Display device

Abstract

The present application relates to a display device. The display device includes: a display panel including a pixel portion for displaying an image, and a pad portion connected to the pixel portion; a first flexible circuit film connected to the pad portion and including a first alignment mark; and a second flexible circuit film connected to the pad portion, overlapping with the first flexible circuit film, and including a second alignment mark aligned with the first alignment mark. The first alignment mark and the second alignment mark are located in a region where the first flexible circuit film overlaps with the second flexible circuit film.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0085603 filed on July 10, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device. Background Art

[0004] Various types of display devices are being used to provide image information, and the display device includes a display panel that displays an image and a flexible circuit film coupled to the display panel to apply a driving signal to the display panel. The display panel includes a display area to display an image, and a panel pad is arranged outside the display area to apply a driving signal to a display unit that displays an image. The panel pad is electrically connected to the flexible circuit film and receives the driving signal through the flexible circuit film.

[0005] The flexible circuit film includes a film pad corresponding to a panel pad. In recent years, as the size of the display device has become larger and larger, a plurality of flexible circuit films are coupled to the display panel. In addition, two or more flexible circuit films overlap each other while being coupled to the display panel. In this case, misalignment may occur between the film pad and the panel pad and between the flexible circuit films that overlap each other. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to aspects of one or more embodiments, there is provided a display device in which misalignment between flexible circuit films overlapped with each other and coupled to a display panel may be prevented or substantially prevented from occurring.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: a display panel including a pixel portion for displaying an image, and a pad portion connected to the pixel portion; a first flexible circuit film coupled to the pad portion and including a first alignment mark; and a second flexible circuit film coupled to the pad portion, overlapping the first flexible circuit film, and including a second alignment mark aligned with the first alignment mark. The first alignment mark and the second alignment mark are located in a region where the first flexible circuit film overlaps the second flexible circuit film.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the pad portion includes: a first pad portion; and a second pad portion disposed between the pixel portion and the first pad portion, the first flexible circuit film being coupled to the first pad portion, and the second flexible circuit film being coupled to the second pad portion.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the first flexible circuit film includes: a first base film; a first conductive line disposed on the first base film and electrically connected to the first pad portion; and a first cover layer covering the first conductive line and including a first opening defined through the first cover layer. The second flexible circuit film includes: a second base film; a second conductive line disposed on the second base film and electrically connected to the second pad portion; and a second cover layer covering the second conductive line and including a second opening defined through the second cover layer.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the first alignment mark is located on the first base film and exposed through the first opening, and the second alignment mark is located on the second base film and exposed through the second opening.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the first alignment mark is located on the same layer as the first conductive line, and the second alignment mark is located on the same layer as the second conductive line.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the first opening overlaps the second alignment mark, and the second opening overlaps the first alignment mark.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the first opening is defined by a concave side surface of the first cover layer, and the second opening is defined by a concave side surface of the second cover layer.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the first opening and the second opening do not overlap with the display panel.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the pad portion further includes a third pad portion electrically connected to the first flexible circuit film and the second flexible circuit film.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the first pad portion extends in a first direction, and the second pad portion extends in the first direction and is spaced apart from the first pad portion in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, a width of the first flexible circuit film in the first direction is the same as a width of the second flexible circuit film in the first direction.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, a width of the first flexible circuit film in the second direction is smaller than a width of the second flexible circuit film in the second direction.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the display device further includes a third flexible circuit film, wherein the third flexible circuit film is connected to the pad portion, overlaps the first flexible circuit film and the second flexible circuit film, and includes a third alignment mark aligned with the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark, and the third alignment mark is located in an area where the first flexible circuit film, the second flexible circuit film, and the third flexible circuit film overlap each other.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the display device further includes a first driving chip mounted on the first flexible circuit film and a second driving chip mounted on the second flexible circuit film.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the first driving chip does not overlap with the second driving chip.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the display panel further includes a first panel alignment mark and a second panel alignment mark. The first flexible circuit film further includes a third alignment mark aligned with the first panel alignment mark, and the second flexible circuit film further includes a fourth alignment mark aligned with the second panel alignment mark.

