Flexible display device

Abstract

A flexible display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a display panel having a display area including a plurality of pixels displaying an image and a non-display area surrounding the display area. The flexible display device also includes a first data pad disposed in the non-display area adjacent to the display area of ​​the display panel and electrically connected to the plurality of pixels. In addition, the flexible display device includes a pad disposed in a direction away from the first data pad and the display area and a second data pad disposed between the first data pad and the pad.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flexible display device, and more particularly, to a flexible display device that improves durability of a data pad part disposed in a non-display area. Background Art

[0002] Various display devices for multimedia devices such as televisions, cellular phones, tablet computers, navigation units, or game consoles are currently under development. Such display devices include a display module, and the display module includes a display panel and a driving circuit. The driving circuit is configured to provide a data signal to the display panel.

[0003] When the driving circuit is mounted on the display panel, a predetermined heat and pressure are applied. During this process, a portion of the display panel is bent so that the display panel contacts the end of the driving circuit instead of the input / output bump of the driving circuit. As a result, a short circuit may occur. As a result, the display device may have defects. Summary of the invention

[0004] An object to be achieved by the present disclosure is to suppress defects of a display device caused by a short circuit between a display panel and an end portion of a driving circuit when the display panel is bent.

[0005] The objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above objects, and other objects not mentioned above can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a flexible display device includes: a display panel having a display area including a plurality of pixels displaying an image and a non-display area surrounding the display area. The flexible display device also includes a first data pad disposed in the non-display area adjacent to the display area of ​​the display panel and electrically connected to the plurality of pixels. In addition, the flexible display device also includes a pad disposed in a direction away from the first data pad and the display area and a second data pad disposed between the first data pad and the pad.

[0007] The second data pad and the pad are connected to each other by connecting lines, respectively. An insulating layer may be provided to cover an upper portion of the display panel and a portion of the first data pad, the second data pad, and the pad. The flexible display device may include a protrusion pattern located between the second data pad and the pad and provided on an upper portion of the insulating layer.

[0008] Additional details of exemplary embodiments are included in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, even when the display panel is bent, a short circuit between the display panel and the end portions of the driving circuit can be suppressed.

[0010] Therefore, a short circuit does not occur between the display panel and the end portions of the driving circuit, thereby suppressing an overcurrent from flowing in the display panel.

[0011] In addition, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the degradation of display quality caused by the flow of overcurrent in the display panel, and thus it is possible to improve the durability of the display device.

[0012] The effects according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-exemplified contents, and more various effects are included in this specification.

[0013] Note 1. A flexible display device, comprising:

[0014] a display panel having a display area including a plurality of pixels for displaying an image and a non-display area surrounding the display area;

[0015] a first data pad disposed in the non-display area of ​​the display panel adjacent to the display area and electrically connected to the plurality of pixels;

[0016] a third data pad, the third data pad being arranged in a direction away from the first data pad and the display area;

[0017] a second data pad, the second data pad being disposed between the first data pad and the third data pad;

[0018] a connecting line connecting the second data pad and the third data pad;

[0019] an insulating layer disposed to cover an upper portion of the display panel and a portion of the first data pad, the second data pad, and the third data pad; and

[0020] A protrusion pattern is located between the second data pad and the third data pad and is disposed on an upper portion of the insulating layer.

[0021] Note 2. According to the flexible display device of Note 1, the flexible display device further comprises:

[0022] A printed circuit board is electrically connected to the third data pad and is configured to transmit image data corresponding to the image to the display panel.

[0023] Note 3. According to the flexible display device of Note 2, the flexible display device further comprises:

[0024] a driving circuit configured to generate a data signal using the image data transmitted from the printed circuit board and output the generated data signal to the display panel;

[0025] an input bump connected to the driving circuit and configured to receive the image data; and

[0026] An output bump is connected to the driving circuit and is configured to output the data signal to the display panel.

[0027] Note 4. The flexible display device according to Note 3, wherein the output bump is electrically connected to the first data pad, and

[0028] The input bump is electrically connected to the second data pad.

[0029] Note 5. The flexible display device according to Note 3, wherein the protrusion pattern overlaps with an end portion of the driving circuit.

[0030] Note 6. The flexible display device according to Note 5, wherein the protrusion pattern is in direct contact with the insulating layer.

[0031] Note 7. The flexible display device according to Note 5, wherein the protrusion pattern is made of an organic material or an inorganic material.

