Display device

Abstract

A display device includes a display panel including a bending area bent along an axis extending in a first direction, a window disposed on a first surface of the display panel, and a mark disposed on the bending area of the display panel along a second direction different from the first direction, wherein a first portion of the mark and a second portion of the mark separate from the first portion do not overlap along the first direction.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0021911, filed on February 18, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, as fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to display devices. Background Technology

[0004] Flat panel displays include liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, field-effect displays (FEDs), electrophoretic displays, etc.

[0005] In order to increase the screen-to-body ratio (i.e., the proportion of the display device occupied by the screen when the display device is viewed from the front), display devices that extend the display area to the sides of the display device have been developed.

[0006] Thus, in the case of a display device where the display area extends to the side of the display device, the display panel and the driving film are bent according to the shape of the outer window surrounding the display panel, and therefore a check must be performed to determine whether the display panel and the driving film are bent correctly to be positioned in the correct location.

[0007] The information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background technology of the present invention concept, and therefore, the above information may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The display device constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention is capable of extending the display area to one side of the display device.

[0009] The embodiments will provide a display device and an inspection method that can accurately determine whether a display device having a display area extending to one side of the display device is bent in a proper manner so that a user can view an image on both the front and side of the display device.

[0010] Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the description below, and will be partly apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the inventive concept.

[0011] The display device according to an embodiment includes: a display panel including a bent region bent along an axis extending in a first direction; a window disposed on a first surface of the display panel; and a mark disposed on the bent region of the display panel along a second direction different from the first direction, wherein a first portion of the mark and a second portion of the mark separate from the first portion do not overlap along the first direction.

[0012] The first end of the mark may be positioned adjacent to the window, and the second end of the mark may be positioned on a plane parallel to the display panel and opposite to the first surface of the display panel.

[0013] The first end and the second end are disposed on the first side and the second side along the first direction of the display panel, and are curved surfaces.

[0014] The first side surface and the second side surface are disposed on the first side and the second side along the first direction of the display panel, and are curved surfaces.

[0015] The display panel may include a first display area and a second display area extending from the edge of the first display area to surround the first display area, the first display area being a relatively flat surface and the second display area being a relatively curved surface.

[0016] The mark may have a straight line shape extending in the second direction.

[0017] The markings may include multiple patterns arranged in the second direction.

[0018] The marking may include one or more of the following: multiple quadrilateral patterns, multiple circular patterns, and multiple triangular patterns.

[0019] The mark may include a first sub-pattern and a second sub-pattern, and at least one of the first sub-pattern and the second sub-pattern may include a plurality of patterns arranged in the second direction.

[0020] One of the first sub-pattern and the second sub-pattern may have a straight line shape extending in the second direction.

[0021] An inspection method for a display device according to an embodiment includes: forming a mark in a bending area of ​​a display panel configured to bend from a first surface of the display panel on which a window is disposed; bending the bending area of ​​the display panel along an axis extending in a first direction; detecting the position of an edge of the window disposed on the first surface of the display panel and the position of the mark; and inspecting the bending area by using the detected position, wherein the mark extends along a second direction different from the first direction.

[0022] In the detection at the location, the detection can be performed by using a detection unit at the location of observing the second surface of the display panel, the second surface being disposed on the opposite side of the first surface along a direction forming a specific angle with the direction perpendicular to the first surface of the display panel.

[0023] In the detection at the location, the first length along the second direction of the visually identifiable portion of the mark can be detected by the detection unit.

[0024] In the detection at the location, a second length of the minimum interval between the identification portion, which serves as the marker, and the edge of the window can be detected.

[0025] According to the embodiments, it is possible to accurately determine whether the display device, whose display area extends to the side surface of the display device, is bent.

[0026] It will be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed invention. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to illustrate the inventive concept.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a display device constructed according to an embodiment based on the principles of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device according to an embodiment, taken by line A-A'.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the stacked structure of the display panel of the display device according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a bottom plan view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a side view showing a portion of the side surface of the display device according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an inspection method for a display device according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is an example of the inspection results of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of line A2-A3.

[0037] Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a first and a second mark on a display device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0038] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for illustrative purposes in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments or implementations of the invention. As used herein, “embodiment” and “implementation” are interchangeable terms as non-limiting examples of apparatuses or methods employing one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are illustrated in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various embodiments. Furthermore, the various embodiments may be different, but are not necessarily exclusive. For example, the specific shapes, configurations, and features of an embodiment may be used or implemented in another embodiment without departing from the inventive concept.

[0039] Unless otherwise stated, the illustrated embodiments are to be understood as exemplary features providing variable details of some ways in which the inventive concept can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, areas and / or aspects of various embodiments (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”) may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged in other ways without departing from the inventive concept.