[0023] According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: a display panel including a pixel portion for displaying an image, a first pad portion connected to the pixel portion, and a second pad portion connected to the pixel portion and located between the first pad portion and the pixel portion; a first flexible circuit film coupled to the first pad portion and including a first alignment mark; and a second flexible circuit film coupled to the second pad portion, overlapping the first flexible circuit film, and including a second alignment mark aligned with the first alignment mark. The first alignment mark and the second alignment mark are located in a region where the first flexible circuit film overlaps the second flexible circuit film, and the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark do not overlap the display panel.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the first flexible circuit film includes a first base film, a first conductive wire, and a first cover layer, wherein the first conductive wire is disposed on the first base film and electrically connected to the first pad portion, and the first cover layer covers the first conductive wire and includes a first opening defined through the first cover layer. The second flexible circuit film includes a second base film, a second conductive wire, and a second cover layer, wherein the second conductive wire is disposed on the second base film and electrically connected to the second pad portion, and the second cover layer covers the second conductive wire and includes a second opening defined through the second cover layer.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the first alignment mark is on the first base film and exposed through the first opening, and the second alignment mark is on the second base film and exposed through the second opening.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the first opening overlaps the second alignment mark, and the second opening overlaps the first alignment mark.

[0027] According to an aspect of one or more embodiments, an alignment mark for aligning the flexible circuit films that overlap each other and are coupled to the display panel may be provided in the flexible circuit film instead of in the display panel. Therefore, an increase in the size of the flexible circuit film required for aligning the display panel and the flexible circuit film when the alignment mark is provided in the display panel may be prevented or substantially prevented. Therefore, a process margin may be ensured in the process of manufacturing the display device, and its productivity may be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 3 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown;

[0033] Figure 5A is a plan view showing a first flexible circuit film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5B is a plan view showing a second flexible circuit film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a first flexible circuit film and a second flexible circuit film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 7 is a plan view showing a first flexible circuit film and a second flexible circuit film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 8 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Fig. 9 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0039] Fig.10 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present invention will be described more fully herein with reference to the accompanying drawings in which some embodiments are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0041] In the present disclosure, it will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present.

[0042] Like reference numerals denote like elements throughout. In the drawings, the thickness, proportion, and size of components may be exaggerated for the purpose of describing technical contents.

[0043] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0044] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the first element, first component, first region, first layer or first section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer or second section. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms "one", "a kind of" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms.

[0045] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as “below,” “beneath,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and will not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0047] It will also be understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0048] Herein, the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 is a plan view showing a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a plan view showing a display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' shown in FIG.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In an embodiment, the display device DD may have a rectangular shape having a long side extending in a first direction DR1 and a short side extending in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. In this case, the second direction DR2 may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction DR1. However, the shape of the display device DD is not limited thereto or thereby, and the display device DD may have any different shapes. The display device DD may be a large display device such as a television, a monitor, etc., or a medium or small display device such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a car navigation unit, a game unit, etc. However, these are merely examples, and the display device DD may be used in other electronic items as long as it does not deviate from the inventive concept of the present disclosure.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display device DD may include a display panel DP for displaying an image, and a panel driver for driving the display panel DP. As an example, the panel driver may include a gate driver GDC and a data driver.

[0052] The display panel DP may include a display area DA displaying an image and a non-display area NDA defined around the display area DA. The display area DA may be an area in which an image is displayed, and the non-display area NDA may be a bezel area in which an image is not displayed. Figure 1 The non-display area NDA is shown to be defined as a structure surrounding the display area DA; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto or thereby. In an embodiment, for example, the non-display area NDA may be defined to be adjacent to only one side of the display area DA.

[0053] The display panel DP may include a plurality of gate lines GL1 to GLn, a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLm, and a plurality of pixels PX. The gate lines GL1 to GLn may extend in a first direction DR1 and may be arranged substantially parallel to each other in a second direction DR2. As an example, the second direction DR2 may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction DR1. The data lines DL1 to DLm may be arranged substantially parallel to each other in the first direction DR1 and may extend in the second direction DR2.

[0054] The pixels PX may be arranged in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 in the display area DA. As an example, the pixels PX may be arranged in a matrix form. Each of the pixels PX may be electrically connected to one of the gate lines GL1 to GLn and one of the data lines DL1 to DLm. Each pixel may be turned on in response to a gate signal applied thereto through a corresponding gate line, and may receive a data voltage through a corresponding data line to display an image with a desired grayscale.

