Display device including crack sensing lines

Abstract

A display device including crack sensing lines is provided. The display device according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a display panel including a first opening and a second opening and displaying an image; a first crack sensing line disposed around the first opening; and a second crack sensing line disposed around the second opening, wherein cracks around the first opening are sensed by disconnection of the first crack sensing line, and cracks around the second opening are sensed by disconnection of the second crack sensing line.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0011859, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 30, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device having crack sensing lines disposed around openings. Background Art

[0003] Recently, various types of portable electronic devices, such as smart phones, have integrated cameras to allow users to carry only one electronic device integrated with a camera, rather than separately carrying a camera in addition to the portable electronic device.

[0004] In such an electronic device having an integrated camera, the integrated camera is generally disposed outside an image display area of the electronic device, and thus, the space in which the electronic device can display an image is reduced. Various techniques have been developed to address these problems.

[0005] The above information disclosed in this background art section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and thus, this background art section may contain information that does not constitute the prior art known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display device capable of sensing cracks formed around openings in a display device having two or more openings. The display device may sense whether cracks are formed around the openings. In addition, when a crack is detected at a position other than near the openings, the display device may easily confirm the position where the crack appears by distinguishing the crack from other cracks.

[0007] A display device according to an exemplary embodiment includes: a display panel including a first opening and a second opening and displaying an image; a first crack sensing line disposed around the first opening; and a second crack sensing line disposed around the second opening, wherein a crack around the first opening is sensed by a break of the first crack sensing line, and a crack around the second opening is sensed by a break of the second crack sensing line.

[0008] A first end of each of the first crack sensing line and the second crack sensing line may receive a sensing voltage through a voltage application signal line.

[0009] A second end of the first crack sensing line may be connected to a first detection signal line, and the first detection signal line may be connected to a first data line.

[0010] The second end of the second crack sensing line may be connected to a second detection signal line, and the second detection signal line may be connected to a second data line.

[0011] The display panel may include: a lower display unit including a bent portion and a driver; and an upper display unit disposed on the lower display unit.

[0012] The lower display unit may include a display area including pixels and a peripheral area disposed around the display area; the bent portion and the driver may be disposed in the peripheral area, and the bent portion and the driver may protrude from one side of the display area.

[0013] A first opening and a second opening may be disposed in the display area.

[0014] The pixel may include an organic light emitting diode and a diode driving circuit for supplying current to the organic light emitting diode.

[0015] The voltage application signal line may include a voltage application line and a peripheral voltage application line, the voltage application line is disposed in the upper display unit, and the peripheral voltage application line is disposed in the lower display unit.

[0016] The peripheral voltage application line may be formed to cross the bent portion and the driver of the lower display unit.

[0017] The voltage application line and the peripheral voltage application line may be electrically connected through a voltage application line pad.

[0018] The first detection signal line may include a first sensing line and a first peripheral sensing line, the first sensing line is disposed in the upper display unit, and the first peripheral sensing line is disposed in the lower display unit.

[0019] The first peripheral sensing line may be formed to cross the bent portion and the driver of the lower display unit.

[0020] The first sensing line and the first peripheral sensing line may be electrically connected through a first sensing line pad.

[0021] The second detection signal line may include a second sensing line and a second peripheral sensing line, the second sensing line is disposed in the upper display unit, and the second peripheral sensing line is disposed in the lower display unit.

[0022] The second peripheral sensing line may be formed to cross the bent portion and the driver of the lower display unit.

[0023] The second sensing line and the second peripheral sensing line may be electrically connected through a second sensing line pad.

[0024] The upper display unit may include a touch sensor for sensing a touch input.

[0025] It may further include display panel crack sensing wirings for sensing cracks formed in the display panel.

[0026] It may further include bent portion crack sensing wirings for sensing cracks formed in the bent portion.

[0027] At least one of the voltage application signal line, the first detection signal line, and the second detection signal line may have a symmetric structure extending along opposite sides of the peripheral area.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, it is possible to determine whether a crack is formed around an opening of a display device through sensing lines provided around the opening. In addition, when the display device includes two or more openings, it is possible to determine whether a crack is formed around any of the openings. In addition, the display device may distinguish cracks formed in other portions from cracks formed in the periphery of the opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a top plan view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line II-II.

[0031] Figure 3 is a view showing an opening portion in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 4 is a view showing in detail a peripheral area in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5 is a circuit diagram showing in detail a structure in which data lines and sensing lines are connected in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 6 is a top plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 7 is a view showing in detail the periphery of a driver in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 8 is a view showing a display device according to another exemplary embodiment when a disconnection occurs in the display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In the following, the present disclosure will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described exemplary embodiments can be modified in various different ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] The accompanying drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0039] In addition, in the drawings, for better understanding and ease of description, the dimensions and thicknesses of each element are arbitrarily represented, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers, films, panels, regions, etc. may be exaggerated for clarity. In the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions may be exaggerated for better understanding and ease of description.

[0040] It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, the element can be directly on the other element, or there may be one or more intermediate elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intermediate elements. In addition, in the specification, the words "on" or "above" mean being located on or below the object part, and do not necessarily mean being located on the upper side of the object part based on the direction of gravity.

[0041] In addition, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the word "comprising" and its variants (such as "including") will be understood to mean including the stated elements, but not excluding any other elements.

[0042] In addition, throughout the specification, the phrase "in a plan view" means viewing the target part from the top, and the phrase "in a cross-sectional view" means viewing the cross-section formed by vertically cutting the target part from the side.

[0043] In the following, reference is made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 to describe a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Figure 1 is a top plan view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line II-II.