[0032] Supplementary note 8. The flexible display device according to Supplementary note 5, wherein the protrusion pattern has a strip shape extending in the long side direction of the driving circuit and connected into one body.

[0033] Supplementary note 9. The flexible display device according to Supplementary note 5, wherein the protrusion pattern has a stripe shape extending in the long-side direction of the driving circuit and having at least one cut-off portion.

[0034] Note 10. The flexible display device according to Note 3, wherein a height of the spacer is smaller than a height of the input bump.

[0035] Note 11. The flexible display device according to Note 1, further comprising:

[0036] a window member disposed above the display panel, the window member comprising a transmissive region corresponding to the display region of the display panel and a frame region corresponding to the non-display region of the display panel; and

[0037] A unit component is disposed below the display panel and accommodates the window component and the display panel.

[0038] Supplement 12. The flexible display device according to Supplement 1, wherein the number of the first data pads is greater than the number of the second data pads.

[0039] Note 13. The flexible display device according to Note 2, further comprising:

[0040] an input sensing circuit disposed on the display panel and connected to the third data pad; and

[0041] An input sensing driving circuit and a control circuit are provided, wherein the input sensing driving circuit and the control circuit are provided on the printed circuit board.

[0042] Note 14. A flexible display device according to Note 13, wherein the input sensing circuit includes a plurality of first sensor electrodes and a plurality of second sensor electrodes, and the input sensing driving circuit is used to sense changes in electrostatic capacitance between the first sensor electrodes and the second sensor electrodes to determine which part of the display area is touched by the user.

[0043] Supplementary note 15. The flexible display device according to Supplementary note 14, wherein each of the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode comprises at least one of indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide, zinc oxide, molybdenum and copper.

[0044] Note 16. The flexible display device according to Note 3, further comprising:

[0045] An adhesive member connecting the input bump with the second data pad and connecting the output bump with the first data pad, wherein the adhesive member includes a conductive ball.

[0046] Note 17. A flexible display device, comprising:

[0047] a display panel having a display area including a plurality of pixels for displaying an image and a non-display area surrounding the display area;

[0048] a printed circuit board configured to transmit image data corresponding to the image to the display panel;

[0049] a driving circuit configured to generate a data signal using the image data transmitted from the printed circuit board and output the generated data signal to the display panel;

[0050] an input bump connected to the driving circuit and configured to receive the image data; and

[0051] an output bump connected to the driving circuit and configured to output the data signal to the display panel;

[0052] a first data pad, the first data pad being disposed in the non-display area of ​​the display panel adjacent to the display area and being electrically connected to the output bump;

[0053] a third data pad, the third data pad being electrically connected to the printed circuit board;

[0054] a second data pad, the second data pad being located between the first data pad and the third data pad and being electrically connected to the input bump;

[0055] an insulating layer configured to expose upper surfaces of the first data pad, the second data pad, and the third data pad;

[0056] a connecting line connecting the second data pad and the third data pad;

[0057] an adhesive member connecting the input bump with the second data pad and connecting the output bump with the first data pad; and

[0058] A protrusion pattern is configured to suppress a short circuit between an end portion of the drive circuit and the display panel when pressure is applied to bond the drive circuit to the display panel.

[0059] Supplementary note 18. The flexible display device according to Supplementary note 17, wherein the adhesive member is interposed between the driving circuit and the display panel.

[0060] Supplementary note 19. The flexible display device according to Supplementary note 18, wherein the adhesive member comprises a conductive ball.

[0061] Supplementary note 20. The flexible display device according to Supplementary note 19, wherein when pressure is applied to bond the driving circuit to the display panel, the protrusion pattern suppresses the conductive balls from gathering at the end of the driving circuit.

[0062] Supplementary note 21. The flexible display device according to Supplementary note 19, wherein when pressure is applied to bond the driving circuit to the display panel, the protrusion pattern inhibits the conductive ball from penetrating through the insulating layer.

[0063] Supplementary note 22. The flexible display device according to Supplementary note 17, wherein the protrusion pattern is made of an organic material or an inorganic material and is in direct contact with the insulating layer.

[0064] Note 23. The flexible display device according to Note 22, wherein a height of the protrusion pattern is smaller than a height of the input bump.

[0065] Supplementary note 24. The flexible display device according to Supplementary note 22, wherein the protrusion pattern has a strip shape extending in the long side direction of the driving circuit and connected into one body.

[0066] Supplementary note 25. The flexible display device according to Supplementary note 22, wherein the protrusion pattern has a stripe shape extending in a long-side direction of the driving circuit and having at least one cut-off portion.

