Display panel reliability testing device and display panel reliability testing method using same

Abstract

The invention discloses a display panel reliability testing apparatus and a display panel reliability testing method using the same. The display panel reliability testing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a heating plate; a jig disposed on the heating plate and including a water tank and a support portion surrounding the water tank; and a sealing cover which is disposed on the jig, overlaps the water tank on a plane, and is capable of holding a test space defined by a space surrounded by the jig and the sealing cover and in which the display panel for test is disposed for 300 hours or more at a relative humidity of 95% or more and 100% or less, therefore, convenience and efficiency can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display panel reliability testing device and a display panel reliability testing method using the same, and more particularly, to a display panel reliability testing device capable of improving the efficiency and convenience of display panel reliability evaluation and a display panel reliability testing method using the same. Background Art

[0002] Various display devices are being developed for multimedia devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation systems, and game consoles. If the display panel included in the display device is exposed to high temperature or high humidity for a long time, it may corrode and cause performance degradation. In order to test the reliability of the display panel included in the display device, it is necessary to expose the display panel to a high temperature and humid environment for a certain period of time.

[0003] In order to improve the convenience and efficiency of reliability testing of display panels, various solutions are being tried. Summary of the invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a display panel reliability test device, wherein the reliability test of a display panel arranged in a space sealed by a sealing cover can be performed in a high temperature and humid environment by heating water arranged in a water tank.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide a display panel reliability test method, wherein the reliability test of the display panel arranged in a space sealed by a sealing cover can be performed in a high temperature and humid environment by heating water arranged in a water tank.

[0006] It can be that a display panel reliability testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a heating plate; a fixture, which is arranged on the heating plate and includes a water tank and a support portion surrounding the water tank; and a sealing cover, which is arranged on the fixture and overlaps with the water tank on a plane, and can maintain a test space defined by a space surrounded by the fixture and the sealing cover and in which a test display panel is arranged at a temperature of more than 80 degrees Celsius and less than 90 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of more than 95% and less than 100% for more than 300 hours.

[0007] In one embodiment, the water tank may include a plurality of unit water tanks, the support portion may include a plurality of unit support portions respectively surrounding the plurality of unit water tanks, and the sealing cover may include a plurality of unit sealing covers respectively overlapping the plurality of unit water tanks on a plane.

[0008] In one embodiment, the fixture may further include a water channel connecting at least a portion of the plurality of unit water tanks to each other.

[0009] In one embodiment, the water tank may include a plurality of unit water tanks, and the sealing cover overlaps with the plurality of unit water tanks in a plane.

[0010] In one embodiment, the clamp may be directly disposed on the heating plate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the sealing cover may be directly disposed on the fixture.

[0012] In one embodiment, the heating plate may include a thermally conductive material.

[0013] In one embodiment, the thermally conductive material may include at least one of Fe, Cu, Ag, Au, Al and W.

[0014] In one embodiment, the support portion may include a thermally conductive material.

[0015] In one embodiment, the thermally conductive material may include at least one of Fe, Cu, Ag, Au, Al and W.

[0016] Alternatively, the display panel reliability testing device of one embodiment further includes: a first support frame, which is arranged on the support portion and mounts the test display panel.

[0017] Alternatively, the display panel reliability test device of one embodiment further includes: a second support frame, which is disposed on the support portion and prevents the test display panel from being separated in the first direction or in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0018] In one embodiment, a fixing groove in which a portion of the sealing cover is configured may be defined in the support portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the fixing groove may surround the water groove in a plane.

[0020] In one embodiment, the sealing cover may have a quadrilateral shape in a plane.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a display panel reliability testing method includes: a first step of providing a heating plate and a fixture configured on the heating plate and including a water tank and a supporting portion surrounding the water tank; a second step of providing predetermined water to the water tank; a third step of configuring a test display panel in a manner overlapping with the water tank on a plane; a fourth step of configuring a sealing cover covering at least a portion of the test display panel; a fifth step of applying heat to the heating plate to keep a test space defined by a space surrounded by the fixture and the sealing cover at a temperature above 80 degrees Celsius and below 90 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity above 95% and below 100%; and a sixth step of confirming whether the test display panel is corroded.

[0022] It may be that the water tank in one embodiment includes a plurality of unit water tanks, the supporting part includes a plurality of unit supporting parts respectively surrounding the plurality of unit water tanks, the sealing cover includes a plurality of unit sealing covers respectively overlapping with the plurality of unit water tanks on a plane, the second step includes a step 2-1 of providing predetermined water to each of the plurality of unit water tanks, the third step includes a step 3-1 of configuring a plurality of test display panels in a manner of overlapping with the plurality of unit water tanks on a plane, and the fourth step includes a step 4-1 of configuring a plurality of unit sealing covers respectively covering the plurality of test display panels.