[0045] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the display device includes a lower display unit 100 and an upper display unit 200 having a first opening 151 and a second opening 152, and a first crack sensing line 215 and a second crack sensing line 216 are formed in the lower display unit 100 and the upper display unit 200.

[0046] In Figure 1 and Figure 2 exemplary embodiments, the first crack sensing line 215 and the second crack sensing line 216 are disposed in the upper display unit 200. However, it is understood that more than two openings and more than two crack sensing lines may be included in the display device, and the first crack sensing line 215 and the second crack sensing line 216 may be disposed in the lower display unit 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] Here, when a crack appears near the first opening 151, the first crack sensing line 215 is broken, thereby allowing the appearance of the crack to be detected through the first crack sensing line 215.

[0048] In addition, when a crack appears near the second opening 152, the second crack sensing line 216 is broken, thereby allowing the appearance of the crack to be detected through the second crack sensing line 216.

[0049] The first crack sensing line 215 and the second crack sensing line 216 may allow the appearance of the crack to be detected in various ways. According to Figure 1 and Figure 2 exemplary embodiments, the sensing voltage is not applied due to the break caused by the appearance of the crack, so that the pixel column can indicate the appearance of the crack by the display brightness (refer to Figure 8 ).

[0050] More specifically, Figure 1 and Figure 2 structures are described as follows.

[0051] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the display device includes a lower display unit 100, an upper display unit 200, and a window 400 covering the lower display unit 100 and the upper display unit 200, and two openings 151 and 152 are formed in the lower display unit 100 and / or the upper display unit 200. The lower display unit 100, the upper display unit 200, and the layer disposed between the lower display unit 100 and the upper display unit 200 are collectively referred to as a display panel.

[0052] The lower display unit 100 includes a display area for displaying an image and a peripheral area surrounding the display area, and according to this exemplary embodiment, the peripheral area includes a curved portion 101 and a driver 102, and the curved portion 101 protrudes from the display area in one direction.

[0053] The display area includes a plurality of pixels, and one pixel includes an organic light-emitting diode and a diode driving circuit for supplying current to the organic light-emitting diode. The plurality of pixels disposed in the display area of the lower display unit 100 may be covered by a packaging layer, and the packaging layer may prevent moisture or air from penetrating into the emission layer of the organic light-emitting diode. Figure 1 The boundary between the display area and the peripheral area is shown. In one embodiment, the display area may have a size corresponding to the size of the upper display unit 200. Two openings 151 and 152 are provided in the display area, but since no pixels are formed in the area where the openings 151 and 152 are provided and its periphery, the area where the openings 151 and 152 are provided and its periphery do not display an image.

[0054] In addition to Figure 1 the bent portion 101 and the driver 102 in, the peripheral area of the lower display unit 100 may also be formed in the upper area, lower area, left area, and right area of the display area. Alternatively, the peripheral area of the lower display unit 100 may be provided between the bent portion 101 and the display area. According to an example, the peripheral area provided around the display area may have a narrow width, and the width of the peripheral area may be reduced or eliminated.

[0055] The lower display unit 100 includes a flexible substrate formed of a plastic or organic polymer material having flexible characteristics, and pixels (diode driving circuit and organic light-emitting diode) are formed on the flexible substrate.

[0056] In the peripheral area of the lower display unit 100, the bent portion 101 is bent by utilizing the characteristics of the flexible substrate and bent toward the rear surface of the lower display unit 100, and signal wirings connecting the display area and the driver 102 are formed. In Figure 1 it, a part of the signal wiring is shown to illustrate the characteristics of the present disclosure. Specifically, in Figure 1 it, only the first data line 111-d and the second data line 112-d among the plurality of data lines are shown. Since a plurality of pixel columns are connected along one data line, the voltage applied to one data line affects the pixels included in an entire pixel column.

[0057] On the other hand, the upper display unit 200 may include a touch sensor capable of sensing a touch input, a voltage application line 210, a pair of sensing lines 211 and 212, and a pair of crack sensing lines 215 and 216 formed around the openings 151 and 152.

[0058] The upper display unit 200 displays an image corresponding to the pixels of the lower display unit 100 except for the outer partial area and the periphery of the openings 151 and 152. In Figure 1In the [description], the region where the voltage application line 210, a pair of sensing lines 211 and 212, and a pair of crack sensing lines 215 and 216 are formed may not correspond to the display region of the displayed image.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the upper display unit 200 may include a touch sensor, which is additionally formed on the flexible substrate of the lower display unit 100 after pixels (each pixel including a diode driving circuit and an organic light emitting diode) are formed and then sealed with a sealant. However, according to an exemplary embodiment, it may include a separate flexible substrate on which a touch sensor is formed.

[0060] When the openings 151 and 152 are formed, a process of removing the corresponding regions of the lower display unit 100 and the upper display unit 200 is performed. In this process, cracks may be formed in the lower display unit 100 and / or the upper display unit 200. In order to detect the occurrence of cracks, a first crack sensing line 215 and a second crack sensing line 216 are respectively formed around the first opening 151 and the second opening 152. Additionally, referring to Figure 2 , in the present exemplary embodiment, the first crack sensing line 215 and the second crack sensing line 216 may be formed in the upper display unit 200.

[0061] The first crack sensing line 215 and the second crack sensing line 216 are connected to a voltage application signal line 10 to receive a sensing voltage.

[0062] The first crack sensing line 215 transmits the sensing voltage provided from the voltage application signal line 10 to a first detection signal line 11. The first detection signal line 11 is connected to a first data line 111-d to transmit the sensing voltage to the first data line 111-d.

[0063] The second crack sensing line 216 transmits the sensing voltage provided from the voltage application signal line 10 to a second detection signal line 12. The second detection signal line 12 is connected to a second data line 112-d to transmit the sensing voltage to the second data line 112-d.

