Display devices

Abstract

The present application relates to a display device. The display device includes a display panel; a first plate connected to one side of a surface of the display panel and bent toward the display panel to overlap the display panel; a second plate connected to the other side of the surface of the display panel and bent toward the display panel to overlap the display panel; a driving member disposed on the first plate; and a first pressure sensing member disposed on the second plate, wherein the first plate is connected to the second plate.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0112765, filed on September 20, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device. Background Art

[0004] With the development of multimedia technology, display devices have become increasingly important and have found various applications. For example, display devices can be used by portable electronic devices such as smartphones, smart watches, tablets, and laptops, or by large electronic devices such as televisions, monitors, and digital information displays.

[0005] Recently, there has been a demand for developing a display device having a larger ratio of screen area to display device area, i.e., having an improved screen-to-body ratio. As the screen-to-body ratio increases, a wider screen can be provided without increasing the size of the display device, and the aesthetic appearance can be improved.

[0006] Furthermore, research is being conducted to provide an improved user interface by developing the structure and features of a display device in consideration of user convenience. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a display device having an increased ratio of an area occupied by a display region to an entire area of ​​the display device when viewed from the top, and having an enhanced user interface.

[0008] These and other aspects, embodiments and advantages of the present disclosure will become immediately apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description and the appended claims.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device is provided. The display device includes: a display panel; a first plate connected to one side of a surface of the display panel and bent toward the display panel to overlap with the display panel; a second plate connected to the other side of the surface of the display panel and bent toward the display panel to overlap with the display panel; a driving member disposed on the first plate; and a first pressure sensing member disposed on the second plate, wherein the first plate is connected to the second plate.

[0010] The first plate may include a first portion attached to one side of a surface of the display panel and a second portion protruding from the first portion toward the other side of the display panel.

[0011] The second portion of the first plate may be connected to the second plate.

[0012] The driving member may be electrically connected to the first pressure sensing member.

[0013] The first pressure sensing member may include a first conductive layer disposed on a surface of the second plate and a second conductive layer disposed on the first conductive layer.

[0014] The first conductive layer may include a shield electrode.

[0015] The display apparatus may further include a bracket disposed on another surface of the display panel opposite to the surface and on a surface of the first pressure sensing member, the bracket covering the display panel and the first pressure sensing member, wherein the bracket includes a metal material.

[0016] The first pressure sensing member may include a first insulating layer between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, and a second insulating layer between the second conductive layer and the bracket, wherein the second insulating layer includes a dielectric material for insulating the second conductive layer from the bracket.

[0017] The bracket may form a capacitor with the second conductive layer and the second insulating layer may be interposed between the bracket and the second conductive layer.

[0018] The display apparatus may further include a second pressure sensing member disposed on the first plate.

[0019] The second pressure sensing member may include: a third conductive layer disposed on a surface of the first plate; a fourth conductive layer disposed on the third conductive layer; a third insulating layer disposed between the third and fourth conductive layers; and a fourth insulating layer disposed on the fourth conductive layer.

[0020] The third conductive layer may be a shield electrode, and the fourth insulating layer includes a dielectric material.

[0021] The width of the second portion may be smaller than the width of the first portion.

[0022] The display device may further include: a touch panel disposed above the display panel; and a third plate connected to one side of a surface of the touch panel and overlapping the display panel in a thickness direction of the display panel, wherein the third plate is connected to the first plate.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device is provided. The display device includes: a display panel; a touch panel disposed above the display panel; a first printed circuit board connected to one side of a surface of the display panel and bent toward the display panel to overlap the display panel; a second printed circuit board connected to one side of a surface of the touch panel and bent toward the display panel to overlap the display panel, wherein one side of the surface of the touch panel is adjacent to the other side of the display panel; a driving member disposed on the first printed circuit board; and a first pressure sensing member disposed on the second printed circuit board, wherein the first printed circuit board is connected to the second printed circuit board.

[0024] The first printed circuit board may include a first portion attached to one side of a surface of the display panel and a second portion protruding from the first portion toward the other side of the display panel.

[0025] The driving member may be electrically connected to the first pressure sensing member.

[0026] The first pressure sensing member may include: a first conductive layer disposed on the second printed circuit board; a second conductive layer disposed above the first conductive layer; a first insulating layer disposed between the first and second conductive layers; and a second insulating layer disposed on the second conductive layer.

[0027] The display apparatus may further include a second pressure sensing member disposed on the first printed circuit board.

[0028] The second pressure sensing member may include: a third conductive layer disposed on the first printed circuit board; a fourth conductive layer disposed above the third conductive layer; a third insulating layer disposed between the third and fourth conductive layers; and a fourth insulating layer disposed on the fourth conductive layer.

[0029] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a display device having an increased ratio of an area occupied by a display region to an entire area of ​​the display device when viewed from the top and having an enhanced user interface.

[0030] It should be noted that the beneficial effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other beneficial effects of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 Is the display device along Figure 1 A sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0033] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A view showing the layout of the back of the device.

[0034] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A plan view of the layout of a first base substrate of a display panel.

[0035] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A plan view of a second base substrate opposite to the substrate.

[0036] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a second flexible circuit film.

[0037] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 A plan view of the touch element layer relative to the substrate.

[0038] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An enlarged view of part A of FIG.

[0039] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode.

[0040] Figure 10 Shown along Figure 9 The cross-sectional view taken along the line Xa-Xa' and the cross-sectional view taken along the line Xa-Xa' Figure 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line Xb-Xb' is provided for comparison.

[0041] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 12 is a view illustrating a layout of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 14 is a view illustrating a layout of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0045] Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 16 is a view illustrating a layout of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving the advantages and features will become apparent by referring to the embodiments to be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various forms. Matters defined in the description, such as detailed structures and elements, are provided only to assist those skilled in the art in thoroughly understanding the specific details of the present invention, and the present invention is limited only within the scope of the appended claims.

[0048] When an element is described as being associated with another element (for example, being "on" another element or being "on" a different layer or layer), it includes both the case where the element is directly on the other element or layer and the case where the element is on the other element or layer via another layer or yet another element. Conversely, when an element is described as being associated with another element (for example, being directly "on" another element or being directly "on" a different layer or layer), it means that the element is on the other element or layer without intervening elements or layers.

[0049] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 Is the display device along Figure 1 A sectional view taken along line II-II'. Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A view showing the layout of the back of the device. Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a view of a layout of a first base substrate of a display panel. Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A plan view of a second base substrate opposite to the substrate.

[0050] refer to Figures 1 to 5 , a display area DA and a non-display area NA may be defined in the display apparatus 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] The display area DA may include a plurality of pixels and may actually display an image therein. As used herein, the term "pixel" refers to a unit area recognized by an observer that presents a color by dividing the display device 1 or the display area DA into sub-areas when viewed from the top. A single pixel may present a predetermined one of the primary colors. The primary colors may include, but are not limited to, red, green, and blue. In an exemplary embodiment, when viewed from the top, one edge of the display area DA (e.g., Figure 4 For example, when viewed from the top, the edge of the display area DA extending in the first direction X may have an irregular shape including a bay portion, a notch, or a groove portion.

[0052] When viewed from the top, the display area DA may be surrounded by a non-display area NA. The non-display area NA does not participate in displaying an image. The non-display area NA may include a sealing area SA overlapping with a sealing member 301 described below, an inner non-display area INA positioned further inward than the sealing area SA (i.e., between the display area DA and the sealing area SA), and an outer non-display area ONA positioned further outward than the sealing area SA. In addition, the non-display area NA may further include a first pad portion 170 and a second pad portion 171 for transmitting a signal applied from an external device to the display area DA.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the display device 1 may include a display panel 101, an opposing substrate 201 and a sealing member 301, the opposing substrate 201 is disposed above the display panel 101, and the display device 1 may also include a first flexible circuit film 401, a second flexible circuit film 501, a third flexible circuit film 601 and a module member 701.

[0054] First, the display panel 101 will be described. The display panel 101 (e.g., a first substrate) may include light-emitting elements 190, each of which can independently emit light, and may provide the light required to display an image. For example, the display panel 101 may be a display substrate including light-emitting elements 190, each of which is disposed in a corresponding pixel. The light-emitting elements 190, each disposed in a corresponding pixel, may independently emit light, thereby displaying an image and presenting color.

