Display module and display device

Abstract

A display module and a display apparatus are provided. The display module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application can include a cover member including an end portion, a display panel on a surface of the cover member, a buffer plate on a surface of the display panel, and an adhesive layer between the cover member and the display panel, wherein an end portion of the adhesive layer is disposed more outward than an end portion of the display panel toward the end portion of the cover member.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0188219, filed on December 27, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference into this application in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a display module and a display device, and more particularly, to a display module and a display device that allow reduction in occurrence of a brightening phenomenon and a greening phenomenon at an end portion of a display panel. Background Art

[0004] Recently, display devices are implemented in various forms such as televisions, monitors, smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), notebook computers, and wearable devices.

[0005] Generally, a display device includes an active area for displaying a screen and an inactive area formed along an outer portion of the active area.

[0006] In a display device, the non-active area is also called the bezel area. If the bezel area is thick, the user's gaze is dispersed, but if the bezel area is thin, the user's gaze is fixed on the screen in the active area, thereby allowing for improved immersion.

[0007] That is, when the bezel area is thinner, the overall size of the display device can be reduced and the user's immersion can be increased. Therefore, consumers are increasingly demanding display devices that allow the bezel area to be reduced to the greatest extent possible. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Electric charges may be generated in the surface of the display device by physical friction or the like.

[0009] When the generated charges are not discharged to the outside through a ground path, the charges may be concentratedly accumulated on a side surface of an end portion of the display panel located in a bezel region of the display panel.

[0010] When charges accumulate in specific areas, they can move into the interior of the display panel. When charges accumulate in the display panel, an electric field can form between the charges and the thin film transistors. In particular, a strong electric field can form on the side surfaces of the ends of the display panel.

[0011] When a strong electric field is formed on the side surface of the end of the display panel, the element changes due to the polarization of the thin film transistor, so that the side area of ​​the end is brighter than the active area of ​​the display panel and its local area turns green.

[0012] The brightening phenomenon and the greenish phenomenon occur in the end portion of the display panel, which can result in a poor quality display panel.

[0013] Therefore, a display module and a display apparatus are disclosed, which allow the occurrence of the brightening phenomenon and the greenish phenomenon of the end portion of the display panel to be reduced, process efficiency to be improved, and the loss of the charging function to be reduced.

[0014] An aspect of the present application is to provide a display module and a display apparatus, which allow the occurrence of the brightening phenomenon and the greenish phenomenon of the end portion of the display panel to be reduced.

[0015] Another aspect of the present application is to provide a display module and a display apparatus in which inflow of electric charges in a cover member to a display panel is reduced and most of the electric charges can be effectively discharged to the outside.

[0016] The objects of the present application are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects not mentioned above will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0017] To achieve the above aspect, a display module includes a cover member including an end portion, a display panel on a surface of the cover member, a buffer plate on a surface of the display panel, and an adhesive layer between the cover member and the display panel, wherein an end portion of the adhesive layer is disposed more outward than an end portion of the display panel toward an end portion of the cover member.

[0018] In one embodiment, a display module includes a display panel having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a cover member on the first side of the display panel, and an insulating layer on the first side of the display panel, the insulating layer being between the cover member and the display panel, wherein an end portion of the insulating layer extends beyond an end portion of the display panel.

[0019] In one embodiment, a display module includes a display panel having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a cover member on the first side of the display panel, and an adhesive layer on the first side of the display panel, the adhesive layer being between the cover member and the display panel, wherein a distance between an end portion of the adhesive layer and an end portion of the cover member is less than a distance between an end portion of the display panel and the end portion of the cover member.

[0020] A display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application can include a display module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, and a housing portion on a rear surface of the display module, the housing portion supporting the cover member.

[0021] Further details of the exemplary embodiments include those described in the detailed description and drawings.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by providing the end portion of the adhesive layer between the display panel and the cover member and extending outward, movement of charges in the cover member can be prevented by the adhesive layer formed of an insulating material.

[0023] Therefore, the movement of charges toward the inside of the display panel may be reduced, thereby reducing the brightening phenomenon and the greening phenomenon that may intensively occur in a local area of ​​the side surface of the display panel.

[0024] It should be noted that the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other effects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the following description. The general description of the present invention above and the detailed description below are not intended to specify the necessary limitations listed in the claims. Therefore, the scope of the claims is not limited by the general description of the present invention above and the detailed description below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1A and 1C illustrate a front view and a rear view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, respectively, Figure 1B Illustrated is a rear view of a display module with a housing portion removed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II′ of a display module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of a display module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II′ of a display module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving these advantages and features will become apparent by reference to the exemplary embodiments described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but may be implemented in various forms. The exemplary embodiments are provided by way of example only so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the disclosure and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention shall be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0030] The shapes, sizes, proportions, angles, quantities, etc. shown in the drawings for describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Similar reference numerals denote similar elements throughout the application. In addition, in the following description of the present invention, detailed explanations of known related arts may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of the present invention. Terms such as "including," "having," and "comprising" used herein are generally intended to allow the addition of other components unless these terms are used together with the term "only."

[0031] Even if not explicitly stated, the components are interpreted as including the usual error range.

[0032] When terms such as "on," "above," "below," and "after" are used to describe the positional relationship between two parts, one or more parts may be set between the two parts unless these terms are used together with the terms "immediately" or "directly."

