Display device and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device and a method of manufacturing the same. The display device includes: a display panel including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area; a flexible plate disposed in the non-display area, and the flexible plate is bent such that a first end portion of the flexible plate is disposed on a front surface of the display panel and a second end portion of the flexible plate is disposed on a rear surface of the display panel; an optical unit disposed on the display panel and overlapping the display area; a transparent film disposed on the optical unit, and covering the display area, the non-display area, and a bent portion of the flexible board when viewed in a plan view; and a coated window disposed directly on the transparent film and including a cured resin material.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and all benefits arising from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0119765, filed on September 8, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device and a method of manufacturing the display device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a display device including a coated window and a method of manufacturing the display device. Background Art

[0004] Display devices for providing images to users, such as televisions, monitors, smart phones, and tablet computers, include display panels for displaying images. Various display panels, such as liquid crystal display panels, organic light-emitting display panels, electrowetting display panels, and electrophoretic display panels, are being developed. In addition, the display device generally includes a window to protect the display panel. The window can be attached to the display panel by a lamination process. Summary of the invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display device including a transparent film to manufacture a coated window.

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a display device including a transparent film to manufacture a coated window.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides a display device, comprising: a display panel, comprising a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area; a flexible plate, arranged in the non-display area and bent so that a first end of the flexible plate is arranged on a front surface of the display panel and a second end of the flexible plate is arranged on a rear surface of the display panel; an optical unit, arranged on the display panel and overlapping the display area; a transparent film, arranged on the optical unit, and when observed in a plan view, the transparent film covers the display area, the non-display area and the bent portion of the flexible plate; and a coating window, directly arranged on the transparent film and comprising a cured resin material.

[0008] In an embodiment, when viewed in the plan view, an outer side surface of the transparent film may protrude further in a direction away from the display area than a point of the bent portion of the flexible plate farthest from the display area.

[0009] In an embodiment, the display device may further include: a light blocking pattern disposed directly on a lower surface of the transparent film, and when viewed in the plan view, the light blocking pattern covers the bent portion of the flexible plate.

[0010] In an embodiment, the display device may further include: an adhesive layer disposed between the transparent film and the optical unit and attaching the transparent film to the optical unit, and the adhesive layer may have a thickness greater than that of the light blocking pattern.

[0011] In an embodiment, the display device may further include: a light blocking pattern disposed directly on an upper surface of the transparent film and covering a bent portion of the flexible plate when viewed in the plan view.

[0012] In an embodiment, an outer side surface of the transparent film may be aligned with an outer side surface of the coated window when viewed in cross section.

[0013] In an embodiment, the transparent film may have a size equal to or larger than that of the coating window when viewed in the plan view.

[0014] In an embodiment, the upper surface of the coating window may include: a first portion which is flat; and a second portion which is disposed outside the first portion and has a thickness which decreases as a distance from a side surface of the coating window decreases.

[0015] In an embodiment, the transparent film may have a thickness equal to or greater than about 20 micrometers and equal to or less than about 200 micrometers.

[0016] In an embodiment, when viewed in cross section, an outer side surface of the transparent film may protrude further than an outer side surface of the display panel in a direction away from the display area.

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention provides a display device, comprising: a display panel, comprising a non-bending area and a bending area extending from an end of the non-bending area and being bent; an optical unit, arranged on the display panel and overlapping with the non-bending area; a transparent film, arranged on the optical unit and overlapping with the bending area and the non-bending area, and when observed in a plan view, the transparent film covers the bending area; and a coating window, directly arranged on the transparent film and comprising a cured resin material.

[0018] In an embodiment, the display device may further include: a bending protection layer, which is disposed on the display panel and is bent together with the bending area, and the transparent film covers the bent portion of the bending protection layer.

[0019] In an embodiment, when viewed in the plan view, an outer side surface of the transparent film may protrude further in a direction away from the non-bending region than a point of the bending region farthest from the non-bending region.

[0020] In an embodiment, when viewed in the plan view, an outer side surface of the transparent film may protrude further in a direction away from the non-bending region than a point of the bending portion of the bending protection layer farthest from the non-bending region.

[0021] In an embodiment, the display device may further include: a light blocking pattern directly disposed on the lower surface or the upper surface of the transparent film, and when viewed in the plan view, the light blocking pattern covers the bending area.

[0022] In an embodiment, the transparent film may have a size equal to or larger than that of the coating window when viewed in the plan view.

[0023] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a display device, the method comprising: forming an upper structure including a transparent film; coupling the upper structure to a lower module, the lower module comprising: a display panel including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area; and a bending member disposed on the display panel and capable of bending; forming a coating window directly on the transparent film using a curable resin material; and bending the bending member. In such an embodiment, when viewed in a plan view, the transparent film covers the display area, the non-display area, and the bending portion of the bending member.

[0024] In an embodiment, forming the upper structure may include: forming a light blocking pattern on the upper surface or lower surface of the transparent film, so that after coupling the upper structure with the lower module, the light blocking pattern covers the bending portion of the bending member when observed in the plan view.

[0025] In an embodiment, forming the upper structure may include: forming a light blocking pattern on the upper surface or lower surface of the transparent film, so that after coupling the upper structure with the lower module, when observed in the plan view, the light blocking pattern covers the bending portion of the bending member; and forming an optical unit on the transparent film, so that after coupling the upper structure with the lower module, the optical unit overlaps with the display area.

[0026] In an embodiment, forming the upper structure may include: forming a light blocking pattern on the upper surface or lower surface of the transparent film so that after coupling the upper structure with the lower module, the light blocking pattern covers the bent portion of the bending member when observed in the plan view; and forming an optical unit on the transparent film to cover the display area, wherein the forming of the coated window is performed before coupling the upper structure with the lower module.

[0027] In an embodiment, the forming the coating window may include: coating the curable resin material on the transparent film; and curing the curable resin material coated on the transparent film.

[0028] In an embodiment, the bending member may be a flexible plate that overlaps the non-display area and is bent so that a first end of the flexible plate is disposed on the front surface of the display panel and a second end of the flexible plate is disposed on the rear surface of the display panel.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display device includes a transparent film disposed directly under a coating window and serving as a base layer when a resin material is coated to form the coating window.

[0030] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the light blocking pattern provided on the transparent film extends to the outer side surface of the display panel and prevents the bent portion of the display panel and the bent portion of the circuit board from being observed from the outside.

[0031] According to an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display device, a manufacturing process is simplified, and thus, reliability and economic efficiency of the process are improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The above and other features of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become readily apparent by referring to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 3 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 4 is a plan view of a touch sensing panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Fig.10 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13D is a cross-sectional view of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D is a cross-sectional view of a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0048] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D is a cross-sectional view of a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0050] In the present disclosure, it will be understood that when an element (or region, layer or portion) is referred to as being "on", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, the element can be directly on, connected to or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present.

[0051] The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout. In the drawings, the thickness, proportion and size of components are exaggerated for effective description of technical contents.

[0052] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. can be used to describe various elements in the text, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the first element discussed below can be referred to as the second element.

[0053] The terms used herein are only used to describe the purpose of specific embodiments, and are not intended to be limited. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, "one", "one (kind / person)", "described (the)" and "at least one (kind / person)" do not represent the limitation of quantity, and are intended to include both the singular and the plural. Therefore, in the claim, mentioning "one" element after mentioning "described" element includes one element and multiple elements. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "an element" has the same meaning as "at least one element". "At least one" will not be interpreted as limiting "one" or "one". "Or" means "and / or". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0054] For ease of description, spatially relative terms, such as “below,” “beneath,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper,” etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the drawings.

[0055] It will also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms “include” and / or “comprises” or “contains” and / or “has” indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0056] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and means within the range of acceptable deviations for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5% of the stated value.

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that, unless explicitly defined herein, terms (such as those defined in general dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0058] Embodiments are described herein with reference to schematically illustrated cross-sectional illustrations as idealized embodiments. Therefore, variations from the illustrated shapes due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are expected. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific shapes of the zones as shown herein, but rather include deviations in shapes due to, for example, manufacturing. For example, a zone shown or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. Moreover, the sharp corners shown may be rounded. Therefore, the zones shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shapes of the zones, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0059] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 1 An embodiment in which the display device DD is a portable terminal as a representative example is shown. The portable terminal may include a tablet computer, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a game unit, or a wristwatch type electronic device, etc. However, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby.