[0040] Crosshairs and / or shading are typically used in accompanying drawings to clearly define the boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, unless otherwise stated, the presence or absence of crosshairs or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between the elements shown, and / or any other characteristics, properties, or characteristics of the elements. Furthermore, the dimensions and relative dimensions of elements may be exaggerated in the accompanying drawings for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. A particular process sequence may be performed differently than the described sequence when embodiments can be implemented differently. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of their description. Additionally, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0041] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or an intermediary element or intermediary layer may be present. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, an intermediary element or intermediary layer is not present. Therefore, the term "connection" can refer to a physical connection, electrical connection, and / or fluid connection with or without an intermediary element. Furthermore, the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 are not limited to the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system, such as the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" can be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0042] Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element.

[0043] For descriptive purposes, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “down,” “above,” “above,” “higher,” and “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”) may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element to another (or multiple elements) as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, the spatial relative terms are also intended to cover different orientations of the device during use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will subsequently be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and thus, the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein shall be interpreted accordingly.

[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. Furthermore, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and / or “having” indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree, and thus are used to explain inherent biases in measurements, calculated values, and / or provided values ​​that would be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0045] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional and / or exploded views as schematic diagrams of idealized embodiments and / or intervening structures. Thus, variations in the shapes shown in the drawings due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances will be expected. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to the shapes of the areas specifically shown, but will include deviations in shape due to, for example, manufacturing. In this way, the areas shown in the drawings may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these areas may not reflect the actual shapes of the areas of the device, and thus are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art described in this disclosure. Unless expressly defined herein, terms (such as those defined in a general dictionary) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formalized sense.

[0047] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A display device according to an embodiment is described. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a display device constructed according to an embodiment based on the principles of the present invention, and Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 The display device 1000 may have a generally rectangular planar shape and may have a short side extending in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1 and a long side extending in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2. However, this is an example, and the planar shape of the display device is not limited to this, and may have other polygonal, circular, or elliptical planar shapes.

[0049] Display device 1000 typically includes a display area DA that emits light toward a third party to DR3.

[0050] The display area DA may include a first display area DA10 having a substantially flat surface and a second display area DA20 extending from the edge of the first display area DA10.

[0051] The second display area DA20 may include a first sub-display area DA1 extending from the first display area DA10 along a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2, and a second sub-display area DA2 extending from the corner of the first display area DA10 and disposed between the first sub-display areas DA1. The second display area DA20 may have a curved surface shape. However, the second display area DA20 may be flat, and when the second display area DA20 is flat, the first display area DA10 and the second display area DA20 may form a specific angle with each other.

[0052] The first sub-display area DA1 may include four zones connected to each of the four sides of the first display area DA10, or may include only some of the four zones. Each of the first sub-display areas DA1 has a curved surface and may form a curved screen. Depending on the location on the curved surface, the curvature of the first sub-display area DA1 may be constant or variable. The first sub-display area DA1 may have a shape similar to a portion (e.g., 1 / 4) of the side surface of a curved column (such as a cylinder or elliptical cylinder).

[0053] The second sub-display areas DA2 can be respectively disposed at the four corners or some corners of the display device 1000. The second sub-display areas DA2 can be disposed between adjacent first sub-display areas DA1. Each of the second sub-display areas DA2 has a curved surface and forms a curved screen. Depending on the position on the curved surface, the curvature of the second sub-display area DA2 can be constant or variable. The shape of the curved surface of the second sub-display area DA2 can be different from the shape of the curved surface of the first sub-display area DA1. The second sub-display area DA2 can have a shape similar to a portion (e.g., 1 / 8) of a curved body (such as a sphere or ellipsoid).

[0054] When the display device 1000 is viewed from the front, at least some of the first sub-display areas DA1 and the second sub-display areas DA2 of the entire first display area DA10 and the second display area DA20 can be combined so that all corners can be identified as portions of a rounded rectangular screen.

[0055] According to the illustrated embodiment, the second display area DA20 extends along the edge of the first display area DA10. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the second display area DA20 may be provided only on both sides or one side of the first display area DA10.

[0056] Reference Figure 2 The display device 1000 may include a cover window 100, a display panel 300, an optical sensor 500, a frame 700, a main circuit board 800, and a lower cover 900.

[0057] A cover window 100 is disposed on the display panel 300 to cover the upper surface of the display panel 300 so as to protect the upper surface of the display panel 300.

[0058] The cover window 100 may be made of glass, sapphire, and / or plastic. The cover window 100 may be rigid or flexible.

[0059] Reference Figure 2 as well as Figure 1The cover window 100 may have a planar shape, such as a first display area DA10 having a substantially flat surface and a second display area DA20 extending from the edge of the first display area DA10 to have a curved surface.

[0060] The cover window 100 can be attached to the upper surface of the display panel 300 by means of an adhesive component. The adhesive component can be an adhesive layer, such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA) film, an optically clear resin (OCR) film, etc.

[0061] A polarizing film UL can be disposed between the display panel 300 and the cover window 100. The polarizing film UL can prevent the degradation of visibility due to the reflection of external light. In some embodiments, the polarizing film UL may be omitted.