[0055] The first base substrate 111 may provide a space in which the light-emitting element 190 and the like are stably disposed. The upper surface of the first base substrate 111 may be located in a plane in which the first direction X and the second direction Y intersect each other. The first base substrate 111 may be a transparent or opaque insulating plate or insulating film. For example, the first base substrate 111 may include a glass material, a quartz material, or the like. As another example, the first base substrate 111 may include a polymer material such as an imide resin, a carbonate resin, and an acrylic resin.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the first base substrate 111 may include a first maximum width W in the first direction X when viewed from the top. 111a The first protruding portion 111b of the first base substrate 111 may have a second maximum width W in the first direction X. 111b , and the second protruding portion 111 c of the first base substrate 111 may have a third maximum width W in the first direction X 111c The second maximum width W111b and the third maximum width W 111c Each of the widths may be smaller than the first maximum width W 111a For example, the second maximum width W 111b and the third maximum width W 111c The sum of the widths may be less than the first maximum width W 111a The second maximum width W of the first base substrate 111 111b The third maximum width W of the first base substrate 111 may be equal to or different from the third maximum width W of the first base substrate 111. 111c In addition, the first base substrate 111 may have a rectangular shape or a rectangular shape including rounded corners, and the maximum length of the first base substrate 111 in the second direction Y is longer than the length of the first base substrate 111 in the first direction X, for example, the first maximum width W 111a .

[0057] The display area DA of the display device 1 can be defined so that it at least partially overlaps with the first protruding portion 111b and the second protruding portion 111c of the first base substrate 111. Specifically, pixels can be defined on some areas of the first protruding portion 111b and the second protruding portion 111c of the first base substrate 111 and can be defined on the main portion 111a of the first base substrate 111, so that at least one area of ​​each of the main portion 111a, the first protruding portion 111b, and the second protruding portion 111c can participate in displaying images and presenting colors. When viewed from the top, the display area DA is formed in an area adjacent to one side of the module member 701 and the other side spaced apart from the one side in the first direction X (excluding the area where the module member 701, which will be described later, is provided), thereby reducing the area of ​​the non-display area NA and increasing the area of ​​the display area DA.

[0058] One edge 121 of the first base substrate 111 may include a first edge 121 b , a second edge 121 a recessed inwardly compared to the first edge 121 b , and a third edge 121 c protruding outwardly compared to the second edge 121 a .

[0059] The first edge 121b may represent one edge of the first protruding portion 111b of the first base substrate 111 extending in the first direction X. The second edge 121a may represent one edge of the main portion 111a of the first base substrate 111 extending in the first direction X. The third edge 121c may represent one edge of the second protruding portion 111c of the first base substrate 111 extending in the first direction X. The first protruding portion 111b, the second protruding portion 111c, and the second edge 121a of the first base substrate 111 may collectively form a bay portion.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the shortest distance D1 from the first edge 121 b to the display area DA in the second direction Y may be greater than the shortest distance D2 from the second edge 121 a to the display area DA in the second direction Y. In addition, the shortest distance from the third edge 121 c to the display area DA in the second direction Y may be greater than the shortest distance D2 from the second edge 121 a to the display area DA in the second direction Y.

[0061] As will be described below, since the shortest distance D1 from the first edge 121b to the display area DA is greater than the shortest distance D2 from the second edge 121a to the display area DA, the width of the extending portion of the sealing member 301 disposed on the first protruding portion 111b in the first direction X can be sufficiently obtained. In addition, the first pad portion 170 and the light emitting substrate pad portion 170a are not disposed between the second edge 121a and the sealing member 301, so that a space to be disposed of the module member 701 can be obtained between the first protruding portion 111b and the second protruding portion 111c of the first base substrate 111.

[0062] A driving layer including a thin film transistor 130, wires 136 and 136a, a first pad portion 170, and a light emitting substrate pad portion 170a may be provided on the first base substrate 111. Figure 2 Only one thin film transistor 130 is shown in FIG. 1 , but in some exemplary embodiments, the driving layer may further include a plurality of thin film transistors (not shown) and / or auxiliary electrodes (not shown) forming a capacitor.

[0063] The thin film transistor 130 may be electrically connected to the light emitting element 190. For example, the thin film transistor 130 may be a driving transistor configured to control the amount of current supplied to the light emitting element 190 in the pixel. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The thin film transistor 130 may be a switching transistor configured to control the on / off state of the pixel.

[0064] The thin film transistor 130 may include an active layer 131 forming a channel, a gate electrode 135 as a control terminal, a source electrode 137 as an input terminal, and a drain electrode 139 as an output terminal.

[0065] The active layer 131 may be disposed on the first base substrate 111. Figure 2 In the example shown in FIG, etc., the active layer 131 is directly provided on the first base substrate 111, but in another exemplary embodiment, one or more inorganic layers may be further provided between the first base substrate 111 and the active layer 131. The active layer 131 may include a semiconductor material. For example, the active layer 131 may include polycrystalline silicon or an oxide semiconductor.

[0066] The gate electrode 135 may be disposed on the active layer 131. The gate electrode 135 may overlap at least a portion of the active layer 131 in the third direction Z. The gate electrode 135 may include aluminum, molybdenum, copper, titanium, or an alloy thereof. The gate electrode 135 may be formed of a single layer, or may have a stacked structure including multiple layers. The gate electrode 135 may serve as a control terminal of the thin film transistor 130 that receives a control signal. In an exemplary embodiment in which the thin film transistor 130 is a driving transistor, the gate electrode 135 may be electrically connected to an output terminal of a switching transistor (not shown) that controls the on / off state of the pixel. A first insulating layer 140 may be disposed between the active layer 131 and the gate electrode 135 to insulate them from each other. The first insulating layer 140 may be a gate insulating layer. The first insulating layer 140 may include an inorganic insulating material. Examples of inorganic insulating materials include silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, and the like.

[0067] The source electrode 137 and the drain electrode 139 may be provided on the gate electrode 135. The source electrode 137 and the drain electrode 139 may be electrically connected to the source region and the drain region of the active layer 131, respectively, and may be spaced apart from each other. Each of the source electrode 137 and the drain electrode 139 may include aluminum, molybdenum, copper, titanium, or an alloy thereof. Each of the source electrode 137 and the drain electrode 139 may be made of a single layer, or may have a stacked structure including multiple layers. The source electrode 137 may serve as an input terminal of the thin film transistor 130, where an input signal is received at the input terminal. The drain electrode 139 may serve as an output terminal of the thin film transistor 130, where an output signal is transmitted at the output terminal. In an exemplary embodiment in which the thin film transistor 130 is a driving transistor, the source electrode 137 may be electrically connected to a power supply voltage line (not shown), from which a power supply voltage is applied, and the drain electrode 139 may be electrically connected to the anode 191 of the light emitting element 190.

[0068] An interlayer dielectric layer 160 including a second insulating layer 161 and a third insulating layer 163 may be provided between the gate electrode 135 and the source electrode 137, and between the gate electrode 135 and the drain electrode 139. The interlayer dielectric layer 160 may isolate the gate electrode 135, the source electrode 137, the drain electrode 139, and an auxiliary electrode (not shown) from each other. Each of the second insulating layer 161 and the third insulating layer 163 may include an inorganic insulating material. Examples of the inorganic insulating material include silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, and the like.

[0069] The first line 136 and the second line 136 a may be disposed on the second insulating layer 161 .

[0070] The first and second lines 136 and 136a may be at least partially located in the non-display area NA. Although not shown in the drawings, the lines 136 and 136a may extend from the non-display area NA to the display area DA to transmit signals provided by external driving elements to the thin film transistor 130 and the like. For example, the lines 136 and 136a may be electrically connected to the first pad portion 170 and the light emitting substrate pad portion 170a to transmit signals provided from the first and second flexible circuit films 401 and 501 to the display area DA.

[0071] The lines 136 and 136a may include scan lines to which scan signals are applied, data lines to which data signals are applied, power supply voltage lines to which power supply voltage is applied, and the like. Figure 2 In the example shown in FIG, the lines 136 and 136a are provided on the same layer as the holding capacitor electrodes (not shown), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0072] The first pad portion 170 and the light emitting substrate pad portion 170a (eg, the first pad portion 170 and the second pad portion 171) may be located in the non-display area NA. For example, the first pad portion 170 may be located only in the outer non-display area ONA.