[0062] Embodiments of the display device DD may be applied to large electronic devices such as televisions or outdoor billboards, etc., or small and medium-sized electronic devices such as personal computers (PCs), notebook computers, car navigation units, or cameras, etc. However, these are only examples, and the display device DD may be used for other electronic products as long as they do not depart from the invention of the present disclosure.

[0063] In an embodiment, the display device DD of the present disclosure may be flexible. The term "flexible" as used herein refers to the property of being able to be bent from a fully bent structure to a structure bent at the level of a few nanometers. For example, the flexible display device DD may be a curved display device, a foldable display device, a slidable display device, or a rollable display device. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to or thereby, and the display device DD may be rigid.

[0064] In an embodiment, Figure 1 As shown in , a display surface in which an image IM is displayed may be substantially parallel to a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The display device DD may include a plurality of areas distinguished from each other on the display surface. The display surface may include a display area DA in which an image IM is displayed and a non-display area NDA around the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be referred to as a border area. In an embodiment, for example, when viewed in a plan view, the display area DA may have a quadrilateral shape. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. In an embodiment, although not shown in the drawings, the display device DD may have a curved shape in a portion thereof. In such an embodiment, the curved shape may be defined in a portion of the display area DA.

[0065] The front surface (or upper surface) and the rear surface (or lower surface) of each component of the display device DD may be opposite to each other in the third direction DR3, and the normal direction of each of the front surface and the rear surface may be substantially parallel to the third direction DR3. The separation distance between the front surface and the rear surface of each component (or each unit) in the third direction DR3 may correspond to the thickness of the component (or the unit) in the third direction DR3. Here, the third direction DR3 may be the thickness direction of the display device DD. In the present disclosure, the expression "when observed in a plan view" may mean a state observed in the third direction DR3. In the present disclosure, the expression "when observed in a cross section" may mean a state observed in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2. Here, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 may be related to each other, and therefore, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 may be changed to other directions. In the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the expression “one component overlaps another component” means that the two components overlap each other when viewed in a plan view or in the third direction DR3 .

[0066] In an embodiment, the front surface (or upper surface or first surface) and the rear surface (or lower surface or second surface) of each member of the display device DD may be defined relative to the direction in which the image IM is displayed. Here, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 may be related to each other, and therefore, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 may be changed to other directions.

[0067] The display device DD may sense a touch input TC generated by a user and applied to the display device DD from the outside. The touch input TC generated by the user may include various external inputs such as a touch event generated by a user's body part, light, heat, pressure, etc. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown in , the touch event generated by the user's hand may be the touch input TC generated by the user, however, this is only an example. As described above, the touch input TC generated by the user may be provided in various ways. In addition, the display device DD may sense the input applied to the side surface or rear surface of the display device DD by the user according to the design of the display device DD, and it should not be particularly limited.

[0068] Figure 2A and Figure 2B is an exploded perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In detail, Figure 2A is an exploded perspective view of the display device DD in a state where the first circuit board (or first flexible board) FCB1 and the second circuit board (or second flexible board) FCB2 are not bent, and Figure 2B 1 is an exploded perspective view of the display device DD in a state where the first circuit board FCB1 and the second circuit board FCB2 are bent.

[0069] refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , an embodiment of the display device DD may include a coated window DW, a transparent film EOF, and a display module DM. The coated window DW may be directly disposed on the transparent film EOF. The expression "the coated window DW is directly disposed on the transparent film EOF" means that no intermediate layer (e.g., no separate adhesive or adhesive layer) is disposed between the coated window DW and the transparent film EOF.

[0070] The coating window DW may provide a front surface FS of the display device DD. The front surface FS of the coating window DW may include a transmission area TA and a frame area BZA. The transmission area TA of the coating window DW may be an optically transparent area. Therefore, the coating window DW may transmit an image IM provided from the display panel DP through the transmission area TA (refer to FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 ), and the user can observe the image IM.

[0071] The frame area BZA of the coating window DW may be aligned with the light blocking pattern BM described later (refer to Figure 5 ) overlap. The light blocking pattern BM may be a rigid substrate including a material having a predetermined color. The frame area BZA of the coating window DW may prevent the display panel DP from being disposed to overlap with the light blocking pattern BM (refer to Figure 5 ) overlapping components are viewed from the outside.

[0072] The frame area BZA may be defined as being adjacent to the transmission area TA, and the shape of the transmission area TA may be defined by the frame area BZA. In an embodiment, for example, the frame area BZA may be disposed outside the transmission area TA and may surround the transmission area TA, however, it should not be limited thereto or thereby. In an embodiment, the frame area BZA may be defined as being adjacent to only one side of the transmission area TA, or may be omitted. In an embodiment, the frame area BZA may be defined at a side surface of the display device DD instead of the front surface FS of the display device DD.

[0073] The coated window DW may include an optically transparent insulating material. In an embodiment, for example, the coated window DW may include a cured resin material formed by curing a curable resin material. The coated window DW may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The coated window DW may be formed by coating a resin material on a transparent film EOF and curing the coated resin material. According to an embodiment of a display device DD including a coated window DW, a lamination process of attaching a window including a glass material or formed of a glass material to a display panel DP may be omitted in a method for manufacturing the display device DD. Therefore, the manufacturing method of the display device DD may be simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the display device DD may be reduced.

[0074] For example, the coating window DW may include a functional layer such as an anti-fingerprint layer, an anti-reflection layer, or a hard coating layer. In an embodiment, the coating window DW may have a flat shape as a whole when viewed in a plan view, however, the shape of the coating window DW may be changed. For example, the coating window DW may have a flat shape in a portion overlapping with the display area DP-DA, and edges of the coating window DW facing each other in the first direction DR1 may be provided with a rounded surface.

[0075] The transparent film EOF may be disposed between the coating window DW and the display module DM. The transparent film EOF may be an optically transparent film. The transparent film EOF may include a colorless and transparent material having high optical properties. In an embodiment, for example, the transparent film EOF may include polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. However, the material for the transparent film EOF should not be limited thereto or thereby, and the transparent film EOF may include various materials as needed.

[0076] The transparent film EOF may be disposed on the optical unit ARU. The transparent film EOF may have a flat plate shape substantially parallel to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. When viewed in a plan view, the transparent film EOF may cover the display area DP-DA and the non-display area DP-NDA. When viewed in a plan view, the transparent film EOF may be covered by the transmission area TA and the frame area BZA. When viewed in a plan view, the transparent film EOF may cover the touch area TTA and the touch peripheral area TSA. When viewed in a plan view, the transparent film EOF may have a size (or plane area) equal to or greater than the size of the coating window DW.

[0077] The transparent film EOF may be used as a base layer, and a resin material for forming the coating window DW is coated on the base layer. That is, the transparent film EOF having a flat plate shape may be disposed under the coating window DW, and a resin material in a liquid state may be coated on the transparent film EOF. In addition, since the transparent film EOF covers the bent first flexible board FCB1 and second flexible board FCB2 when viewed in a plan view, when the resin material is coated, the transparent film EOF may prevent the resin material from entering the flexible boards FCB1 and FCB2 and being cured. In the case where the resin material enters the flexible boards FCB1 and FCB2 and is cured, when the first flexible board FCB1 and the second flexible board FCB2 pass through Fig.13D When the first flexible board FCB1 and the second flexible board FCB2 are bent according to the bending process shown in FIG. 1 , cracks may occur in the first flexible board FCB1 and the second flexible board FCB2. The transparent film EOF can prevent the occurrence of cracks.

[0078] The transparent film EOF may have a thickness equal to or greater than about 20 micrometers (μm) and equal to or less than about 200 μm. In the case where the thickness of the transparent film EOF is less than about 20 μm, the transparent film EOF may be deformed when the resin material is coated on the transparent film EOF. In the case where the thickness of the transparent film EOF is greater than about 200 μm, the thickness of the display device DD may be significantly increased.

[0079] The display module DM may be disposed on the rear surface of the coating window DW, and may generate an image IM (refer to Figure 1 ). In addition, the display module DM can sense the touch input TC generated by the user (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0080] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the embodiment, the display module DM provides a flat display surface as a representative example, however, the shape of the display module DM may be changed. In an embodiment, the edges of the display module DM facing each other in the first direction DR1 may be bent from the central portion of the side and may be provided with a rounded surface.