[0067] Supplementary note 26. The flexible display device according to Supplementary note 17, wherein the protrusion pattern is spaced apart from the second data pad.

[0068] Note 27. The flexible display device according to Note 17, further comprising:

[0069] a window member disposed above the display panel, the window member comprising a transmissive region corresponding to the display region of the display panel and a frame region corresponding to the non-display region of the display panel; and

[0070] A unit component is disposed below the display panel and accommodates the window component and the display panel.

[0071] Note 28. The flexible display device according to Note 17, wherein the number of the first data pads is greater than the number of the second data pads.

[0072] Note 29. The flexible display device according to Note 17, further comprising:

[0073] an input sensing circuit disposed on the display panel and connected to the third data pad; and

[0074] An input sensing driving circuit and a control circuit are provided, wherein the input sensing driving circuit and the control circuit are provided on the printed circuit board.

[0075] Note 30. A flexible display device according to Note 29, wherein the input sensing circuit includes a plurality of first sensor electrodes and a plurality of second sensor electrodes, and the input sensing driving circuit is used to sense changes in electrostatic capacitance between the first sensor electrodes and the second sensor electrodes to determine which part of the display area is touched by the user.

[0076] Supplementary note 31. The flexible display device according to Supplementary note 30, wherein each of the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode comprises at least one of indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide, zinc oxide, molybdenum and copper. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] The above and other aspects, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0078] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a flexible display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0079] Figure 2 is a plan view schematically showing a display module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0080] Figure 3 Schematically shows an equivalent circuit of a pixel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0081] Figure 4 is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' in FIG.

[0082] Figure 5A is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' in FIG.

[0083] Figure 5B It is schematically shown Figure 2 Plan view of area C in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] By referring to the exemplary embodiments described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving these advantages and features will become clear. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but will be implemented in various forms. The exemplary embodiments are provided only by way of example so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the disclosure of the present disclosure and the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure will only be limited by the scope of the appended claims.

[0085] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, and quantities shown in the drawings for describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals generally represent the same elements. In addition, in the following description of the present disclosure, a detailed explanation of known related art may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of the present disclosure. Terms such as "including", "having", and "consisting of..." used herein are generally intended to allow the addition of other components, unless these terms are used together with the term "only". Unless otherwise expressly stated, any reference to a singular form may include a plural form.

[0086] Even if not explicitly stated, the elements should be construed as including a normal error range.

[0087] When terms such as “on,” “above,” “below,” and “next” are used to describe the positional relationship between two components, one or more components may be located between the two components unless these terms are used together with the terms “immediately” or “directly.”

[0088] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the other element or layer may be directly on the other element or layer or interposed therebetween.

[0089] Although the terms "first" and "second" etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. Therefore, the first component to be mentioned below can be the second component in the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0090] Throughout the specification, like reference numerals generally refer to like elements.

[0091] The size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are shown for convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not limited to the size and thickness of the components shown.

[0092] The features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined or coupled with each other in part or in whole, and may be interlocked and operated in various ways technically, and the embodiments may be implemented independently or in association with each other.

[0093] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0094] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a flexible display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a plan view showing the display module DM.

[0095] Reference Figure 1The display device DD may include a window member WM, a display module DM and a setting member ST.

[0096] The window member WM may be divided into a transmissive area TA and a bezel area BZA.

[0097] The transmission area TA may transmit light incident thereon. Specifically, an image IM generated by the display module DM may be visible to a user through the transmission area TA.

[0098] The bezel area BZA may be adjacent to the transmissive area TA. Specifically, the bezel area BZA may surround the transmissive area TA. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the bezel area BZA may have a predetermined color. The bezel area BZA may overlap the non-display area N / A.

[0099] The display module DM may be disposed under the window member WM. The display module DM may be protected by the window member WM against external impact or the like.

[0100] The display module DM may be divided into a display area A / A and a non-display area N / A. The display area A / A corresponds to Figure 1 The transmissive area TA in the image display area may display an image IM and sense a user's touch thereon.

[0101] The non-display area N / A corresponds to the bezel area BZA. In the non-display area N / A, wiring for providing or receiving an electrical signal to or from the display area A / A may be disposed.

[0102] The display module DM may include a display panel DP, an input sensing circuit ISC, a driving circuit DIC, a printed circuit board PCB, an input sensing driving circuit TIC, and a control circuit CIC.