[0033] When a temporal order between two or more events is described using terms such as "after," "subsequently," "next," and "before," the two or more events may not be consecutive unless these terms are used together with the terms "immediately" or "directly."

[0034] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on the other element or layer or other elements or layers may be interposed therebetween.

[0035] Although the terms "first," "second," and the like are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from other components. Therefore, within the technical concept of the present invention, the first component mentioned below may be the second component.

[0036] Like reference numbers generally refer to like elements throughout the application.

[0037] The size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are illustrated for convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not limited to the sizes and thicknesses of the illustrated components.

[0038] The features of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be combined or combined with each other in part or in whole, and may be technically interlocked and operated in various ways, and these exemplary embodiments may be implemented independently of each other or in association with each other.

[0039] Hereinafter, a display module and a display device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1A and1C FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate front and rear views, respectively, of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, Figure 1B FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of a display module from which a case part is removed, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0041] As defined herein, the forward and upward directions refer to the Z-axis direction, and the rearward and downward directions refer to the -Z-axis direction.

[0042] The display device 1 can include a display module 10 including a cover member 20 and a display panel 100 attached to a lower portion of the cover member 20 in a downward direction (-Z-axis direction).

[0043] The cover member 20 can be disposed to cover a front surface of the display device 1 and protect the display device 1 from external impact.

[0044] An edge portion of the cover member 20 can have a curved portion or a bent portion curved in a rearward direction of the display device 1.

[0045] Since the cover member 20 can be disposed to cover a side area of the display device 1 located at a rear portion thereof, the display panel 100 can be protected from external impact not only on a front surface of the display device 1 but also on a side surface of the display device 1.

[0046] The cover member 20 can overlap an active area AA displaying an image. For example, the cover member 20 can be formed of a transparent plastic material capable of transmitting an image, or a cover glass formed of a transparent glass material, but is not limited thereto.

[0047] A case part 30 for supporting the cover member 20 can be disposed on a rear surface of the display module 10.

[0048] The case part 30 can serve as a case protecting a rear surface of the display device 1, and can serve as a case for forming an outermost portion of the display device 1.

[0049] The case part 30 can be formed of various materials such as plastic, metal, or glass.

[0050] An intermediate frame part can be additionally disposed between the cover member 20 and the case part 30.

[0051] The intermediate frame part can be disposed on a rear surface of the display module 10 to accommodate the display module 10, and contact the cover member 20 to support the cover member 20.

[0052] The intermediate frame part can serve as a case protecting a rear surface of the display module 10.

[0053] The display module 10 can be provided on one surface of the middle frame portion, and an additional component such as a battery for applying a power source to drive the display device 1 can be provided on the other surface of the middle frame portion.

[0054] The front portion FP of the display panel 100 can be disposed below the cover member 20.

[0055] In the front portion FP, a pixel array unit including a plurality of pixels having a plurality of light emitting elements and driving transistors and a signal line for transmitting a driving signal to the pixels so that an image can be displayed is provided.

[0056] The front portion FP can include an active area AA in which an image is displayed and a non-active area NA which is an area other than the active area AA. The non-active area NA can be formed in an edge area surrounding the active area AA.

[0057] The active area AA and the non-active area NA can be applied in the same manner to the cover member 20.

[0058] In the cover member 20, an area through which an image is transmitted can be the active area AA.

[0059] An area surrounding the active area AA and not transmitting an image can be the non-active area NA.

[0060] The non-active area NA can be defined as a bezel area.

[0061] The display panel 100 disposed below the cover member 20 can include a bent portion extending from one side of the front portion FP and bent downward.

[0062] The bent portion is located at the outermost portion of the display panel 100, can be easily exposed to an external impact, and can be easily deformed or damaged when an impact is applied. Accordingly, an impact can be absorbed by adding a support member or a reinforcing member for protecting the bent portion.

[0063] Hereinafter, a structure of the display module 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0064] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of the display module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0065] The display module 10 can include a cover member 20 at the top thereof and a display panel 100 disposed below the cover member 20.

[0066] The display module 10 can include a display panel 100 including a front portion FP, a bending portion BND, and a pad portion PAD extending from the bending portion BND and positioned on a rear surface of the front portion FP, a buffer plate 300 positioned between the front portion FP and the pad portion PAD, and a connection member 400 for connecting (e.g., attaching) the pad portion PAD to the buffer plate 300.

[0067] The first back plate 210, the buffer plate 300, the connection member 400, the second back plate 220, and the pad portion PAD can be sequentially disposed under the front portion FP of the display panel 100.

[0068] The adhesive layer 150 can be disposed between the cover member 20 and the display panel 100.

[0069] The adhesive layer 150 can connect or join the cover member 20 to the display panel 100.

[0070] For example, the adhesive layer 150 can be a fixing member, but is not limited to this term.

[0071] Since the adhesive layer 150 can be disposed to overlap the active area AA, a material capable of transmitting an image of the display panel 100 can be used therefor.

[0072] For example, the adhesive layer 150 is formed of or can include a material such as an optical clear adhesive (OCA), an optical clear resin (OCR), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), or the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] The display panel 100 disposed under the cover member 20 can include the front portion FP, the bending portion BND, and the pad portion PAD based on the display substrate 110.

[0074] The front portion FP of the display panel 100 can be disposed under the adhesive layer 150. For example, the front portion FP can be a portion in which an image is displayed, and can include the display substrate 110, the pixel array unit 120, the encapsulation unit 130, and the polarizing plate 140.