[0081] The display module DM may include an optical unit ARU, a touch sensing panel TSP, a touch control unit TCM, a display panel DP, a protection panel CP, a support panel SPP, and a driving control module DCM.

[0082] The optical unit ARU may be disposed on the display panel DP and may overlap with the display area DP-DA. The optical unit ARU may be disposed between the display panel DP and the transparent film EOF. The optical unit ARU may reduce the reflectivity of light incident from the outside to the optical unit ARU. The optical unit ARU may include at least one selected from a retarder, a polarizer, a polarizing film, and a polarizing filter. The optical unit ARU may be attached to the display panel DP by an adhesive layer. However, the type of the optical unit ARU should not be limited thereto or thereby. In an embodiment, for example, the optical unit ARU may include a color filter.

[0083] The display panel DP may be disposed between the coating window DW and the support panel SPP. The display panel DP may display an image IM (refer to Figure 1 ). According to an embodiment, the display panel DP may be a light-emitting display panel, however, it should not be particularly limited. In an embodiment, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel, an inorganic light-emitting display panel, an organic-inorganic light-emitting display panel, or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the inorganic light-emitting display panel may include an inorganic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the organic-inorganic light-emitting display panel may include an organic-inorganic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots or quantum rods.

[0084] The image IM provided by the display device DD (see Figure 1 ) can be displayed by the front surface IS of the display panel DP. The front surface IS of the display panel DP may include a display area DP-DA and a non-display area DP-NDA. The display area DP-DA may correspond to Figure 1 The display area DA and the non-display area DP-NDA may correspond to Figure 1 Non-display area NDA.

[0085] The display area DP-DA may be activated in response to an electrical signal, and the image IM may be displayed through the display area DP-DA. According to an embodiment, the display area DP-DA of the display panel DP may correspond to the transmission area TA of the coating window DW. In the following description, the expression "an area / portion corresponds to another area / portion" means "an area / portion overlaps another area / portion", but they should not be limited to having the same area and / or the same shape.

[0086] The non-display area DP-NDA may be defined adjacent to the outside of the display area DP-DA. In an embodiment, for example, the non-display area DP-NDA may surround the display area DP-DA, however, it should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the non-display area DP-NDA may be defined or formed in various shapes.

[0087] A driving circuit or driving line for driving elements arranged in the display area DP-DA, various signal lines for providing electrical signals, and pads may be provided in the non-display area DP-NDA. The non-display area DP-NDA of the display panel DP may correspond to the bezel area BZA of the coating window DW. Components of the display panel DP provided in the non-display area DP-NDA may be effectively prevented from being observed from the outside by the bezel area BZA.

[0088] The driving control module DCM may include a main circuit board MCB (or driving circuit board), a first circuit board FCB1 and a panel driving circuit PDC. The first circuit board FCB1 may be connected to an end portion of the display panel DP to electrically connect the main circuit board MCB to the display panel DP.

[0089] The panel drive circuit PDC may be disposed in the non-display area DP-NDA of the display panel DP. The panel drive circuit PDC may be implemented as an integrated circuit. Although not shown in the drawings, a plurality of passive components and a plurality of active components may be mounted on the main circuit board MCB. The main circuit board MCB may be a rigid circuit board or a flexible circuit board, and the first circuit board FCB1 may be a flexible circuit board. The main circuit board MCB may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel DP.

[0090] The first circuit board FCB1 may be disposed in the non-display area DP-NDA of the display panel DP, and may be bent. The first circuit board FCB1 may be connected to an end of the display panel DP, and may electrically connect the main circuit board MCB to the display panel DP. The first circuit board FCB1 may be bent so that one end of the first circuit board FCB1 is disposed at the front surface IS of the display panel DP, and the other end (or the opposite end) of the first circuit board FCB1 is disposed at the rear surface of the display panel DP. The first circuit board FCB1 may be bent, and the other end (or the opposite end) of the first circuit board FCB1 may be disposed at the rear surface of the display panel DP. When viewed in the third direction DR3, the other end of the first circuit board FCB1 may be opposite to the rear surface of the display panel DP in the non-display area DP-NDA. The main circuit board MCB may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel DP.

[0091] The touch sensing panel TSP may be disposed between the display panel DP and the optical unit ARU, and may be connected to the second circuit board FCB2. The touch sensing panel TSP may obtain a touch input TC generated by a user (refer to Figure 1 ) coordinate information. The touch sensing panel TSP may sense various inputs applied to the touch sensing panel TSP from the outside of the display device DD. In an embodiment, for example, the touch sensing panel TSP may sense inputs generated by a body part of a user, however, the present disclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. In an embodiment, for example, the touch sensing panel TSP may sense external inputs provided in various forms, such as light, heat, or pressure. In addition, the touch sensing panel TSP may sense touch inputs occurring on a sensing surface of the touch sensing panel TSP and proximity inputs applied when approaching the sensing surface.

[0092] The touch sensing panel TSP may be a capacitive touch panel or an electromagnetic induction touch panel. The touch sensing panel TSP may include a base layer, sensing electrodes, and signal lines connected to the sensing electrodes.

[0093] The touch control unit TCM may include a second circuit board FCB2 and a touch drive circuit TDC. The second circuit board FCB2 may electrically connect the main circuit board MCB to the touch sensing panel TSP, and the touch drive circuit TDC may be mounted on the second circuit board FCB2. Similar to the first circuit board FCB1, the second circuit board FCB2 may be bent. The touch drive circuit TDC may be implemented as an integrated circuit. The second circuit board FCB2 may be a flexible circuit board.

[0094] The protection panel CP may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel DP and may protect the display panel DP from impact. The protection panel CP may include a plastic film as a base layer of the protection panel CP. The protection panel CP may include a single layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0095] The support panel SPP may be disposed on the rear surface of the protection panel CP and may support the display panel DP and the protection panel CP. The support panel SPP may be a metal plate having a rigidity higher than a predetermined level. The support panel SPP may be a stainless steel plate. The support panel SPP may have a black color to block external light from being incident on the display panel DP.

[0096] Figure 3 is a plan view of a display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 The signal line diagram is schematically shown. In addition, for the convenience of explanation, Figure 3 Some components of the display panel DP are omitted.

[0097] Reference Figure 3, when viewed in a plan view, an embodiment of the display panel DP may include a display area DP-DA and a non-display area DP-NDA. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the non-display area DP-NDA may be defined along the edge of the display area DP-DA. The display area DP-DA and the non-display area DP-NDA of the display panel DP may correspond to Figure 1 The display area DA and the non-display area NDA of the display device DD shown in FIG.

[0098] The display panel DP may include a scan driving circuit SDC, a plurality of signal lines SGL, a plurality of signal pads PD, and a plurality of pixels PX. The pixels PX may be arranged in the display area DP-DA. Each of the plurality of pixels PX may include an organic light emitting diode and a pixel driving circuit connected to the organic light emitting diode.

[0099] The scan driving circuit SDC may generate a plurality of scan signals and may sequentially output the scan signals to a plurality of scan lines SL described later. The scan driving circuit SDC may also output a control signal to a driving circuit of the pixel PX.

[0100] The scan driving circuit SDC may include a plurality of thin film transistors formed through the same process as the driving circuit of the pixel PX (eg, a low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) process or a low temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) process).

[0101] The signal lines SGL may include scan lines SL, data lines DL, power lines PL, and control signal lines CSL. Each of the plurality of scan lines SL may be connected to a corresponding pixel PX among the plurality of pixels PX, and each of the plurality of data lines DL may be connected to a corresponding pixel PX among the plurality of pixels PX. The power lines PL may be connected to the pixels PX. The control signal lines CSL may provide control signals to the scan drive circuit SDC.

[0102] The signal line SGL may overlap the display area DP-DA and the non-display area DP-NDA. The signal line SGL may include a pad portion and a line portion. The line portion may overlap the display area DP-DA and the non-display area DP-NDA. The pad portion may be connected to an end of the line portion. The pad portion may be disposed in the non-display area DP-NDA and may overlap with a corresponding signal pad PD among a plurality of signal pads PD. In the non-display area DP-NDA, an area where the signal pad PD is arranged may be defined as a pad area NDA-PD.