[0103] The display panel DP may include a plurality of pixels PX, a plurality of data pads PD-D, and a plurality of pads PD.

[0104] The pixel PX may be disposed to overlap the display area A / A. The data pad PD-D and the pad PD may be disposed to overlap the non-display area N / A.

[0105] The data pads PD-D may include a plurality of first data pads PD-D1 and a plurality of second data pads PD-D2. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the first data pads PD-D1 may be greater than the number of the second data pads PD-D2.

[0106] The first data pads PD-D1 may be disposed in the first direction DR1. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first data pads PD-D1 may be disposed in a matrix form. Figure 2 An example in which the first data pads PD-D1 are arranged in three rows is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0107] The second data pad PD-D2 may be disposed in the first direction DR1. The first data pad PD-D1 and the second data pad PD-D2 may be disposed in the second direction DR2 to be separated from each other.

[0108] The first data pad PD-D1 may be electrically connected to the pixel PX. The first data pad PD-D1 and the second data pad PD-D2 may be electrically connected to the driving circuit DIC.

[0109] The pads PD may include a plurality of first pads PD1 and a plurality of second pads PD2 .

[0110] The first pad PD1 may transmit an electrical signal to the pixel PX through the driving circuit DIC.

[0111] The second pad PD2 may be electrically connected to the input sensing circuit ISC.

[0112] The input sensing circuit ISC may be disposed on the display panel DP.

[0113] The input sensing circuit ISC may include a plurality of first sensor electrodes IE1 and a plurality of second sensor electrodes IE2 .

[0114] Each of the first sensor electrode IE1 and the second sensor electrode IE2 may include a metal material. For example, each of the first sensor electrode IE1 and the second sensor electrode IE2 may include indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide, or zinc oxide (ZnO), but is not limited thereto. Each of the first sensor electrode IE1 and the second sensor electrode IE2 may include molybdenum (Mo) or copper (Cu).

[0115] Electrostatic capacitance may be generated between the first sensor electrode IE1 and the second sensor electrode IE2. When the user touches the display area A / A, the electrostatic capacitance between the first sensor electrode IE1 and the second sensor electrode IE2 may be changed. The input sensing drive circuit TIC may sense the change in the electrostatic capacitance between the first sensor electrode IE1 and the second sensor electrode IE2 to determine which portion of the display area A / A has been touched by the user.

[0116] The driving circuit DIC may be disposed to overlap the data pad PD-D. The driving circuit DIC may be electrically connected to the pixels PX in the display area A / A and may provide a data signal to the pixels PX.

[0117] The printed circuit board PCB may be electrically connected to the pad PD. The input sensing driving circuit TIC and the control circuit CIC may be mounted on the printed circuit board PCB.

[0118] The input sensing driving circuit TIC may sense a change in electrostatic capacitance between the first sensor electrode IE1 and the second sensor electrode IE2 through the second pad PD2. Therefore, the input sensing driving circuit TIC may sense a user's touch applied to the display area A / A.

[0119] The control circuit CIC may be configured to control at least any one of the drive circuit DIC and the input sense drive circuit TIC.

[0120] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a portion of the display module DM (eg, the bending area BA) may be bent, and thus, the non-display area N / A of the display device DD may be reduced.

[0121] At least a portion of the set member ST may be disposed below the display module DM. The set member ST may accommodate the window member WM and the display module DM.

[0122] Figure 3 An example of an equivalent circuit of a pixel PX according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0123] Each pixel PX includes transistors TR1 and TR2, a capacitor CP, and a light emitting element LD. In the present exemplary embodiment, a pixel PX including two transistors TR1 and TR2 and one capacitor CP is described as an example, but the configuration of the pixel PX is not limited thereto.

[0124] The anode electrode of the light emitting element LD receives the first power supply voltage ELVDD applied to the power supply line PL through the second transistor TR2. The cathode electrode of the light emitting element LD receives the second power supply voltage ELVSS. The first transistor TR1 outputs a data signal applied to the data line DL in response to a scan signal applied to the scan line SL. The capacitor CP is charged with a voltage corresponding to the data signal received from the first transistor TR1. The second transistor TR2 controls the current flowing in the light emitting element LD according to the voltage stored in the capacitor CP.

[0125] Figure 4 Shown along Figure 2 A portion of the cross-sectional view taken along line II' in FIG.

[0126] The display panel DP may include a base layer BL, a circuit layer CL, a light emitting element layer ELL, and an encapsulation layer ENP.