[0062] Display panel 300 may include light-emitting elements. For example, display panel 300 may be an organic light-emitting display panel using organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a micro light-emitting diode (LED) display panel using micro light-emitting diodes (LEDs), or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel including quantum dot light-emitting diodes. However, display panel 300 is not limited to these and may include various flat panel display units containing multiple pixels.

[0063] The display circuit board 310 can be attached to the two edges of the display panel 300 facing the second direction DR2. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the display circuit board 310 can be attached to at least one of the two edges of the display panel 300 facing along the second direction DR2. The display circuit board 310 is connected to the protrusion 320 of the display panel 300. Multiple pads for multiple signal lines connected to the display panel 300 are provided on the protrusion 320 of the display panel 300, and an anisotropic conductive film can be used to connect the display circuit board 310 to the multiple pads provided on the protrusion 320 of the display panel 300. The width of the protrusion 320 of the display panel 300 can be smaller than the width of the display panel 300.

[0064] Cable 330 can be connected to display board 310, and cable 330 can be connected to main board 800, which will be described in more detail later.

[0065] The protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300 and the display circuit board 310 disposed between the display panel 300 and the cable 330 can be bent under the display panel 300. Specifically, the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300 and the display circuit board 310 can be bent to the side of the surface of the display panel 300 opposite to the surface facing the cover window 100 along the third direction DR3.

[0066] A portion of the protrusion 320 between the display panel 300 and the display circuit board 310 can form a bending area BR, which will be described in more detail later.

[0067] A first mark M1 and a second mark M2 are disposed in / on a protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300, which is located between the display panel 300 and the display circuit board 310. The first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are marks used to determine whether the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300 is bent to the correct position when bent. This will be described in more detail later. In the following embodiments, it is described that the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are disposed on / in the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300, but this is not a limitation, and the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 may be disposed in a bent area BR within the display panel 300.

[0068] The optical sensor 500 can be disposed below the display panel 300. According to the illustrated embodiment, the optical sensor 500 is disposed over the entire area located below the display panel 300, but is not limited thereto, and the optical sensor 500 can be disposed corresponding to some areas of the display panel 300.

[0069] The optical sensor 500 may be an optical fingerprint recognition sensor capable of recognizing a user's fingerprint using optical methods. In some embodiments, the optical sensor 500 may be omitted.

[0070] The frame 700 and the main circuit board 800 can be positioned between the display panel 300 and the lower cover 900.

[0071] The frame 700 may have a first opening H1, a second opening H2 and a third opening H3, with the camera device 820 inserted into the first opening H1, the battery configured to pass through the second opening H2, and the cable 330 connected to the display circuit board 310 passing through the third opening H3.

[0072] The main circuit board 800 may include a main processor 810, a camera device 820, and a main connector 830.

[0073] The cable 330 passing through the third opening H3 of the frame 700 can be connected to the main connector 830 of the main circuit board 800.

[0074] The lower cover 900 can be fastened and secured to the frame 700. The lower cover 900 may include at least one of plastic and metal.

[0075] The lower cover 900 may have a fourth opening H4 into which the camera device 820 is inserted to protrude to the outside.

[0076] However, the location of the camera device 820 and the locations of the openings H1 and H4 to which the camera device 820 is attached are not limited thereto.

[0077] Now, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 This describes a part of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device according to the embodiment, taken along line A-A', and Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the stacked structure of the display panel of the display device according to an embodiment.

[0078] Reference Figure 3 The display panel 300 includes a display area DA for displaying an image and a non-display area NA surrounding the display area DA. At least a portion of the display panel 300 is flexible. The display panel 300 includes a pixel layer PL having pixels, wherein the pixels are arranged on a substrate SB, and the combination of pixels displays an image. Pixels including, for example, red pixels, green pixels, and blue pixels are arranged in a first display area DA10 and a second display area DA20.

[0079] Wiring for transmitting signals to drive pixels is disposed on the substrate SB of the display panel 300. The wiring may include data lines, gate lines, and drive voltage lines disposed in the display area DA, and may also include connection wiring disposed in the non-display area NA. The display panel 300 may be a light-emitting display panel including light-emitting elements. The display panel 300 may include a touch sensor layer capable of detecting a user's touch. In the accompanying drawings, the display panel 300 is shown as comprising several layers. In addition to the pixel layer PL, the display panel 300 may also include layers such as an anti-reflective layer AR, a protective film PF, and a functional sheet FS. The specific structure of the display panel 300 will be described in more detail later.

[0080] The display panel 300 includes a pad portion PP, in which pads for receiving signals (including power) from the outside (i.e., outside the display device 1000) are arranged. The pad portion PP can be connected to the display circuit board 310 (see [link]). Figure 2 Signals (e.g., touch detection signals generated by the display panel 300) can be output outwards through the pad portion PP.