[0103] The line portion connected to the pixel PX may substantially form most of the signal line SGL. The line portion may be connected to a transistor (not shown) of the pixel PX. The line portion may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure, and the line portion may be provided in the form of a single body, or may be implemented by two or more parts. The two or more parts may be arranged in layers different from each other, and may be connected to each other via a contact hole defined by an insulating layer arranged between the two or more parts.

[0104] Figure 4 is a plan view of a touch sensing panel TSP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] Reference Figure 4 , the embodiment of the touch sensing panel TSP can sense the touch input TC (refer to Figure 1 ) to obtain information about the position and strength of the external touch input. When viewed in a plan view, the touch sensing panel TSP may include a touch area TTA and a touch peripheral area TSA. In an embodiment, the touch peripheral area TSA may be defined along an edge of the touch area TTA. The touch area TTA and the touch peripheral area TSA of the touch sensing panel TSP may correspond to Figure 1 The display area DA and the non-display area NDA of the display device DD shown in FIG.

[0106] The touch sensing panel TSP may include a plurality of first sensing electrodes SE1 , a plurality of second sensing electrodes SE2 , a plurality of sensing lines TL1 , TL2 , and TL3 , and a plurality of touch pads TPD.

[0107] The first sensing electrode SE1 and the second sensing electrode SE2 may be disposed in the touch area TTA. The touch sensing panel TSP may obtain information about a touch input based on a change in capacitance between the first sensing electrode SE1 and the second sensing electrode SE2.

[0108] The first sensing electrode SE1 may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be arranged in the second direction DR2. The first sensing electrode SE1 may include a plurality of first sensing patterns SPE1 and a plurality of first connection patterns CPE1.

[0109] A plurality of first sensing patterns SPE1 forming one first sensing electrode SE1 may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. Figure 4 The first connection pattern CPE1 may be disposed between the first sensing patterns SPE1, and may connect two first sensing patterns SPE1 adjacent to each other.

[0110] The second sensing electrode SE2 may extend in the second direction DR2 and may be arranged in the first direction DR1. The second sensing electrode SE2 may include a plurality of second sensing patterns SPE2 and a plurality of second connection patterns CPE2.

[0111] A plurality of second sensing patterns SPE2 forming one second sensing electrode SE2 may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. A second connection pattern CPE2 may be disposed between the second sensing patterns SPE2, and may connect two second sensing patterns SPE2 adjacent to each other.

[0112] The sensing lines TL1, TL2, and TL3 may be disposed in the touch peripheral area TSA. The sensing lines TL1, TL2, and TL3 may include a first sensing line TL1, a second sensing line TL2, and a third sensing line TL3. The plurality of first sensing lines TL1 may be connected to the plurality of first sensing electrodes SE1, respectively. The plurality of second sensing lines TL2 may be connected to one end of the plurality of second sensing electrodes SE2, respectively.

[0113] A plurality of third sensing lines TL3 may be respectively connected to the other ends (or opposite ends) of the plurality of second sensing electrodes SE2. The other end of the second sensing electrode SE2 may be opposite to the one end of the second sensing electrode SE2. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second sensing electrode SE2 may be connected to the second sensing line TL2 and the third sensing line TL3. Therefore, the second sensing electrode SE2 having a relatively longer length than that of the first sensing electrode SE1 may have uniform sensitivity throughout its entire area. However, this is only an example, the third sensing line TL3 may be omitted, and the present disclosure should not be particularly limited.

[0114] The touch pad TPD may be disposed in the touch peripheral area TSA. The plurality of touch pads TPD may be connected to the sensing lines TL1, TL2, and TL3, respectively, and thus may be electrically connected to each of the first sensing electrode SE1 and the second sensing electrode SE2. The touch pad TPD may be connected to the second circuit board FCB2 (refer to Figure 2B ).

[0115] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In detail, Figure 5 It is along Figure 2B A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0116] exist Figure 5In the embodiment, an embodiment of a display panel DP having a single-layer structure is shown, however, an embodiment of the display panel DP may have a multi-layer structure. In an embodiment, the display panel DP may include a base layer, a circuit layer, a light-emitting element layer, and an encapsulation layer. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other components known in the art may also be included in the display panel DP.

[0117] Figure 5 , a stacking structure of an embodiment of a display device DD is shown. In such an embodiment, the display device DD may include a display module DM, a transparent film EOF disposed on the display module DM, and a coating window DW disposed directly on the transparent film EOF. The display device DD may include a display panel DP, an optical unit ARU, a transparent film EOF, a first protective layer PF1, a second protective layer PF2, a protective panel CP, a support panel SPP, a touch sensing panel TSP, a coating window DW, and a first adhesive layer AM1, a second adhesive layer AM2, a third adhesive layer AM3, a fourth adhesive layer AM4, a fifth adhesive layer AM5, a sixth adhesive layer AM6, a seventh adhesive layer AM7, and an eighth adhesive layer AM8. The display device DD may include a non-bending area NBA, and a bending area BA in which the first circuit board FCB1 and the second circuit board FCB2 are bent.

[0118] Each of the first to eighth adhesive layers AM1 to AM8 described below may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) film, an optically clear adhesive (OCA) film, or an optically clear resin (OCR) film. The first to eighth adhesive layers AM1 to AM8 may include a photocurable (or photocurable) adhesive material or a thermally curable (or thermally curable) adhesive material, however, the materials used for the first to eighth adhesive layers AM1 to AM8 should not be particularly limited. In another embodiment, some of the first to eighth adhesive layers AM1 to AM8 may be omitted.

[0119] The display panel DP may be disposed between the touch sensing panel TSP and the protection panel CP. The display panel DP may display an image IM (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0120] The driving control module DCM may be coupled to an end portion of the display panel DP. The driving control module DCM may include a first circuit board FCB1, a panel driving circuit PDC, and a main circuit board MCB. The first circuit board FCB1 may electrically connect the main circuit board MCB to the display panel DP. The panel driving circuit PDC may be disposed on the display panel DP.

[0121] The first circuit board FCB1 may be electrically connected to the signal pad PD. The signal pad PD may correspond to the Figure 3The first circuit board FCB1 may be bent. One end (or first end) of the first circuit board FCB1 may be disposed on the front surface of the display panel DP, and the other end (or second end opposite to the first end) of the first circuit board FCB1 may be disposed at the rear surface of the display panel DP. The other end of the first circuit board FCB1 may be connected to the main circuit board MCB.

[0122] The touch sensing panel TSP may be disposed on the display panel DP and may sense an input signal. The third adhesive layer AM3 disposed between the touch sensing panel TSP and the display panel DP may be omitted. The touch sensing panel TSP may be disposed between the display panel DP and the optical unit ARU and may be electrically connected to the second circuit board FCB2.

[0123] The touch control unit TCM may include a touch driving circuit TDC, a second circuit board FCB2, and a touch pad TPD. The touch control unit TCM may be coupled to an end portion of the touch sensing panel TSP. The touch pad TPD may be disposed on the touch sensing panel TSP. In such an embodiment, the touch pad TPD may be coupled to the touch sensing panel TSP. Figure 4 The touch pad TPD shown in is the same.

[0124] The second circuit board FCB2 may be connected to an end portion of the touch sensing panel TSP, and the main circuit board MCB may be electrically connected to the touch sensing panel TSP. The second circuit board FCB2 may transmit an input signal sensed by the touch sensing panel TSP. The second circuit board FCB2 may be bent together with the first circuit board FCB1. One end (or a first end) of the second circuit board FCB2 may be disposed on the front surface of the touch sensing panel TSP, and the other end (or a second end opposite to the first end) of the second circuit board FCB2 may be disposed at the rear surface of the touch sensing panel TSP. The other end of the second circuit board FCB2 may be connected to the main circuit board MCB.

[0125] The optical unit ARU may be disposed on the upper surface of the display panel DP. The optical unit ARU may be disposed on the touch sensing panel TSP. The optical unit ARU may be disposed between the display panel DP and the coating window DW, and may overlap with the non-bending area NBA. According to an embodiment, the optical unit ARU may not overlap with the bending area BA. The optical unit ARU may be attached to the touch sensing panel TSP by a second adhesive layer AM2, however, the second adhesive layer AM2 may be selectively omitted.