[0073] In such a case, the wire 136 electrically connected to the first pad portion 170 may cross the sealing area SA. In some exemplary embodiments, the first pad portion 170 and the light-emitting substrate pad portion 170a may include pad electrodes. The plurality of pad electrodes may have an extended area and may be electrically connected to the wires 136 and 136a through contact holes formed in the third insulating layer 163. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other exemplary embodiments, the ends of the wires 136 and 136a may be extended to form the first pad portion 170 and the light-emitting substrate pad portion 170a for electrical connection.

[0074] The first pad portion 170 may be disposed adjacent to the edge 121 of the first base substrate 111 extending in the first direction X. In an exemplary embodiment, the first pad portion 170 is disposed adjacent to the first edge 121b and the third edge 121c of the first base substrate 111, but may not be adjacent to the second edge 121a. That is, when viewed from the top, the first pad portion 170 may be disposed between the first edge 121b and the sealing member 301 and between the third edge 121c and the sealing member 301, but not between the second edge 121a and the sealing member 301. By disposing the first pad portion 170 on the first protruding portion 111b and the second protruding portion 111c of the first base substrate 111 instead of on the main portion 111a, the shortest distance D2 from the second edge 121a to the display area DA can be reduced, and the area of ​​the non-display area NA can be reduced. In addition, space can be provided for disposing the module member 701, which will be described later. In addition, the second pad portion 171 may be disposed adjacent to an opposite edge of the first base substrate 111 spaced apart from the edge 121 of the first base substrate 111. The second pad portion 171 may be disposed in the non-display area NA of the display device 1. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The second pad portion 171 may be disposed in a portion of the display area DA.

[0075] The first flexible circuit film 401 and the second flexible circuit film 501 connected to the first pad portion 170 and the light emitting substrate pad portion 170a will be described later.

[0076] A passivation layer 181 may be disposed on the source electrode 137 and the drain electrode 139. The passivation layer 181 may cover the source electrode 137 and the drain electrode 139, thereby preventing the source electrode 137 and the drain electrode 139 from contacting an organic material.

[0077] The height difference compensation layer 183 may be disposed on the passivation layer 181. The height difference compensation layer 183 may at least partially reduce the height difference caused by the drive layer including the thin film transistor 130, etc., and may provide a space for stably positioning the light-emitting element 190. The material of the height difference compensation layer 183 is not particularly limited as long as it has insulating properties and can compensate for the height difference. For example, the height difference compensation layer 183 may include an organic material such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, an imide resin, a cardo resin, and an ester resin.

[0078] The light-emitting element 190 may be disposed on the height difference compensation layer 183. The light-emitting element 190 may include an anode 191 (e.g., a lower electrode), a cathode 193 (e.g., an upper electrode) disposed on the anode 191, and an emission layer 195 interposed between the anode 191 and the cathode 193. For example, the emission layer 195 may be an organic emission layer including an organic light-emitting material, and the light-emitting element 190 may be an organic light-emitting element. Depending on the material or stacking structure of the emission layer 195, the light-emitting element 190 may emit only blue light, only green light, only red light, or may emit white light that is a mixture of blue light, green light, and red light.

[0079] The anode 191 may be a pixel electrode provided in each pixel and receiving a driving signal applied thereto. The anode 191 may be electrically connected to the drain electrode 139 of the thin film transistor 130 through a contact hole formed in the height difference compensation layer 183 and the passivation layer 181. The anode 191 may be a transparent electrode, an opaque electrode, or a stack of transparent and opaque electrodes. Examples of materials for the transparent electrode may include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide, indium oxide, and the like. Examples of materials for the opaque electrode may include lithium (Li), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr).

[0080] The cathode 193 may be a common electrode that overlaps the anode 191 in the third direction Z and may be disposed across the pixel rather than being disposed in each pixel. In other words, multiple light-emitting elements 190 disposed in different pixels may share the cathode 193. Similar to the anode 191, the cathode 193 may be a transparent electrode, an opaque electrode, or a stack of transparent and opaque electrodes.

[0081] The emission layer 195 may be interposed between the anode 191 and the cathode 193. The emission layer 195 may generate light by recombining holes and electrons transferred from the anode 191 and the cathode 193, respectively. For example, the holes and electrons recombined in the emission layer 195 to generate excitons, and the excitons are released from an excited state to a ground state to emit light. The emission layer 195 may include a material that only phosphorescently or fluorescently emits blue light, a material that only phosphorescently or fluorescently emits green light, and / or a material that phosphorescently or fluorescently emits blue light.

[0082] Although not shown in the drawings, a hole control auxiliary layer (not shown), an electron control auxiliary layer (not shown) or a charge generation auxiliary layer (not shown) may be provided between the emission layer 195 and the anode 191 and / or between the emission layer 195 and the cathode 193 to improve the luminous efficiency of the light-emitting element 190, wherein the hole control auxiliary layer (not shown) may include a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer and a hole blocking layer, and the electron control auxiliary layer (not shown) may include an electron injection layer, an electron transport layer and an electron blocking layer.

[0083] In some exemplary embodiments, a pixel-defining layer 185 may be further provided on the anode 191. The aforementioned emission layer 195 and cathode 193 may be provided on the pixel-defining layer 185. When viewed from the top, the pixel-defining layer 185 may have openings each exposing a portion of the anode 191. The pixel-defining layer 185 may separate the anode 191 from the cathode 193 and separate a plurality of pixels. The pixel-defining layer 185 may include an organic material such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, an imide resin, and an ester resin.

[0084] The opposing substrate 201 will now be described. The opposing substrate 201 (e.g., a second substrate) may be opposed to the display panel 101. For example, the opposing substrate 201 may be an encapsulation substrate that is disposed above the display panel 101 and encapsulates the light emitting element 190 together with a sealing member 301 (which will be described later). The opposing substrate 201 may include a second base substrate 211 and may further include a touch element layer 231 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 7 ).

[0085] The second base substrate 211 can encapsulate the light-emitting element 190 to prevent damage to the light-emitting element 190 caused by air, moisture, etc. The second base substrate 211 can be a transparent plate or a transparent film. For example, the second base substrate 211 can include a glass material, a quartz material, etc. In some exemplary embodiments, the second base substrate 211 is spaced apart from the light-emitting element 190, and the space therebetween can be filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this. The space between the second base substrate 211 and the light-emitting element 190 can be filled with a filler, etc.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, the second base substrate 211 may include a base substrate having a fourth maximum width W in the first direction X when viewed from the top. 211a The first protruding portion 211b of the second base substrate 211 may have a fifth maximum width W in the first direction X. 211b , and the second protruding portion 211 c of the second base substrate 211 may have a sixth maximum width W in the first direction X. 211c The fifth maximum width W 211b and the sixth maximum width W 211c Each of the widths W may be smaller than the fourth maximum width W 211a For example, the fifth maximum width W 211b and the sixth maximum width W 211c The sum of the widths W may be less than the fourth maximum width W 211aThe fifth maximum width W of the second base substrate 211 211b The sixth maximum width W of the second base substrate 211 may be equal to or different from the sixth maximum width W of the second base substrate 211. 211c In addition, the second base substrate 211 may have a shape in which the maximum length in the second direction Y is longer than the length of the second base substrate 211 in the first direction X, for example, the fourth maximum width W 211a .

[0087] When viewed from the top, the area of ​​the second base substrate 211 may be smaller than that of the first base substrate 111 .

[0088] For example, the main portion 111a of the first base substrate 111 may overlap the main portion 211a of the second base substrate 211 in the third direction Z. The main portion 111a of the first base substrate 111 may have substantially the same shape and area as the main portion 211a of the second base substrate 211. For example, the first maximum width W of the main portion 111a of the first base substrate 111 in the first direction X is 111a The lengths W and L in the second direction Y may be respectively the same as the fourth maximum width W of the main portion 211a of the second base substrate 211 in the first direction X. 211a The length in the second direction Y is substantially the same.

[0089] The first protruding portion 111 b of the first base substrate 111 may overlap with the first protruding portion 211 b of the second base substrate 211 in the third direction Z, and the second protruding portion 111 c of the first base substrate 111 may overlap with the second protruding portion 211 c of the second base substrate 211 in the third direction Z. In addition, when viewed from the top, the first protruding portion 111 b of the first base substrate 111 may have a larger area than the first protruding portion 211 b of the second base substrate 211, and the second protruding portion 111 c of the first base substrate 111 may have a larger area than the second protruding portion 211 c of the second base substrate 211.