[0055] The gate driver GDC may sequentially output gate signals to the gate lines GL1 to GLn. Therefore, the pixels PX may be sequentially scanned in units of rows by the gate signals. As an example, the gate driver GDC may include a first gate driver GDC1 and a second gate driver GDC2. The first gate driver GDC1 may be electrically connected to one end of the gate lines GL1 to GLn, and the second gate driver GDC2 may be electrically connected to the other end of the gate lines GL1 to GLn. Each of the first gate driver GDC1 and the second gate driver GDC2 may include a shift register that sequentially outputs gate signals. The first gate driver GDC1 and the second gate driver GDC2 may be turned on substantially at the same time (e.g., substantially synchronously), and may output gate signals to the same gate line substantially at the same time (e.g., substantially synchronously). Therefore, each of the gate lines GL1 to GLn may receive gate signals from the first gate driver GDC1 and the second gate driver GDC2 through their opposite ends.

[0056] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure in which two gate drivers GDC1 and GDC2 are electrically connected to opposite ends of the gate lines GL1 to GLn is shown; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto or thereby. That is, in an embodiment, the display device DD may adopt a structure in which only one of the first gate driver GDC1 and the second gate driver GDC2 is electrically connected to the gate lines GL1 to GLn.

[0057] The first gate driver GDC1 and the second gate driver GDC2 may be built in the display panel DP. That is, in an embodiment, the first gate driver GDC1 and the second gate driver GDC2 may be formed in the non-display area NDA of the display panel DP by performing a thin film process to form the pixels PX in the display area DA of the display panel DP.

[0058] The data driver may convert the image signal into a data voltage and may apply the data voltage to the data lines DL1 to DLm of the display panel DP. In an embodiment, the data driver may include a plurality of driving chips DIC1 to DICk. Each of the driving chips DIC1 to DICk is electrically connected to a corresponding data line among the data lines DL1 to DLm. Figure 1 K driving chips DIC1 to DICk are shown; however, the number of driving chips DIC1 to DICk is not particularly limited.

[0059] The display device DD may further include a plurality of flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk and a printed circuit board PCB. The flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk may be disposed between the display panel DP and the printed circuit board PCB, and may electrically connect the display panel DP and the printed circuit board PCB. One end of each of the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk may be coupled to the display panel DP, and the other end of each of the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk may be coupled to the printed circuit board PCB.

[0060] Figure 1 A structure is shown in which the driving chips DIC1 to DICk are mounted on the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk, respectively; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto or thereby. That is, in an embodiment, the driving chips DIC1 to DICk may be directly mounted on the display panel DP by a chip on glass (COG) method.

[0061] Various circuits generating various control signals and power signals driving the display panel DP and the panel driver may be arranged on the printed circuit board PCB.

[0062] The display panel DP may further include a plurality of pad portions PD and a gate pad portion GPD. The pad portion PD and the gate pad portion GPD may be disposed in the non-display area NDA. The pad portion PD may include a plurality of data pads electrically connected to the data lines DL1 to DLm. The pad portions PD may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The pad portions PD may be coupled to the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk, and may receive data voltages from the driving chips DIC1 to DICk mounted on the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk.

[0063] In an embodiment, the gate pad portion GPD may include a first gate pad portion GPD_1 electrically connected to the first gate driver GDC1 and a second gate pad portion GPD_2 electrically connected to the second gate driver GDC2. The first gate pad portion GPD_1 may include a plurality of gate pads to provide a first gate driving signal to the first gate driver GDC1, and the second gate pad portion GPD_2 may include a plurality of gate pads to provide a second gate driving signal to the second gate driver GDC2.

[0064] The gate pad portion GPD may be connected to some of the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk. As an example, the first gate pad portion GPD_1 may be connected to the first flexible circuit film CF1 among the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk, and the second gate pad portion GPD_2 may be connected to the kth flexible circuit film CFk among the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk. The first gate driving signal may be a signal output from the first driving chip DIC1 mounted on the first flexible circuit film CF1, or a signal provided from the printed circuit board PCB. The second gate driving signal may be a signal output from the kth driving chip DICk mounted on the kth flexible circuit film CFk, or a signal provided from the printed circuit board PCB.

[0065] Although not shown in the drawings, in an embodiment, the display device DD may further include a backlight unit that provides light to the display panel DP. When the display panel DP is a liquid crystal display panel that does not emit light by itself, the backlight unit may be disposed at the rear side of the liquid crystal display panel and may provide light to the liquid crystal display panel. Each pixel may control the transmittance of the light provided from the backlight unit and may display an image with a desired grayscale.

[0066] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , one end of each of the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk may be coupled to the display panel DP, and the other end of each of the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk may be coupled to the printed circuit board PCB.