[0126] The transparent film EOF may be disposed on the optical unit ARU. The transparent film EOF may extend to overlap the transmissive area TA and the frame area BZA. The transparent film EOF may cover the display module DM disposed under the transparent film EOF. When viewed in a plan view, the transparent film EOF may cover a bent portion of the first circuit board FCB1. When viewed in a plan view, the transparent film EOF may cover a bent portion of the second circuit board FCB2.

[0127] When viewed in a plan view, the outer side surface LS-E of the transparent film EOF may be located away from the display area DP-DA (refer to Figure 2B ) direction further protrudes than the point H1 of the bent portion of the first circuit board FCB1 which is farthest from the transmissive area TA corresponding to the display area DP-DA (or in the second direction DR2, protrudes than the point H1 of the bent portion of the first circuit board FCB1 which is farthest from the transmissive area TA corresponding to the display area DP-DA (refer to Figure 2B ) The point H1 of the transmission area TA corresponding to the transparent film EOF is far from the display area DP-DA). That is, the outer surface LS-E of the transparent film EOF can be farther from the display area DP-DA than the point H1 of the transmission area TA corresponding to the transparent film EOF. Figure 2B ) further outwardly protrudes a point H1 of the transmission area TA corresponding to the first circuit board FCB1. In this case, the point H1 farthest from the transmission area TA in the bent portion of the first circuit board FCB1 may be a point farthest from the transmission area TA in the second direction DR2. When viewed in a plan view, the outer side surface LS-E of the transparent film EOF may be far away from the display area DP-DA (refer to Figure 2B ) direction than the furthest distance from the display area DP-DA (reference Figure 2B That is, the point H3 in the direction of the second direction DR2 parallel to the outer side surface LS-E of the transparent film EOF may protrude further outward than the point H1 of the first circuit board FCB1 most protruding toward the outside in the direction parallel to the second direction DR2 and the point H2 of the second circuit board FCB2 most protruding toward the outside in the direction parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0128] The light blocking pattern BM may be directly disposed on the lower surface of the transparent film EOF. The light blocking pattern BM may include a light blocking material and may effectively prevent components disposed thereunder from being observed from the outside. In an embodiment, for example, the light blocking material may be a black resin that does not transmit light. The light blocking pattern BM may be disposed to be aligned with the non-display area DP-NDA (refer to Figure 2B The light blocking pattern BM may be disposed to overlap with the frame area BZA of the coating window DW.

[0129] When viewed in a plan view, the light blocking pattern BM may cover the bent portion of the first circuit board FCB1 and the bent portion of the second circuit board FCB2. The light blocking pattern BM may be coupled to the display module DM after being printed on the lower surface of the transparent film EOF. Since the transparent film EOF extends outwardly than the bent portion of the first circuit board FCB1 and the bent portion of the second circuit board FCB2, the light blocking pattern BM printed on the transparent film EOF may also extend outwardly than the bent portion of the first circuit board FCB1 and the bent portion of the second circuit board FCB2. Therefore, the first circuit board FCB1 and the second circuit board FCB2 disposed under the light blocking pattern BM may not be observed from the outside.

[0130] In an embodiment, a first adhesive layer AM1 may be disposed between the transparent film EOF and the optical unit ARU, and the transparent film EOF may be attached to the optical unit ARU through the first adhesive layer AM1. In such an embodiment, the first adhesive layer AM1 may have a thickness THA greater than a thickness THB of the light blocking pattern BM. When the transparent film EOF having the light blocking pattern BM printed thereon is coupled to the display module DM, a surface in which a step difference is formed due to the thickness of the light blocking pattern BM may be coupled to the display module DM. The thickness THA of the first adhesive layer AM1 may be formed to be greater than the thickness THB of the light blocking pattern BM to prevent the transparent film EOF from being separated from the display module DM. Since the first adhesive layer AM1 (such as a PSA film) deforms when pressure is applied, even if the first adhesive layer AM1 partially overlaps the light blocking pattern BM, the transparent film EOF may be effectively prevented from being separated due to the light blocking pattern BM.

[0131] In the case where the coating window DW is formed by coating a resin material and curing the coated resin material, it is impossible to attach the light blocking pattern BM to the rear surface of the coating window DW. Therefore, a transparent film EOF may be provided separately from the coating window DW, the light blocking pattern BM may be printed on the transparent film EOF, and thus, the light blocking pattern BM may cover the bending area BA.

[0132] The coating window DW may be directly disposed on the transparent film EOF. In an embodiment, the coating window DW may be formed by coating a resin material and curing the coated resin material. When observed in a cross section, the outer side surface LS-D of the coating window DW may be aligned with the outer side surface LS-E of the transparent film EOF (or arranged in a straight line in the third direction DR3). When observed in a cross section, the outer side surface LS-E of the transparent film EOF may be aligned with the outer side surface LS-B of the light blocking pattern BM.

[0133] The first protective layer PF1 may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel DP and may protect the display panel DP from external impact. The first protective layer PF1 may be attached to the rear surface of the display panel DP through the fourth adhesive layer AM4. However, the fourth adhesive layer AM4 may be selectively omitted.

[0134] The second protective layer PF2 may be coupled to the driving control module DCM. The second protective layer PF2 may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel DP. The second protective layer PF2 may be attached to the support panel SPP through the eighth adhesive layer AM8. However, the eighth adhesive layer AM8 may be selectively omitted.

[0135] The protection panel CP may be disposed on the lower surface DP-LS of the display panel DP. The protection panel CP may protect the display panel DP from an impact applied from a lower side thereof.

[0136] The protective panel CP may include a fifth adhesive layer AM5, a barrier layer BF, a sixth adhesive layer AM6, a cushion layer CU, and a seventh adhesive layer AM7. The barrier layer BF may be directly attached to the lower surface of the first protective layer PF1 through the fifth adhesive layer AM5. The barrier layer BF may have a color with low light transmittance and may effectively prevent the components thereunder from being observed.

[0137] The barrier layer BF may include a flexible synthetic resin film. In an embodiment, for example, the barrier layer BF may be a film including or containing polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. However, it should not be limited thereto or thereby, and the barrier layer BF may include various materials.

[0138] The cushion layer CU may be attached to the lower surface of the barrier layer BF through the sixth adhesive layer AM6. The cushion layer CU may absorb impact applied to the display panel DP from the lower side of the display panel DP. The cushion layer CU may include a highly elastic material such as a foam sheet in which a plurality of openings are defined or formed.

[0139] The support panel SPP may be disposed under the protection panel CP and may support the display panel DP and the protection panel CP. The support panel SPP may be a metal plate having a rigidity higher than a predetermined level. In an embodiment, for example, the support panel SPP may be a stainless steel plate. The support panel SPP may have a black color to block external light from being incident on the display panel DP.

[0140] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 It is along Figure 2B 2 is a cross-sectional view of the display device DD taken along line II-II'.

[0141] Reference Figure 6 In an embodiment of the display device DD, the support panel SPP, the protection panel CP, the first protection layer PF1, the display panel DP, the touch sensing panel TSP, the optical unit ARU, the transparent film EOF, the light blocking pattern BM and the coating window DW of the display device DD may be sequentially stacked.

[0142] The frame area BZA may be disposed adjacent to two opposite sides of the transmission area TA. The frame area BZA may correspond to the light blocking pattern BM. When viewed in a cross section, the outermost surface of the light blocking pattern BM and the outermost surface of the transparent film EOF may protrude further outward than the outer surface of the display panel DP, the outer surface of the first protective layer PF1, the outer surface of the protection panel CP, and the outer surface of the support panel SPP. That is, the outermost surface of the light blocking pattern BM and the outermost surface of the transparent film EOF may protrude further than the outer surface of the first protective layer PF1, the outer surface of the protection panel CP, and the outer surface of the support panel SPP in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1 to be away from the transmission area TA. When viewed in a plan view, the transparent film EOF may cover the display panel DP, the first protective layer PF1, the protection panel CP, and the support panel SPP.

[0143] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition to the position of the light blocking pattern BM, Figure 7 The display device DD and Figure 5 The same reference numerals denote the same elements, and thus, any repeated detailed description of the same elements as those described above will be omitted.