[0023] Alternatively, the fixture of an embodiment further includes a water channel connecting at least a portion of the plurality of unit water tanks to each other.

[0024] In one embodiment, the third step may be a step of arranging the test display panel on the first support frame arranged on the support portion so as to overlap with the water tank in a plane.

[0025] In one embodiment, the fifth step may be a step of applying heat to the heating plate to maintain the test space at a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius or higher and 90 degrees Celsius or lower and a relative humidity of 95% or higher and 100% or lower for 300 hours.

[0026] The display panel reliability testing device of the present invention can heat water disposed in a closed test space to facilitate adjusting temperature and humidity and shorten the time required for corrosion of the display panel, thereby providing a display panel reliability test with improved convenience and efficiency.

[0027] In addition, the display panel reliability testing method of the present invention can heat the water configured in the closed test space to facilitate the adjustment of temperature and humidity and shorten the time required for the display panel to corrode, thereby providing a display panel reliability testing method with improved convenience and efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of a display panel reliability testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional diagram of a display panel reliability testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3a yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a display panel reliability testing device is shown.

[0031] Figure 3b yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a display panel reliability testing device is shown.

[0032] Figure 4 A part of a display panel reliability testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 5 A part of a display panel reliability testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of line I-I'.

[0035] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a display panel reliability testing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 9 A part of a display panel reliability testing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Fig.10 A part of a display panel reliability testing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] Fig.11a A part of a display panel reliability testing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] Fig.11b yes Fig.11a A plan view of the test display panel is shown.

[0040] Fig.12 The water concentration according to time in Example and Comparative Example 1 is shown in a graph.

[0041] Fig.13 The water concentrations of Comparative Examples 1 and 2 according to time are shown in a graph.

[0042] (Explanation of Reference Numerals)

[0043] TD: Display panel reliability test device JG: Fixture

[0044] WS: water tank SP: support part

[0045] PK: Sealing cover HP: Heating plate

[0046] WP: Water channel FH: Fixed groove DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In this specification, when it is mentioned that any constituent element (or region, layer, part, etc.) is "on" another constituent element, "connected to" or "combined to" another constituent element, it means that any constituent element can be directly configured / connected / combined on another constituent element, or a third constituent element can be configured between them.

[0048] The same reference numerals refer to the same components. In addition, in the drawings, the thickness, proportion and size of the components are exaggerated for the effective description of the technical content. "And / or" includes all combinations that can be defined by the relevant components.

[0049] The terms "first", "second" and the like may be used to describe a variety of constituent elements, but the above constituent elements are not limited by the above terms. The above terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from another constituent element. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first constituent element may be named as the second constituent element, and similarly, the second constituent element may be named as the first constituent element. As long as it is not clearly indicated as different in the context, a singular expression includes a plural expression.

[0050] In addition, terms such as “below”, “lower side”, “above”, and “upper side” are used to explain the relationship between components shown in the drawings. The above terms are relative concepts and are explained based on the directions shown in the drawings.

[0051] The terms "including" or "having" should be understood as being used to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, tasks, constituent elements, parts or their combinations recorded in the specification, and do not preclude the existence or additional possibilities of one or more other features or numbers, steps, tasks, constituent elements, parts or their combinations.

[0052] In this specification, "directly configured" may mean that there is no additional layer, film, region, plate, etc. between a layer, film, region, plate, etc. and other parts. For example, "directly configured" may mean configured between two layers or two parts without using an additional part such as an adhesive part.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in this specification have the same meanings as those generally understood by persons skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. In addition, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meanings as those in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted as overly idealized or overly formalized meanings unless explicitly defined herein.

[0054] In this specification, the third direction DR3 is defined as a thickness direction. The first direction DR1 intersects with the third direction DR3, and the second direction DR2 intersects with the first direction DR1.

[0055] In this specification, “on a plane” means on a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 .

[0056] Hereinafter, a display panel reliability testing device TD and a display panel reliability testing method according to an embodiment of the present invention are described.

[0057] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of a display panel reliability testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a three-dimensional diagram of a display panel reliability testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3a yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a display panel reliability testing device is shown. Figure 3b yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a display panel reliability testing device is shown.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figure 3a , a display panel reliability test device TD according to an embodiment includes a heating plate HP, a jig JG, and a sealing cover PK.

[0059] The display panel reliability test device TD is a device for evaluating the reliability of the display panel, and can evaluate how long it takes for the display panel to corrode when it is exposed to a high temperature and humid environment. During the circulation and storage of the display panel, it may be exposed to a high temperature and humid environment. Therefore, the display panel reliability test method of the display panel reliability test device TD of the present invention can help to formulate standards for the circulation and storage methods of the display panel.