[0064] As Figure 1 shown, the voltage application signal line 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a voltage application line 210 and a peripheral voltage application line 110. Like the first crack sensing line 215 and the second crack sensing line 216, the voltage application line 210 is formed in the upper display unit 200. The peripheral voltage application line 110 is formed in the lower display unit 100 and is provided in the peripheral region (including the bent portion 101 and the driver 102) of the lower display unit 100. The voltage application line 210 and the peripheral voltage application line 110 may be electrically connected through a voltage application line pad (or "pad") 110-c.

[0065] In addition, as Figure 1 shown in Figure 1 , the first detection signal line 11 includes a first peripheral sensing line 111 and a first sensing line 211. Similar to the voltage application line 210, the first crack sensing line 215, and the second crack sensing line 216, the first sensing line 211 is formed in the upper display unit 200. The first peripheral sensing line 111 is formed in the lower display unit 100 in the peripheral region (including the bending portion 101 and the driver 102) of the lower display unit 100. The first peripheral sensing line 111 and the first sensing line 211 may be electrically connected via the first sensing line pad 111-c.

[0066] In addition, as Figure 1 shown in Figure 1 , the second detection signal line 12 includes a second peripheral sensing line 112 and a second sensing line 212. Similar to the voltage application line 210, the first crack sensing line 215, and the second crack sensing line 216, the second sensing line 212 is formed in the upper display unit 200. The second peripheral sensing line 112 is formed in the lower display unit 100 in the peripheral region (including the bending portion 101 and the driver 102) of the lower display unit 100. The second peripheral sensing line 112 and the second sensing line 212 may be electrically connected via the second sensing line pad 112-c.

[0067] The voltage application line pad 110-c, the first sensing line pad 111-c, and the second sensing line pad 112-c may be formed in the lower display unit 100.

[0068] Hereinafter, the signals applied to the voltage application signal line 10, the first detection signal line 11, and the second detection signal line 12 will be mainly described.

[0069] The voltage application signal line 10 receives a sensing voltage from an external device (not shown) and transmits the sensing voltage to the first crack sensing line 215 and the second crack sensing line 216. In this case, as Figure 1 shown in Figure 1 , the voltage application signal line 10 may have a symmetric bilateral structure, and the same sensing voltage is applied to both sides. According to an exemplary embodiment, the voltage application signal line 10 may be connected to one of the terminals of the driving chip 300 to receive the sensing voltage from the driving chip 300.

[0070] One end of the first crack sensing line 215 is connected to the voltage application signal line 10, and the other end of the first crack sensing line 215 is connected to the first detection signal line 11. Therefore, the sensing voltage transmitted from the voltage application signal line 10 may be transmitted to the first detection signal line 11 via the first crack sensing line 215.

[0071] The first detection signal line 11 may have a symmetric bilateral structure, in which the wirings extending to both sides converge in the peripheral region provided with the bent portion 101 and the driver 102 and are electrically connected to the first data line 111-d. Accordingly, the sensed voltage is transmitted to the first data line 111-d.

[0072] If a crack is formed around the first opening 151 such that the first crack sensing line 215 is disconnected, the sensed voltage is not transmitted to the first detection signal line 11 and the first data line 111-d.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the occurrence of a crack that may be formed around the first opening 151 can be sensed by applying a sensed voltage to the first data line 111-d and sensing the brightness of the pixel columns connected to the first data line 111-d. For example, when the sensed voltage is applied to the first data line 111-d, the pixel columns connected to the first data line 111-d do not emit light, and when the sensed voltage is not applied to the first data line 111-d, the pixel columns connected to the first data line 111-d emit light to display brightness (refer to Figure 8 ).

[0074] For this purpose, a driving voltage (ELVDD) that is a high voltage for driving pixels including organic light-emitting diodes is applied as the sensed voltage. When the driving voltage (ELVDD) applied to the data line is applied as the sensed voltage, there is no voltage difference between the source side and the gate side of the driving transistor that outputs current to the organic light-emitting diode, so no driving current flows through the organic light-emitting diode, and the pixel columns connected to the corresponding data line do not emit light. However, if a disconnection has occurred in the first crack sensing line 215 due to a crack formed around the first opening 151, no sensed voltage is applied to the data line due to the disconnection, and the voltage difference generated between the source side and the gate side of the driving transistor causes a driving current to flow through the organic light-emitting diode, and the organic light-emitting diode emits light.

[0075] In addition, one end of the second crack sensing line 216 is connected to the voltage application signal line 10, and the other end of the second crack sensing line 216 is connected to the second detection signal line 12. Accordingly, the sensed voltage transmitted from the voltage application signal line 10 can be transmitted to the second detection signal line 12 via the second crack sensing line 216.

[0076] The second detection signal line 12 may also have a symmetric bilateral structure, in which the wirings extending to both sides converge in the peripheral region provided with the bent portion 101 and the driver 102 and are electrically connected to the second data line 112-d. Accordingly, the sensed voltage is transmitted to the second data line 112-d.

[0077] If a crack is formed around the second opening 152 such that the second crack sensing line 216 is disconnected, the sensed voltage is not transmitted to the second detection signal line 12 and the second data line 112-d. Accordingly, the pixel columns connected to the second data line 112-d emit light, thereby displaying brightness (refer to Figure 8 ). If the second crack sensing line 216 is not disconnected, the pixel columns connected to the second data line 112-d do not emit light when the sensed voltage is applied to the second data line 112-d.

[0078] The structure of the pixels connected to the second data line 112-d may be the same as the structure of the pixels connected to the first data line 111-d.