[0067] As an example, the display panel DP may have a quadrangular shape when viewed in a plane. The flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk may be coupled to one side of the display panel DP.

[0068] The display panel DP may include a first display substrate FS and a second display substrate SS. The first display substrate FS may include a first base substrate and a pixel portion PP disposed on the first base substrate. The pixel portion PP may include a thin film transistor, a pixel electrode, and a plurality of insulating layers to form each pixel PX. The pixel portion PP may be disposed to correspond to a display area DA of the display panel DP. A first gate driver GDC1 and a second gate driver GDC2 may be disposed on the first base substrate to correspond to a non-display area NDA. The second display substrate SS may include a second base substrate and a reference electrode. The first display substrate FS may be disposed to face the second display substrate SS.

[0069] In an embodiment, the display panel DP may further include a sealant disposed in the non-display area NDA to couple the first display substrate FS and the second display substrate SS. A space between the first display substrate FS and the second display substrate SS may be sealed by the sealant. The first gate driver GDC1 and the second gate driver GDC2 may overlap the sealant.

[0070] Some of the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk may be coupled to the display panel DP and may overlap with each other. As an example, the pad portion PD may include a first pad portion PD1, and a second pad portion PD2 disposed between the pixel portion PP and the first pad portion PD1. The flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk may include flexible circuit films CF1, CF3 ... CFk-1 connected to the first pad portion PD1, and flexible circuit films CF2, CF4 ... CFk connected to the second pad portion PD2. As an example, the first flexible circuit film CF1 may be coupled to the first pad portion PD1, and the second flexible circuit film CF2 may overlap with the first flexible circuit film CF1 and may be coupled to the second pad portion PD2. The first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second flexible circuit film CF2 may overlap with each other.

[0071] Specifically, the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk may be coupled to the first display substrate FS of the display panel DP. The first display substrate FS may have a structure extending more than the second display substrate SS to be coupled to the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk. The first pad portion PD1 and the second pad portion PD2 may be disposed on the first display substrate FS and may be exposed without being covered by the second display substrate SS.

[0072] The flexible circuit films CF1, CF3, ... CFk-1 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1, and the flexible circuit films CF2, CF4, ... CFk may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. Each of the driving chips DIC1 to DICk may have a structure extending in the first direction DR1. Each of the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk may be bent to allow the printed circuit board PCB to be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel DP.

[0073] As an example, the first pad portion PD1 may extend in the first direction DR1 , and the second pad portion PD2 may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be spaced apart from the first pad portion PD1 in a second direction DR2 different from the first direction DR1 .

[0074] As an example, the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk may include a material having flexibility. Among the driving chips DIC1 to DICk, a corresponding driving chip may be mounted on each of the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk. For example, a first driving chip DIC1 may be mounted on the first flexible circuit film CF1, and a second driving chip DIC2 may be mounted on the second flexible circuit film CF2. The first driving chip DIC1 may be disposed between one end and the other end of the first flexible circuit film CF1, and the second driving chip DIC2 may be disposed between one end and the other end of the second flexible circuit film CF2. As an example, the first driving chip DIC1 and the second driving chip DIC2 may not overlap each other in a plane.

[0075] As an example, the first flexible circuit film CF1 may include a first base film BL1, a first conductive line CL1 (see Figure 5A ), and a first cover layer CVL1 covering the first conductive line CL1. The second flexible circuit film CF2 may include a second base film BL2, a second conductive line CL2 (see Figure 5B ) and a second covering layer CVL2 covering the second conductive line CL2.

[0076] In an implementation, the first base film BL1 and the second base film BL2 may include a polymer material, for example, polyimide, polyester, etc. The first base film BL1 and the second base film BL2 may have flexibility.

[0077] In an implementation, the first cover layer CVL1 and the second cover layer CVL2 may include a solder resist material.

[0078] In an embodiment, the first flexible circuit film CF1 may include a first alignment mark AM1, and the second flexible circuit film CF2 may include a second alignment mark AM2 aligned with the first alignment mark AM1. The first alignment mark AM1 and the second alignment mark AM2 may be disposed in a region where the first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second flexible circuit film CF2 overlap each other. Figure 3 A first alignment mark AM1 having an L shape and a second alignment mark AM2 having an L shape reversed by 180 degrees are shown as representative examples. However, the shapes of the first alignment mark AM1 and the second alignment mark AM2 are not limited thereto or thereby and may have any different shapes that may be aligned with each other.