[0127] The base layer BL may include a synthetic resin, and specifically, the base layer BL may include polyimide (PI), but is not limited thereto.

[0128] The base layer BL may include a first surface SF1 and a second surface SF2. The first surface SF1 may face the second surface SF2. The first surface SF1 may be disposed closer to the transistors TR1 and TR2 than the second surface SF2.

[0129] The circuit layer CL is disposed on the base layer BL. The circuit layer CL may include transistors TR1 and TR2, a capacitor CP, a plurality of lines SL, DL, and PL electrically connected to the transistors TR1 and TR2, a buffer layer BFL, a gate insulating layer GI, an interlayer insulating layer ILD, and a via layer VIA.

[0130] Each of the transistors TR1 and TR2 may include an activation pattern ACP, a control electrode GE, an input electrode SE, and an output electrode DE.

[0131] The activation pattern ACP may include polysilicon, amorphous silicon or a metal oxide semiconductor, but is not limited thereto. The control electrode GE may include molybdenum (Mo), but is not limited thereto. Each of the input electrode SE and the output electrode DE may include at least any one of aluminum (AL) and titanium (Ti), but is not limited thereto. In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the input electrode SE and the output electrode DE may have a structure in which titanium (Ti), aluminum (AL) and titanium (Ti) are sequentially stacked.

[0132] The buffer layer BFL may be disposed on the base layer BL. The buffer layer BFL may suppress impurities present in the base layer BL from diffusing to the pixel PX. In particular, the buffer layer BFL suppresses impurities from diffusing to the activation pattern ACP of the transistors TR1 and TR2 included in the pixel PX.

[0133] The impurities may be introduced from the outside or generated by thermal decomposition of the base layer BL. The impurities may be sodium or gas discharged from the base layer BL. In addition, the buffer layer BFL may prevent moisture from being introduced into the pixel PX from the outside.

[0134] The gate insulating layer GI may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL and may cover the active pattern ACP.

[0135] The interlayer insulating layer ILD may be disposed on the gate insulating layer GI and may cover the control electrode GE.

[0136] The via layer VIA may be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer ILD and may cover the input electrode SE and the output electrode DE.

[0137] In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the gate insulating layer GI and the interlayer insulating layer ILD may include silicon nitride or silicon oxide.

[0138] In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the via layer VIA may include an organic material and / or an inorganic material.

[0139] The light emitting element layer ELL may include a light emitting element LD and a pixel defining layer PDL. The light emitting element LD may include an anode electrode AE, a light emitting layer EML, and a cathode electrode CE.

[0140] The anode electrode AE ​​may be disposed on the via layer VIA and may be electrically connected to the output electrode DE through a contact hole.

[0141] The pixel defining layer PDL may be disposed on the via layer VIA and may expose at least a portion of the anode electrode AE. The pixel defining layer PDL may include an organic material and / or an inorganic material.

[0142] The light emitting layer EML may be disposed on the anode electrode AE.

[0143] If the light emitting element LD is an organic light emitting diode (OLED), the light emitting layer EML may include an organic material. In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, if the light emitting element LD is a micro LED, the light emitting layer EML may include an inorganic material.

[0144] The cathode electrode CE may be disposed on the light emitting layer EML.

[0145] The encapsulation layer ENP may include a first inorganic layer CVD1 , an organic layer MN, and a second inorganic layer CVD2 . Figure 5A and Figure 5B An example in which the encapsulation layer ENP includes two inorganic layers and one organic layer is shown, but is not limited thereto. For example, the encapsulation layer ENP may include three inorganic layers and two organic layers, and in this case, the inorganic layers and the organic layers may be alternately stacked.

[0146] Figure 5A is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' in FIG. Figure 5B It is schematically shown Figure 2 An enlarged plan view of area C in FIG.

[0147] The flexible display device may include a display panel DP having a display area A / A including a plurality of pixels PX displaying an image and a non-display area N / A surrounding the display area A / A. The flexible display device may further include a first data pad PD-D1 disposed in the non-display area N / A adjacent to the display area A / A of the display panel DP and electrically connected to the plurality of pixels PX. The flexible display device may further include a pad PD disposed in a direction away from the first data pad PD-D1 and the display area A / A, and a second data pad PD-D2 located between the first data pad PD-D1 and the pad PD.

[0148] The second data pad PD-D2 and the pad PD are connected to each other through connection lines CL, respectively.