[0079] According to another exemplary embodiment, the driving chip 300 may determine the occurrence of a crack by reading the voltage values input through the detection signal lines 11 and 12, rather than allowing the pixel columns to emit light to determine the occurrence of a crack.

[0080] According to the above structure, when a crack has occurred around the first opening 151, the first crack sensing line 215 is disconnected, and the pixel columns connected to the first data line 111-d emit light in a line form. Accordingly, it can be determined that a crack is formed around the first opening 151.

[0081] When a crack has occurred around the second opening 152, the second crack sensing line 216 is disconnected, and the pixel columns connected to the second data line 112-d emit light in a line form. Accordingly, it can be determined that a crack is formed around the second opening 152.

[0082] When it is determined whether a crack has been formed in the process of forming the openings 151 and 152, more accurate results can be provided to a detector (not shown).

[0083] On the other hand, referring to Figure 2 , the display device according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a window 400, and the openings 151 and 152 are not formed in the window 400. Foreign particles are prevented from flowing into the openings 151 and 152 of the display device through the window 400 from the front surface. The window 400 is formed of a material having a flexible characteristic, and a polarizing plate (not shown) may be attached to one side of the window 400. A polarizing plate may be included to prevent light incident from the outside to the window 400 from being reflected by the wirings and electrodes of the touch sensor and then being recognized by the user.

[0084] Various electronic devices, such as optical devices and / or elements (such as a camera, a flash, or an infrared sensor or an ultraviolet sensor), may be provided on the rear surface or inside of the openings 151 and 152.

[0085] Next, by differentiating the portions of the openings 151 and 152 from the portions of the peripheral region including the bent portion 101 and the driver 102, reference is made to Figure 3 and Figure 4 to describe Figure 1 and Figure 2 the structure of the exemplary embodiments.

[0086] First, the wiring connection relationship of the portions of the openings 151 and 152 is described in Figure 3 .

[0087] Figure 3 is a view showing the opening portion in the display device according to the exemplary embodiment.

[0088] According to the present exemplary embodiment, the voltage application line 210 is formed along the outside of the upper display unit 200, and may be provided in a non-display area that does not overlap with the display area. Referring to Figure 1 , the voltage application line 210 is electrically connected to the peripheral voltage application line 110 of the lower display unit 100 through the voltage application line pad 110-c. Accordingly, the sensing voltage is transmitted to the voltage application line 210 of the upper display unit 200.

[0089] A pair of sensing lines 211 and 212 are also formed along the outside of the upper display unit 200, and may be provided in a non-display area that does not overlap with the display area. Referring to Figure 1 , both ends of the first sensing line 211 are electrically connected to the first peripheral sensing line 111 of the lower display unit 100 through the first sensing line pad 111-c. In addition, both ends of the second sensing line 212 are electrically connected to the second peripheral sensing line 112 of the lower display unit 100 through the second sensing line pad 112-c.

[0090] A pair of crack sensing lines 215 and 216 are respectively provided along the peripheries of the openings 151 and 152, and the crack sensing lines 215 and 216 are formed to be disconnected when cracks are formed while physically forming the openings 151 and 152 in the upper display unit 200 and the lower display unit 100. For this purpose, the openings 151 and 152 and the pair of crack sensing lines 215 and 216 are formed adjacent to each other.

[0091] That is, the first crack sensing line 215 is formed along the periphery of the first opening 151, and both ends of the first crack sensing line 215 are respectively connected to the first sensing line 211 and the voltage application line 210. Accordingly, the sensing voltage is transmitted from the voltage application line 210 to the first sensing line 211, and if the first crack sensing line 215 is disconnected, the sensing voltage is not transmitted to the first sensing line 211, thereby determining that a crack has occurred around the first opening 151.

[0092] Similarly, a second crack sensing line 216 is formed along the periphery of the second opening 152, and both ends of the second crack sensing line 216 are connected to the second sensing line 212 and the voltage application line 210, respectively. Accordingly, a sensing voltage is transmitted from the voltage application line 210 to the second sensing line 212, and if the second crack sensing line 216 is disconnected, the sensing voltage is not transmitted to the second sensing line 212, thereby determining that a crack has occurred around the second opening 152.

[0093] Cracks may be formed in the exterior of the display panel. According to the present disclosure, a pixel column emits light only when the crack sensing lines 215 and 216 are disconnected, and when the first sensing line 211 and the second sensing line 212 are disconnected, the pixel column does not emit light as long as the crack sensing lines 215 and 216 are connected.

[0094] As described above, if a crack is formed around the openings 151 and 152 such that at least one of the crack sensing lines 215 and 216 is disconnected, the sensing voltage is not transmitted to the sensing lines 211 and 212. Accordingly, the sensing voltage is not applied to the sensing line pads 111-c and 112-c, and the sensing voltage is not applied to the data lines 111-d and 112-d. Accordingly, the pixel columns connected to the data lines 111-d and 112-d emit light to display brightness (refer to Figure 8 ).

[0095] However, when a crack is formed on the right or left side of the sensing lines 211 and 212 such that the corresponding part is disconnected, different from the case where the crack sensing lines 215 and 216 are disconnected, the sensing voltage is transmitted to the sensing line pads 111-c and 112-c on the opposite side. For example, when a crack appears on the left side of the first sensing line 211, the sensing voltage passing through the first crack sensing line 215 is not transmitted to the first sensing line pad 111-c on the left side, but is transmitted to the first sensing line pad 111-c on the right side. Accordingly, the sensing voltage is transmitted to the first data line 111-d through the first sensing line pad 111-c on the right side, and the pixel column connected to the first data line 111-d does not emit light, indicating that no crack exists around the first opening 151.