[0075] The bending portion BND of the display panel 100 can be a portion extending from one side of the front portion FP in a downward (-Z axis) direction and bent in a planar (Y axis) direction. The bending portion BND can include the display substrate 110 and a signal line.

[0076] The pad portion PAD of the display panel 100 can extend from the bending portion BND, and can be disposed under the front portion FP so that the bending portion BND overlaps the front portion FP.

[0077] The pad portion PAD can include the display substrate 110, a signal line, and a pad electrode connected to the signal line.

[0078] The driving circuit unit 160 or the flexible printed circuit board 500 for driving the pixels can be mounted on the pad electrode.

[0079] The polarizing plate 140 can be disposed on an upper portion of the front portion FP of the display panel 100. In addition, a functional layer for improving display performance of the display apparatus can be further disposed between the adhesive layer 150 and the polarizing plate 140.

[0080] The polarizing plate 140 can prevent or at least reduce reflection of external light, and improve outdoor visibility and contrast of an image displayed on the display panel 100.

[0081] The display panel 100 can include a display substrate 110, a pixel array unit 120 disposed on the display substrate 110, and an encapsulation unit 130 disposed to cover the pixel array unit 120.

[0082] The display substrate 110 can be disposed on a bottom portion of the display panel 100.

[0083] The display substrate 110 can be formed on all of the front portion FP, the bending portion BND, and the pad portion PAD.

[0084] The display substrate 110 can be formed of a plastic material having flexibility, and thus can have a flexible characteristic.

[0085] The display substrate 110 can include polyimide, and can be formed of a thin glass material having flexibility.

[0086] The pixel array unit 120 can be disposed on the display substrate 110. The pixel array unit 120 can display an image. A portion in which the pixel array unit 120 is disposed can be an active area AA.

[0087] Accordingly, an area of the cover member 20 corresponding to the pixel array unit 120 can be the active area AA, and an area other than the active area AA can be a non-active area NA.

[0088] The pixel array unit 120 can include a light emitting element, a thin film transistor for driving the light emitting element, and a signal line such as a gate line, a data line, and a pixel driving power line on the display substrate 110.

[0089] The pixel array unit 120 can include a plurality of pixels for displaying an image according to a signal provided to the signal line, and the pixel can include a light emitting element and a thin film transistor.

[0090] The light emitting element can include an anode electrically connected to the thin film transistor, a light emitting layer formed on the anode, and a cathode providing a common voltage.

[0091] The thin film transistor can include a gate, a semiconductor layer, a source, a drain, etc.

[0092] The semiconductor layer of the thin film transistor can include silicon such as amorphous silicon (a-Si), poly silicon (poly-Si), or low temperature poly silicon, or oxide such as indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), but is not limited thereto.

[0093] The anode can be disposed as an opening region corresponding to a pattern shape disposed according to the pixels and electrically connected to the thin film transistor in each pixel region.

[0094] The light emitting element can include a light emitting layer formed between the anode and the cathode.

[0095] The light emitting layer can be implemented to emit the same color light, such as white light, in each pixel, or can be implemented to emit different color light, such as red light, green light, and blue light, in each pixel.

[0096] The encapsulation unit 130 can be disposed on the display substrate 110 to cover the pixel array unit 120.

[0097] The encapsulation unit 130 can prevent or at least reduce penetration of oxygen, moisture, or impurities into the light emitting layer of the pixel array unit 120.

[0098] The encapsulation unit 130 can be formed as a multi-layer structure in which an organic material layer and an inorganic material layer are alternately stacked, but is not limited thereto.

[0099] The front portion FP of the display panel 100 can include the display substrate 110, the pixel array unit 120, and the encapsulation unit 130, and can be formed in a planar state in a region other than an edge portion thereof.

[0100] The first back plate 210, which will be described later, can be connected or bonded to a lower portion of the front portion FP so as to maintain a planar state.

[0101] In the bending portion BND of the display panel 100, the pixel array unit 120, the encapsulation unit 130, and the first back plate 210, which will be described later, are not disposed, and the display substrate 110 can be disposed. The bending portion BND of the display panel 100 can be a portion that can be easily bent in a direction desired by a user.

[0102] The pad portion PAD of the display panel 100 can be a portion in which the pixel array unit 120 and the encapsulation unit 130 are not disposed.

[0103] The second back plate 220, which will be described later, can be connected or bonded to a lower portion of the pad portion PAD so that the pad portion PAD can maintain a planar state.

[0104] Accordingly, the front portion FP of the display panel 100 is disposed in a direction of the display screen, the pad portion PAD of the display panel 100 is bent from the bending portion BND in a downward direction of the front portion FP, and can be located in the downward direction of the front portion FP, i.e., on a rear surface of the front portion FP.

[0105] The first back plate 210 disposed on a lower portion of the front portion FP of the display panel 100 and the second back plate 220 disposed in a lower portion of the pad portion PAD are located below the display substrate 110, and can maintain the front portion FP in a planar state while supplementing rigidity of the display substrate 110.

[0106] The first back plate 210 and the second back plate 220 can be formed to have a constant strength and thickness in order to supplement rigidity of the display substrate 110, and can not be formed in an area of the bending portion BND where the bending portion BND is located.