[0081] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the display panel 300 includes a bend BR between the second display area DA20 and the edge of the window 100. The bend BR may be the protruding portion 320 of the aforementioned display panel 300 (see [reference]). Figure 2The bending area BR can extend along the first direction DR1. The bending area BR can be bent such that a portion of the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300, as well as the display circuit board 310 and the pad portion PP, are disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 300. The bending area BR can be bent based on a bending axis parallel to the first direction DR1 to have an inner diameter of approximately 1 mm or less, approximately 0.5 mm or less, or, for example, approximately 0.3 mm. The bending area BR can be included in the non-display area NA.

[0082] Window 100 is a cover that protects display panel 300 from external impacts. Window 100 can also serve as a support to maintain the curved state of display panel 300. Window 100 is made of a transparent and rigid material (such as glass or plastic) so that the user can see the image displayed on the screen of display panel 300.

[0083] The display device 1000 includes a driving device for generating and / or processing various signals for driving the display panel 300. The driving device may include: a data driver that applies a data voltage to a data line, a gate driver that applies a gate signal to a gate line, and a signal controller that controls the data driver and the gate driver. The gate driver may be integrated as a driving circuit located outside the second display area DA20 in the display panel 300. The data driver and the signal controller may be provided as an integrated circuit chip 30. The integrated circuit chip 30 may be mounted on a protrusion 320 of the display panel 300 (see...). Figure 2 The integrated circuit chip 30 can be mounted on a flexible printed circuit film connected to the pad portion PP of the display panel 300, and can be positioned between the bending area BR and the pad portion PP. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, the integrated circuit chip 30 can be mounted on a flexible printed circuit film connected to the pad portion PP of the display panel 300.

[0084] The display device 1000 is generally flat in the first display area DA10 and curved with a predetermined curvature in the second display area DA20 to have a curved surface. Depending on the location, the radius of curvature r of the second display area DA20 forming the curved surface can be constant or variable. The display panel 300 includes a flat area 10a corresponding to the first display area DA10 and a curved area 10b corresponding to the second display area DA20 forming the curved surface. Similarly, the window 100 includes a flat area 20a corresponding to the first display area DA10 and a curved area 20b corresponding to the second display area DA20 forming the curved surface. In a cross-sectional view, the center of curvature of the curved area 20b of the window 100 may coincide with or nearly coincide with the center of curvature O of the curved area 10b of the display panel 300. The radius of curvature of the curved area 20b of the window 100 may be greater than the radius of curvature r of the curved area 10b of the display panel 300.

[0085] The display panel 300 can be attached to the window 100 using an adhesive such as optically clear adhesive (OCA) or optically clear resin (OCR), and an adhesive layer can be provided between the display panel 300 and the window 100. The flat area 10a of the display panel 300 can be attached to the flat area 20a of the window 100, and the curved area 10b of the display panel 300 can be attached to the curved area 20b of the window 100. The flat area 10a of the display panel 300 as a whole can be a first display area DA10. The curved area 10b of the display panel 300 is mostly a second display area DA20, but may include a non-display area NA located outside the second display area DA20.

[0086] The bent area BR and protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300 (see also) Figure 2 The curved area BR and the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300 may be disposed on the rear portion of the flat area 10a and the curved area 10b of the display panel 300 (hereinafter, unless otherwise stated, the rear portion is referred to as the rear portion of the display panel 300) without being attached to the window 100.

[0087] Now, referring to Figure 4 Description of display device 1000 (see Figure 1 The display area DA of the display panel 300 (see) Figure 1 An example of a stacked structure.

[0088] The display panel 300 may substantially include a substrate SB, a transistor TR formed on the substrate SB, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) connected to the transistor TR. The light-emitting diodes (LEDs) may correspond to pixels.

[0089] The substrate SB can be a flexible substrate made of polymers such as polyimide, polyamide, or polyethylene terephthalate. The substrate SB may include a barrier layer to prevent the penetration of moisture and oxygen. For example, the substrate SB may include at least one polymer layer and at least one barrier layer, and the polymer layer and the barrier layer may be stacked alternately.

[0090] The buffer layer BL can be disposed on the substrate SB. The buffer layer BL may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide or silicon nitride.

[0091] The semiconductor layer AL of the transistor TR can be disposed on the buffer layer BL, and the insulating layer IN1 can be disposed on the semiconductor layer AL. The semiconductor layer AL can include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region located between the source region and the drain region. The semiconductor layer AL can include semiconductor materials such as polycrystalline silicon, oxide semiconductor, or amorphous silicon.

[0092] The first conductor of the first electrode C1 of the transistor TR, including the gate electrode GE, the gate line GL, and the capacitor CS, can be disposed on the insulating layer IN1.

[0093] An insulating layer IN2 may be disposed on the first conductor. A second conductor, which may include the second electrode C2 of the capacitor CS, may be disposed on the insulating layer IN2. The first conductor and / or the second conductor may include metals such as molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), and titanium (Ti).

[0094] Insulating layer IN3 can be disposed on insulating layer IN2 and the second conductor. Insulating layers IN1, IN2 and IN3 can include inorganic insulating materials.