[0060] The heating plate HP can dissipate heat in the third direction DR3. If current flows into the electromagnetic induction coil, the heating plate HP can dissipate heat by electromagnetic induction heating, which dissipates heat by generating a magnetic field. The heating plate HP may include a thermally conductive material. The thermally conductive material may include at least one of Fe, Cu, Ag, Au, Al, and W.

[0061] The fixture JG is arranged on the heating plate HP. The fixture JG can be directly arranged on the heating plate HP. The fixture JG includes a water tank WS and a support portion SP. The support portion SP can accommodate the heat radiated from the heating plate HP to dissipate the heat. The water tank WS is a space surrounded by the support portion SP. The water tank WS can be a space for containing water. The water tank WS can include a plurality of unit water tanks WSU. The support portion SP can include a plurality of unit support portions SPU. Each of the plurality of unit water tanks WSU is a space surrounded by a plurality of unit support portions SPU. The plurality of unit water tanks WSU can independently include shapes such as a triangle shape, a quadrilateral shape, and a circular shape on a plane. A portion of the water contained in the unit water tank WSU can be configured to be in direct contact with the heating plate HP. The areas above and below the unit water tank WSU can be the same or different.

[0062] The temperature of water contained in each of the plurality of unit water tanks WSU may rise due to the heat radiated from the heating plate HP. The unit support portion SPU may surround the unit water tank WSU and contain the heat radiated from the heating plate HP to dissipate heat to the unit water tank WSU. The support portion SP may include a thermally conductive material. The thermally conductive material may include at least one of Fe, Cu, Ag, Au, Al, and W. The support portion SP and the heating plate HP may include materials different from each other. For example, the support portion SP may include Fe, and the heating plate HP may include Cu.

[0063] The sealing cover PK is arranged on the fixture JG and overlaps with the water tank WS in a plane. The sealing cover PK may include a plurality of unit sealing covers PKU. The unit sealing cover PKU may include a similar shape in a plane that is different in size and similar in shape to the unit water tank WSU. The unit sealing cover PKU may include a quadrilateral shape in a plane. The area of ​​the unit sealing cover PKU in a plane may be greater than the area of ​​the unit water tank WSU in a plane. The sealing cover PK may include a heat insulating material.

[0064] In the display panel reliability test device TD of one embodiment, a display panel TDP ( Fig.10 ) is defined as a test space TS. The heat generated and transferred in the heating plate HP is transferred to the water tank WS included in the fixture JG and the support portion SP surrounding the water tank WS. The temperature of the water arranged in the water tank WS can be increased by the heat radiated by the heating plate HP and the support portion SP. A part of the water arranged in the water tank WS can be converted into water vapor by the heat. The temperature of the test space can be higher than 80 degrees Celsius and lower than 90 degrees Celsius, and the relative humidity can be maintained at higher than 95% and lower than 100% for more than 300 hours. The test display panel TDP ( Fig.10) can be corroded in a high temperature and high humidity environment of 80 degrees Celsius or more and 90 degrees Celsius or less and a relative humidity of 95% or more and 100% or less. The higher the relative humidity, the higher the TDP ( Fig.10 ) is more susceptible to corrosion.

[0065] The sealing cover PK can be directly arranged on the fixture JG. The sealing cover PK can be directly arranged on the support portion SP. The unit sealing cover PKU can be directly arranged on the unit support portion SPU. Figure 1 Different from the above, a slot-shaped groove may be formed on the side of the sealing cover PK. The thickness of the slot-shaped groove formed on the side of the sealing cover PK may be the same as that of the test display panel TDP ( Fig.10 ) are substantially the same. It can be that the test display panel TDP ( Fig.10 ) is arranged in the test space, and the other part is arranged outside the test space through a groove formed on the side of the sealing cover PK.

[0066] The water tank WS may include a plurality of unit water tanks WSU. The support portion SP may include a plurality of unit support portions SPU respectively surrounding the plurality of unit water tanks WSU. The sealing cover PK may include a plurality of unit sealing covers PKU respectively overlapping the plurality of unit water tanks WSU on a plane. Each space surrounded by the fixture JG and the plurality of unit sealing covers PK may be defined as a plurality of test spaces TS, and a plurality of test display panels TDP ( Fig.10 ) and conduct reliability tests simultaneously. If multiple test display panels TDP ( Fig.10 ) reliability test, the accuracy of the reliability test can be improved due to the large number of samples, and the reliability of more display panels can be tested in the same time, thereby improving efficiency.