[0079] Figure 5A is a plan view showing a first flexible circuit film CF1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 5B is a plan view showing the second flexible circuit film CF2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5A ,and Figure 5B , the first cover layer CVL1 of the first flexible circuit film CF1 may further include a first opening OA1 defined therethrough, and the second cover layer CVL2 of the second flexible circuit film CF2 may further include a second opening OA2 defined therethrough. As an example, the first alignment mark AM1 included in the first flexible circuit film CF1 may be disposed on the first base film BL1, and the first alignment mark AM1 may be exposed through the first opening OA1. The second alignment mark AM2 included in the second flexible circuit film CF2 may be disposed on the second base film BL2, and the second alignment mark AM2 may be exposed through the second opening OA2. In an embodiment, the first alignment mark AM1 may be disposed on the same layer as the first conductive line CL1, and the second alignment mark AM2 may be disposed on the same layer as the second conductive line CL2. When the first conductive line CL1 is disposed on the first surface of the first base film BL1, the first alignment mark AM1 may be disposed on the first surface of the first base film BL1. When the second conductive line CL2 is disposed on the first surface of the second base film BL2, the second alignment mark AM2 may be disposed on the first surface of the second base film BL2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto or thereby. In an embodiment, the first alignment mark AM1 may be disposed on a surface of the first base film BL1 opposite to the first surface of the first base film BL1 , and the second alignment mark AM2 may be disposed on a surface of the second base film BL2 opposite to the first surface of the second base film BL2 .

[0081] The first opening OA1 may expose the first alignment mark AM1 and may be formed in a region overlapping with the second alignment mark AM2. The second opening OA2 may expose the second alignment mark AM2 and may be formed in a region overlapping with the first alignment mark AM1. Therefore, when the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk are coupled to the display panel DP, the area of ​​the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk may be prevented or substantially prevented from increasing to align the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk, and thus, a process margin may be ensured. As an example, when the first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second flexible circuit film CF2 are coupled to the display panel DP, it may be possible to check whether the first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second flexible circuit film CF2 are aligned with each other through a camera (not shown). In more detail, the first alignment mark AM1 and the second alignment mark AM2 disposed on the first base film BL1 and the second base film BL2 of the first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second flexible circuit film CF2 may be checked using a camera through the first opening OA1 and the second opening OA2 formed on the first cover layer CVL1 and the second cover layer CVL2.

[0082] When the first and second flexible circuit films CF1 and CF2 are coupled to the display panel DP, alignment marks may be provided on the display panel DP and the first and second flexible circuit films CF1 and CF2, respectively, and the display panel DP may be aligned with the first and second flexible circuit films CF1 and CF2 to improve the coupling reliability between the first and second pad portions PD1 and PD2 and the first and third conductive pads F_PD1 and F_PD3. In this case, when the first and second flexible circuit films CF1 and CF2 overlapping each other are coupled to the display panel DP, alignment is required between the first and second flexible circuit films CF1 and CF2 to increase the coupling reliability between the first and second flexible circuit films CF1 and CF2 and the printed circuit board PCB.

[0083] In a conventional display device, a first additional alignment mark for alignment between the first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second flexible circuit film CF2 may be provided on the display panel DP. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the area of ​​the second flexible circuit film CF2 to provide a second additional alignment mark aligned with the first additional alignment mark.

[0084] However, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first additional alignment mark for alignment of the first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second flexible circuit film CF2 on the display panel DP is not required, and the area of ​​the second flexible circuit film CF2 for setting the second additional alignment mark aligned with the first additional alignment mark is not increased. Therefore, a gap between the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk arranged in the first direction DR1 and coupled to the display panel DP can be additionally ensured, a margin of a coupling process between the display panel DP and the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk can be ensured, and therefore, the reliability of the display device DD can be improved.

[0085] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B The first flexible circuit film CF1 may include a first central area MA1, a first pad area EA1 defined at one side relative to the first central area MA1, and a second pad area EA2 defined at the other side relative to the first central area MA1. The first driving chip DIC1 may be mounted on the first central area MA1 of the first flexible circuit film CF1.

[0086] The second flexible circuit film CF2 may include a second central area MA2, a third pad area EA3 defined at one side relative to the second central area MA2, and a fourth pad area EA4 defined at the other side relative to the second central area MA2. The second driving chip DIC2 may be mounted on the second central area MA2 of the second flexible circuit film CF2.