[0144] Reference Figure 7 In an embodiment of the display device DD, when viewed in a plan view, the light blocking pattern BM may be directly disposed on the upper surface of the transparent film EOF and may cover a bent portion of the first circuit board FCB1 and a bent portion of the second circuit board FCB2. Figure 7 The light blocking pattern BM is disposed on the upper surface of the transparent film EOF, and the light blocking pattern BM may be Figure 5 The light blocking patterns BM shown in are substantially the same.

[0145] Since the light blocking pattern BM is disposed on the upper surface of the transparent film EOF, the light blocking pattern BM may be printed after the transparent film EOF is coupled to the display module DM. This will be referred to later. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B Give a description.

[0146] In an embodiment, the coating window DW may be directly disposed on the transparent film EOF and the light blocking pattern BM. The coating window DW may be formed by coating a resin material and curing the coated resin material. A step difference corresponding to the light blocking pattern BM may be defined in the lower surface of the coating window DW. Even if a step difference is formed in the lower surface of the coating window DW, the upper surface of the coating window DW may be flat.

[0147] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition to the shape of the coating window DW, Figure 8 The display device DD and the reference Figure 7 The described display device DD is substantially the same, and thus, any repeated detailed description of the same elements as those described above will be omitted.

[0148] Reference Figure 8 In an embodiment of the display device DD, the upper surface of the coated window DW may include a flat first portion FU and a curved second portion RU. The first portion FU may overlap with a portion of the transmissive area TA and the frame area BZA. The second portion RU may overlap with another portion of the frame area BZA. The second portion RU may be disposed adjacent to the outside of the first portion FU and may have a thickness that decreases as the distance from the outer surface LS-E of the transparent film EOF decreases or as the distance from the outer surface LS-E of the transparent film EOF decreases. That is, when viewed in cross section, the second portion RU may have a shape that curves from the first portion FU toward the transparent film EOF.

[0149] When the resin material is applied to form the coating window DW, the first portion FU adjacent to the center of the display device DD may be uniformly coated, and the second portion RU adjacent to the outer portion of the display device DD may be coated to have a curved shape. However, the shape of the upper surface of the coating window DW should not be limited thereto or thereby, and the upper surface of the coating window DW may have various shapes. In an embodiment, for example, Figure 5 and Figure 7 The coating window DW shown in FIG. 1 may be flattened by cutting the second portion RU. That is, by performing a separate cutting process, the coating window DW (refer to FIG. 1 ) may be flattened when viewed in cross section. Figure 5 and Figure 7 ) of the outer surface LS-D (refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 ) can be aligned with the outer side surface LS-E of the transparent film EOF.

[0150] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B is an exploded perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In detail, Fig.9Ais an exploded perspective view of the display device DD in which the bending area BA is not bent, and Fig. 9B is an exploded perspective view of a display device DD in which the bending area BA is bent. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B In the same reference numerals, Figure 2A and Figure 2B The same elements in the description are described above, and thus any repeated detailed description of the same elements as those described above will be omitted or briefly described.

[0151] Reference Fig.9A and Fig. 9B , an embodiment of the display device DD may include a coating window DW, a transparent film EOF, and a display module DM. The display panel DP may be disposed between the coating window DW and the support panel SPP. The display panel DP may display an image IM in response to an electrical signal (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0152] The display panel DP may include a non-bending area NBA and a bending area BA extending and bending from the non-bending area NBA. The bending area BA may extend from the non-bending area NBA in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2. The bending area BA may be bent and then may be disposed to face the rear surface of the display panel DP in the non-bending area NBA.

[0153] The image IM provided by the display device DD (see Figure 1 ) may be displayed by the front surface IS of the display panel DP. The front surface IS of the display panel DP may include a display area DP-DA and a non-display area DP-NDA. In an embodiment, the display area DP-DA may correspond to Figure 1 The display area DA and the non-display area DP-NDA may correspond to Figure 1 Non-display area NDA.

[0154] The bending protection layer SNL may be disposed on the display panel DP and may be bent together with the bending area BA. The bending protection layer SNL may effectively prevent the bending portion of the display panel DP from being damaged due to external impact or may effectively prevent foreign matter from entering the bending portion of the display panel DP. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The bending protection layer SNL shown in FIG. 1 is only an example, and the shape of the bending protection layer SNL may be changed as needed.

[0155] The bending protection layer SNL may be disposed on the front surface of the display panel DP and may protect the bending portion of the display panel DP. The bending protection layer SNL may include a plastic film as a base layer of the bending protection layer SNL. The bending protection layer SNL may include a plastic film including at least one selected from polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), poly(arylene ether sulfone), and combinations thereof.

[0156] However, the material for the bending protection layer SNL should not be limited to plastic resin, and the bending protection layer SNL may include an organic / inorganic composite material. The bending protection layer SNL may include a porous organic layer and an inorganic material filled in the pores of the organic layer. The bending protection layer SNL may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0157] The driving control module DCM may include a main circuit board (or driving circuit board) MCB, a first circuit board FCB1 and a panel driving circuit PDC. The first circuit board FCB1 may be connected to an end of the display panel DP and may electrically connect the main circuit board MCB and the display panel DP.

[0158] The first circuit board FCB1 may electrically connect the main circuit board MCB and the display panel DP, and the panel driving circuit PDC may be mounted on the first circuit board FCB1. The panel driving circuit PDC may be mounted on the first circuit board FCB1 by a chip on film (COF) method. The panel driving circuit PDC may be implemented as an integrated circuit. In another embodiment, although Fig.9A and Fig. 9B Although not shown, a plurality of passive components and a plurality of active components may be mounted on the main circuit board MCB. The main circuit board MCB may be a rigid circuit board or a flexible circuit board, and the first circuit board FCB1 may be a flexible circuit board. The main circuit board MCB may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel DP.

[0159] When observed in a plan view, the transparent film EOF may cover the bending portion of the bending area BA and the bending portion of the bending protection layer SNL. Since the transparent film EOF covers the bending portion of the bending area BA and the bending protection layer SNL, the transparent film EOF may effectively prevent the resin material from entering the bending area BA and the bending protection layer SNL, and effectively prevent the resin material from being solidified when the resin material is applied. In the case where the resin material enters the bending area BA and the bending protection layer SNL and is solidified, cracks may appear in the display panel DP when the bending area BA and the bending protection layer SNL are bent. The transparent film EOF may effectively prevent cracks from appearing in the display panel DP.

[0160] Fig.10 is a plan view of a display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0161] Fig.10 The signal line diagram is shown schematically. Fig.10 In order to facilitate illustration and description, some components are omitted. Fig.10 In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote Figure 3 The same elements as those described above are described herein, and thus, any repeated detailed description of the same elements as those described above will be omitted.

[0162] Reference Fig.10 , an embodiment of the display panel DP may include a non-bending area NBA and a bending area BA extending from an end of the non-bending area NBA and being bent. Fig.10 As shown in FIG, the non-bending area NBA may be disposed at the upper side in the second direction DR2, and the bending area BA may be disposed at the lower side in the second direction DR2. A lower end portion of the bending area BA may be bent and disposed to face the non-bending area NBA.

[0163] The display panel DP may include a scan driving circuit SDC, a plurality of signal lines SGL, a plurality of signal pads PD, and a plurality of pixels PX. The pixels PX may be arranged in the display area DP-DA. Each of the plurality of pixels PX may include an organic light emitting diode and a pixel driving circuit connected to the organic light emitting diode.

[0164] The signal line SGL may overlap the display area DP-DA, the non-display area DP-NDA, and the bending area BA. The signal line SGL may include a pad portion and a line portion. The line portion may overlap the display area DP-DA, the non-display area DP-NDA, and the bending area BA. The pad portion may be connected to an end of the line portion. The pad portion may be arranged in the non-display area DP-NDA and may overlap with a corresponding signal pad among a plurality of signal pads PD. In the non-display area DP-NDA, the area where the signal pad PD is arranged may be defined as the pad area NDA-PD.

[0165] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.11 In the same reference numerals, Figure 5 and thus, any repeated detailed description of the same elements as those described above will be omitted.

[0166] Reference Fig.11 , an embodiment of the display device DD may include a display module DM, a transparent film EOF, and a coating window DW disposed on the display module DM. The display module DM may include a display panel DP, an optical unit ARU, a first protective layer PF1, a second protective layer PF2, a protective panel CP, a support panel SPP, and a first adhesive layer AM1, a second adhesive layer AM2, a third adhesive layer AM3, a fourth adhesive layer AM4, a fifth adhesive layer AM5, a sixth adhesive layer AM6, and a seventh adhesive layer AM7. In an embodiment, some of the first to seventh adhesive layers AM1 to AM7 may be omitted.