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment, the second maximum width W of the first protruding portion 111 b of the first base substrate 111 in the first direction X is 111b may be substantially equal to the fifth maximum width W of the first protruding portion 111 b of the second base substrate 211 in the first direction X. 211b The length L of the first protruding portion 111 b of the first base substrate 111 in the second direction Y is 111b may be greater than the length L of the first protruding portion 211 b of the second base substrate 211 in the second direction Y. 211b .

[0091] Likewise, the third maximum width W of the second protruding portion 111 c of the first base substrate 111 in the first direction X is 111cmay be substantially equal to a sixth maximum width W of the second protruding portion 211 c of the second base substrate 211 in the first direction X. 211c The length L of the second protruding portion 111 c of the first base substrate 111 in the second direction Y is 111c may be greater than the length L of the second protruding portion 211 c of the second base substrate 211 in the second direction Y. 211c .

[0092] The first pad portion 170 may be disposed on the first and second protrusion portions 111 b and 111 c of the first base substrate 111 , which are not covered by the first and second protrusion portions 211 b and 211 c of the second base substrate 211 , respectively.

[0093] The display area DA of the display device 1 can be defined so that it at least partially overlaps the first and second protruding portions 211b, 211c of the second base substrate 211. That is, in addition to the main portion 211a of the second base substrate 211, pixels are also defined in the first and second protruding portions 211b, 211c, and these pixels can participate in displaying images and presenting colors. When viewed from the top, the display area DA is formed on one side of the module member 701 and on the other side spaced apart from the one side in the first direction X (excluding the area where the module member 701 is provided), thereby reducing the area of ​​the non-display area NA and increasing the area of ​​the display area DA.

[0094] When viewed from the top, the edge 221 of the second base substrate 211 extending in the first direction X (eg, Figure 5 The lower edge of the second base substrate 211 may have an irregular shape including a bay, notch, or groove. For example, the edge 221 of the second base substrate 211 may be partially recessed inward. More specifically, the edge 221 of the second base substrate 211 may include a fourth edge 221b, a fifth edge 221a recessed inward relative to the fourth edge 221b, and a sixth edge 221c protruding outward relative to the fifth edge 221a.

[0095] The fourth edge 221b may represent an edge of the first protruding portion 211b of the second base substrate 211 extending in the first direction X. The fifth edge 221a may represent an edge of the main portion 211a of the second base substrate 211 extending in the first direction X. The sixth edge 221c may represent an edge of the second protruding portion 211c of the second base substrate 211 extending in the first direction X. The first protruding portion 211b, the second protruding portion 211c, and the fifth edge 221a of the second base substrate 211 may collectively form a bay portion.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, the shortest distance D4 from the fourth edge 221b to the display area DA in the second direction Y may be greater than the shortest distance D5 from the fifth edge 221a to the display area DA in the second direction Y. In addition, the shortest distance from the sixth edge 221c to the display area DA in the second direction Y may be greater than the shortest distance D5 from the fifth edge 221a to the display area DA in the second direction Y. In some exemplary embodiments, the shortest distance D1 from the first edge 121b to the display area DA may be greater than the shortest distance D4 from the fourth edge 221b to the display area DA. The shortest distance D2 from the second edge 121a to the display area DA may be substantially equal to the shortest distance D5 from the fifth edge 221a to the display area DA.

[0097] As will be described below, since the shortest distance D4 from the fourth edge 221b to the display area DA is greater than the shortest distance D5 from the fifth edge 221a to the display area DA, the width of the extension portion of the sealing member 301 disposed on the first protruding portion 211b in the first direction X can be sufficiently obtained.

[0098] In addition, the first edge 121b of the first base substrate 111 protrudes more than the fourth edge 221b of the second base substrate 211, so that the first pad portion 170 is set in the protruding area, and the second edge 121a of the first base substrate 111 is aligned with the fifth edge 221a of the second base substrate 211, thereby reducing the area occupied by the first pad portion 170 and further reducing the area of ​​the non-display area NA.

[0099] Incidentally, the display device 1 may further include a first flexible circuit film 401 , a second flexible circuit film 501 , a third flexible circuit film 601 , and a module member 701 .

[0100] The first pad portion 170 of the display panel 101 may be connected to the first flexible circuit film 401, the second pad portion 171 may be connected to the second flexible circuit film 501, and the third flexible circuit film 601 may be connected to the touch pad portion 271 of the opposite substrate 201. Figure 2 In the example shown in , on the display panel 101, the first pad portion 170 is connected to the first flexible circuit film 401 through the first anisotropic conductive film 490, the second pad portion 171 is connected to the second flexible circuit film 501 through the second anisotropic conductive film 590, and the touch pad portion 271 is connected to the third flexible circuit film 601 through the third anisotropic conductive film 690. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For the convenience of illustration, Figure 1The first to third flexible circuit films 401 to 601 are shown unfolded. However, each of the first to third flexible circuit films 401 to 601 may be bent toward the back surface of the display panel 101 and may be coupled thereto.

[0101] The first flexible circuit film 401 may be flexible and bendable in the second direction Y. The first flexible circuit film 401 may include a first base film 411 having insulating properties, a drive member 800 disposed on the first base film 411, and a pressure control member 900. In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible circuit film 401 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this. In another exemplary embodiment, the first flexible circuit film 401 may include a chip-on-film package, and the chip-on-film package may be connected to a separate flexible circuit board (not shown). The pressure control member 900 may be disposed on a separate flexible circuit board (not shown) that is coupled to the first flexible circuit film 401 and extends outward from the first flexible circuit film 401.

[0102] The first flexible circuit film 401 may receive a driving signal for driving the display panel 101 from an external circuit through a signal line (not shown), and may transmit the driving signal to the thin film transistor 130. The thin film transistor 130 may generate an image signal based on the driving signal, and may transmit the image signal to a plurality of pixels included in the display panel 101, so that the display panel 101 can display an image.

[0103] The first base film 411 of the first flexible circuit film 401 may include a first portion and a second portion 402a (hereinafter also referred to as a bridge portion 402a). The first portion may refer to an area adjacent to one side of the display panel 101 and connected to the upper surface of the display panel 101 at the side of the display panel 101. The first portion may correspond to the area of ​​the first base film 411 of the first flexible circuit film 401 excluding the second portion 402a. The second portion 402a may protrude from the first portion of the first base film 411 in the second direction Y. The width of the first portion in the first direction X may be greater than, but is not limited to, the width of the second portion 402a in the first direction X. The first flexible circuit film 401 may include a first longer side 421 (located in the first direction X) having a first side 421a to a third side 421c, and a second longer side 422 opposite the first longer side 421. In addition, the first flexible circuit film 401 may include a first shorter side 423 that bends from the right side of the first longer side 421 and extends in the second direction Y, and a second shorter side 424 opposite to the first shorter side 423. The widths of the first side 421a and the third side 421c in the first direction X may be smaller than the width of the second side 421b. The sum of the widths of the first side 421a and the third side 421c in the first direction X may be smaller than the width of the second side 421b in the first direction X. That is, the second side 421b may be recessed from the first side 421a and the third side 421c in the second direction Y, and the first longer side 421 may have a shape that is generally recessed inwardly at the second side 421b in the second direction Y. The groove portion or bay portion of the first flexible circuit film 401 may be formed by the second side 421b and the areas (e.g., the first area, the second area) of the first flexible circuit film 401 that protrude in the second direction Y. The module component 701 may be disposed in the groove portion or bay portion. Specifically, in Figure 3 A region (eg, a first region) disposed on the right side of the first flexible circuit film 401 and protruding downward in the second direction Y may overlap with the first protruding portion 111b of the first base substrate 111 and may have the same shape as the first protruding portion 111b. Figure 3 A region (eg, a second region) disposed on the left side of the first flexible circuit film 401 and protruding downward in the second direction Y may overlap with the second protruding portion 111c of the first base substrate 111 and may have the same shape as the second protruding portion 111c.

[0104] As described above, in the display device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a display area DA is formed having a partially inwardly recessed edge, and the module member 701 is disposed in the recessed portion. As a result, the area of ​​the non-display area NA can be reduced when viewed from the top. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Even when the module member 701 has a relatively large thickness, a portion of the edge of the first flexible circuit film 401 that curves toward the back of the display panel 101 is recessed inward, so that the module member 701 does not overlap with the first flexible circuit film 401 in the third direction Z. As a result, the thickness of the display device 1 can be reduced.