[0149] The insulating layer PLN may be provided to cover the upper portion of the display panel DP and a portion of the first data pad PD-D1, the second data pad PD-D2, and the pad PD. The flexible display device may include a protrusion pattern SPC located between the second data pad PD-D2 and the pad PD and provided on the upper portion of the insulating layer PLN.

[0150] A printed circuit board PCB configured to transmit image data to the display panel DP may be electrically connected to the pad PD.

[0151] The flexible display device may further include a driving circuit DIC configured to generate a data signal using image data transmitted from the printed circuit board PCB and output the generated data signal to the display panel DP. The flexible display device may further include an input bump IB connected to the driving circuit DIC and configured to receive image data and an output bump OB connected to the driving circuit DIC and configured to output image data to the display panel DP. The output bumps OB may be electrically connected to the first data pads PD-D1, respectively, and the input bumps IB may be electrically connected to the second data pads PD-D2, respectively.

[0152] The protrusion pattern SPC may be arranged to overlap with the end of the driving circuit DIC in a direction toward the input bump IB. Figure 4 The protrusion pattern SPC may be disposed on an upper portion of the insulating layer PLN and in direct contact with the insulating layer PLN.

[0153] As described above, when the driving circuit DIC is mounted on the display panel DP, an adhesive member ACF is inserted between the driving circuit DIC and the display panel DP and heat and pressure are applied thereto. In this process, the display panel DP is bent, and the space between the end on one side of the driving circuit DIC and the display panel DP is narrowed. In the narrow space, the conductive balls CB contained in the adhesive member ACF gather, and the insulating layer PLN of the display panel DP is broken. Therefore, a short circuit occurs in the driving circuit DIC and in the connection line CL located under the insulating layer. As described above, the bending of the panel occurs at one end of the driving circuit DIC that is closer to the end of the display panel DP among the two ends of the driving circuit DIC.

[0154] When the display panel DP is bent and the distance from the driving circuit DIC becomes narrower, the protrusion pattern SPC can suppress the aggregation of the conductive balls CB. In addition, even if the conductive balls CB are aggregated, the protrusion pattern SPC can suppress the conductive balls CB from penetrating the insulating layer PLN. To this end, the protrusion pattern SPC can be formed by the insulating layer PLN and can include organic materials and / or inorganic materials. The height of the protrusion pattern SPC is formed to be lower than the height of the input bump IB. This is to suppress the interference of the protrusion pattern SPC when the driving circuit DIC is bonded to the display panel.

[0155] The protrusion pattern SPC may have a stripe shape extending in the long side direction of the driving circuit DIC and connected as one, but is not limited thereto. The protrusion pattern SPC may be formed in a plurality of stripes separated from each other.

[0156] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible display device may include a display panel DP having a display area A / A including a plurality of pixels PX displaying an image and a non-display area N / A surrounding the display area A / A. The flexible display device may further include a printed circuit board PCB configured to transmit image data to the display panel DP. The flexible display device may further include a driving circuit DIC configured to generate a data signal using the image data transmitted from the printed circuit board PCB and output the generated data signal to the display panel DP.

[0157] In the driving circuit DIC, an input bump IB may be provided to receive image data, and an output bump OB may be provided to output image data to the display panel DP. The flexible display device may further include a first data pad PD-D1, which is provided in a non-display area N / A adjacent to the display area of ​​the display panel DP and electrically connected to the output bump OB. The pad PD may be provided below the printed circuit board PCB and electrically connected to the printed circuit board PCB. The second data pad PD-D2 may be located between the first data pad PD-D1 and the pad PD, and is electrically connected to the input bump IB connected to the driving circuit. The second data pad PD-D2 and the pad PD are connected to each other by connection lines CL, respectively.

[0158] The insulating layer PLN may expose the upper surfaces of the first data pad PD-D1, the second data pad PD-D2, and the pad PD, and cover the upper portion of the connection line CL. The insulating layer PLN may have various forms. For example, the insulating layer PLN may be formed as an organic insulating film of benzocyclobutene (BCB) or acryl or an inorganic insulating film such as, for example, a silicon nitride film (SiNX) or a silicon oxide film (SiOX). In addition, the insulating layer PLN may have a single-layer structure or a double-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The insulating layer PLN may be Figure 4 The via layer VIA shown is the same layer as that shown in FIG.

[0159] The adhesive member ACF may be interposed between the driving circuit DIC and the display panel DP to connect the input bump IB and the second data pad PD-D2 and the output bump OB and the first data pad PD-D1. The adhesive member ACF may include a conductive ball CB.

