panel support sheet 30 may include first functional layers 31 stacked on top of each other (see Figure 4 ) and a second functional layer 32 (see Figure 4 ). It should be understood that this is merely illustrative and that the panel support sheet 30 may include three or more functional layers.

[0064] The first functional layer 31 may be a buffer member that mitigates external impact. For example, the first functional layer 31 absorbs a portion of the impact applied to the display device 1, thereby preventing the display device 1 from being damaged by the impact.

[0065] The first functional layer 31 may be formed of a polymer resin such as polyurethane, polycarbonate, polypropylene, and polyethylene, or may be formed of a sponge formed by foaming a rubber liquid, a urethane-based material, or an acrylic-based material.

[0066] The second functional layer 32 may perform a digitizer function. Unlike input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, a digitizer is one of input devices that receives position information indicated by a user on a screen. For example, the second functional layer 32 may recognize the movement of a stylus pen and convert it into a digital signal.

[0067] The panel support sheet 30 includes a second hole H2. The second hole H2 can be aligned with the sensing area SA1 (see Figure 1). The second hole H2 penetrates the panel support sheet 30 to expose the lower surface of the display panel 10. The second hole H2 may have substantially the same size as the first hole H1 of the protective layer 13, and may be aligned with the first hole H1. For example, the inner sidewall of the panel support sheet 30 generated by the second hole H2 may be positioned on the inner sidewall of the protective layer 13 (e.g., the inner sidewall of the protective layer 13 generated by the first hole H1), and may be positioned on the same plane.

[0068] The optical sensor 300 is arranged in the second hole H2. The optical sensor 300 may directly face the display panel 10. The optical sensor 300 may be, for example, a fingerprint recognition sensor using infrared rays. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any sensor may be used as the optical sensor 300 as long as it can perform a sensing function using infrared rays.

[0069] The optical sensor 300 may be coupled to the display panel 10 by a third adhesive member AD3 such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA) and an optically clear resin (OCR). The third adhesive member AD3 may be arranged along an edge of an upper surface (or a sensing surface that emits and receives light) of the optical sensor 300 to increase transmittance of light emitted from the optical sensor 300 and reflected light.

[0070] Reference Figure 2 , the optical sensor 300 may be fixed to the second flexible circuit board 400. The optical sensor 300 may be fixed to the second flexible circuit board 400 by, for example, welding. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second flexible circuit board 400 may extend to one side of the optical sensor 300 on the lower surface of the driving circuit board 200 and may be connected to the driving circuit board 200. For example, the driving circuit board 200 may include a third pad portion PD3 located in a specific area, and the second flexible circuit board 400 may be connected to the third pad portion PD3 of the driving circuit board 200.

[0071] The optical sensor 300 may be spaced apart a predetermined distance from the inner wall of the panel supporting sheet 30. For example, the size of the second hole H2 formed in the panel supporting sheet 30 may be greater than that of the optical sensor 300.

[0072] The first light blocking portion 500 may be arranged in the gap area VA, which is located between the optical sensor 300 and the panel support sheet 30 at the second hole H2. After the optical sensor 300 is arranged in the second hole H2, the gap area VA may be filled with the first light blocking portion 500. The first light blocking portion 500 can absorb or block the light passing through the gap area VA. For example, the first light blocking portion 500 may include a color dye or an opaque dye. The color dye may include a synthetic dye, such as an anthraquinone-based synthetic dye, an azo-based synthetic dye, a methine-based synthetic dye, a quinoline-based synthetic dye, a perylene-based synthetic dye, an azine-based synthetic dye, and a nigrosine dye with excellent light-blocking properties, or may include an organic dye, such as a phthalocyanine-based dye, a dioxazine-based dye, and a perylene-based dye with excellent shielding properties in the visible light range. In addition, the first light blocking portion 500 has an adhesive property and can fix the optical sensor 300 to the panel support sheet 30. For example, the first light blocking portion 500 may be glue or resin. It should be understood that this is merely illustrative, and the first light blocking part 500 is not limited thereto. The material of the first light blocking part 500 is not particularly limited as long as it can block light and has an adhesive property.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first light blocking part 500 may be disposed exclusively in a portion of the void area VA. Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the optical sensor 300 is connected to the driving circuit board 200 through the second flexible circuit board 400, and accordingly, the second flexible circuit board 400 may overlap a portion of the void area VA. Therefore, the overlapping portion of the void area VA (e.g., the portion of the void area VA overlapping with the second flexible circuit board 400) can be shielded by the second flexible circuit board 400. Accordingly, the first light blocking portion 500 is exclusively arranged in the non-overlapping portion of the void area VA (e.g., the portion of the void area VA not overlapping with the second flexible circuit board 400), thereby absorbing or blocking light passing through the non-overlapping portion of the void area VA.