[0105] The first flexible circuit film 401 may include a bridge portion 402a having a predetermined width and extending upward from a portion of the second longer side 422 in the second direction Y. For example, the bridge portion 402a may be a protruding region in the second direction Y from a relatively rightward region of the curved first flexible circuit film 401 and may extend in the second direction Y to couple with a region of the second flexible circuit film 501. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The bridge portion 402a may be a protruding region in the second direction Y from a relatively leftward region or a central region of the curved first flexible circuit film 401.

[0106] Although Figure 3 In the example shown in FIG, the bridge portion 402a of the first flexible circuit film 401 is disposed on the upper surface of the second flexible circuit film 501 and overlaps a portion of the second flexible circuit film 501 in the thickness direction, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The bridge portion 402a of the first flexible circuit film 401 may be disposed on the lower surface of the second flexible circuit film 501 and may overlap a portion of the second flexible circuit film 501 in the thickness direction. Furthermore, a coupling layer or other element may be interposed between the bridge portion 402a of the first flexible circuit film 401 and the second flexible circuit film 501, which overlap in the thickness direction, to couple them together. For example, the bridge portion 402a and the second flexible circuit film 501 may be coupled to each other via an anisotropic conductive film (ACF). Specifically, the ACF may be attached between the second flexible circuit film 501 and the bridge portion 402a, and the two may be attached together by applying pressure and heat. In such a case, the bridge portion 402a of the first flexible circuit film 401 may be directly connected to the second flexible circuit film 501. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As shown, one end of the bridge portion 402 a adjacent to the second flexible circuit film 501 may have a connector 452 , and the connector 452 may be fastened to the connector 551 of the second flexible circuit film 501 .

[0107] The first flexible circuit film 401 may be provided with a driving member 800 connected to the first pad portion 170, an external control device for transmitting data signals including image data and control data to the driving member 800, a power supply, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the driving member 800 is a driver IC, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, a pressure control member 900 capable of controlling the pressure sensing member PS may also be provided on the first flexible circuit film 401. The pressure control member 900 may be provided on the first flexible circuit film 401 so as to be spaced apart from the driver IC. However, in other implementations, the driving member 800 and the pressure control member 900 may be implemented as a single chip.

[0108] In an exemplary embodiment, a signal line is provided on the bridge portion 402a of the first flexible circuit film 401, connecting the pressure control member 900 on the first flexible circuit film 401 with the pressure sensing member PS mounted on the second flexible circuit film 501, which will be described below. The signal line includes a conductive material such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), and platinum (Pt).

[0109] The second flexible circuit film 501 may include a third longer side 505 extending in the first direction X and a fourth longer side 506 opposite the third longer side 505, and may have a third shorter side 507 bent from the right side of the fourth longer side 506 and extending downward in the second direction Y, and a fourth shorter side 508 opposite the third shorter side 507. The second flexible circuit film 501 may be flexible and bendable in the second direction Y. In the drawings, the second flexible circuit film 501 may be bent toward the back surface of the first base substrate 111 and may be disposed above the front surface of the first base substrate 111. The second flexible circuit films 501 may be bent toward the front surface of the first base substrate 111 and may be coupled to each other via, for example, an anisotropic conductive film (ACF).

[0110] The second flexible circuit film 501 may include a second base film 511 having an insulating property, a shielding electrode 520 provided on the second base film 511, a plurality of conductive patterns including a pressure electrode 540, and a plurality of insulating layers stacked on each other. Figure 6 The above-mentioned conductive pattern and insulating layer are described.

[0111] While the bridge portion 402a is integrally formed with the first flexible circuit film 401 in the above exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Although not shown in the drawings, the second flexible circuit film 501 may have a bridge portion having a predetermined width and protruding from the left or right side or the center region of the third longer side 505 in the second direction Y, and the bridge portion of the second flexible circuit film 501 may be secured to the first flexible circuit film 401. In other words, the bridge portion 402a may be integrally formed with the second flexible circuit film 501. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first flexible circuit film 401, the second flexible circuit film 501, and the bridge portion 402a may be integrally formed and may be bent toward the back surface of the first base substrate 111 to couple thereto. In such a case, it can be said that the first flexible circuit film 401 includes the second flexible circuit film 501 and the bridge portion 402a. The first flexible circuit film 401 may be coupled to the first pad portion 170 and may be bent toward the back surface of the first base substrate 111 to couple thereto.

[0112] The third flexible circuit film 601 may be flexible and bendable in a bending direction (e.g., a third direction Z). The third flexible circuit film 601 may include a third base film 611 having insulating properties and a conductive pattern (not shown) disposed on the third base film 611. In some exemplary embodiments, the third flexible circuit film 601 may further include a connector 651, and the connector 651 of the third flexible circuit film 601 may be connected to the connector 451 of the first flexible circuit film 401. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first flexible circuit film 401 and the third flexible circuit film 601 may be coupled to each other via an anisotropic conductive film (ACF). In such a case, the first flexible circuit film 401 may be directly connected to the third flexible circuit film 601.

[0113] Module component 701 may have optical sensing features and / or speaker features. For example, module component 701 may be an optical sensor module including a camera sensor for acquiring image information, an illuminance sensor for acquiring brightness information on the front surface of display device 1, and / or a proximity sensor for acquiring information related to the distance to a nearby object or the location of a nearby object. Alternatively, module component 701 may be a speaker module for modulating an electrical signal into sound.

[0114] The module member 701 may be disposed on one side of the first base substrate 111 and the second base substrate 211 in the second direction Y. For example, the module member 701 may be disposed adjacent to the second edge 121a of the main portion 111a of the first base substrate 111 and the fifth edge 221a of the main portion 211a of the second base substrate 211. The module member 701 may be disposed between the first protruding portion 111b and the second protruding portion 111c of the first base substrate 111 and between the first protruding portion 211b and the second protruding portion 211c of the second base substrate 211.

[0115] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure sensing member PS may have a capacitive type.

[0116] The pressure sensing member PS may include a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of insulating layers.

[0117] Specifically, the pressure sensing member PS may include a shield electrode 520, a first pressure insulating layer 531, a pressure electrode 540, and a second pressure insulating layer 532. In addition, the pressure electrode 540 may form a capacitor with the conductive material (electrode) of the bracket 550.

[0118] The pressure sensing member PS may be provided on the second flexible circuit film 501. The shielding electrode 520 of the pressure sensing member PS is coupled to the second flexible circuit film 501 and may prevent the conductive pattern (eg, Figure 2 The shielding electrode 520 is a conductive layer (e.g., a conductive layer) and an electrical interaction between the pressure electrode 540 of the pressure sensing member PS. The shielding electrode 520 may be made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), or aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), and may be made of the same material as the pressure electrode 540 to be described below.

[0119] The shielding electrode 520 may be provided between the pressure electrode 540 and the plurality of conductive patterns of the display panel 101, and may prevent the pressure electrode 540 and the conductive patterns of the display panel 101 from interfering with each other. Specifically, by providing the shielding electrode 520, the electric field formed by the pressure electrode 540 can be clearly distinguished from the electric field formed by the plurality of conductive patterns of the display panel 101. As a result, it is possible to suppress instability in the electric field that may occur between the pressure electrode 540 and the plurality of conductive patterns, and accurately calculate pressure data based on externally applied pressure.

[0120] The first pressure insulating layer 531 may be disposed on the shielding electrode 520. The shielding electrode 520 may be protected from moisture, oxygen, etc. by the first pressure insulating layer 531. The first pressure insulating layer 531 may be made of an organic insulating material or an inorganic insulating material.

[0121] The pressure electrode 540 may be disposed on the first pressure insulating layer 531. More than one pressure electrode 540 may be provided. The pressure electrode 540 may include a conductive material. The conductive material may include a metal or an alloy thereof. Examples of metals include gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), platinum (Pt), and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure electrode 540 may be made of a transparent conductive material. Examples of transparent conductive materials may include silver nanowires (AgNWs), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), antimony zinc oxide (AZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO2), carbon nanotubes, graphene, and the like. The pressure electrode 540 may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers, and may include, for example, multiple layers formed from two or more of the materials listed above.

[0122] Although three pressure electrodes 540 are depicted in the drawings, the number of pressure electrodes 540 is not limited to three. In addition, although the pressure electrodes 540 are shown as rectangular in the drawings, the shape is not limited thereto and may be changed to various shapes. The number and arrangement of the pressure electrodes 540 may be varied depending on the shape and size of the display device 1, input device, etc.