[0167] The end of the bending area BA of the display panel DP may be bent and may be disposed on the lower surface of the second protective layer PF2. The end of the bending area BA may face the non-bending area NBA in the third direction DR3. The first upper surface DP-US1 of the display panel DP may be closer to the coating window DW than the first lower surface DP-LS1. The second upper surface DP-US2 of the display panel DP may be farther from the coating window DW than the second lower surface DP-LS2.

[0168] The optical unit ARU may be disposed on the upper surface DP-US of the display panel DP. The optical unit ARU may be disposed between the display panel DP and the coating window DW, and may overlap with the non-bending area NBA. According to an embodiment, the optical unit ARU may not overlap with the bending area BA. The optical unit ARU may be attached to the display panel DP by a second adhesive layer AM2. However, the second adhesive layer AM2 may be selectively omitted.

[0169] The bending protection layer SNL may be disposed on the upper surface DP-US of the display panel DP and may be bent together with the bending area BA. The bending protection layer SNL may overlap the bending area BA. A portion of the bending protection layer SNL may partially overlap the non-bending area NBA of the display panel DP.

[0170] The drive control module DCM may be coupled to an end portion of the display panel DP. The drive control module DCM may include a first circuit board FCB1, a panel drive circuit PDC, and a main circuit board MCB. The first circuit board FCB1 may electrically connect the main circuit board MCB and the display panel DP, and the panel drive circuit PDC may be mounted on the first circuit board FCB1. In an embodiment, the panel drive circuit PDC is mounted on the first circuit board FCB1, however, the position of the panel drive circuit PDC should not be limited thereto or thereby. In an embodiment, for example, the panel drive circuit PDC may be directly disposed on the upper surface DP-US of the display panel DP.

[0171] The first circuit board FCB1 may be electrically connected to the signal pad PD. The signal pad PD may correspond to the Figure 3 The signal pad PD in the pad area NDA-PD.

[0172] The first protective layer PF1 may be disposed on the first lower surface DP-LS1 of the display panel DP and may protect the display panel DP from external impact. The first protective layer PF1 may be attached to the first lower surface DP-LS1 by the third adhesive layer AM3. However, the third adhesive layer AM3 may be selectively omitted.

[0173] The transparent film EOF may be disposed on the optical unit ARU. The transparent film EOF may extend to overlap the bending area BA and the non-bending area NBA. The transparent film EOF may cover the display module DM disposed thereunder. When viewed in a plan view, the transparent film EOF may cover the bending area BA and the bending protection layer SNL of the display panel DP.

[0174] When viewed in a plan view, the outer surface LS-E of the transparent film EOF may protrude further in a direction away from the non-bending area NBA than a point LDP of the display panel DP in the bending area BA that is farthest from the non-bending area NBA. When viewed in a plan view, the outer surface LS-E of the transparent film EOF may protrude further in a direction away from the non-bending area NBA than a point LSNL of the bending portion of the bending protection layer SNL that is farthest from the non-bending area NBA.

[0175] The light blocking pattern BM may be directly disposed on the lower surface of the transparent film EOF. When viewed in a plan view, the light blocking pattern BM may cover the bending area BA of the display panel DP and the bending portion of the bending protection layer SNL. The light blocking pattern BM may be coupled to the display module DM after being printed on the lower surface of the transparent film EOF. The bending area BA and the bending portion of the bending protection layer SNL disposed under the light blocking pattern BM may not be observed from the outside.

[0176] The first adhesive layer AM1 may be disposed between the transparent film EOF and the optical unit ARU, and the transparent film EOF may be attached to the optical unit ARU through the first adhesive layer AM1. In this case, the first adhesive layer AM1 may have a thickness greater than that of the light blocking pattern BM.

[0177] The coating window DW may be directly disposed on the transparent film EOF. The coating window DW may be formed by coating a resin material and curing the coated resin material.

[0178] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition to the position of the light blocking pattern BM, Fig.12 The display device DD shown in FIG. Fig.11 The display device DD shown in FIG. 1 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. Fig.12 In the same reference numerals, Fig.11 , and thus, any repeated detailed description of the same elements as those described above will be omitted.

[0179] Reference Fig.12 In an embodiment of the display device DD, when viewed in a plan view, the light blocking pattern BM may be directly disposed on the upper surface of the transparent film EOF and may cover the bending area BA and the bending portion of the bending protection layer SNL. Fig.12 The light blocking pattern BM is disposed on the upper surface of the transparent film EOF, and the light blocking pattern BM may be Fig.11 The light blocking patterns BM shown in are substantially the same.

[0180] Since the light blocking pattern BM is disposed on the upper surface of the transparent film EOF, the light blocking pattern BM may be printed after the transparent film EOF is coupled with the display module DM.

[0181] The coating window DW may be directly disposed on the transparent film EOF and the light blocking pattern BM. The coating window DW may be formed by coating a resin material and curing the coated resin material. A step difference corresponding to the light blocking pattern BM may be formed in the lower surface of the coating window DW. Even if a step difference is formed in the lower surface of the coating window DW, the upper surface of the coating window DW may be flat.

[0182] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13D is a cross-sectional view of a method for manufacturing a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13A to FIG. 13D In the present invention, the same reference numerals denote the same elements in the above-described embodiments, and thus, any repeated detailed description of the same elements as those described above will be omitted.

[0183] Reference Fig.13A , in manufacturing the display device DD (refer to Fig.13D ), the upper structure UM including the transparent film EOF can be coupled to the display module (or lower module) DM to form a preliminary display device DD-I. The transparent film EOF can be coupled to the optical unit ARU. The transparent film EOF can be attached to the optical unit ARU by a first adhesive layer AM1.

[0184] Reference Fig. 13B , the light blocking pattern BM may be printed on the upper surface of the transparent film EOF. The light blocking pattern BM may protrude outwardly from the outermost surface of the display panel DP. The light blocking pattern BM may correspond to the bezel area BZA.

[0185] Reference Fig. 13C , the coating window DW may be formed on the upper surface of the transparent film EOF and the upper surface of the light blocking pattern BM. The coating window DW may be formed by coating a resin material on the transparent film EOF and curing the coated resin material. Since the transparent film EOF extends to the bending area BA, the coated resin material may not enter the bent first circuit board FCB1 and the bent second circuit board FCB2. Therefore, the resin material may be prevented from entering the first circuit board FCB1 and the second circuit board FCB2 and being cured.

[0186] When the coated window DW is formed as described above, the cost can be reduced compared to using a conventional glass-type window. In addition, a separate lamination process and a process of forming an optically clear adhesive (OCA) can be omitted, and thus, the manufacturing process of the display device DD can be simplified and the reliability of the manufacturing process can be improved.

[0187] Reference Fig.13D , the first circuit board FCB1 and the second circuit board FCB2 (or the bending member) can be bent to form a preliminary display device DD-I (refer to Fig. 13C ) forms a display device DD. Since the first circuit board FCB1 and the second circuit board FCB2 are bent, the second protection layer PF2 can be attached to the lower surface of the supporting panel SPP through the eighth adhesive layer AM8. In this case, when viewed in a plan view, the light blocking pattern BM can cover the bent portion of the first circuit board FCB1 and the bent portion of the second circuit board FCB2.

[0188] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C In the present invention, the same reference numerals denote the same elements in the above-described embodiments, and thus, any repeated detailed description of the same elements as those described above will be omitted.

[0189] Reference Fig.14A and Fig. 14B In an embodiment of the method for manufacturing a display device, a light blocking pattern BM corresponding to the frame area BZA may be printed on the transparent film EOF to form an upper structure UM. The upper structure UM may be inverted and may be coupled to the display module (or lower module) DM. The light blocking pattern BM may be directly disposed on the lower surface of the transparent film EOF. When viewed in a plan view, the light blocking pattern BM may cover the first circuit board FCB1 (refer to FIG. 1 ). Fig.13D ) and the bent portion of the second circuit board FCB2 (refer to Fig.13D ) of the bent portion.