[0096] Accordingly, the present sensing structure can sense only the cracks that have occurred around the openings 151 and 152.

[0097] Next, refer to Figure 4 to describe the wiring structure of the peripheral area.

[0098] Figure 4 is a view showing in detail the peripheral area in the display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0099] The peripheral area of the lower display unit 100 includes a driver 102 in which a driving chip 300 is disposed and a curved portion 101 that connects the driver 102 to the display area.

[0100] In the driver 102, a driving chip 300, input pads, and driving signal wirings are formed, and the input pads receive signals from an external device (not shown). In Figure 4 only some of the input pads and the driving signal wirings are shown. In the driving chip 300, data voltages are transmitted to each data line of the display device to display an image, and for ease of explanation, the data lines are omitted in Figure 4

[0101] In the curved portion 101 and the driver 102 of the peripheral area of the lower display unit 100, a peripheral voltage application line 110 and a pair of peripheral sensing lines 111 and 112 are formed.

[0102] The peripheral voltage application line 110 is a wiring that transmits a sensing voltage applied from an external device or the driving chip 300. The peripheral voltage application line 110 includes a first portion that extends in a horizontal direction in the driver 102 and a second portion that extends in a vertical direction from the first portion to extend from the driver 102 to the curved portion 101. The peripheral voltage application line 110 passes through the curved portion 101 and is connected to the voltage application line 210 of the upper display unit 200 through a voltage application line pad 110-c. In addition, the peripheral voltage application line 110 includes a third portion that extends toward a peripheral voltage application line pad 110-p and receives a sensing voltage from an external device through the peripheral voltage application line pad 110-p. The peripheral voltage application line 110 may receive a sensing voltage from the driving chip 300 through a peripheral voltage application line driving chip connection line 110-f that extends toward the driving chip 300. In Figure 4 as an exemplary embodiment, two peripheral voltage application line driving chip connection lines 110-f are shown, however, other numbers of peripheral voltage application line driving chip connection lines 110-f may be provided without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The peripheral circuit application line 110 of the present exemplary embodiment has a right / left symmetric structure.

[0103] Each of the peripheral sensing lines 111 and 112 may be used to determine whether the sensing voltage transmitted from the voltage application signal line 10 is transmitted through the crack sensing lines 215 and 216 or is not transmitted due to a disconnection. Each of the peripheral sensing lines 111 and 112 of the present exemplary embodiment has a right / left symmetric structure.

[0104] ​The first peripheral sensing line 111 includes a first portion extending in a horizontal direction in the driver 102 and a second portion extending in a vertical direction from the first portion to extend from the driver 102 to the bending portion 101. The first peripheral sensing line 111 passes through the bending portion 101 and is connected to the first sensing line 211 of the upper display unit 200 through the first sensing line pad 111-c. In addition, the first peripheral sensing line 111 is connected to the first data line 111-d extending in the vertical direction. Therefore, if the first crack sensing line 215 is disconnected due to a crack formed around the first opening 151, the sensing voltage is not applied to the first data line 111-d, and if no crack is formed around the first opening 151, the sensing voltage is applied to the first data line 111-d. The pixel columns connected to the first data line 111-d operate according to the level of the applied voltage, and can be set such that no brightness is displayed when the sensing voltage is applied, and brightness is displayed when the sensing voltage is not applied (refer to Figure 8 ). In this case, a voltage having a level capable of turning on the switching transistor needs to be applied to the gate lines (not shown) in each pixel, so as to apply the data voltage to each pixel. In addition, the first peripheral sensing line 111 includes a first peripheral sensing line driving chip connection line 111-f extending toward the driving chip 300, so as to sense the application of the sensing voltage in the driving chip 300 according to the exemplary embodiment.

[0105] The second peripheral sensing line 112 includes a first portion extending in a horizontal direction in the driver 102 and a second portion extending in a vertical direction from the first portion to extend from the driver 102 to the bending portion 101. The second peripheral sensing line 112 passes through the bending portion 101 and is connected to the second sensing line 212 of the upper display unit 200 through the second sensing line pad 112-c. In addition, the second peripheral sensing line 112 is connected to the second data line 112-d extending in the vertical direction. Therefore, if the second crack sensing line 216 is disconnected due to a crack formed around the second opening 152, the sensing voltage is not applied to the second data line 112-d, and if no crack is formed around the second opening 152, the sensing voltage is applied to the second data line 112-d. The pixel columns connected to the second data line 112-d operate according to the level of the applied voltage, and can be set such that no brightness is displayed when the sensing voltage is applied, and brightness is displayed when the sensing voltage is not applied (refer to Figure 8 ). In this case, a voltage having a level capable of turning on the switching transistor needs to be applied to the gate lines (not shown) in each pixel, so as to apply the data voltage to each pixel. In addition, the second peripheral sensing line 112 includes a second peripheral sensing line driving chip connection line 112-f extending toward the driving chip 300, so as to sense the application of the sensing voltage from the driving chip 300 according to the exemplary embodiment.

[0106] In addition, referring to Figure 1 , in the lower display unit 100, pads 110-c, 111-c, and 112-c are formed that are connected to the peripheral voltage application line 110 and a pair of peripheral sensing lines 111 and 112. Each of the pads 110-c, 111-c, and 112-c is used to electrically connect to the voltage application line 210 and a pair of sensing lines 211 and 212 of the upper display unit 200, respectively.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the number of openings formed in the display device is not limited to two, and any number of openings can be formed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As the number of openings increases, the number of detection signal lines can also increase to correspond to the number of openings.