[0074] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of area A2.

[0075] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the optical sensor 300 may be spaced apart a predetermined distance from the inner sidewall of the panel supporting sheet 30. A first distance D1 between the optical sensor 300 and the inner wall of the panel supporting sheet 30 may be about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm.

[0076] If the first distance D1 is 0.1 mm or more, preferably 0.2 mm or more, the optical sensor 300 does not directly hit the panel support sheet 30, thereby preventing damage to the optical sensor 300. When the first distance D1 is 0.5 mm or less, preferably 0.3 mm or less, a sufficiently thin and small display device 1 can be manufactured.

[0077] The optical sensor 300 may include a light emitting part 310 for emitting infrared rays and a sensing part 320 for receiving and sensing infrared rays. The optical sensor 300 may analyze a unique pattern of a target object by measuring the time it takes for infrared rays emitted from the light emitting part 310 to be received by the sensing part 320.

[0078] For example, the fingerprint of a finger includes protruding ridges and recessed valleys. The time it takes for the infrared ray L1 emitted from the light emitting unit 310 to be received by the sensing unit 320 varies depending on whether it is reflected by the ridges or valleys. Accordingly, the unique pattern of the fingerprint can be analyzed by measuring the time it takes to receive the infrared ray.

[0079] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Magnified view of area A2 in FIG.

[0080] Reference Figure 5 , the display device 1_1 and Figure 3 The display device 1 of FIG. 5 is different in that the former includes a protective layer 13 a , a third adhesive member AD3_1 , and a first light blocking part 500_1 .

[0081] The display device 1_1 is substantially the same as the display device 1 except for the protective layer 13 a and the first light blocking part 500_1 ; and therefore, omitted descriptions of other elements may be understood as being at least similar to corresponding elements already described.

[0082] Except for the first hole H1_1, the protective layer 13a is the same as that in the above reference. Figure 3 The protective layer 13 described is substantially the same; and therefore, the omitted description of other elements may be understood to be at least similar to the corresponding elements already described.

[0083] The first hole H1_1 of the protective layer 13a may be larger than the second hole H2 of the panel support sheet 30. Then, the inner wall of the protective layer 13a may be spaced apart from the optical sensor 300 by a distance greater than the distance between the inner wall of the panel support sheet 30 and the optical sensor 300. For example, the second distance D2 from the outer side surface of the optical sensor 300 to the protective layer 13a may be greater than the first distance D1 from the outer side surface of the optical sensor 300 to the panel support sheet 30 by a third distance D3. The third distance D3 may be 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0084] Similarly, the third adhesive member AD3_1 may be inserted between the optical sensor 300 and the display panel 10 so that the outer side surface of the third adhesive member AD3_1 may be positioned more inward (closer to the center of the area of ​​the third adhesive member AD3_1) than the outer side surface of the optical sensor 300. For example, the third adhesive member AD3_1 may be positioned more inward than the outer side surface of the optical sensor 300 by a fourth distance D4. The fourth distance D4 may be 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] Accordingly, if Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , a gap area VA_1 having a “T”-shaped cross section may be formed between the panel supporting sheet 30 and the optical sensor 300 .

[0086] The void area VA_1 may be filled with the first light blocking part 500_1 and may have a “T” shaped cross section, such as Figure 5 as shown in .

[0087] Since the void area VA_1 has a "T"-shaped cross section, the void area VA_1 may be filled with the first light blocking portion 500_1 up to the inner corner (e.g., a portion adjacent to the protective layer 13a and a portion adjacent to the third adhesive member AD3_1). For example, when the first light blocking portion 500_1 is a liquid resin and the void area VA_1 is filled therewith, the first light blocking portion 500_1 extends from the lower surface of the display panel 10 to the inner corner of the void area VA_1. Even if the inner corner of the void area VA_1 (e.g., a corner where the outer surface of the protective layer 13a meets the lower surface of the display panel 10) is not filled with the first light blocking portion 500_1 or is not sufficiently filled with it, the inner corner of the first light blocking portion 500_1 may be hidden by the panel support sheet 30 and / or the optical sensor 300. For example, when the panel support sheet 30 has a light blocking function, the portion of the display panel 10 overlapping with the panel support sheet 30 may not be observed through the front surface of the display device 1. Similarly, the portion of the display panel 10 overlapping the optical sensor 300 may not be visible through the front surface of the display device 1 .