[0095] A third conductor, including the source electrode SE and drain electrode DE of the transistor TR, and the data line DL, can be disposed on the insulating layer IN3. The source electrode SE and drain electrode DE can be connected to the source and drain regions of the semiconductor layer AL through openings in the insulating layers IN1, IN2, and IN3.

[0096] Insulating layer IN4 may be disposed on the third conductor. A fourth conductor, including a drive voltage line DVL, may be disposed on insulating layer IN4. The third and fourth conductors may include metals or metal alloys thereof such as aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), and nickel (Ni).

[0097] Insulating layer IN5 may be disposed on the fourth conductor. Insulating layers IN4 and IN5 may comprise organic insulating materials.

[0098] The first electrode E1 of the light-emitting diode (LED) can be disposed on the insulating layer IN5. The first electrode E1 can be referred to as the pixel electrode. The first electrode E1 is connected to the drain electrode DE through openings in the insulating layers IN4 and IN5 to receive data signals controlling the brightness of the LED. The transistor TR to which the first electrode E1 is connected can be a driving transistor, or it can be a transistor electrically connected to the driving transistor.

[0099] An insulating layer IN6 may be disposed on the insulating layer IN5. The insulating layer IN6 may be referred to as a pixel defining layer and may have an opening overlapping the first electrode E1. Within the opening of the insulating layer IN6, a light-emitting component EM, including an emitting layer, may be disposed above the first electrode E1, and a second electrode E2 may be disposed above the light-emitting component EM. The second electrode E2 may be referred to as a common electrode.

[0100] The first electrode E1, the light-emitting component EM, and the second electrode E2 can constitute a light-emitting diode (LED) that can function as an organic light-emitting diode. The first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 can be the anode and cathode of the LED, respectively.

[0101] The encapsulation layer EC can be disposed on the second electrode E2. The encapsulation layer EC prevents moisture or oxygen from penetrating from the outside by encapsulating the light-emitting diode (LED). The encapsulation layer EC can be a thin-film encapsulation layer comprising at least one inorganic material layer and at least one organic material layer.

[0102] A touch sensor layer, including touch electrodes TE, can be disposed on an encapsulation layer EC. The touch electrodes TE can have a grid shape with openings overlapping with light-emitting diodes (LEDs). A buffer layer can be disposed between the encapsulation layer EC and the touch sensor layer. An insulating layer IN7 covering the touch electrodes TE can be disposed on the touch sensor layer.

[0103] An anti-reflective layer AR for reducing the reflection of external light can be disposed on the insulating layer IN7. The anti-reflective layer AR may include a polarizing layer. The anti-reflective layer AR can be attached to the insulating layer IN7 by an adhesive or formed on the insulating layer IN7. Instead of the anti-reflective layer AR, the encapsulation layer EC, the touch sensor layer, and / or the insulating layer IN7 can be formed in a refractive index matching structure to achieve the anti-reflective effect. The layer disposed between the substrate SB and the anti-reflective layer AR can correspond to the pixel layer PL described above (see...). Figure 3 ).

[0104] The protective film PF protecting the display panel 300 can be disposed under the substrate SB. The protective film PF can be made of a polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, or polyimide. See also... Figure 3 To reduce the bending stress in the bending zone BR, in some embodiments of this example, the protective film PF may not be provided in the bending zone BR. A bending protection layer (stress relief layer) may be provided in the bending zone BR to prevent the wiring located in the bending zone BR from cracking or being damaged.

[0105] A functional sheet FS, comprising at least one of a buffer layer, heat sink, light shield, waterproof strip, and electromagnetic barrier film, may be disposed beneath the protective film PF. In some embodiments of this example, the functional sheet FS may not be disposed within the bending area BR and the pad portion PP.

[0106] The location and arrangement of the above devices (e.g., elements or layers) can be varied depending on the design.

[0107] Now, refer to Figures 5 to 8 as well as Figures 1 to 3 This describes a part of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 5This is a bottom plan view showing a portion of the display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a portion of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a side view showing a portion of the side surface of the display device according to an embodiment.

[0108] First, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 as well as Figures 1 to 3 When the display device 1000 is assembled, the front side of the display image of the display panel 300 faces the side of the window 100, and the rear side of the display panel 300, which is opposite to the front side of the display image, is attached to the lower cover 900.

[0109] The first sub-display area DA1 of the second display area DA20 of the display panel 300 can be disposed at both ends of the display device 1000 along the first direction DR1, and the first sub-display area DA1 of the second display area DA20 can be bent. Furthermore, the first sub-display area DA1 of the second display area DA20 of the display panel 300 can be disposed at both ends of the display device 1000 along the second direction DR2, and the first sub-display area DA1 of the second display area DA20 can be bent. Furthermore, the second sub-display area DA2 of the second display area DA20 can be disposed at a corner of the display device 1000, and the second sub-display area DA2 of the second display area DA20 can be bent.

[0110] As described above, the display circuit board 310 can be attached to the protrusion 320 of the display panel 300, and the bending area BR of the protrusion 320 of the display panel 300 can be bent, such that a portion of the protrusion 320 of the display panel 300 and the display circuit board 310 are arranged adjacent to the rear of the display panel 300.