[0107] Based on a shape of the display panel 100 before being bent, the first back plate 210 and the second back plate 220 can be disposed below the display substrate 110, and can be disposed to be spaced apart from each other.

[0108] Based on a shape of the display panel 100 after being bent, the first back plate 210 can be disposed below the front portion FP, and the second back plate 220 can be disposed above the pad portion PAD.

[0109] The first back plate 210 and the second back plate 220 can be back plates disposed on a rear surface of the display substrate 110.

[0110] The first back plate 210 and the second back plate 220 can be formed of a rigid plastic film.

[0111] For example, the first back plate 210 and the second back plate 220 can be formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), or the like, but are not limited thereto.

[0112] The first back plate 210 and the second back plate 220 can be formed of the same material and have the same thickness, but are not limited thereto.

[0113] Based on a shape of the display panel 100 after being bent, the buffer plate 300 can be disposed between the first back plate 210 and the second back plate 220.

[0114] The buffer plate 300 can be disposed below the first back plate 210.

[0115] The buffer plate 300 can include one or more of a heat dissipation layer 310, a lifting prevention layer 320, a buffer layer 330, and an embossed layer 340. For example, the buffer plate 300 can have a form in which the embossed layer 340, the buffer layer 330, the lifting prevention layer 320 (e.g., a lifting reduction layer), and the heat dissipation layer 310 are sequentially stacked from above. As Figure 3 As shown, the end of the buffer plate 300 (310, 330, 340) does not extend beyond the end of the display panel 100.

[0116] The heat dissipation layer 310 can be provided to correspond to a component that generates a high temperature, and can include a material having a high thermal conductivity. Accordingly, the heat dissipation effect of the display panel 100 can be improved.

[0117] The heat dissipation layer 310 can be a conductive layer having conductivity. Accordingly, in addition to having a heat dissipation function, the heat dissipation layer 310 can have a grounding function and a function of protecting the rear surface of the display substrate 110.

[0118] When the heat dissipation layer 310 is formed of a metal layer, the end region of the display panel 100, which is vulnerable to breakage, can be effectively protected.

[0119] For example, the heat dissipation layer 310 can include a metal such as copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al) having a high thermal conductivity, or graphite, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0120] Further, the heat dissipation layer 310 can include stainless steel (SUS), and can be a SUS plate.

[0121] When the heat dissipation layer 310 includes SUS, it can have a higher thermal conductivity and strength while having a thinner thickness, as compared to other metals.

[0122] The heat dissipation layer 310 can have a thickness of at least 30 µm or more, so as to have an effective heat dissipation effect.

[0123] The lifting prevention layer 320 can be provided on the heat dissipation layer 210.

[0124] The lifting prevention layer 320 can be formed of a flexible material such as a polyimide film, but is not limited thereto.

[0125] When the side surface of the cover member 20 is curved, since a lifting phenomenon of the buffer plate 300 can occur, the lifting prevention layer 320 can be provided to prevent or at least reduce the lifting phenomenon.

[0126] Since the lifting prevention layer 320 has flexibility, the lifting phenomenon that can occur when a curvature portion is formed on the cover member 20 can be reduced.

[0127] The buffer layer 330 is disposed on the anti-lifting layer 320, and can include a foam tape or a foam pad.

[0128] The buffer layer 330 can alleviate an impact on various components that can come into contact with the buffer plate 300.

[0129] The buffer layer 330 having an impact alleviating function can reinforce rigidity of the buffer plate 300.

[0130] The convexo-concave layer 340 can be disposed on the buffer layer 330, and can be an adhesive layer having a convexo-concave pattern on a surface thereof.

[0131] The convexo-concave pattern of the convexo-concave layer 340 can include, for example, an uneven structure formed on a surface thereof.

[0132] The uneven structure of the convexo-concave layer 340 can prevent a bubble from being generated between the first back plate 210 and the buffer plate 300 when the buffer plate 300 is attached to the first back plate 210. Accordingly, a debubbling process for removing a bubble between the first back plate 210 and the buffer plate 300 can be omitted.

[0133] The convexo-concave layer 340 includes an adhesive component, and can be in direct contact with the first back plate 210 to fix the buffer plate 300 to the first back plate 210.

[0134] The convexo-concave layer 340 can be formed of or can include a material such as an optical clear adhesive (OCA), an optical clear resin (OCR), or a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0135] The convexo-concave layer 340 can have a thickness of at least 40 µm or more to achieve an adhesive function and prevent a bubble.

[0136] The connection member 400 and the second back plate 220 can be disposed below the buffer plate 300.

[0137] The connection member 400 can be disposed between the buffer plate 300 and the pad portion PAD.

[0138] When the pad portion PAD of the display panel 100 is bent in the bending portion BND so as to be disposed below the front portion FP of the display panel 100, a restoring force that attempts to restore to a state before the bending can strongly act on the display panel 100.

[0139] When the restoring force strongly acts, a lifting phenomenon in which the bent pad portion PAD of the display panel 100 does not fix but lifts can occur.

[0140] The connection member 400 can function as a fixing member that fixes the curved display panel 100 to maintain the curved shape thereof.

[0141] The connection member 400 can be formed to have a constant thickness in a thickness direction so as to maintain a constant curvature of the bending portion BND. That is, the connection member has a constant thickness so as to maintain a constant curvature of the bending portion.