[0088] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a display device, which is Figure 3 corresponding part. Figure 8 is shown with Figure 7 Area A3 in the figure corresponds to a rear view of an example of a portion of the display device. Figure 7 Area A3 corresponds to Figure 2 area A1.

[0089] Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 The display device 1_2 shown in FIG. Figure 3 The difference between the display device 1 and the display device 1 is that the display device 1_2 further includes a second light blocking portion 600. In addition to the second light blocking portion 600, the display device 1_2 is different from Figure 3 The display device 1 is substantially the same; and therefore, redundant description will be omitted.

[0090] The second light blocking portion 600 is disposed below the driving circuit board 200 and the optical sensor 300 and may cover the gap area VA (see Figure 2 ).

[0091] The second light blocking portion 600 may be a single-sided adhesive film. The second light blocking portion 600 may have an adhesive upper surface, and the second light blocking portion 600 may be attached to the lower surface of the driving circuit board 200 and the lower surface of the optical sensor 300. The second light blocking portion 600 may support the optical sensor 300 and may be fixed to the display panel 10.

[0092] The second light blocking portion 600 may include a light blocking material. For example, the second light blocking portion 600 may be a light blocking tape. The second light blocking portion 600 may block the transmission gap area VA together with the first light blocking portion 500 (see Figure 2 ). If the thickness of the optical sensor 300, the thickness of the panel support sheet 30, etc. are reduced, the thickness of the first light blocking portion 500 may also be reduced. In this case, a portion of the light is transmitted through the first light blocking portion 500, so that the user can observe the optical sensor 300 through the front surface of the display panel 10. Therefore, by arranging the second light blocking portion 600 to cover the gap area VA, the optical sensor 300 can be more effectively hidden from the user.

[0093] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , when viewed from the front, the second light blocking portion 600 may have a substantially rectangular shape that fits the optical sensor 300 (or the second hole H2 of the panel support sheet 30). The second light blocking portion 600 may include a fourth hole H4 formed in alignment with the center of the region. Heat generated in the optical sensor 300 may be discharged or transferred to the rear of the optical sensor 300 through the fourth hole H4.

[0094] Similar to the first light blocking part 500 , the second light blocking part 600 may be formed only in a non-overlapping portion of the void area VA (eg, a portion of the void area VA that does not overlap with the second flexible circuit board 400 ).

[0095] As mentioned above Figure 7 and Figure 8As described above, the display device 1_2 further includes the second light blocking portion 600 so that the optical sensor 300 can be more stably fixed to the display panel 10 and thus the optical sensor 300 can be hidden from being observed through the front surface of the display panel 10 .

[0096] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] Reference Figure 7 and Fig. 9 , display device 1_3 and Figure 7 The display device 1_2 is different in that the former includes a second adhesive member AD2_1.

[0098] The second adhesive member AD2_1 may be disposed between the display panel 10 and the panel supporting sheet 30 to fix the panel supporting sheet 30 to the display panel 10 .

[0099] The thickness of the second bonding member AD2_1 may be greater than Figure 7 The thickness of the second bonding member AD2 is shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in , when the optical sensor 300 is thicker than the panel support sheet 30 (and the driving circuit board 200), there may be a level difference between the lower surface of the optical sensor 300 and the lower surface of the driving circuit board 200. When this happens, at least a portion of the second light blocking portion 600 may be bent along the level difference, and stress may be applied to the bent portion. In addition, even if the gap area VA is filled with the first light blocking portion 500 to the lower surface of the driving circuit board 200, there is an empty space due to the level difference.

[0100] Accordingly, if Fig. 9 As shown in , the thickness of the second adhesive member AD2_1 can be adjusted to (e.g., relatively thick) so that the lower surface of the optical sensor 300 and the lower surface of the driving circuit board 200 can be positioned on the same plane or can become uniform. To this end, the second light blocking portion 600 can have a flat shape. In addition, when the gap area VA is filled with the first light blocking portion 500 to the lower surface of the driving circuit board 200, the second light blocking portion 600 contacts the first light blocking portion 500 so that the second light blocking portion 600 can be more reliably coupled thereto, and the optical sensor 300 can be more stably fixed to the display panel 10.