[0111] Multiple alignment marks AM are disposed on the back of the display panel 300, and the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are disposed on the front of the bending area BR of the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300.

[0112] Multiple alignment marks AM can be formed as grooves on a transparent substrate, and the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can be formed into identifiable patterns such as marks or grooves using photolithography or laser.

[0113] The bending area BR of the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300 bends along a rotation axis parallel to the first direction DR1, and as shown... Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can be arranged in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1 and can extend in a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto; the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 (i.e., a direction parallel to the second direction DR2) and can extend in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1 (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the second direction DR2).

[0114] When the bent area BR of the protrusion 320 of the display panel 300 is bent and positioned adjacent to the rear surface of the display panel 300, a plurality of alignment marks AM are used to determine whether any part of the protrusion 320 of the display panel 300 is placed on the rear surface of the display panel 300, or to determine the accuracy of the position of the part of the protrusion 320 of the display panel 300 positioned on the rear surface of the display panel 300.

[0115] Furthermore, the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can be used to determine the degree of bending of the bending area BR of the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300, that is, the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can be used to determine how far the bending area BR of the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300 is from the edge of the window 100 (hereinafter also referred to as the “cover window” 100) and how the bending area BR is bent to have any degree of curvature.

[0116] The bending area BR of the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300 can be bent along a rotation axis parallel to the first direction DR1, and can extend in a direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1. After the bending area BR of the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300 is bent, a portion of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can be positioned on the side facing the window, and the other portions of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can be positioned to be visually identifiable when viewing the rear of the display panel 300. That is, one end of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can be positioned adjacent to the window, and the other end of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can be positioned on a plane parallel to the rear surface of the display panel 300.

[0117] Unlike multiple alignment marks AM, a portion of each of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 may not overlap with the remainder of each of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 along a first direction DR1 parallel to the axis of rotation during bending and a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 (i.e., perpendicular to the surface of the display panel 300). In other words, the first portion of the first mark M1 and the second portion of the first mark M1 separated from the first portion do not overlap along the first direction DR1, and the first portion of the second mark M2 and the second portion of the second mark M2 separated from the first portion do not overlap along the first direction DR1.

[0118] The lengths of the visible portions of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can be varied based on the curvature of the bending area BR of the protrusion 320 of the display panel 300. For example, when the curvature of the protrusion 320 of the display panel 300 is relatively large when bent, the lengths of the visible portions of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 when viewing the back of the display panel 300 can be relatively short, and when the curvature of the protrusion 320 of the display panel 300 is relatively small when bent, the lengths of the visible portions of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 when viewing the back of the display panel 300 can be relatively long. Therefore, the accuracy of the bending can be measured by the change in the lengths of the visible portions of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 observed in the direction of viewing the back of the display panel 300, specifically in the direction forming a specific non-zero angle with the third direction DR3.

[0119] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The results of observing the observation area OA1 along the first direction DR1 parallel to the bending axis of the bending area BR in the observation direction OD1 observed from the side surface of the display panel 300 are described.

[0120] As described above, the first sub-display area DA1 of the second display area DA20 of the display panel 300 can be disposed at both ends of the display device 1000 along the first direction DR1, and the first sub-display area DA1 of the second display area DA20 can be bent. Furthermore, the second sub-display area DA2 of the second display area DA20 can be disposed at a corner of the display device 1000, and the second sub-display area DA2 of the second display area DA20 can be bent.

[0121] Therefore, when the observation area OA1 is observed along the first direction DR1 parallel to the bending axis of the bending area BR in the observation direction OD1 viewed from the side surface of the display panel 300, the first sub-display area DA1 and the second sub-display area DA2 of the second display area DA20 are observed. The first sub-display area DA1 and the second sub-display area DA2 of the second display area DA20 are bent to have curvature along the bending area of ​​the window 100, and a pixel layer PL can be set (see...). Figure 3 ), anti-reflective layer AR (see Figure 4 ), protective film PF (see Figure 4 ) and functional chips FS (see Figure 4 () layer.

[0122] Typically, in a display device that includes a first display area DA10 but not a second display area DA20, or at least not a second sub-display area DA20, the accuracy of the bending of the bending area BR of the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300 can be measured by observing the side surface of the bending area BR from the side surface of the display panel 300 along a first direction DR1 parallel to the bending axis of the bending area BR. However, in the case of a display device as described in the embodiment, where the second display area DA20 is configured to surround the edge of the first display area DA10 and the second display area DA20 is also bent, as in the case of a display device, such as Figure 8 as well as Figure 7 As shown, when viewed from the side surface of the display panel 300 along the first direction DR1, the bending area BR is covered by the second display area DA20, and therefore, it is difficult to observe the side surface of the bending area BR from the side surface of the display panel 300 along the first direction DR1.

[0123] Next, refer to Figures 9 to 11 as well as Figures 5 to 8 A method for inspecting a display device according to an embodiment is described. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an inspection method for a display device according to an embodiment, and Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is an example of the inspection results of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of line A2-A3.