[0087] The first conductive line CL1 may include a first sub-conductive line CL1_1 and a second sub-conductive line CL1_2. The first sub-conductive line CL1_1 and the second sub-conductive line CL1_2 may be electrically connected to the first driving chip DIC1 in the first central area MA1.

[0088] The second conductive line CL2 may include a third sub-conductive line CL2_1 and a fourth sub-conductive line CL2_2. The third sub-conductive line CL2_1 and the fourth sub-conductive line CL2_2 may be electrically connected to the second driving chip DIC2 in the second central area MA2.

[0089] The first flexible circuit film CF1 may further include a first conductive pad F_PD1 extending from the first sub-conductive line CL1_1 and a second conductive pad F_PD2 extending from the second sub-conductive line CL1_2. The first conductive pad F_PD1 may be disposed on the first base film BL1 in the first pad area EA1, and the second conductive pad F_PD2 may be disposed on the first base film BL1 in the second pad area EA2. The first conductive pad F_PD1 may be electrically connected to the first pad portion PD1 of the display panel DP, and the second conductive pad F_PD2 may be electrically connected to the pad portion of the printed circuit board PCB.

[0090] The second flexible circuit film CF2 may further include a third conductive pad F_PD3 extending from the third sub-conductive line CL2_1 and a fourth conductive pad F_PD4 extending from the fourth sub-conductive line CL2_2. The third conductive pad F_PD3 may be disposed on the second base film BL2 in the third pad area EA3, and the fourth conductive pad F_PD4 may be disposed on the second base film BL2 in the fourth pad area EA4. The third conductive pad F_PD3 may be electrically connected to the second pad portion PD2 of the display panel DP, and the fourth conductive pad F_PD4 may be electrically connected to the pad portion of the printed circuit board PCB.

[0091] The first flexible circuit film CF1 may further include a first cover layer CVL1 disposed in the first central area MA1 to cover the first sub-conductive wire CL1_1 and the second sub-conductive wire CL1_2. The first cover layer CVL1 may not be disposed in the first pad area EA1 and the second pad area EA2. Therefore, the first conductive pad F_PD1 and the second conductive pad F_PD2 may be exposed without being covered by the first cover layer CVL1. In addition, the first cover layer CVL1 may be provided with a first opening OA1 through which the first alignment mark AM1 is exposed. The first base film BL1 may be exposed through the first opening OA1.

[0092] The second flexible circuit film CF2 may further include a second cover layer CVL2 disposed in the second central area MA2 to cover the third sub-conductive wire CL2_1 and the fourth sub-conductive wire CL2_2. The second cover layer CVL2 may not be disposed in the third pad area EA3 and the fourth pad area EA4. Therefore, the third conductive pad F_PD3 and the fourth conductive pad F_PD4 may be exposed without being covered by the second cover layer CVL2. In addition, the second cover layer CVL2 may be provided with a second opening OA2, and the second alignment mark AM2 is exposed through the second opening OA2. The second base film BL2 may be exposed through the second opening OA2. In an embodiment, the first cover layer CVL1 and the second cover layer CVL2 may be solder resist materials.

[0093] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a first flexible circuit film CF1 and a second flexible circuit film CF2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 6, the first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second flexible circuit film CF2 may overlap each other. In an embodiment, the second flexible circuit film CF2 overlaps the first flexible circuit film CF1 coupled to the first pad portion PD1 of the display panel DP, and may be coupled to the second pad portion PD2 of the display panel DP. In this case, the first driving chip DIC1 of the first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second driving chip DIC2 of the second flexible circuit film CF2 may not overlap each other.

[0095] According to an example of the present disclosure, the first cover layer CVL1 of the first flexible circuit film CF1 may be provided with a first opening OA1, and the first alignment mark AM1 may be exposed through the first opening OA1 and may overlap with the second alignment mark AM2. In addition, the second cover layer CVL2 of the second flexible circuit film CF2 may be provided with a second opening OA2, and the second alignment mark AM2 may be exposed through the second opening OA2 and may overlap with the first alignment mark AM1. Therefore, when the first flexible circuit film CF1 overlaps with the second flexible circuit film CF2, for example, it may be checked by a camera whether the first alignment mark AM1 not covered by the first cover layer CVL1 is aligned with the second alignment mark AM2 not covered by the second cover layer CVL2. Therefore, the first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second flexible circuit film CF2 may be aligned with each other while being coupled to the display panel DP.