[0142] The connection member 400 can be a double-sided tape having an adhesive force capable of fixing the second back plate 220 and the heat dissipation layer 310, but is not limited thereto.

[0143] Alternatively, the connection member 400 can be formed of a foam tape or a foam pad having an adhesive force, thereby further having an effect of mitigating impact.

[0144] The second back plate 220 can be disposed under the connection member 400.

[0145] In order to dispose the second back plate 220, the second back plate 220 can be first attached to a lower surface of the pad portion PAD, the bending portion BND can be bent, and the second back plate 220 can be attached and fixed to a lower surface of the connection member 400.

[0146] The second back plate 220 can have a structure disposed on the pad portion PAD in a state in which the second back plate 220 is fixed to the connection member 400.

[0147] For example, the connection member 400 and the second back plate 220 can be disposed between the heat dissipation layer 310 of the buffer plate 300 and the pad portion PAD.

[0148] In a state in which the second back plate 220 is fixed to the connection member 400, an outer portion that is an upper surface of the bending portion BND is exposed to the outside, and a lower surface of an inner portion that is the bending portion BND can be disposed to face the buffer plate 300 and the connection member 400.

[0149] The reinforcement member 600 can be disposed on an upper surface that is an outer portion of the bending portion BND of the display panel 100.

[0150] The reinforcement member 600 can cover the bending portion BND and can extend to cover at least a partial area of the front portion FP and the pad portion PAD. That is, the reinforcement member 600 extends from at least a portion of the front portion FP to at least a portion of the pad portion PAD via the bending portion BND.

[0151] The reinforcement member 600 can include a resin. For example, the reinforcement member 600 can include an ultraviolet (UV) curable acrylic resin, but is not limited thereto.

[0152] Since the reinforcing member 600 can cover various signal lines disposed between the encapsulation unit 130 and the pad portion PAD of the display panel 100, moisture penetration into the signal lines can be prevented or at least reduced while protecting the signal lines from the influence of external impact.

[0153] Since other components except for the display substrate 110 and the signal lines can be removed from the bending portion BND to increase the flexibility of the display panel 100, the reinforcing member 600 can supplement the rigidity of the bending portion BND in which the other components are removed.

[0154] Meanwhile, the driving circuit unit 160 can be disposed on the other surface of the pad portion PAD of the display panel 100 having one surface on which the second back plate 220 is disposed.

[0155] The driving circuit unit 160 can be disposed in the form of a chip on plastic (COP) mounted on the display substrate 110, but is not limited thereto.

[0156] The driving circuit unit 160 can generate data signals and gate control signals based on timing synchronization signals and image data provided from an external host driving system.

[0157] The driving circuit unit 160 can provide data signals to data lines of each pixel via a display pad portion, and can provide gate control signals to a gate driving circuit unit.

[0158] The driving circuit unit 160 is mounted in a chip mounting area defined in the display substrate 110 and is electrically connected to the display pad portion, and can be connected to each of the signal lines of the gate driving circuit unit and the pixel array unit 120 disposed on the display substrate 110.

[0159] The display pad portion can be disposed at an end portion of the display substrate 110 on which the driving circuit unit 160 is mounted.

[0160] The display pad portion can be electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board 500 on which a circuit board is mounted at one surface of the display substrate 110.

[0161] The flexible printed circuit board 500 can be electrically connected to the display pad portion disposed at an end portion of the display substrate 110 using a conductive adhesive layer as a medium via a film attachment process, and can be located on a rear surface of the display panel 100.

[0162] As the conductive adhesive layer, for example, a conductive film such as anisotropic conductive film (ACF) can be employed.

[0163] The circuit board can supply a timing synchronization signal and image data supplied from a host driving system to the driving circuit unit 160, and supply a voltage required for driving each of the pixel array unit 120, the gate driving circuit unit, and the driving circuit unit 160.

[0164] Figure 3 A cross-section taken along line II-II' of the display module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is illustrated as an example, but this can also be applied to a cross-section of the left edge thereof and a cross-section of the upper edge thereof.

[0165] For convenience of explanation, the constituent elements are considered in terms of thickness or size, and the constituent elements of the display module illustrated in the drawings can be illustrated as different from the constituent elements of the display module illustrated in the drawings. Figure 3 The constituent elements of the display module illustrated in the drawings can be omitted for description. Figure 2 The constituent elements of the display module illustrated in the drawings can be omitted for description.

[0166] The display module 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application can include a cover member 20, a display panel 100 disposed on one surface of the cover member 20, and a buffer plate 300 disposed on one surface of the display panel 100.

[0167] An adhesive layer 150 disposed between the cover member 20 and the display panel 100 can be included. An end portion of the adhesive layer 150 can be disposed more outward than an end portion of the display panel 100 toward an end portion of the cover member. That is, an end portion (e.g., one end) of the adhesive layer 150 extends beyond an end portion of the display panel 100. Thus, the end portion of the adhesive layer 150 is closer to an end portion (e.g., one end) of the cover member 20 than the end portion of the display panel 100, such that a distance between the end portion of the adhesive layer 150 and the end portion of the cover member 20 is less than a distance between the end portion of the display panel 100 and the end portion of the cover member 20. Thus, since the adhesive layer 150 serves to join the cover member 20 and the display panel 100, the adhesive layer 150 can be disposed such that the adhesive layer 150 does not protrude beyond the end portion of the cover member 20 in a horizontal direction (e.g., an X-axis direction). For example, the end portion of the adhesive layer 150 can be located between the end portion of the display panel 100 and the end portion of the cover member 20 in the horizontal direction. For example, an area of the display panel 100 can be less than an area of the adhesive layer 150. An area of each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the display panel 100 can be less than an area of each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the adhesive layer 150.