[0101] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of a display device.

[0102] Reference Figure 7 and Fig.10 , display device 1_4 and Figure 7The display device 1_4 is different from the display device 1_2 in that the display device 1_4 does not include the first light blocking portion 500 .

[0103] By adjusting the thickness, material, etc. of the second light blocking portion 600, the second light blocking portion 600 can block at least a sufficient portion of the light. Therefore, the display device 1_4 can fully block the light passing through the gap area VA (see FIG. 1 ) only with the second light blocking portion 600. Figure 2 )’s light.

[0104] Since the formation process (eg, coating and curing) of the first light blocking portion 500 may be omitted from the manufacturing process of the display device 1_4, the manufacturing process can be made simpler.

[0105] Although in Fig.10 There is a level difference between the lower surface of the optical sensor 300 and the lower surface of the driving circuit board 200, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The display device 1_4 includes the above reference Fig. 9 The second adhesive member AD2_1 is described, and the lower surface of the optical sensor 300 and the lower surface of the driving circuit board 200 may be located on the same plane.

[0106] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of a display device, which is Figure 3 corresponding part. Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Magnified view of area A4. Fig.13 It is shown that the formation includes Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a view of a process for forming a protective layer in a display device. Fig.13 As Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of the corresponding part.

[0107] Reference Figure 3 and Fig.11 , display device 1_5 and Figure 3 The display device 1 is different from the display device 1 in that the former includes a protective layer 13_1. In addition to the protective layer 13_1, the display device 1_5 is different from the display device 1_5 Figure 3 and therefore, the omitted description of other elements may be understood as being at least similar to the corresponding elements already described.

[0108] The protection layer 13_1 may include a first hole H1_2. Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the size of the first hole H1_2 of the protective layer 13_1 is larger than that of the optical sensor 300 and smaller than the second hole H2 of the panel support sheet 30 (or the driving circuit board 200 ). In this case, in the gap area VA, the protective layer 13_1 can be exposed through the second hole H2.

[0109] For example, the fifth distance D5 between the inner wall of the protective layer 13_1 and the optical sensor 300 may be about 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. The first distance D1 between the inner wall of the panel support sheet 30 and the optical sensor 300 may be about 0.33 mm to 0.5 mm. In the gap area VA, the protective layer 13_1 is exposed at a sixth distance D6. For example, the sixth distance D6 may be about 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm.

[0110] The protective layer 13_1 may include a color-changing material 13P. The protective layer 13_1 may be formed by a screen printing process. For example, the protective layer 13_1 may be formed by screen printing a composition including a thermal curing agent, fine silica powder, a silicone defoamer, an antistatic agent, a naphtha solvent, diethylene glycol monoethyl ethyl acetate, etc. on the rear surface of the display panel 10, and then performing a thermal curing treatment thereon. The protective layer 13_1 may be printed on the entire rear surface of the display panel 10, and the protective layer 13_1 may cover the entire rear surface of the display panel 10. The thickness of the protective layer 13_1 may be 8 μm to 14 μm.

[0111] The composition used to form the protective layer 13_1 may further include a color-changing raw material. The color-changing raw material may be a material that changes from a colorless state to a colored state in response to light, heat, or current. The color-changing raw material may be diffused throughout the protective layer 13_1, and the color of the protective layer 13_1 may be determined according to the color of the change in the color-changing raw material.

[0112] The protective layer 13_1 may include a photochromic raw material that changes its molecular structure to a specific color by exposure. For example, the protective layer 13_1 may include a photochromic raw material such as spiropyran, fulgide, and / or aminoazobenzene. When it is exposed to light of a specific wavelength, its color may change. Fig.11 As shown in , the color of the protective layer 13_1 can change when it is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. For example, the color of the first portion 13a exposed to the ultraviolet rays can change without changing the color of the second portion 13b not exposed to the ultraviolet rays.

[0113] However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The protective layer 13_1 may include an electrochromic material such as tungsten trioxide and viologen. When a certain level of current is applied, the protective layer 13_1 may change from a colorless state to a colored state.

[0114] In addition, the protective layer 13_1 may include a thermochromic material that can change from a first coloring state to a second coloring state under processing conditions above a specific temperature. For example, the color of the protective layer 13_1 may change when heated above a specific temperature.