[0096] Figure 7 is a plan view showing a first flexible circuit film CF1 and a second flexible circuit film CF2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 According to an embodiment, the first opening OA1 of the first flexible circuit film CF1 may be formed by recessing one side surface of the first cover layer CVL1. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto or thereby. In an embodiment, the first opening OA1 may be formed to be spaced apart from one side surface of the first cover layer CVL1. In other words, the first opening OA1 may be formed to pass through a peripheral portion of the first cover layer CVL1 that does not overlap with the first driving chip DIC1 and the first conductive line CL1, rather than being formed to pass through a central portion of the first cover layer CVL1. In an embodiment, the second opening OA2 of the second flexible circuit film CF2 may be formed by recessing one side surface of the second cover layer CVL2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto or thereby. In an embodiment, the second opening OA2 may be formed to be spaced apart from one side surface of the second cover layer CVL2. In other words, the second opening OA2 may be formed to pass through a peripheral portion of the second cover layer CVL2 that does not overlap with the second driving chip DIC2 and the second conductive line CL2, rather than being formed to pass through a central portion of the second cover layer CVL2.

[0098] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first opening OA1 and the second opening OA2 may not overlap with the display panel DP. Alignment marks for coupling the first pad portion PD1 and the second pad portion PD2 of the display panel DP to the first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second flexible circuit film CF2, respectively, may have been provided in a portion where the first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second flexible circuit film CF2 overlap with the display panel DP. Therefore, when the first alignment mark AM1 and the second alignment mark AM2 are provided to be spaced apart from the alignment mark, the first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second flexible circuit film CF2 may be more accurately aligned with each other.

[0099] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the width D1_1 of the first flexible circuit film CF1 in the first direction DR1 may be the same as the width D1_2 of the second flexible circuit film CF2 in the first direction DR1. This is because the first alignment mark AM1 and the second alignment mark AM2 are provided in the first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second flexible circuit film CF2, and there is no need to increase the area of ​​the second flexible circuit film CF2 in order to arrange additional alignment marks. When the width D1_1 of the first flexible circuit film CF1 in the first direction DR1 is the same as the width D1_2 of the second flexible circuit film CF2 in the first direction DR1, a gap between the flexible circuit films CF1 to CFk arranged in the first direction DR1 may be ensured.

[0100] However, in an embodiment, a width D2_1 of the first flexible circuit film CF1 in the second direction DR2 may be smaller than a width D2_2 of the second flexible circuit film CF2 in the second direction DR2. The first flexible circuit film CF1 may be coupled to the first pad portion PD1 of the display panel DP, and the second flexible circuit film CF2 may be coupled to the first pad portion PD1 and the pixel portion PP provided on the display panel DP (refer to FIG. Figure 1 ) between the second pad portion PD2.

[0101] Figure 8 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of the display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] Reference Figure 8 , the pad portion PD of the display panel DP (refer to Figure 2) may further include a third pad portion PD3 electrically connected to the first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second flexible circuit film CF2. Therefore, the first flexible circuit film CF1 may be coupled to the first pad portion PD1 and the third pad portion PD3 of the display panel DP, and the second flexible circuit film CF2 may be coupled to the second pad portion PD2 and the third pad portion PD3 of the display panel DP. That is, the third pad portion PD3 may be commonly connected to the first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second flexible circuit film CF2. The third pad portion PD3 may be disposed to overlap with the first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second flexible circuit film CF2.

[0103] The first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second flexible circuit film CF2 may be electrically connected to each other through the third pad portion PD3 , and may transmit and receive various control signals and power signals to and from each other.

[0104] Fig. 9 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of the display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] Reference Figure 7 and Fig. 9 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display panel DP may further include a first panel alignment mark PAM1 and a second panel alignment mark PAM2. In an embodiment, the first flexible circuit film CF1 may further include a third alignment mark AM3 aligned with the first panel alignment mark PAM1, and the second flexible circuit film CF2 may further include a fourth alignment mark AM4 aligned with the second panel alignment mark PAM2.