[0160] The flexible display device may further include a protrusion pattern SPC. This is to suppress a short circuit between the end of the driving circuit DIC in the direction toward the input bump IB and the connection line CL connecting the second data pad PD-D2 and the pad PD when pressure is applied to join the driving circuit DIC to the display panel DP. When pressure is applied to join the driving circuit DIC to the display panel DP, the protrusion pattern SPC can suppress the gathering of the conductive balls CB at the end of the driving circuit DIC. Since the conductive balls CB are not gathered, the end of the driving circuit DIC does not contact the connection line CL. Therefore, the short circuit can be suppressed. Even if the conductive balls CB gather at the end of the driving circuit DIC, due to the thickness of the protrusion pattern SPC, the conductive balls CB cannot penetrate the insulating layer PLN. Therefore, a short circuit does not occur between the end of the driving circuit DIC and the connection line CL.

[0161] The protrusion pattern SPC may be Figure 4The protrusion pattern SPC is the same layer as the pixel defining layer PDL shown. That is, the protrusion pattern SPC may include an organic material and / or an inorganic material. The protrusion pattern SPC may be disposed on the upper portion of the insulating layer PLN and in direct contact with the insulating layer PLN. The height of the protrusion pattern SPC is formed to be lower than the height of the input bump IB. This is to suppress interference of the protrusion pattern SPC when the drive circuit DIC is bonded to the display panel.

[0162] The protrusion pattern SPC may have a stripe shape extending in the long side direction of the driving circuit DIC and connected as one, but is not limited thereto. The protrusion pattern SPC may be formed in a plurality of stripes separated from each other.

[0163] The flexible display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a protrusion pattern on the upper portion of the insulating layer on the display panel so as to overlap with the end of the driving circuit. Therefore, even if the display panel is bent, a short circuit between the end of the display panel and the driving circuit can be suppressed.

[0164] In addition, since a short circuit does not occur between the display panel and the end of the driving circuit, the flow of overcurrent in the display panel can be suppressed. Moreover, the degradation of display quality caused by the flow of overcurrent in the display panel can be suppressed. Therefore, the durability of the flexible display device can be improved.

[0165] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can be implemented in many different forms without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure. The scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and do not limit the present disclosure. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the attached claims, and all technical concepts within their equivalent scope should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0166] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0167] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0154491 filed on November 27, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A flexible display device, comprising: A display panel having a display area including a plurality of pixels for displaying an image and a non-display area surrounding the display area; a first data pad disposed in the non-display area of ​​the display panel adjacent to the display area and electrically connected to the plurality of pixels; a third data pad, the third data pad being arranged in a direction away from the first data pad and the display area; a second data pad, the second data pad being disposed between the first data pad and the third data pad; a connecting line connecting the second data pad and the third data pad; an insulating layer, the insulating layer being arranged to cover an upper portion of the display panel and a portion of the second data pad, the third data pad, and the first data pad; as well as a protrusion pattern located between the second data pad and the third data pad and disposed on an upper portion of the insulating layer; a printed circuit board electrically connected to the third data pad and configured to transmit image data corresponding to the image to the display panel; a driving circuit configured to generate a data signal using the image data transmitted from the printed circuit board and output the generated data signal to the display panel, Wherein, the protrusion pattern overlaps with an end portion of the driving circuit.

2. The flexible display device according to claim 1, further comprising: an input bump connected to the driving circuit and configured to receive the image data; as well as An output bump is connected to the driving circuit and is configured to output the data signal to the display panel.

3. The flexible display device according to claim 2, wherein: The output bump is electrically connected to the first data pad, and The input bump is electrically connected to the second data pad.

4. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion pattern is in direct contact with the insulating layer.

5. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion pattern is made of an organic material or an inorganic material.

6. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion pattern has a stripe shape extending in the long side direction of the driving circuit and connected in an integral manner.

7. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion pattern has a stripe shape extending in a long-side direction of the driving circuit and having at least one cut-off portion.

8. The flexible display device according to claim 2, wherein: The height of the spacer is smaller than the height of the input bump.

9. The flexible display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a window member, the window member being disposed above the display panel, the window member comprising a transmission area corresponding to the display area of ​​the display panel and a frame area corresponding to the non-display area of ​​the display panel; as well as A unit component is disposed below the display panel and accommodates the window component and the display panel.

10. The flexible display device according to claim 1, wherein: The number of the first data pads is greater than the number of the second data pads.