[0123] The pressure electrode 540 may form capacitance with the bracket 550 to be described later. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the display apparatus 1 may determine the intensity of a touch based on an amount of change in capacitance between the pressure electrode 540 and the bracket 550.

[0124] The second pressure insulating layer 532 may be disposed on the pressure electrode 540. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the second pressure insulating layer 532 may be a dielectric layer that forms a capacitor between the pressure electrode 540 and the bracket 550. The second pressure insulating layer 532 may be located between the pressure electrode 540 and the bracket 550. Furthermore, the second pressure insulating layer 532 may be an elastic material. The second pressure insulating layer 532 may include one of polyimide, an acrylic-based material, a urethane-based material, a silicone-rubber-based material, a synthetic rubber, and a synthetic resin. Furthermore, the second pressure insulating layer 532 may be implemented as a foam film (or porous film) including synthetic rubber or synthetic resin. The synthetic rubber may, for example, include materials such as nitrile or acrylic rubber. The synthetic resin may include a polyolefin-based or polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. Furthermore, the synthetic resin may include a material in which a composite of at least one of a hard polymer, a plasticizer, and a softener is incorporated into a material having rubber elasticity, such as polyurethane, polybutadiene, or soft polyvinyl chloride.

[0125] The pressure electrode 540 and the bracket 550 form a capacitance with the second pressure insulating layer 532 therebetween, and thus, a value of the capacitance may vary according to a dielectric constant of the second pressure insulating layer 532 .

[0126] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a bracket 550 may be disposed on the second pressure-insulating layer 532. The bracket 550 may accommodate components disposed thereon. The bracket 550 may include a bottom (not shown) and sidewalls (not shown). The bottom may have a flat shape. When viewed from the top, the sidewalls may extend from each of the four sides of the bottom and may be inclined at a predetermined angle. The bracket 550 may surround and support components stacked thereon. For example, the bracket 550 may serve as a storage container or protective container for other components. The bracket 550 may accommodate a window (not shown), an opposing substrate 201, a display panel 101, a pressure sensing member PS, and a cover sheet (not shown). The bracket 550 may cover the components by surrounding them. The bottom of the bracket 550 faces the pressure sensing member PS. The pressure sensing member PS may be attached to the bottom of the bracket 550 via a coupling layer (not shown), such as an adhesive layer. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling layer used to attach the pressure sensing member PS may be, but is not limited to, a waterproof tape.

[0127] The sidewalls of bracket 550 may face the sidewalls of the touch panel, display panel 101, pressure sensing member PS, and cover sheet (not shown). The upper ends of the sidewalls of bracket 550 may face the window. The outer side surfaces of bracket 550 may be aligned with the outer side surfaces of the window, respectively. The window may be attached to bracket 550 using waterproof tape (not shown).

[0128] The bracket 550 may form an electrode including a conductive material. The conductive material may include a metal or an alloy thereof. Examples of metals include gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), platinum (Pt), etc. The bracket 550 may be made of the same material as the conductive material forming the pressure electrode 540, or may be made of a different material.

[0129] Although a capacitive pressure sensing member PS is employed in the above exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some exemplary embodiments, a resistive pressure sensing member may be employed. When a resistive pressure sensing member PS is employed, it includes a first base film (not shown) and a second base film (not shown) facing each other. Each of the first base film and the second base film may include a material such as polyethylene, polyimide, polycarbonate, polysulfone, polyacrylate, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, polynorbornene, and polyester. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Each of the first base film and the second base film may be made of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film or a polyimide film. A pattern of electrodes (not shown) may be formed on the upper surface of the first base film. A pressure sensing pattern (not shown) may be formed on the upper surface of the second base film. The first base film and the electrode pattern may be coupled to the second base film and the pressure sensing pattern via an adhesive material. The surface of the first base film refers to the surface facing the second base film. The thickness of the electrode pattern may range from 2 μm to 8 μm. For example, the thickness of the electrode pattern may be approximately 4 μm. The electrode pattern includes a plurality of driving electrodes (not shown) and sensing electrodes (not shown), which may be disposed close to but spaced apart from each other so as not to cause a short circuit.

[0130] The drive electrodes and the sense electrodes may be provided on the same layer. In addition, they may be made of the same material. For example, they may include conductive materials such as silver (Ag) and copper (Cu).

[0131] The pressure sensing pattern is disposed on the surface of the second base film. The surface of the second base film refers to the surface facing the first base film. The pressure sensing pattern may include a pressure-sensitive material. The pressure-sensitive material may include metal nanoparticles such as nickel, aluminum, tin, and copper, or may include carbon. The pressure-sensitive material may be dispersed in the polymer resin in the form of particles. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this. The resistance of the pressure sensing pattern decreases as pressure increases. By using this characteristic, it is possible to sense whether pressure is applied and the magnitude of the pressure when pressure is applied.

[0132] Specifically, the surface of the pressure sensing pattern may be in contact with, or at least adjacent to, the surfaces of the drive and sensing electrodes. When pressure is applied to the pressure sensing member PS, the surface of the pressure sensing pattern contacts the drive and sensing electrodes at that location. As a result, the drive and sensing electrodes may be physically connected via the pressure sensing pattern. The pressure sensing pattern, disposed between the drive and sensing electrodes, may act as a resistor.

[0133] Now refer to Figures 7 to 10 The touch element layer 231 including the touch electrode layer 240 , the touch wire 251 , and the touch pad portion 271 of the display device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0134] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 A plan view of the touch element layer relative to the substrate. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An enlarged view of part A of FIG. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the first touch electrode and the second touch electrode. Figure 10 Shown along Figure 9 The cross-sectional view taken along the line Xa-Xa' and the cross-sectional view taken along the line Xa-Xa' Figure 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line Xb-Xb' is provided for comparison.

[0135] refer to Figures 7 to 10 A touch element layer 231 including a touch electrode layer 240 , a touch line 251 , and a touch pad portion 271 may be disposed on an upper surface of the second base substrate 211 .

[0136] The touch electrode layer 240 may include first touch electrodes 241 extending in a first direction X and second touch electrodes 242 extending in a second direction Y. The first touch electrodes 241 and the second touch electrodes 242 may intersect each other. A fourth insulating layer 280 may be interposed between the first touch electrodes 241 and the second touch electrodes 242 to insulate them from each other. The fourth insulating layer 280 may include an inorganic insulating material. Examples of the inorganic insulating material may include silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon nitride oxide, and silicon oxynitride.

[0137] The first touch electrodes 241 may extend generally in the first direction X and may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction Y. The first touch electrodes 241 may be transparent electrodes. Each of the first touch electrodes 241 may include a plurality of first expansion portions 241 a having a substantially diamond shape when viewed from the top, and a first connection portion 241 b connecting adjacent first expansion portions 241 a among the first expansion portions 241 a. The first touch electrodes 241 may be sensing electrodes to which a sensing signal is applied.

[0138] The second touch electrodes 242 may extend generally in the second direction Y and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction X. The second touch electrodes 242 may be transparent electrodes. Each of the second touch electrodes 242 may include a plurality of second extension portions 242a having a substantially diamond shape when viewed from the top, and a second connection portion 242b connecting adjacent second extension portions 242a among the second extension portions 242a. The second touch electrodes 242 may be drive electrodes to which a drive signal is applied.

[0139] In an exemplary embodiment in which the first extension portion 241a and the second extension portion 242a have a rhombus shape, they may be spaced apart from each other in a plane in a direction in which their sides face each other (e.g., a diagonal direction intersecting the first direction X and the second direction Y). Furthermore, the first connection portion 241b and the second connection portion 242b may be arranged so as to be insulated from each other. For example, the second connection portion 242b extending in the second direction Y may be disposed above the first connection portion 241b extending in the first direction X, and the fourth insulating layer 280 may be interposed between the first connection portion 241b and the second connection portion 242b.

[0140] Mutual capacitance may be formed between a first touch electrode 241 extending in a first direction X and a second touch electrode 242 extending in a second direction Y. When the capacitance between the first touch electrode 241 and the second touch electrode 242 changes due to a user's touch operation, the display device 1 may obtain coordinate information of the touch operation based on the changed capacitance. In other words, the touch element layer 231 of the counter substrate 201 may obtain coordinate information of the touch operation.