[0168] As described above, the display module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application can include the cover member 20, the display panel 100, and the buffer plate 300. Figure 2As illustrated, since the adhesive layer 150 can be disposed to overlap the active area AA, a material capable of transmitting an image of the display panel 100 can be employed. For example, the adhesive layer 150 is formed of or can include a material such as an optical clear adhesive (OCA), an optical clear resin (OCR), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), or the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0169] As described above, by extending the end portion of the adhesive layer 150 to protrude beyond the end portion of the display panel 100, movement of the electric charges formed in the cover member 20 can be prevented by the adhesive layer 150 formed of an insulating material. Since the adhesive layer 150 includes an insulating material, the adhesive layer 150 can be regarded as an insulating layer. Accordingly, movement of the electric charges to the inside of the display panel 100 can be reduced, thereby preventing the brightening phenomenon and the greening phenomenon that can occur concentratedly in a partial area of the side surface of the display panel 100.

[0170] The polarizing plate 140 can be included on the upper portion of the display panel 100. The polarizing plate 140 can prevent or at least reduce reflection of external light and improve outdoor visibility and contrast of an image displayed on the display panel 100. The polarizing plate 140 can be a polarizing plate constituted of a polarizer and a protective film protecting the polarizer, or can be formed by coating a polarizing material for realizing flexibility. The rear surface of the adhesive layer 150 can include a first area 150a in contact with the polarizing plate 140 and a second area 150b not in contact with the polarizing plate 140.

[0171] The first back plate 210 can be disposed below the display substrate 110 and maintain the display substrate 110 in a flat state while supplementing rigidity of the display substrate 110.

[0172] The buffer plate 300 can be disposed below the first back plate 210. The buffer plate 300 can include a heat dissipation layer 310, a buffer layer 330, and a concavo-convex layer 340. For example, the buffer plate 300 can have a form in which the concavo-convex layer 340, the buffer layer 330, and the heat dissipation layer 310 are sequentially stacked from the upper portion.

[0173] The heat dissipation layer 310 can be disposed to correspond to a component generating a high temperature, and can contain a material having a high thermal conductivity. Accordingly, a heat dissipation effect of the display panel 100 can be improved.

[0174] The heat dissipation layer 310 can be a conductive layer having an electrical conductivity. Accordingly, in addition to having a heat dissipation function, the heat dissipation layer 310 can have a grounding function and a function of protecting the rear surface of the display substrate 110.

[0175] When the heat dissipation layer 310 is formed of a metal layer, an end portion area of the display panel 100 vulnerable to breakage can be effectively protected.

[0176] For example, the heat dissipation layer 310 can include a metal such as copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al) having a high thermal conductivity, or graphite, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0177] Further, the heat dissipation layer 310 can include stainless steel (SUS), and can be a SUS plate.

[0178] When the heat dissipation layer 310 includes SUS, it can have a higher thermal conductivity and strength while having a thinner thickness, compared to other metals.

[0179] The heat dissipation layer 310 can have a thickness of at least 30 µm or more in order to have an effective heat dissipation effect.

[0180] The cushion layer 330 is disposed on the heat dissipation layer 310, and can include a foam tape or a foam pad.

[0181] The cushion layer 330 can alleviate an impact on various components that can come into contact with the cushion plate 300.

[0182] The cushion layer 330 having an impact alleviating function can reinforce the rigidity of the cushion plate 300.

[0183] The concavo-convex layer 340 can be disposed on the cushion layer 330, and can be an adhesive layer having a concavo-convex pattern on a surface thereof.

[0184] The concavo-convex pattern of the concavo-convex layer 340 can include, for example, a concavo-convex structure formed on a surface thereof.

[0185] The concavo-convex structure of the concavo-convex layer 340 can prevent air bubbles from being generated between the first back plate 210 and the cushion plate 300 when the cushion plate 300 is attached to the first back plate 210. Thus, a debubbling process for removing air bubbles between the first back plate 210 and the cushion plate 300 can be omitted.

[0186] The concavo-convex layer 340 includes an adhesive component, and can be in direct contact with the first back plate 210 to fix the cushion plate 300 to the first back plate 210.

[0187] The concavo-convex layer 340 can be formed of or can include a material such as an optical clear adhesive (OCA), an optical clear resin (OCR), or a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0188] The concavo-convex layer 340 can have a thickness of at least 40 µm or more to achieve an adhesive function and prevent air bubbles.

[0189] The end portion of the buffer plate 300 can be disposed more inward from the end portion of the cover member 20 than the end portion of the display panel 100. That is, the cover member 20 can be disposed at the outermost portion, and the adhesive layer 150 can be disposed more inward than the cover member 20. The display panel 100 can be disposed more inward than the adhesive layer 150, and the buffer plate 300 can be disposed more inward than the display panel 100. For example, the cover member 20, the adhesive layer 150, the display panel 100, and the buffer plate 300 can be stacked in a stepped manner.