11. The flexible display device according to claim 1, further comprising: an input sensing circuit, the input sensing circuit being disposed on the display panel and connected to the third data pad; as well as An input sensing driving circuit and a control circuit are provided, wherein the input sensing driving circuit and the control circuit are arranged on the printed circuit board.

12. The flexible display device according to claim 11, wherein: The input sensing circuit includes a plurality of first sensor electrodes and a plurality of second sensor electrodes, and senses a change in electrostatic capacitance between the first sensor electrodes and the second sensor electrodes through the input sensing driving circuit to determine which portion of the display area is touched by a user.

13. The flexible display device according to claim 12, wherein: Each of the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode includes at least one of indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide, zinc oxide, molybdenum, and copper.

14. The flexible display device according to claim 2, further comprising: An adhesive member connecting the input bump with the second data pad and connecting the output bump with the first data pad, wherein the adhesive member includes a conductive ball.

15. A flexible display device, comprising: A display panel having a display area including a plurality of pixels for displaying an image and a non-display area surrounding the display area; a printed circuit board configured to transmit image data corresponding to the image to the display panel; a driving circuit configured to generate a data signal using the image data transmitted from the printed circuit board and output the generated data signal to the display panel; an input bump connected to the driving circuit and configured to receive the image data; as well as an output bump connected to the driving circuit and configured to output the data signal to the display panel; a first data pad, the first data pad being disposed in the non-display area of ​​the display panel adjacent to the display area and being electrically connected to the output bump; a third data pad, the third data pad being electrically connected to the printed circuit board; a second data pad, the second data pad being located between the first data pad and the third data pad and being electrically connected to the input bump; an insulating layer configured to expose upper surfaces of the first data pad, the second data pad, and the third data pad; a connecting line connecting the second data pad and the third data pad; an adhesive member connecting the input bump with the second data pad and connecting the output bump with the first data pad; as well as a protrusion pattern configured to suppress a short circuit between an end portion of the drive circuit and the display panel when pressure is applied to bond the drive circuit to the display panel, Wherein, the protrusion pattern overlaps with an end portion of the driving circuit.

16. The flexible display device according to claim 15, wherein: The adhesive member is interposed between the driving circuit and the display panel.

17. The flexible display device according to claim 16, wherein: The bonding member includes conductive balls.

18. The flexible display device according to claim 17, wherein: The protrusion pattern suppresses the conductive balls from gathering at the end of the driving circuit when pressure is applied to bond the driving circuit to the display panel.

19. The flexible display device according to claim 17, wherein: The protrusion pattern inhibits the conductive ball from penetrating the insulating layer when pressure is applied to bond the driving circuit to the display panel.

20. The flexible display device according to claim 15, wherein: The protrusion pattern is made of an organic material or an inorganic material and is in direct contact with the insulating layer.

21. The flexible display device according to claim 20, wherein: The height of the protrusion pattern is smaller than the height of the input bump.

22. The flexible display device according to claim 20, wherein: The protrusion pattern has a stripe shape extending in the long side direction of the driving circuit and connected in an integral manner.

23. The flexible display device according to claim 20, wherein: The protrusion pattern has a stripe shape extending in a long-side direction of the driving circuit and having at least one cut-off portion.

24. The flexible display device according to claim 15, wherein: The protrusion pattern is spaced apart from the second data pad.

25. The flexible display device according to claim 15, further comprising: a window member, the window member being disposed above the display panel, the window member comprising a transmission area corresponding to the display area of ​​the display panel and a frame area corresponding to the non-display area of ​​the display panel; as well as A unit component is disposed below the display panel and accommodates the window component and the display panel.

26. The flexible display device according to claim 15, wherein: The number of the first data pads is greater than the number of the second data pads.

27. The flexible display device according to claim 15, further comprising: an input sensing circuit, the input sensing circuit being disposed on the display panel and connected to the third data pad; as well as An input sensing driving circuit and a control circuit are provided, wherein the input sensing driving circuit and the control circuit are arranged on the printed circuit board.

28. The flexible display device according to claim 27, wherein: The input sensing circuit includes a plurality of first sensor electrodes and a plurality of second sensor electrodes, and senses a change in electrostatic capacitance between the first sensor electrodes and the second sensor electrodes through the input sensing driving circuit to determine which portion of the display area is touched by a user.

29. The flexible display device according to claim 28, wherein: Each of the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode includes at least one of indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide, zinc oxide, molybdenum, and copper.

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