[0141] The touch line 251 may extend from the non-display area NA (e.g., the inner non-display area INA) and may transmit a signal provided from an external driving element to the touch electrode layer 240. For example, the touch line 251 may be electrically connected to the touch pad portion 271 to transmit a signal provided from the second flexible circuit film 501 to the touch electrode layer 240. The touch line 251 may include a first touch line 251a connected to the first touch electrode 241 and a second touch line 251b connected to the second touch electrode 242.

[0142] The first touch line 251a may include a first portion 251a1 extending in the first direction X and a second portion 251a2 extending in the second direction Y. Furthermore, the second touch line 251b may include a first portion 251b1 extending in the first direction X and a second portion 251b2 extending in the second direction Y. In an exemplary embodiment, the first touch line 251a and the second touch line 251b may be at least partially located within the non-display area NA. For example, when viewed from the top, the first portion 251b1 of the second touch line 251b may be located only within the sealing member 301.

[0143] The touch pad portion 271 (e.g., the third pad portion) may be located in the non-display area NA. For example, the touch pad portion 271 may be at least partially located in the outer non-display area ONA. More specifically, for example, the touch pad portion 271 may not be located in the inner non-display area INA, and may at least partially overlap with the outer non-display area ONA and at least partially overlap with the seal area SA. In such a case, the touch line 251 may be arranged so that they at least partially cross the seal area SA. Since the touch pad portion 271 is not arranged in the inner non-display area INA, the area occupied by the inner non-display area INA when viewed from the top can be reduced.

[0144] The touch pad portion 271 may include a first pad electrode 271a connected to the first touch wire 251a and a second pad electrode 271b connected to the second touch wire 251b. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other exemplary embodiments, the ends of the first touch wire 251a and the second touch wire 251b may be extended to form a touch pad portion 271 for electrical connection.

[0145] The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display panel 101 including the light-emitting element 190 and the opposing substrate 201 including the touch element layer 231 may be manufactured separately and then coupled to each other using the sealing member 301. In this case, the portions of the touch lines 251a1 and 251b1 that are adjacent to the sealing member 301 extending in the first direction X and that extend in the first direction X, and the portions of the touch lines 251a2 and 251b2 that are adjacent to the sealing member 301 extending in the second direction Y and that extend in the second direction Y, may be positioned further inward than the sealing member 301. As a result, it is possible to allow laser light to be transmitted from the opposing substrate 201 toward the sealing member 301, and thus the sealing member 301 may be cured using the laser light.

[0146] Furthermore, the touch pad portion 271 may be disposed adjacent to the edge 221 of the second base substrate 211 extending in the first direction X. In an exemplary embodiment, the touch pad portion 271, including the first pad electrode 271a and the second pad electrode 271b, is disposed adjacent to the fourth edge 221b of the second base substrate 211, but not adjacent to the fifth edge 221a and the sixth edge 221c. The touch pad portion 271, including the first pad electrode 271a and the second pad electrode 271b, is disposed on the first protruding portion 211b of the second base substrate 211, rather than on the main portion 211a and the second protruding portion 211c. This simplifies the connection structure of the counter substrate 201 and reduces the area of ​​the non-display area NA. Furthermore, space is available for disposing the module member 701.

[0147] As described above, the pressure sensing member PS provided on the second flexible circuit film 501 may be connected to the pressure control member 900 provided on the first flexible circuit film 401 through a wire (not shown). The wire may be provided on the bridge portion 402a described above. In such a case, referring to Figure 3 The pressure sensing member PS can be positioned adjacent to the upper edge of the back surface of the display panel 101 and spaced apart from the lower edge where the first flexible circuit film 401 is positioned. Positioning the pressure sensing member PS at the upper edge in this manner can improve the user interface. Specifically, a user can apply pressure to the display device 1 (specifically, to the pressure sensing member PS). When a user input is applied, it can be determined whether pressure is applied at a certain location and, if so, the magnitude of the pressure. This can be calculated by the pressure control member 900, which is electrically connected to the pressure sensing member PS via a wire.

[0148] If the pressure sensing member PS is provided on the first flexible circuit film 401 (which is provided at the lower edge of the display device 1 in the figure), then when a user applies pressure to achieve a desired operation of the display device 1, they must press the lower edge of the display device 1. However, in this case, the user may mistakenly press another area adjacent to the pressure sensing member PS (e.g., the module area) instead of the pressure sensing member PS, thereby degrading user convenience. Furthermore, because the user applies pressure with their finger or other object to apply input when holding the display device 1 in their palm, if the pressure sensing member PS is provided at the lower edge of the display device 1, the user's center of gravity is positioned upward (toward the module) when using the smartphone, making it inconvenient for the user to hold the smartphone. Furthermore, in this case, the user's hand obscures the smartphone screen, making it inconvenient for the user to view the screen.

[0149] In contrast, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure sensing member PS is disposed adjacent to the upper edge of the rear surface of the display panel 101 and spaced apart from the lower edge where the first flexible circuit film 401 is disposed, thereby overcoming the above problems and improving the user interface.

[0150] Hereinafter, other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. Descriptions of elements substantially the same as those of the above-described embodiments will be omitted, which will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on the accompanying drawings.

[0151] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 is a view illustrating a layout of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0152] according to Figure 11 and Figure 12Another exemplary embodiment of the display device 2 is a display device according to Figures 1 to 10 The display device 1 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4 is substantially the same except that the former further includes a pressure sensing member PS_1 on the first flexible circuit film 401 a .

[0153] More specifically, according to this exemplary embodiment, in addition to the pressure sensing member PS provided on the second flexible circuit film 501, a pressure sensing member PS_1 may also be provided on the first flexible circuit film 401a. One end of the pressure sensing member PS_1 may include a signal line electrically connected to the pressure control member 900 located on the first flexible circuit film 401a. The pressure sensing member PS_1 may have the same structure as the pressure sensing member PS. For example, the pressure sensing member PS_1 may be a capacitive pressure sensing member. In such a case, the pressure sensing member PS_1 may have the same structure as the pressure sensing member PS. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this. The pressure sensing member PS_1 may be a resistive pressure sensing member as described above. In this case, a user may apply pressure to the pressure sensing members PS and PS_1. When a user input is applied, it is possible to determine whether pressure is applied at a certain location and, if so, the magnitude of the pressure. This can be calculated by the pressure control member 900 electrically connected to the pressure sensing members PS and PS_1 via a wire.

[0154] If the pressure sensing member PS is provided on the first flexible circuit film 401a (which is provided at the lower edge of the display device 2 in the figure), then when the user applies pressure to achieve a desired operation of the display device 2, they must press the lower edge of the display device 2. However, in this case, the user may mistakenly press another area adjacent to the pressure sensing member PS (e.g., the module area) instead of the pressure sensing member PS, thereby degrading user convenience. Furthermore, because the user applies pressure with their finger or other object to apply input when holding the display device 2 in their palm, if the pressure sensing member PS is provided at the lower edge of the display device 2, the center of gravity is positioned upward (toward the module) when the user uses the smartphone, making it inconvenient for the user to hold the smartphone. Furthermore, in this case, the user's hand obscures the smartphone screen, making it inconvenient for the user to view the screen.

[0155] In contrast, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure sensing member PS is disposed adjacent to the upper edge of the rear surface of the display panel 101 and spaced apart from the lower edge where the first flexible circuit film 401 a is disposed, thereby overcoming the above problems and improving the user interface.

[0156] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14is a view illustrating a layout of a display device according to still another exemplary embodiment.

[0157] according to Figure 13 and Figure 14 A display device 3 according to another exemplary embodiment is substantially the same as the display device 1 , except that a pressure sensing member PS_2 is provided on the third flexible circuit film 601 .

[0158] refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 Although the bridge portion 402a of the first flexible circuit film 401 is disposed on the upper surface of the third flexible circuit film 601 and overlaps a portion of the third flexible circuit film 601 in the thickness direction, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The bridge portion 402a of the first flexible circuit film 401 may be disposed on the lower surface of the third flexible circuit film 601 and may overlap a portion of the third flexible circuit film 601 in the thickness direction. Furthermore, as described above, a coupling layer or other element may be interposed between the overlapping third flexible circuit film 601 and the bridge portion 402a of the first flexible circuit film 401 in the thickness direction to couple them together. For example, the bridge portion 402a and the third flexible circuit film 601 may be coupled together via an anisotropic conductive film (ACF). Specifically, the ACF may be attached between the third flexible circuit film 601 and the bridge portion 402a, and the two may be attached together by applying pressure and heat. In such a case, the bridge portion 402a of the first flexible circuit film 401 may be directly connected to the third flexible circuit film 601. As shown in the figure, one end of the bridge portion 402 a adjacent to the third flexible circuit film 601 may have a connector 452 , and the connector 452 may be fastened to the connector 651 of the third flexible circuit film 601 .