[0115] Once the protective layer 13_1 is formed on the other surface of the display panel 10, for example, once it is cured, the protective layer 13_1 may be transparent. It should be noted that during the manufacturing process of the display device 1, the color of the protective layer 13_1 may change after an automatic tracking test (ATT) process for checking whether the integrated circuit is normally mounted. After the color of the protective layer 13_1 changes, it can be used to block the light emitted from the display panel 10 from leaking under the display panel 10. For example, the protective layer 13_1 may not only protect the display panel 10 from the external impact generated during the process, but also block the light emitted from the display panel 10.

[0116] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the composition forming the protective layer 13_1 may include a latent heat storage pigment. The latent heat storage pigment may have a core-shell structure in which a phase change material (PCM) is microencapsulated in a polymer (Pm). For example, a polymer may surround a phase change material and may separate the phase change material from an external material and protect the phase change material. The phase change material may include hydrocarbons, waxes such as alkane mixtures, inorganic materials such as hydrated salts, carbon nanotubes, graphite and / or graphene. As the temperature rises, the phase of the phase change material changes from a solid state to a liquid state, and accordingly, the phase change material absorbs heat.

[0117] For example, the phase of the phase change material may be changed to a liquid phase by heat generated when the display device 1 is used, and may absorb ambient heat. The latent heat storage pigment absorbs the temperature increased by the use of the display device 1, and then may release the heat when the display device 1 is not used. In this way, the protective layer 13_1 may provide additional heat dissipation by using the latent heat storage pigment.

[0118] The shape of the latent heat storage pigment may be circular, but is not limited thereto. It may have an irregular shape. The latent heat storage pigment may also have different colors depending on the polymer forming the shell. The latent heat storage pigment may be formed of a black polymer. For example, since the shell of the latent heat storage pigment is formed in black, the light blocking property of the protective layer 13_1 can be further improved.

[0119] Since the protective layer 13_1 can block light by including a color-changing material, the display device 1 may not include an additional light-blocking sheet (e.g., a light-blocking sheet or a light-blocking layer included in the panel support sheet 30). For example, since the light-blocking sheet includes a light-blocking layer, an adhesive layer, etc., it is thicker than the screen-printed protective layer 13_1. As a result, the display device 1 can become smaller, lighter, and thinner.

[0120] As mentioned above Figures 11 to 13As described above, the protective layer 13_1 has a first hole H1_2 that is smaller than the second hole H2 of the panel support sheet 30, and may contain a photochromic raw material. The color of a portion of the protective layer 13_1 exposed through the second hole H2 in the void area VA may change when it is exposed to ultraviolet light so that it can block light. In order to produce a smaller and thinner display device 1, the protective layer 13_1 may be used so as to be able to shield the void area VA. The portion of the void area VA that is not shielded by the protective layer 13_1 may be shielded by the first light blocking portion 500.

[0121] Fig.14 and Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.14 and Fig.15 It is a cross-section view.

[0122] Reference Fig.12 and Fig.14 , except for the position of the first light blocking portion 500, the display device 1_6 can be Fig.12 Display device 1_5 (see Fig.11 ) are basically the same.

[0123] like Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first light blocking portion 500 may be disposed between the inner wall of the protective layer 13_1 and the optical sensor 300 , and may not overlap with the protective layer 13_1 .

[0124] The protective layer 13_1 may include a photochromic raw material whose color changes when exposed to ultraviolet rays. After applying the first light blocking portion 500, the display device 1_5 may be exposed to ultraviolet rays. When the first light blocking portion 500 overlaps with or covers the protective layer 13_1, ultraviolet rays may not reach the first portion 13a of the protective layer 13_1. Therefore, the first light blocking portion 500 may be arranged not to overlap with the protective layer 13_1.

[0125] Reference Fig.12 and Fig.15 , display device 1_7 and Fig. 9 The display device 1_5 is different in that the former includes an adhesive RS.

[0126] The adhesive RS may be made of a transparent resin that transmits light. The transparent adhesive RS may be applied or arranged between the inner wall of the protective layer 13_1 and the optical sensor 300. Fig.15The adhesive RS is shown as not overlapping the protective layer 13_1, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The adhesive RS may overlap the protective layer 13_1. After applying the adhesive RS, the display device 1_7 may be exposed to ultraviolet rays. Then, the color of the first portion 13a of the protective layer 13_1 is changed, and the adhesive RS is hardened, so that the optical sensor 300 can be fixed to the display panel 10.