[0106] The first pad portion PD1 of the display panel DP (see Figure 8 ) and the first conductive pad F_PD1 of the first flexible circuit film CF1 (refer to Figure 7 ) can be aligned with each other using the first panel alignment mark PAM1 and the third alignment mark AM3. In addition, the second pad portion PD2 of the display panel DP (refer to Figure 8 ) and the third conductive pad F_PD3 of the second flexible circuit film CF2 (refer to Figure 7 ) can be aligned with each other using the second panel alignment mark PAM2 and the fourth alignment mark AM4. Therefore, the connection reliability between the first pad portion PD1 of the display panel DP and the first conductive pad F_PD1 of the first flexible circuit film CF1 can be improved. In addition, the connection reliability between the second pad portion PD2 of the display panel DP and the third conductive pad F_PD3 of the second flexible circuit film CF2 can be improved.

[0107] Fig.10 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of the display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Reference Fig.10 The display device DD may further include a third flexible circuit film CF3, the third flexible circuit film CF3 being coupled to the pad portion PD (refer to Figure 2 ) and overlaps with the first flexible circuit film CF1 and the second flexible circuit film CF2. The third flexible circuit film CF3 may include a third alignment mark AM3 aligned with the first alignment mark AM1 and the second alignment mark AM2. As an example, in addition to the first pad portion PD1 and the second pad portion PD2, the pad portion PD may further include a third pad portion PD3. The first pad portion PD1 may be disposed between the third pad portion PD3 and the pixel portion PP, and the second pad portion PD2 may be disposed between the first pad portion PD1 and the pixel portion PP. As another example, the third pad portion PD3 may be disposed between the first pad portion PD1 and the second pad portion PD2.

[0109] The third flexible circuit film CF3 may include a third base film, a third conductive line electrically connected to the third base film, and a third cover layer covering the third conductive line. The third cover layer of the third flexible circuit film CF3 may further include a third opening OA3 defined therethrough.

[0110] The first opening OA1 of the first flexible circuit film CF1 may be formed in a region overlapping with the third alignment mark AM3, and the second opening OA2 of the second flexible circuit film CF2 may be formed in a region overlapping with the third alignment mark AM3. The third alignment mark AM3 of the third flexible circuit film CF3 may be disposed on the third base film, and the third alignment mark AM3 may be exposed through the third opening OA3. In addition, the third opening OA3 may be formed in a region overlapping with the first alignment mark AM1 and the second alignment mark AM2.

[0111] The third driving chip DIC3 may be mounted on the third flexible circuit film CF3. The third driving chip DIC3 may be disposed between one end and the other end of the third flexible circuit film CF3. As an example, the first driving chip DIC1, the second driving chip DIC2, and the third driving chip DIC3 may not overlap each other in a plane.

[0112] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it will be understood that the present disclosure should not be limited to these embodiments, but various changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed herein. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, and the scope of the inventive concept should be determined according to the claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display panel including a pixel portion for displaying an image and a pad portion connected to the pixel portion; a first flexible circuit film coupled to the pad portion and including a first alignment mark; as well as a second flexible circuit film coupled to the pad portion, overlapping the first flexible circuit film, and comprising a second alignment mark aligned with the first alignment mark, wherein the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark are located in an area where the first flexible circuit film overlaps the second flexible circuit film, and when viewed in a plane, the first alignment mark and the second alignment mark do not overlap the display panel.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The pad portion includes: a first pad portion; and The second pad portion is disposed between the pixel portion and the first pad portion, the first flexible circuit film is coupled to the first pad portion, and the second flexible circuit film is coupled to the second pad portion.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The first flexible circuit film comprises: First basic membrane; a first conductive line disposed on the first base film and electrically connected to the first pad portion; and a first cover layer covering the first conductive line and including a first opening defined through the first cover layer, and The second flexible circuit film comprises: Second basic membrane; a second conductive line disposed on the second base film and electrically connected to the second pad portion; and The second cover layer covers the second conductive line and includes a second opening defined through the second cover layer.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The first alignment mark is located on the first base film and exposed through the first opening, and the second alignment mark is located on the second base film and exposed through the second opening.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The first alignment mark is located on the same layer as the first conductive line, and the second alignment mark is located on the same layer as the second conductive line.

6. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The first opening overlaps the second alignment mark, and the second opening overlaps the first alignment mark.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The first opening is defined by a concave side surface of the first cover layer, and the second opening is defined by a concave side surface of the second cover layer.

8. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The first opening and the second opening do not overlap with the display panel.

9. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The pad portion further includes a third pad portion electrically connected to the first flexible circuit film and the second flexible circuit film.

10. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The first pad portion extends in a first direction, and the second pad portion extends in the first direction and is spaced apart from the first pad portion in a second direction different from the first direction.

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