[0190] The light blocking pattern 21 can be formed on the four surfaces of the edge of the cover member 20. That is, the light blocking pattern 21 can be formed on the rear surface of the edge of the cover member 20. Also, the light blocking pattern 21 can be formed to overlap a portion of the adhesive layer 150, the polarizing plate 140, and the display panel 100 disposed thereunder. Also, the light blocking pattern 21 can be formed to overlap a portion of the buffer plate 300 thereunder.

[0191] Meanwhile, the light blocking pattern 21 can be formed of a material having low transmittance so as to define the edge of the active area. Meanwhile, the light blocking pattern can be formed of a material having high electrical conductivity so as to discharge static electricity generated from the cover member 20.

[0192] For example, the light blocking pattern 21 can be formed of chromium (Cr) or graphite, or can be formed of a resin including conductive particles. The resin can be formed of one or more materials of acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenol resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyphenyl resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, and benzocyclobutene, but is not limited thereto. Also, the conductive particles can be formed of molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), and an alloy of silver (Ag) and magnesium (Mg), but are not limited thereto.

[0193] Although not shown, a touch screen panel can be further disposed on the display panel 100. In this case, the polarizing plate 140 can be positioned above the touch screen panel. When the touch screen panel is included, the cover member 20 can be disposed to cover at least a portion of the touch screen panel.

[0194] The touch screen panel includes a plurality of touch sensors. The touch sensors can be disposed at positions corresponding to the active area AA of the display panel 100. The touch sensors can include at least one of mutual capacitance sensors and self-capacitance sensors.

[0195] The mutual capacitance sensor includes mutual capacitance formed between two touch electrodes. A mutual capacitance sensing circuit can apply a driving signal (or an excitation signal) to either of the two electrodes and sense a touch input through the other electrode based on a change in the charge of the mutual capacitance. When a conductor approaches the mutual capacitance, the amount of charge of the mutual capacitance decreases, so that a touch input or a gesture can be detected.

[0196] A self-capacitance sensor includes a self-capacitance formed in each sensor electrode. A self-capacitance sensing circuit can provide a charge to each sensor electrode, and sense a touch input based on a change in the charge in the self-capacitance. When a conductor approaches the self-capacitance, a capacitance in the conductor is connected in parallel to the capacitance of the sensor, thereby increasing the capacitance value. Accordingly, in the case of the self-capacitance, when a touch input is sensed, the capacitance value of the sensor is increased.

[0197] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of a display module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0198] Referring to Figure 4 , the display module 10 can include a cover member 20, a display panel 100 disposed on one surface of the cover member 20, and a buffer plate 300 disposed on one surface of the display panel 100.

[0199] An adhesive layer 150 can be included between the cover member 20 and the display panel 100. An end portion of the adhesive layer 150 can be disposed more outward than an end portion of the display panel 100. That is, the end portion of the adhesive layer 150 extends beyond the end portion of the display panel 100. Thus, since the adhesive layer 150 serves to join the cover member 20 and the display panel 100, the adhesive layer 150 can be disposed such that the adhesive layer 150 does not protrude beyond the end portion of the cover member 20. For example, the end portion of the adhesive layer 150 can be located between the end portion of the display panel 100 and the end portion of the cover member 20 in a horizontal direction.

[0200] As shown in Figure 2 , since the adhesive layer 150 can be disposed to overlap the active area AA, a material capable of transmitting an image of the display panel 100 can be employed therefor. For example, the adhesive layer 150 is formed of or can include a material such as an optical clear adhesive (OCA), an optical clear resin (OCR), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0201] A polarizing plate 140 can be included on an upper portion of the display panel 100. The polarizing plate 140 can prevent or at least reduce reflection of external light and improve outdoor visibility and contrast of an image displayed on the display panel 100. The polarizing plate 140 can be a polarizing plate constituted by a polarizer and a protective film protecting the polarizer, or can be formed by coating a polarizing material for realizing flexibility. A rear surface of the adhesive layer 150 can include a first area 150a in contact with the polarizing plate 140 and a second area 150b not in contact with the polarizing plate 140.

[0202] The first back plate 210 can be disposed below the display substrate 110 and maintain the display substrate 110 in a flat state while supplementing rigidity of the display substrate 110.

[0203] The buffer plate 300 can be disposed below the first back plate 210. The buffer plate 300 can include a heat dissipation layer 310, a buffer layer 330, and a concavo-convex layer 340. For example, the buffer plate 300 can have a form in which the concavo-convex layer 340, the buffer layer 330, and the heat dissipation layer 310 are sequentially stacked from an upper portion.

[0204] The buffer plate 300 can contact the first back plate 210 and the second area 150b of the adhesive layer 150. That is, an end portion of the buffer plate 300 located below the first back plate 210 can extend outward, so that a portion of an end portion of the adhesive layer 150, for example, a rear surface, and an end portion of the buffer plate 300, for example, an upper surface of the end portion, can be disposed to contact each other. For example, the end portion of the buffer plate 300 can be disposed to be aligned with the end portion of the adhesive layer 150. The end portion of the buffer plate 300 can be located between the end portion of the cover member 20 and the end portion of the polarizing plate 140 in a horizontal direction.

[0205] Since the end portion of the buffer plate 300 and the end portion of the adhesive layer 150 are disposed to be aligned (for example, aligned) with each other, the electric charges formed in the cover member 20 can not move to the display panel, but can be guided to move to the rear surface of the buffer plate 300 along the side surfaces of the adhesive layer 150 and the buffer plate 300.