[0108] In the display device according to the Figures 1 to 4 exemplary embodiment, a first crack sensing line 215 and a second crack sensing line 216 are formed in the upper display unit 200 to sense cracks that may be formed while forming the first opening 151 or the second opening 152. If a crack is formed around the first opening 151, the first crack sensing line 215 is disconnected, so that the sensing voltage transmitted through the voltage application signal line 10 is not transmitted to the first detection signal line 11. As a result, the sensing voltage is not applied to the first data line 111-d connected to the first detection signal line 11, and the pixel columns connected to the first data line 111-d display a specific brightness. In addition, if a crack is formed around the second opening 152, the second crack sensing line 216 is disconnected, so that the sensing voltage transmitted through the voltage application signal line 10 is not transmitted to the second detection signal line 12. As a result, the sensing voltage is not applied to the second data line 112-d connected to the second detection signal line 12, and the pixel columns connected to the second data line 112-d display a specific brightness.

[0109] Here, the sensing voltage may be a driving voltage (ELVDD) (high voltage) applied to drive the pixels (i.e., the diode driving circuit and the organic light emitting diode). If the sensing voltage is not applied, a low voltage (e.g., ELVSS) is transmitted to the first data line 111-d and the second data line 112-d through the detection signal lines 11 and 12.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the first data line 111-d and the second data line 112-d may not be directly connected to the detection signal lines 11 and 12. When displaying an image, the first data line 111-d and the second data line 112-d are applied with a data voltage to display the image. That is, the first data line 111-d and the second data line 112-d may have a structure in which the data voltage provided from the driving chip 300 is applied, while the sensing voltage is applied when testing the display device to determine whether a crack has been formed. By Figure 5Describe the structure.

[0111] Figure 5 is a circuit diagram showing in detail a structure in which data lines and sensing lines are connected in a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0112] In Figure 5 it shows a first data line 111-d and a second data line 112-d formed in the vertical direction, and also shows a first peripheral sensing line 111 and a second peripheral sensing line 112 formed in the horizontal direction. The first data line 111-d and the first peripheral sensing line 111 are connected by one or more transistors Tr between the first data line 111-d and the first peripheral sensing line 111, rather than being directly connected. In addition, the second data line 112-d and the second peripheral sensing line 112 are connected by one or more transistors Tr between the second data line 112-d and the second peripheral sensing line 112, rather than being directly connected.

[0113] If the transistor Tr is turned on by the input signal 111-I, the peripheral sensing lines 111 and 112 are connected to the data lines 111-d and 112-d. Since no image is displayed when testing the display device for cracks, data voltage is not applied from the driving chip 300 to the data lines 111-d and 112-d. That is, if the input signal 111-I is applied, the first data line 111-d and the first peripheral sensing line 111 are electrically connected, and the second data line 112-d and the second peripheral sensing line 112 are also electrically connected. When no sensing voltage is applied to each of the data lines 111-d and 112-d, the connected pixel columns display brightness.

[0114] Above, a structure for detecting cracks occurring near the openings 151 and 152 is provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, a structure for detecting cracks occurring in the display panel itself or in the bending portion 101 may be further included.

[0115] Figure 6 and Figure 7 show an example of a display device for detecting two additional cracks.

[0116] Figure 6 is a top plan view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment, Figure 7 is a view showing the periphery of a driver in a display device according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0117] In Figure 6 and Figure 7 it shows thick lines (lines with a thicker thickness) and thin lines in the peripheral area including the bending portion 101 and the driver 102. The thick lines indicate that the wirings for detecting cracks have the same as Figure 1The same structure as that of the exemplary embodiment. Those not included in Figure 1 The wirings in Figure 6 and Figure 7 are shown as thin lines to clearly distinguish them from the wirings shown in Figure 1

[0118] Hereinafter, features of the display device shown in the exemplary embodiments of Figure 6 and Figure 7 that are not mentioned in Figure 1 will be described.

[0119] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The exemplary embodiments of

[0120] include wirings 120 and 130 and wirings for sensing cracks around the sensing openings 151 and 152. The wiring 120 is for sensing the presence / absence of cracks in the lower display unit 100 and the upper display unit 200, and the wiring 130 is for sensing the presence / absence of cracks in the bent portion 101. The wiring 120 for sensing cracks in the lower display unit 100 and the upper display unit 200 (referred to herein as the display panel crack sensing wiring) and the wiring 130 for sensing cracks in the bent portion 101 (referred to herein as the bent portion crack sensing wiring) may have a structure including a long wiring having an input terminal and an output terminal. A sensing voltage is transmitted to the input terminal, and the data lines 120-d and 130-d are connected to the output terminals respectively.

[0120] The wiring 120 for sensing cracks in the lower display unit 100 and the upper display unit 200 is formed in the bent portion 101 and the driver 102 of the lower display unit 100, and has a structure for receiving a sensing voltage to flow along the outside of the display area of the lower display unit 100 of the display panel and then being transmitted back to the driver 102. If no crack is formed in the lower display unit 100 so that the wiring 120 is not disconnected, the sensing voltage returns to the driver 102. The input terminal of the wiring 120 for sensing cracks in the lower display unit 100 and the upper display unit 200 receives the sensing voltage, and the output terminal is connected to the third data line 120-d. If the wiring 120 for sensing cracks in the lower display unit 100 and the upper display unit 200 is not disconnected, the sensing voltage is transmitted to the third data line 120-d, so that the pixel columns connected to the third data line 120-d do not display a predetermined brightness. However, if the wiring 120 is disconnected, the sensing voltage is not transmitted to the third data line 120-d, so that the pixel columns connected to the third data line 120-d display a predetermined brightness.