[0124] Reference Figure 9 as well as Figure 5 and Figure 6The inspection method of the display device according to the embodiment may include: bending the bending area BR of the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300 along a rotation axis parallel to the first direction DR1; and detecting the first length L1 of the visible portion of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 by using the detection unit CAM in the direction D of observing the back of the display panel 300, specifically in the direction forming a first angle θ opposite to the third direction DR3, and detecting the second length L2 as the minimum length from the edge of the window 100 to the end of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2.

[0125] The first length L1 and the second length L2 can be changed depending on the bending curvature of the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300 and the display circuit board 310.

[0126] The inspection method for the display device according to the embodiment may include: comparing the values ​​of a first length L1 and a second length L2 measured by the detection unit CAM with predetermined values ​​to determine whether a defect exists.

[0127] Figure 10 An example is shown where the curvature is relatively small when the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300 is bent, and Figure 11 An example is shown where the curvature is relatively large when the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300 is bent.

[0128] Reference Figure 10 and Figure 11 When the bending area BR of the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300 is bent, when the bending area BR is bent to have a relatively large first radius of curvature R1 compared to the case where the bending area BR is bent to have a relatively small second radius of curvature R2, the first length L1 of the visually identifiable portion of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can be relatively short, and the second length L2, which is the minimum length from the edge of the window 100 to the end of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2, can be relatively long.

[0129] Therefore, by detecting the first length L1 of the visually identifiable portion of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 by the detection unit CAM, and detecting the second length L2 of the minimum length from the edge of the window 100 to the ends of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2, and comparing the first length L1 and the second length L2 with predetermined values, the accuracy of the bending can be checked.

[0130] Also refer to Figure 6The detection unit CAM can also be used to check the accuracy of the position of the bent portion of the display panel 300 by using multiple alignment marks AM. More specifically, by adjusting the observation angle of the detection unit CAM in a direction perpendicular to the rear plane of the display panel 300 (i.e., towards the rear of the display panel 300), that is, in a direction parallel to the third direction DR3, the accuracy of the position of the bent portion of the display panel 300 can be checked by detecting the position of multiple alignment marks AM by observing the rear surface of the display panel 300.

[0131] The detection unit (CAM) can be a camera, but is not limited to this.

[0132] Conventionally, the bending area BR of the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300 is directly observed along the first direction DR1 (i.e., the direction of view from both side surfaces of the display device 1000) to check the accuracy of the bending. However, as mentioned above... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As described, in the case of a display device according to an embodiment, which includes a second display area DA20 that is bent and extends to the window 100 and is disposed at both ends along a second direction DR2 perpendicular to the axis of rotation during bending, when viewed from both sides of the display device 1000 in the first direction DR1, since the bending area BR of the protrusion 320 of the display panel 300 is disposed within the window 100 and covered by the second display area DA20, this inspection method is difficult to apply to a display device including a second display area DA20 that is bent and extends to both ends of the window 100 (the two ends are disposed at both ends along a second direction DR2 perpendicular to the axis of rotation when bending).

[0133] However, according to the display device and the inspection method of the display device according to one or more embodiments, by using a plurality of alignment marks AM (see) provided on the rear of the display panel 300 Figure 6 The first mark M1 and the second mark M2, which are provided on the front of the bent area BR of the protrusion 320 of the display panel 300, can be used to determine the accuracy of the bending by observing the bent area BR in a direction facing the back of the display panel 300 rather than the side surface of the display panel 300. Specifically, multiple alignment marks AM can be used to determine the accuracy of the position of the protrusion 320 of the display panel 300 and the bent portion of the display circuit board 310, and at the same time, the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can be used to determine how far the bent area BR of the protrusion 320 of the display panel 300 is from the edge of the window 100 and how the bent area BR is bent to have any degree of curvature.

[0134] Next, refer to Figures 12 to 17Examples of a first mark and a second mark of a display device according to an embodiment are described. Figures 12 to 17 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a first and a second mark on a display device according to an embodiment.

[0135] exist Figures 12 to 15 In the diagram, (a) shows the shapes of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 before bending, and (b) shows the shapes of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 after bending. The shapes of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 before bending are conceptual diagrams of the shapes viewed from the front of the display panel 300, and the shapes of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 after bending are conceptual diagrams of the shapes viewed from both sides of the display device 1000 in the first direction DR1.

[0136] exist Figure 16 and Figure 17 In the diagram, (a) shows the shapes of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 before bending, and (b) and (c) show the shapes of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 after bending. The shapes of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 before bending are conceptual diagrams of the shapes viewed from the front of the display panel 300, and the shapes of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 after bending are conceptual diagrams of the shapes viewed from both sides of the display device 1000 in the first direction DR1.

[0137] Reference Figure 12 According to the embodiment, the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 of the display device may include a straight line shape extending in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2. When the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are formed in a straight line shape, the first length L1 of the visually identifiable portion of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can be easily measured.