[0159] In addition, in this exemplary embodiment, a signal line connecting the pressure control member 900 on the first flexible circuit film 401 and the pressure sensing member PS_2 mounted on the third flexible circuit film 601 is provided on the bridge portion 402 a of the first flexible circuit film 401 .

[0160] The third flexible circuit films 601 may be bent toward the front surface of the first base substrate 111 and may be coupled to each other, for example, through an anisotropic conductive film (ACF).

[0161] While the bridge portion 402a is integrally formed with the first flexible circuit film 401 in this exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, although not shown in the drawings, the third flexible circuit film 601 may have a bridge portion having a predetermined width and protruding from the upper edge of the first base substrate 111 in the second direction Y, and the bridge portion of the third flexible circuit film 601 may be secured to the first flexible circuit film 401. In other words, the bridge portion 402a may be integrally formed with the third flexible circuit film 601. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first flexible circuit film 401, the third flexible circuit film 601, and the bridge portion 402a may be integrally formed and may be bent toward the back surface of the first base substrate 111 to couple thereto. In this case, it can be said that the first flexible circuit film 401 includes the third flexible circuit film 601 and the bridge portion 402a. The first flexible circuit film 401 may be coupled to the first pad portion 170 and may be bent toward the back surface of the first base substrate 111 to couple thereto.

[0162] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, if the pressure sensing member PS_2 is provided on the first flexible circuit film 401 (which is provided at the lower edge of the display device 3 in the drawings), then when the user applies pressure to achieve a desired operation of the display device 3, they must press the lower edge of the display device 3. However, in this case, the user may mistakenly press another area adjacent to the pressure sensing member PS_2 (e.g., the module area) instead of the pressure sensing member PS_2, thereby degrading user convenience. Furthermore, because the user applies pressure with their finger or other object to apply input when holding the display device 3 in their palm, if the pressure sensing member PS_2 is provided at the lower edge of the display device 3, the center of gravity is upward (toward the module) when the user uses the smartphone, making it inconvenient for the user to hold the smartphone. Furthermore, in this case, the hand obscures the smartphone screen, making it inconvenient for the user to view the screen.

[0163] In contrast, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure sensing member PS_2 is disposed adjacent to the upper edge of the rear surface of the display panel 101 and spaced apart from the lower edge where the first flexible circuit film 401 is disposed, thereby overcoming the above problems and improving the user interface.

[0164] Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to still another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 is a view illustrating a layout of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0165] according to Figure 15 and Figure 16 Another exemplary embodiment of the display device 4 and according to Figures 1 to 10The display device 1 of the exemplary embodiment is substantially the same except that a pressure sensing member PS_2 is provided on the third flexible circuit film 601 and a pressure sensing member PS_3 is further provided on the first flexible circuit film 401 .

[0166] The above has been combined Figure 13 and Figure 14 The exemplary embodiment describes the pressure sensing member PS_2 provided on the third flexible circuit film 601, and thus, redundant description will be omitted.

[0167] The above has been combined Figure 11 and Figure 12 The exemplary embodiment describes the pressure sensing member PS_3 provided on the first flexible circuit film 401, and thus, redundant description will be omitted.

[0168] Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, if the pressure sensing member PS_2 is provided on the first flexible circuit film 401 (which is provided at the lower edge of the display device 4 in the drawings), then when the user applies pressure to achieve a desired operation of the display device 4, they must press the lower edge of the display device 4. However, in this case, the user may mistakenly press another area adjacent to the pressure sensing member PS_2 (e.g., the module area) instead of the pressure sensing member PS_2, thereby degrading user convenience. Furthermore, because the user applies pressure with their finger or other object to apply input when holding the display device 4 in their palm, if the pressure sensing member PS_2 is provided at the lower edge of the display device 4, the center of gravity is positioned upward (toward the module) when the user uses the smartphone, making it inconvenient for the user to hold the smartphone. Furthermore, in this case, the user's hand obscures the smartphone screen, making it inconvenient for the user to view the screen.

[0169] In contrast, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure sensing member PS_2 is disposed adjacent to the upper edge of the rear surface of the display panel 101 and spaced apart from the lower edge where the first flexible circuit film 401 is disposed, thereby overcoming the above problems and improving the user interface.

[0170] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. Display devices, including: Display panel; a first plate connected to one side of the first surface of the display panel and bent toward the display panel to overlap the display panel; a second plate connected to the other side of the first surface of the display panel and bent toward the direction of the display panel to overlap the display panel; a driving member, disposed on the first plate; as well as a first pressure sensing member disposed on the second plate and disposed on a second surface of the display panel opposite to the first surface; wherein the first plate is connected to the second plate; The first pressure sensing member is disposed adjacent to an upper edge of the second surface of the display panel and is spaced apart from a lower edge where the first plate is disposed.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first plate includes a first portion attached to the one side of the first surface of the display panel and a second portion protruding from the first portion toward the other side of the display panel.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein The second portion of the first plate is connected to the second plate.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The driving member is electrically connected to the first pressure sensing member.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein The first pressure sensing member includes a first conductive layer disposed on a surface of the second plate and a second conductive layer disposed on the first conductive layer.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein The first conductive layer includes a shielding electrode.

7. The display device according to claim 6, further comprising: a bracket disposed on the second surface of the display panel and on a surface of the first pressure sensing member, the bracket covering the display panel and the first pressure sensing member; Wherein, the bracket comprises metal material.

8. The display device according to claim 7, in, The first pressure sensing member includes a first insulating layer between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer and a second insulating layer between the second conductive layer and the bracket, and The second insulating layer includes a dielectric material for insulating the second conductive layer from the bracket.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein The bracket and the second conductive layer form a capacitor, and the second insulating layer is located between the bracket and the second conductive layer.

10. The display device according to claim 5, further comprising: A second pressure sensing member is disposed on the first plate.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein The second pressure sensing member comprises: a third conductive layer disposed on a surface of the first plate; a fourth conductive layer, disposed on the third conductive layer; a third insulating layer, disposed between the third conductive layer and the fourth conductive layer; and The fourth insulating layer is arranged on the fourth conductive layer.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein The third conductive layer is a shielding electrode, and the fourth insulating layer includes a dielectric material.

13. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The width of the second portion is smaller than the width of the first portion.

14. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A touch panel is arranged above the display panel; as well as a third plate connected to one side of the surface of the touch panel and overlapping the display panel in a thickness direction of the display panel, Wherein, the third plate is connected to the first plate.

15. Display devices, including: Display panel; A touch panel is arranged above the display panel; a first printed circuit board connected to one side of the first surface of the display panel and bent toward the display panel to overlap the display panel; a second printed circuit board connected to one side of the surface of the touch panel and bent toward the direction of the display panel to overlap the display panel, wherein the one side of the surface of the touch panel is adjacent to the other side of the display panel; a driving member, disposed on the first printed circuit board; as well as a first pressure sensing member disposed on the second printed circuit board and disposed on a second surface of the display panel opposite to the first surface; wherein the first printed circuit board is connected to the second printed circuit board; The first pressure sensing member is disposed adjacent to an upper edge of the second surface of the display panel and is spaced apart from a lower edge where the first printed circuit board is disposed.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein The first printed circuit board includes a first portion attached to the one side of the first surface of the display panel and a second portion protruding from the first portion toward the other side of the display panel.

17. The display device according to claim 15, wherein The driving member is electrically connected to the first pressure sensing member.

18. The display device according to claim 15, wherein The first pressure sensing member comprises: a first conductive layer, disposed on the second printed circuit board; a second conductive layer, disposed above the first conductive layer; a first insulating layer disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer; and The second insulating layer is arranged on the second conductive layer.

19. The display device according to claim 18, further comprising: The second pressure sensing component is disposed on the first printed circuit board.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein The second pressure sensing member comprises: a third conductive layer, disposed on the first printed circuit board; a fourth conductive layer, disposed above the third conductive layer; a third insulating layer, disposed between the third conductive layer and the fourth conductive layer; and The fourth insulating layer is arranged on the fourth conductive layer.

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