[0121] On the other hand, a wiring 130 for sensing a crack in the bent portion 101 is formed in the driver 102 and the bent portion 101 of the lower display unit 100, and has a structure for receiving a sensing voltage to flow along the inside of the bent portion 101 and be transmitted back to the driver 102. If there is no crack in the bent portion 101 such that the wiring 130 is not disconnected, the sensing voltage returns to the driver 102. An input terminal of the wiring 130 for sensing a crack in the bent portion 101 receives the sensing voltage, and an output terminal is connected to the fourth data line 130-d. If the wiring 130 for sensing a crack in the bent portion 101 is not disconnected, the sensing voltage is transmitted to the fourth data line 130-d, such that a pixel column connected to the fourth data line 130-d does not display a predetermined brightness. However, if the wiring 130 is disconnected, the sensing voltage is not transmitted to the fourth data line 130-d, such that a pixel column connected to the fourth data line 130-d displays a predetermined brightness.

[0122] Input terminals of the wiring 120 for sensing cracks in the lower display unit 100 and the upper display unit 200 and input terminals of the wiring 130 for sensing a crack in the bent portion 101 may be connected to the outside to receive a sensing voltage from an external device (not shown). According to an exemplary embodiment, they may receive the sensing voltage from the driving chip 300.

[0123] According to an exemplary embodiment, output terminals of the wiring 120 for sensing cracks in the lower display unit 100 and the upper display unit 200 and output terminals of the wiring 130 for sensing a crack in the bent portion 101 may be connected to the driving chip 300, without being connected to the data lines 120-d and 130-d, to check whether the sensing voltage is transmitted from the driving chip 300.

[0124] Refer to Figure 7 A more detailed feature of the wiring 120 for sensing cracks in the lower display unit 100 and the upper display unit 200 and a more detailed feature of the wiring 130 for sensing a crack in the bent portion 101 are described.

[0125] The wiring 120 for sensing cracks in the lower display unit 100 and the upper display unit 200 includes two wiring portions 120-s and 120-s2 extending in a horizontal direction in the driver 102. The first wiring portion 120-s is connected to the input terminal, and the second wiring portion 120-s2 is connected to the output terminal. The wiring 120 further includes a portion extending from the first wiring portion 120-s in a vertical direction toward the display panel crack sensing pad 120-p and receiving a sensing voltage from an external device through the display panel crack sensing pad 120-p. Additionally, the wiring 120 may further include a display panel crack sensing driving chip connection line 120-f extending toward the driving chip 300 to receive a sensing voltage from the driving chip 300.

[0126] The wiring 120 includes a sensing portion that extends vertically from a first wiring portion 120-s, passes through the bending portion 101 from the driver 102, and extends along the outside of the display area of the lower display unit 100. Additionally, the wiring 120 may further include a compensation resistor 120-r that makes the resistance difference between the first wiring portion 120-s and the second wiring portion 120-s2 substantially zero. Although Figure 6 and Figure 7 are not shown, the sensing portion has a wiring structure that is formed along the outside of the display area of the lower display unit 100 and returns along the same outside to connect to the second wiring portion 120-s2.

[0127] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second wiring portion 120-s2 is connected to the third data line 120-d and may be connected to the driving chip 300. The connection between the second wiring portion 120-s2 and the third data line 120-d may correspond to the structure shown in Figure 5 .

[0128] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the wiring 120 for sensing cracks in the lower display unit 100 and the upper display unit 200 may be formed as a pair on each of the right and left sides, although such an embodiment is not restrictive.

[0129] On the other hand, the wiring 130 for sensing cracks in the bending portion 101 includes two wiring portions 130-s and 130-s2 that extend horizontally in the driver 102, the first wiring portion 130-s is connected to an input terminal, and the second wiring portion 130-s2 is connected to an output terminal. The wiring 130 further includes a portion that extends vertically from the first wiring portion 130-s toward the bending portion crack sensing pad 130-p and receives a sensing voltage from an external device through the bending portion crack sensing pad 130-p. Additionally, the wiring 130 may further include a bending portion crack sensing driving chip connection line 130-f that extends toward the driving chip 300 to receive a sensing voltage from the driving chip 300.

[0130] The wiring 130 includes a sensing portion that extends vertically from the first wiring portion 130-s from the driver 102 to the bending portion 101. The sensing portion may have a structure that goes back and forth multiple times in the bending portion 101 and the driver 102 as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 , and has a wiring structure that is connected to the second wiring portion 130-s2.

[0131] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second wiring part 130-s2 is connected to the fourth data line 130-d and may be connected to the driving chip 300. The connection between the second wiring part 130-s2 and the fourth data line 130-d may correspond to the structure shown in Figure 5 as shown.

[0132] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the wirings 130 for sensing cracks in the bending part 101 may be formed in a pair on each of the right and left sides, although such an embodiment is not restrictive.

[0133] In Figure 6 's exemplary embodiment, in addition to sensing cracks that may form around the openings 151 and 152, cracks that may form in the display panel ( Figure 6 the lower display unit 100 in the exemplary embodiment of

[0134] When the sensing voltage is not applied to the data lines 120-d and 130-d, the pixel columns connected to the data lines 120-d and 130-d display brightness, as shown in Figure 8 as shown.

[0135] Figure 8 is a view showing a display device according to another exemplary embodiment when a disconnection occurs in the display device.

[0136] In Figure 8 , HCD is an abbreviation for hole crack detection, and shows that when the sensing voltage is not applied to the corresponding data lines respectively connected to the first detection signal line 11 and the second detection signal line 12, the pixel columns display brightness.