[0138] Reference Figure 13 According to the embodiment, the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 of the display device may include a plurality of quadrilateral patterns (e.g., square patterns) arranged in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0139] When the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are formed into a plurality of quadrilateral patterns arranged in a line, in addition to the first length L1 of the visible portion of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2, the number of identified quadrilateral patterns can also be detected for use in the inspection method.

[0140] Reference Figure 14 According to the embodiment, the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 of the display device may include a plurality of rectangular patterns arranged in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0141] Similar to Figure 13In the embodiment shown, when the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are formed into a plurality of rectangular patterns arranged in a line, in addition to the first length L1 of the visible portion of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2, the number of identified rectangular patterns can also be detected for use in the inspection method. Furthermore, with Figure 13 In contrast, because there are fewer patterns, it is relatively easy to detect the number of patterns.

[0142] Reference Figure 15 According to the embodiment, the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 of the display device may include a plurality of circular patterns arranged in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0143] When the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are formed into a plurality of circular patterns arranged in a line, in addition to the first length L1 of the visually identifiable portion of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2, the number of visually identifiable circular patterns can also be detected for use in the inspection method.

[0144] Reference Figure 16 According to the embodiment, the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 of the display device may each include a first sub-marker M11 and a second sub-marker M12 arranged adjacent to each other. The first sub-marker M11 may have a straight line shape extending in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2, and the second sub-marker M12 may include a plurality of quadrilateral patterns (e.g., square patterns) arranged in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0145] Thus, when the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are each formed to include a first sub-marker M11 and a second sub-marker M12 arranged adjacent to each other, the first length L1 of the visually identifiable portion of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can be measured by using the first sub-marker M11, and the number of visually identifiable quadrilateral patterns can be detected by using the second sub-marker M12 for use in the inspection method, thereby improving the accuracy of the inspection method.

[0146] Reference Figure 17 According to the embodiment, the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 of the display device may each include a first sub-marker M11 and a second sub-marker M12 arranged adjacent to each other. The first sub-marker M11 may include a plurality of quadrilateral patterns (e.g., square patterns) arranged in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2, and the second sub-marker M12 may include a plurality of triangular patterns arranged in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0147] Thus, when the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 are each formed to include a first sub-marker M11 and a second sub-marker M12 arranged adjacent to each other, the first length L1 of the visible portion of the first mark M1 and the second mark M2 can be measured by using the first sub-marker M11, and at the same time, the shape of the triangular pattern can be detected by using the second sub-marker M12, thereby jointly determining whether the position is deformed along the first direction DR1 parallel to the axis of rotation during bending.

[0148] According to a display device and a method for inspecting a display device based on one or more embodiments, by using a plurality of alignment marks AM disposed on the rear of the display panel 300 and a first mark M1 and a second mark M2 disposed on the front of the protrusion 320 of the display panel 300 and extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation during bending, detection can be performed in a direction facing the rear side of the display panel 300 rather than the side surface of the display panel 300, thereby determining the accuracy of the position of the bent portion, and simultaneously determining how far the bent portion is from the edge of the window 100 and how the bent portion is bent to have a number of curvatures (e.g., any degree of curvature).

[0149] According to one or more of the above embodiments, it has been described that the protruding portion 320 of the display panel 300 is bent, but this is just an example, and the portion of the display panel 300 may also be a bent portion that is completely bent, and in this case, the first mark and the second mark may be set on the bent portion to be bent.

[0150] While specific embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will become apparent from that description. Therefore, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the appended claims and various modifications and equivalent arrangements that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein, The display device includes: The display panel includes a display area and a non-display area, the non-display area including a bent region that bends along an axis extending in a first direction; A window is disposed on the first surface of the display panel; and A mark is provided on the bending area of ​​the display panel along a second direction different from the first direction. Wherein, the first portion of the mark and the second portion of the mark, which is separate from the first portion, do not overlap along the first direction. Wherein, the first end of the mark is positioned adjacent to the window, and The second end of the mark is disposed on a plane parallel to the display panel and opposite to the first surface of the display panel.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first end and the second end are disposed on the first side and the second side along the first direction of the display panel, and are curved surfaces.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The first side surface and the second side surface are disposed on the first side and the second side along the first direction of the display panel, and are curved surfaces.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The display panel includes a first display area and a second display area extending from the edge of the first display area to surround the first display area. The first display area is a relatively flat surface, and the second display area is a relatively curved surface.

5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The mark has a straight line shape extending in the second direction.

6. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The markings include multiple patterns arranged in the second direction.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein, The markings include one or more of a plurality of quadrilateral patterns, a plurality of circular patterns, and a plurality of triangular patterns.

8. The display device according to claim 2, wherein, The mark includes a first sub-pattern and a second sub-pattern, and At least one of the first sub-pattern and the second sub-pattern includes a plurality of patterns arranged in the second direction.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein, One of the first sub-pattern and the second sub-pattern has a straight line shape extending in the second direction.

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