[0127] After the display device 1_7 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, the first light blocking portion 500 may be applied or arranged in the gap area VA (see Figure 2 )middle.

[0128] Although in Fig.15 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the adhesive RS is a transparent resin to show that the adhesive RS is different from the first light blocking portion 500 , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the display device 1_7 may include a colored (or opaque) adhesive instead of a transparent resin, and the colored adhesive may not overlap the protective layer 13_1 .

[0129] Fig.16 and Fig.17 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.16 and Fig.17 As Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of the corresponding part.

[0130] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.16 , display device 1_8 and Fig.11 The display device 1_5 is different from the display device 1_8 in that the display device 1_8 further includes a second light blocking portion 600 .

[0131] The second light blocking portion 600 can be the same as that Figure 7 The second light blocking portion 600 described is substantially the same; and therefore, the omitted description of other elements may be understood to be at least similar to the corresponding elements already described.

[0132] The second light blocking portion 600 is disposed below the driving circuit board 200 and the optical sensor 300 and may cover the gap area VA (see Figure 2 ). In addition, as mentioned above Figure 8 As described above, the second light blocking portion 600 may include the optical sensor 300 (or a fourth hole H4 having a rectangular shape that fits the second hole H2 when viewed from the top and Figure 8 centered in the area).

[0133] The second light blocking part 600 may shield the void area VA together with the protective layer 13_1 and the first light blocking part 500 , so that the optical sensor 300 can be more stably fixed to the display panel 10 .

[0134] Reference Fig.16 and Fig.17 , display device 1_9 and Fig.16 The display device 1_8 is different from the display device 1_9 in that the display device 1_9 does not include the first light blocking portion 500 .

[0135] In the display device 1_9, by adjusting the thickness of the second adhesive member AD2_1 (eg, relatively thick), the lower surface of the optical sensor 300 and the lower surface of the driving circuit board 200 may be positioned on the same plane or may become uniform, as described above with reference to Fig. 9 described.

[0136] For example, in order to make the display device 1 smaller and thinner, the protective layer 13_1 is used so that the void area VA is shielded, and a portion of the void area VA not shielded by the protective layer 13_1 may be shielded by the second light blocking part 600 .

[0137] Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.18 As Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the corresponding part.

[0138] Reference Figure 3 and Fig.18 , the display device 1_10 and Figure 3 The display device 1 of FIG. 1 is different in that the former does not include the panel support sheet 30 but includes the protective layer 13_2. The panel support sheet 30 may be an additional light blocking member or a light blocking sheet.

[0139] In addition to the protective layer 13_2, the display device 1_10 and Figure 3 and therefore, the omitted description of other elements may be understood as being at least similar to the corresponding elements already described.

[0140] With reference Fig.11 Similar to the protective layer 13_1 described above, the protective layer 13_2 may include a photochromic raw material.

[0141] Since the display device 1_10 does not include the panel support sheet 30 and the driving circuit board 200 is arranged only on a portion of the lower surface of the display panel 10, as described above with reference to Figure 2 As described above, the protection layer 13_2 may include the third portion 13 c exposed by the driving circuit board 200 .

[0142] As mentioned above Fig.13As described above, when the display device 1_10 is exposed to ultraviolet rays, the color of the first portion 13a and the color of the third portion 13c of the protective layer 13_2 change so that the first portion 13a and the third portion 13c can block light. Although the second portion 13b of the protective layer 13_2 is not exposed to ultraviolet rays and therefore cannot block light, the portion aligned with the second portion 13b of the protective layer 13_2 can be shielded by the driving circuit board 200 (or a heat sink, an electromagnetic wave shielding sheet, etc. arranged under the driving circuit board 200). As a result, the display device 1_10 can become smaller, lighter, and thinner.

[0143] In the above description, the present invention has been described based on an exemplary embodiment, but the exemplary embodiment is only for illustrative purposes rather than limiting the present invention, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications illustrated in the above description may be made without departing from the scope of the essential characteristics of the exemplary embodiment.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a display panel, the display panel comprising a display area and a non-display area at least partially surrounding the display area; a panel supporting sheet disposed behind the display panel and having a first hole exposing the display area of ​​the display panel; an optical sensor disposed in the first hole; a first light blocking portion, the first light blocking portion being arranged in a gap region between the panel supporting sheet and the optical sensor in the first hole; as well as a protective layer, the protective layer being arranged between the display panel and the panel support sheet and comprising a third hole larger than the first hole, wherein the optical sensor is arranged in the third hole, and The first light blocking portion is arranged in the third hole between the optical sensor and the inner surface of the protective layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first light blocking portion includes an opaque adhesive resin.

3. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a driving circuit board disposed on the panel supporting sheet, the driving circuit board being electrically connected to the display panel and comprising a second hole exposing the display area of ​​the display panel through the first hole, Wherein, the optical sensor is arranged in the second hole.

4. The display device according to claim 3, further comprising: a first flexible circuit board, which is arranged behind the driving circuit board and electrically connects the optical sensor with the driving circuit board, The first light blocking portion is arranged in a portion of the gap area that does not overlap with the first flexible circuit board.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The optical sensor is coupled to the display panel via an adhesive member, and The bonding member is arranged along an edge of one surface of the optical sensor.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The panel supporting sheet includes a first functional layer and a second functional layer stacked on the first functional layer, and Wherein, the first functional layer is a buffer layer, and the second functional layer is a digital converter.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The optical sensor is a fingerprint recognition sensor.

8. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second light blocking portion, the second light blocking portion being arranged behind the optical sensor, The second light blocking portion partially overlaps the panel supporting sheet and the optical sensor and covers the gap area.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The second light blocking portion includes a fourth hole exposing the optical sensor.

10. The display device according to claim 9, further comprising: a driving circuit board disposed on the panel supporting sheet, electrically connected to the display panel, and including a second hole exposing the display area of ​​the display panel through the first hole, The optical sensor is arranged in the second hole, and the surface of the driving circuit board and the surface of the optical sensor are positioned on the same plane.

11. A display device, comprising: a display panel, the display panel comprising a display area and a non-display area at least partially surrounding the display area; a panel supporting sheet disposed behind the display panel and having a first hole exposing the display area of ​​the display panel; an optical sensor disposed in the first hole; a first light blocking portion, the first light blocking portion being arranged in a gap region between the panel supporting sheet and the optical sensor in the first hole; as well as a protective layer, the protective layer being arranged between the display panel and the panel support sheet, the protective layer comprising a third hole smaller than the first hole and larger than the optical sensor, wherein the optical sensor is arranged in the third hole, and wherein the protective layer comprises a photochromic raw material configured to change color in response to exposure to ultraviolet light, and The color of a first portion of the protective layer exposed through the first hole is different from the color of a second portion of the protective layer overlapping the panel supporting sheet.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The protective layer further includes a latent heat storage pigment configured to absorb heat generated in the display panel.

13. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The first light blocking portion overlaps the first portion of the protection layer.

14. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The first light blocking portion does not overlap with the first portion of the protection layer.

15. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising: a transparent adhesive resin disposed between the protective layer and the optical sensor, The first light blocking portion covers the first portion of the protective layer and the transparent adhesive resin.

16. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising: a second light blocking portion, the second light blocking portion being arranged behind the optical sensor, The second light blocking portion partially overlaps the panel supporting sheet and the optical sensor and covers the gap area.

17. A display device comprising: a display panel, the display panel comprising a display area and a non-display area at least partially surrounding the display area; a driving circuit board, the driving circuit board being arranged behind the display panel, being electrically connected to the display panel, and comprising a first hole exposing the display area of ​​the display panel; an optical sensor disposed in the first hole; a first light blocking portion, the first light blocking portion being arranged behind the optical sensor, the first light blocking portion partially overlapping the driving circuit board and the optical sensor, and covering a gap area between the driving circuit board and the optical sensor in the first hole; as well as a protective layer, the protective layer being arranged between the display panel and the driving circuit board, the protective layer comprising a second hole which is smaller than the first hole and larger than the optical sensor, Wherein, the optical sensor is arranged in the second hole.

18. The display device according to claim 17, in, The protective layer comprises a photochromic raw material whose color is configured to change in response to exposure to ultraviolet light, and The color of the first portion of the protective layer exposed through the first hole is different from the color of the second portion of the protective layer overlapping the driving circuit board.

19. The display device according to claim 18, further comprising: An adhesive member is disposed between the display panel and the driving circuit board and is configured to fix the driving circuit board to the display panel.

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