[0137] In the present disclosure, the elements 151 and 152 are described as openings. However, the elements 151 and 152 may refer to other features of the display device, including but not limited to holes, vias, perforations, etc. In some embodiments, at least one element (such as a layer and a substrate) of the display panel may be included or provided in the openings 151 and 152. When the openings 151 and 152 are formed, the openings 151 and 152 may be completely open without any elements therein, or some elements may remain in the openings 151 and 152 because the process of forming the openings 151 and 152 can be implemented with some elements left therein.

[0138] MCD is an abbreviation for Module Crack Detection, and shows that when a sense voltage is not applied to a corresponding data line connected to a wiring 120 for detecting cracks in a lower display unit 100 and an upper display unit 200, a pixel column displays brightness.

[0139] BCD is an abbreviation for Bending Crack Detection, and shows that when a sense voltage is not applied to a corresponding data line connected to a wiring 130 for detecting cracks in a bending portion 101, a pixel column displays brightness.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the sense voltage may be a high voltage drive voltage (ELVDD) for driving pixels (e.g., a diode drive circuit and an organic light emitting diode). If the sense voltage is not applied due to a crack, a relatively low voltage (e.g., ELVSS) is applied to data lines 111-d, 112-d, 120-d, and 130-d. In this case, a voltage at a level where a switching transistor can be turned on is applied to a gate line (not shown) in each pixel, and the low voltage applied to data lines 111-d, 112-d, 120-d, and 130-d is provided to each pixel. The high voltage drive voltage (ELVDD) and the low voltage input from data lines 111-d, 112-d, 120-d, and 130-d are applied to a source side and a gate side of a drive transistor of the pixel, respectively, such that the drive transistor provides an output current to an organic light emitting diode of the pixel. Accordingly, the organic light emitting diode of each pixel in the pixel column emits light, and as Figure 8 shown, brightness is displayed along the pixel column.

[0141] Conversely, when the sense voltage is applied to data lines 111-d, 112-d, 120-d, and 130-d because there is no crack, the high voltage drive voltage (ELVDD) is applied to a source side and a gate side of a drive transistor of the pixel, respectively, such that the drive transistor does not provide an output current, so that the output current does not flow through the organic light emitting diode, and brightness is not displayed.

[0142] Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with exemplary embodiments that are presently considered to be practical, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0143] <Description of Marks>

[0144] 100: Lower display unit 200: Upper display unit

[0145] 300: Driving chip 400: Window

[0146] 101: Bending portion 102: Driver

[0147] 151, 152: Openings 215, 216: Crack sensing lines

[0148] 10: Voltage application signal line 110: Peripheral voltage application line

[0149] 210: Voltage application line 110-c: Voltage application line pad

[0150] 110-f: Peripheral voltage application line driving chip connection line

[0151] 110-p: Peripheral voltage application line pad

[0152] 11, 12: Detection signal lines 111, 112: Peripheral sensing lines

[0153] 211, 212: Sensing lines 111-c, 112-c: Sensing line pads

[0154] 111-f, 112-f: Peripheral sensing line driving chip connection lines

[0155] 111-I: Input signal

[0156] 111-d, 112-d, 120-d, 130-d: Data lines

[0157] 120: Display panel crack sensing wiring

[0158] 120-f: Display panel crack sensing driving chip connection line

[0159] 120-p: Display panel crack sensing pad

[0160] 130: Bending part crack sensing wiring

[0161] 130-f: Bending part crack sensing driving chip connection line

[0162] 130-p: Bending part crack sensing pad

[0163] 120-r: Compensation resistor

Claims

1. A display device, the display device comprising: A display panel including a first opening and a second opening; A first crack sensing line disposed around the first opening; And A second crack sensing line disposed around the second opening, Wherein the first opening and the second opening are surrounded by a display area of a displayed image, Wherein a crack around the first opening is sensed by disconnection of the first crack sensing line, and Wherein a crack around the second opening is sensed by disconnection of the second crack sensing line.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, A first end of each of the first crack sensing line and the second crack sensing line receives a sensing voltage through a voltage application signal line, A second end of the first crack sensing line is connected to a first detection signal line, The first detection signal line is connected to a first data line, A second end of the second crack sensing line is connected to a second detection signal line, and The second detection signal line is connected to a second data line.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The display panel includes: A lower display unit including a bent portion and a driver; and An upper display unit disposed on the lower display unit.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The lower display unit includes the display area including pixels and a peripheral area disposed around the display area, The bent portion and the driver are disposed in the peripheral area, The bent portion and the driver protrude from one side of the display area, and The first opening and the second opening are disposed in the display area.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein, The voltage application signal line includes a voltage application line and a peripheral voltage application line, the voltage application line is disposed in the upper display unit, the peripheral voltage application line is disposed in the lower display unit, The peripheral voltage application line is formed to cross the bent portion and the driver of the lower display unit, and The voltage application line and the peripheral voltage application line are electrically connected through a voltage application line pad.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The first detection signal line includes a first sensing line and a first peripheral sensing line, the first sensing line is disposed in the upper display unit, the first peripheral sensing line is disposed in the lower display unit, The first peripheral sensing line is formed to cross the bent portion and the driver of the lower display unit, and The first sensing line and the first peripheral sensing line are electrically connected through a first sensing line pad.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, The second detection signal line includes a second sensing line and a second peripheral sensing line, the second sensing line is disposed in the upper display unit, the second peripheral sensing line is disposed in the lower display unit, The second peripheral sensing line is formed to cross the bent portion and the driver of the lower display unit, and The second sensing line and the second peripheral sensing line are electrically connected through a second sensing line pad.

8. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The upper display unit includes a touch sensor for sensing a touch input.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display device further includes a display panel crack sensing wiring for sensing a crack formed in the display panel.

10. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the display device further includes a bending portion crack sensing wiring for sensing a crack in the bending portion.

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