[0206] The buffer plate 300 can have a form in which the concavo-convex layer 340, the buffer layer 330, and the heat dissipation layer 310 are sequentially stacked from an upper portion. Since the heat dissipation layer 310 is formed of a conductive layer having conductivity, the electric charges of the cover member 20 can be guided to the heat dissipation layer 310 and effectively released to the outside. Accordingly, movement of the electric charges to the inside of the display panel 100 can be reduced, so that a brightening phenomenon and a greenish phenomenon that can be concentrated in a partial area of the side surface of the display panel 100 can be prevented.

[0207] Due to the thickness of the display panel 100 and the first back plate 210, the side surface of the display panel 100 can be spaced apart from the buffer plate 300 by a predetermined distance in a horizontal direction. Alternatively, according to the thickness and adhesion of the concavo-convex layer 340 located on the upper portion of the buffer plate 300, the side surface of the display panel 100 can contact the concavo-convex layer 340. Even in this case, the electric charges formed in the cover member 20 can be guided to the heat dissipation layer 310 without moving to the display panel.

[0208] A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application can include a display module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application and a housing portion disposed on a rear surface of the display module to support a cover member.

[0209] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present application have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present application is not limited thereto and can be embodied in various ways. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present application are provided only for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present application. The scope of the technical concept of the present application is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative in all aspects and do not limit the present application. The scope of protection of the present application should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope thereof should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A display module, comprising: a cover member including an end portion; a display panel on a surface of the cover member; a buffer plate on a surface of the display panel; an adhesive layer between the cover member and the display panel, a polarizing plate located on an upper portion of the display panel, and a first back plate located between the display panel and the buffer plate, wherein the rear surface of the adhesive layer includes a first area in contact with the polarizing plate and a second area not in contact with the polarizing plate, wherein an end portion of the adhesive layer is disposed more outwardly toward an end portion of the cover member than an end portion of the display panel, and The buffer plate contacts the first back plate and the second area of ​​the adhesive layer, but does not contact the first area of ​​the adhesive layer. 2 . The display module according to claim 1 , wherein an end portion of the adhesive layer is located between an end portion of the display panel and an end portion of the cover member in a horizontal direction. 3 . The display module according to claim 1 , wherein an area of ​​each of an upper surface of the display panel and a lower surface of the display panel is smaller than an area of ​​each of an upper surface of the adhesive layer and a lower surface of the adhesive layer. 4 . The display module according to claim 1 , wherein the buffer plate comprises a concave-convex layer, a buffer layer on the concave-convex layer, and a heat dissipation layer on the buffer layer. 5 . The display module according to claim 1 , wherein an end portion of the buffer plate is located between an end portion of the cover member and an end portion of the polarizing plate in a horizontal direction. The display module according to claim 5 , wherein an end portion of the buffer plate is aligned with an end portion of the adhesive layer. 7 . The display module of claim 5 , wherein a side surface of the display panel is spaced apart from the buffer plate by a predetermined distance in a horizontal direction. 8 . The display module according to claim 5 , wherein the adhesive layer comprises at least one of an optically transparent adhesive, an optically transparent resin, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

9. The display module according to claim 8, further comprising: a light-blocking pattern on a rear surface of an edge of the cover member. 10 . The display module according to claim 4 , wherein the buffer plate further comprises a lift reduction layer located between the heat dissipation layer and the buffer layer. The display module according to claim 4 , wherein the concavo-convex layer is an adhesive layer having a concavo-convex pattern on a surface of the concavo-convex layer. 12 . The display module according to claim 4 , wherein the display panel comprises a front portion, a bent portion, and a pad portion extending from the bent portion, the pad portion being located on a rear surface of the front portion.

13. The display module according to claim 12, further comprising: a connecting member located below the buffer plate, wherein the buffer plate is located between the connecting member and the first back plate; as well as A second back plate is located below the connecting member. 14 . The display module according to claim 13 , wherein the connection member and the second back plate are between the heat dissipation layer and the pad portion. 15 . The display module according to claim 13 , wherein the connection member has a constant thickness to maintain a constant curvature of the bent portion.

16. The display module according to claim 12, further comprising: A reinforcing member is on the bent portion and extends from at least a portion of the front portion to at least a portion of the pad portion via the bent portion.

17. A display device comprising: The display module according to claim 1; as well as A housing portion is provided on a rear surface of the display module, the housing portion supporting the cover member.

18. A display module, comprising: a display panel having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a cover member on a first side of the display panel; as well as an insulating layer on a first side of the display panel, the insulating layer being located between the cover member and the display panel, a buffer plate on a second side of the display panel, wherein an end portion of the buffer plate contacts a portion of an end portion of the insulating layer that extends beyond an end portion of the display panel, The end portion of the insulating layer extends beyond the end portion of the display panel. 19 . The display module according to claim 18 , wherein the insulating layer is an adhesive and is configured to attach the display panel to the cover member.

20. A display module, comprising: a display panel having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a cover member on a first side of the display panel; an adhesive layer on a first side of the display panel, the adhesive layer being located between the cover member and the display panel, a buffer plate positioned on a second side of the display panel, wherein an end portion of the buffer plate contacts a portion of an end portion of the adhesive layer, wherein a distance between an end portion of the adhesive layer and an end portion of the cover member is smaller than a distance between an end portion of the display panel and an end portion of the cover member.

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