[0190] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B An embodiment having a structure in which the light blocking pattern BM is disposed between the optical unit ARU and the transparent film EOF is shown as a representative example, however, according to the embodiment, the position of the light blocking pattern BM may be changed. In the embodiment, for example, the upper structure UM may be coupled to the display module DM without being turned upside down, and thus, the light blocking pattern BM may be disposed on the upper surface of the transparent film EOF. In this case, the light blocking pattern BM may be as shown in FIG. Figure 8 The light blocking pattern BM is disposed between the transparent film EOF and the coating window DW.

[0191] Reference Fig. 14C The coating window DW may be formed on the upper surface of the transparent film EOF. The coating window DW may be formed by coating a resin material on the transparent film EOF and curing the coated resin material.

[0192] FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D is a cross-sectional view of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D In the present invention, the same reference numerals denote the same elements in the above-described embodiments, and thus, any repeated detailed description of the same elements as those described above will be omitted.

[0193] Reference Fig.15A and Fig. 15B In an embodiment of the method for manufacturing a display device, the light blocking pattern BM may be directly formed on the lower surface of the transparent film EOF. Then, with the display area DP-DA (refer to Figure 3) The overlapping optical unit ARU may be formed on the lower surface of the transparent film EOF and on the light blocking pattern BM. The second adhesive layer AM2 may be attached to one surface of the optical unit ARU. The upper structure UM including the transparent film EOF, the first adhesive layer AM1 and the second adhesive layer AM2, and the optical unit ARU may be formed by the above process.

[0194] Reference Fig. 15C , the upper structure UM may be coupled to the lower module DM after being turned upside down. In an embodiment, the lower module DM may include a display panel DP, a touch sensing panel TSP, a first protection layer PF1 and a second protection layer PF2, a protection panel CP, and a support panel SPP. When viewed in a plan view, the light blocking pattern BM may cover a bent portion of the first circuit board FCB1 (refer to FIG. 1 ). Fig.13D ) and the bent portion of the second circuit board FCB2 (refer to Fig.13D ). The upper structure UM may be coupled with the lower module DM and may form a preliminary display device DD-I.

[0195] Reference Fig.15D The coating window DW may be formed on the upper surface of the transparent film EOF. The coating window DW may be formed by coating a resin material on the transparent film EOF and curing the coated resin material.

[0196] FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D is a cross-sectional view of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16A to FIG. 16D 1 and 2. In the present invention, the same reference numerals denote the same elements in the above-described embodiments, and thus, any repeated detailed description of the same elements as those described above will be omitted.

[0197] Reference Figures 16A to 16C In an embodiment of the method for manufacturing a display device, the light blocking pattern BM may be directly formed on the lower surface of the transparent film EOF after being printed on the lower surface of the transparent film EOF. Then, with the display area DP-DA (refer to Figure 3 ) The overlapping optical unit ARU may be formed on the lower surface of the transparent film EOF and on the light blocking pattern BM. The second adhesive layer AM2 may be attached to one surface of the optical unit ARU. Then, the upper structure UM may be turned upside down, and a coating window DW may be formed on the transparent film EOF. The coating window DW may be formed by coating a resin material on the transparent film EOF and curing the coated resin material.

[0198] Reference Fig.16D ,pass FIG. 16A to FIG. 16CThe upper structure UM and the coating window DW formed by the process shown in the figure may be coupled to the lower module DM. In an embodiment, the lower module DM may include a display panel DP, a touch sensing panel TSP, a first protection layer PF1 and a second protection layer PF2, a protection panel CP, and a support panel SPP. When viewed in a plan view, the light blocking pattern BM may cover the bent portion of the first circuit board FCB1 (refer to Fig.13D ) and the bent portion of the second circuit board FCB2 (refer to Fig.13D ). The upper structure UM may be coupled with the lower module DM, and thus, a preliminary display device DD-I may be formed.

[0199] The present invention should not be understood as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0200] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: A display panel comprising a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area; a flexible plate overlapping the non-display area, and the flexible plate is bent so that a first end portion of the flexible plate is disposed on a front surface of the display panel and a second end portion of the flexible plate is disposed on a rear surface of the display panel; an optical unit, disposed on the display panel and overlapping the display area; a transparent film disposed on the optical unit and covering the display area, the non-display area, and a bent portion of the flexible plate when viewed in a plan view; and The coating window is directly disposed on the transparent film and includes a cured resin material.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: When viewed in the plan view, the outer side surface of the transparent film protrudes further in a direction away from the display area than a point of the bent portion of the flexible plate that is farthest from the display area.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display device further includes: A light blocking pattern is disposed directly on a lower surface of the transparent film and covers the bent portion of the flexible plate when viewed in the plan view.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: The display device further includes: an adhesive layer disposed between the transparent film and the optical unit and attaching the transparent film to the optical unit, Herein, the adhesive layer has a thickness greater than a thickness of the light blocking pattern.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display device further includes: A light blocking pattern is directly disposed on an upper surface of the transparent film and covers the bent portion of the flexible plate when viewed in the plan view.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: When viewed in cross-section, an outer side surface of the transparent film is aligned with an outer side surface of the coated window.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: When viewed in the plan view, the transparent film has a size equal to or larger than that of the coating window.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The upper surface of the coated window comprises: a first portion, the first portion being flat; and The second portion is disposed outside the first portion and has a thickness that decreases as a distance from a side surface of the coating window decreases.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The transparent film has a thickness equal to or greater than 20 micrometers and equal to or less than 200 micrometers.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: When viewed in cross section, an outer side surface of the transparent film protrudes further than an outer side surface of the display panel in a direction away from the display area.

11. A display device, wherein: The display device comprises: The display panel comprises a non-bending region and a bending region extending from an end of the non-bending region and being bent; an optical unit, disposed on the display panel and overlapping the non-bending area; a transparent film disposed on the optical unit and overlapping the bending region and the non-bending region, and when viewed in a plan view, the transparent film covers the bending region; and The coating window is directly disposed on the transparent film and includes a cured resin material.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The display device further includes: A bending protection layer is arranged on the display panel and is bent together with the bending area, wherein the transparent film covers the bending portion of the bending protection layer.

13. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: When viewed in the plan view, the outer side surface of the transparent film protrudes further in a direction away from the non-bending region than a point of the bending region farthest from the non-bending region.

14. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: When viewed in the plan view, the outer side surface of the transparent film protrudes further in a direction away from the non-bending region than a point of the bending portion of the bending protection layer farthest from the non-bending region.

15. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The display device further includes: A light blocking pattern is directly disposed on the lower surface or the upper surface of the transparent film, and when viewed in the plan view, the light blocking pattern covers the bent area.

16. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: When viewed in the plan view, the transparent film has a size equal to or larger than that of the coating window.

17. A method for manufacturing a display device, wherein: The method comprises: forming a superstructure including a transparent film; The upper structure is coupled to a lower module, wherein the lower module comprises: a display panel including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area; and a bending member disposed on the display panel and capable of bending; forming a coating window directly on the transparent film using a curable resin material; and The bending member is bent, wherein the transparent film covers the display area, the non-display area, and a bent portion of the bending member when viewed in a plan view.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The forming of the upper structure includes forming a light blocking pattern on an upper surface or a lower surface of the transparent film, such that after coupling the upper structure with the lower module, the light blocking pattern covers the bent portion of the bent member when viewed in the plan view.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The forming of the upper structure comprises: forming a light blocking pattern on an upper surface or a lower surface of the transparent film so that after coupling the upper structure with the lower module, the light blocking pattern covers the bent portion of the bent member when viewed in the plan view; and An optical unit is formed on the transparent film such that the optical unit overlaps the display area after the coupling of the upper structure with the lower module.

20. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The forming of the upper structure comprises: forming a light blocking pattern on an upper surface or a lower surface of the transparent film so that after coupling the upper structure with the lower module, the light blocking pattern covers the bent portion of the bent member when viewed in the plan view; and An optical unit is formed on the transparent film to cover the display area, wherein the forming of the coating window is performed before the coupling of the upper structure with the lower module.

21. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The forming of the coating window comprises: coating the curable resin material on the transparent film; and The curable resin material coated on the transparent film is cured.

22. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The bending member is a flexible plate that overlaps the non-display area and is bent so that a first end portion of the flexible plate is disposed on a front surface of the display panel and a second end portion of the flexible plate is disposed on a rear surface of the display panel.

Images