[0067] Reference Figure 2 as well as Figure 3b In one embodiment, the sealing cover PK-1 may overlap with a plurality of unit water tanks WS on a plane. When the sealing cover PK-1 overlaps with a plurality of unit water tanks WSU on a plane, in order to form a test space TS ( Figure 6 ), it is not necessary to arrange the plurality of unit sealing covers PKU one by one in a manner overlapping with the plurality of unit water tanks WSU on a plane. Figure 1 ), but a sealing cover PK-1 that can completely cover multiple unit water tanks WSU can be configured, thereby improving the display panel reliability test device manufacturing process.

[0068] Figure 4 A part of a display panel reliability testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5A part of a display panel reliability testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0069] Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The display panel reliability test device TD ( Figure 1 ) may include fixtures JG-1 and JG-2. Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The fixtures JG-1 and JG-2 shown are Figure 3a Compared to the clamp JG shown, there is a difference in that it includes a water channel WP. Figure 4 The fixture JG-1 shown with Figure 5 Compared with the jig JG-2 shown, there is a difference in that a part of the plurality of unit water tanks WSU is not connected to the adjacent unit water tanks WSU through the water channel WP.

[0070] Reference Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The water channel WP that the fixtures JG-1 and JG-2 may include may be a channel that connects any unit water tank WSU with other unit water tanks WSU adjacent thereto so that water can pass through. The water channel WP may connect a portion of the plurality of unit water tanks WSU to each other or connect all of them to each other. For example, Figure 4 The jig JG-1 shown includes water channels WP connecting eight unit water tanks WSU to one another and water channels WP connecting yet another eight unit water tanks WSU. Figure 5 The jig JG-2 shown includes a water channel WP that connects all of the 16 unit water tanks WSU to each other. If water is placed in any of the unit water tanks WSU connected to the water channel WP among the multiple unit water tanks WSU, the water can be moved through the water channel WP and placed in the adjacent unit water tank WSU connected to the water channel WP. Since the jigs JG-1 and JG-2 also include the water channel WP, in order to place water in all of the multiple unit water tanks WSU, even if it is not necessary to place water in each unit water tank WSU one by one, water can be placed in the unit water tank WSU that is directly or indirectly connected to the unit water tank WSU where water is placed through the water channel WP, thereby improving convenience and efficiency.

[0071] Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of line I-I'.

[0072] Reference Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 , Display panel reliability test device TD( Figure 1) may further include a first support frame SP1. The first support frame SP1 may be disposed on the support portion SP. The test display panel TDP ( Fig.10 In order to enhance the supporting force, the first supporting frame SP1 may be provided in plurality or formed to surround the water tank WS. In order to prevent the heat transferred from the heating plate HP from being directly transferred to the test display panel TDP ( Fig.10 ) to improve the accuracy of the test, the first support frame SP1 may include a heat insulating material. The first support frame SP1 may be increased from the test display panel TDP ( Fig.10 ) to the water in the water tank WS to prevent a portion of the water in the water tank WS from being stained with the test display panel TDP ( Fig.10 ), which can improve stability.

[0073] Display panel reliability test device TD( Figure 1 ) may further include a second support frame SP2. The second support frame SP2 may be disposed on the support portion SP. The first support frame SP1 may be disposed between the second support frame SP2 and the water tank WS. The height of the second support frame SP2 may be greater than the height of the first support frame SP1. In order to prevent the heat transferred from the heating plate HP from being directly transferred to the test display panel TDP ( Fig.10 ) to improve the accuracy of the test, the second support frame SP2 may include a heat insulating material. The second support frame SP2 may be provided in a plurality or formed to surround the water tank WS. When the second support frame SP2 is formed to surround the water tank WS, the second support frame SP2 may include a test display panel TDP ( Fig.10 ) of the same shape. The second support frame SP2 can prevent the test display panel TDP ( Fig.10 ) is disengaged in the first direction DR1 or in the opposite direction of the first direction DR1, thereby improving stability.

[0074] On the other hand, Figure 7 As shown, a fixing groove FH may be defined in the support portion SP. The fixing groove FH may be a space in which a portion of the upper surface of the support portion SP is recessed. The fixing groove FH may be formed on a plane to surround the water tank WS. The fixing groove FH may accommodate a portion of the sealing cover PK. If a portion of the sealing cover PK is accommodated in the fixing groove FH, the supporting force may be improved, so that even if the display panel reliability test device TD( Figure 1 ) is subjected to external force or tilted, the sealing cover PK will not fall off, thereby improving stability.

[0075] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a display panel reliability testing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9A part of a display panel reliability testing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Fig.10 A part of a display panel reliability testing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Fig.11a A part of a display panel reliability testing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0076] Fig. 9 The second step (S110) of supplying predetermined water WT to the water tank WS is shown in FIG. Fig.10 4 shows the third step (S120) of arranging the test display panel TDP so as to overlap with the water tank WS on the plane. Fig.11a FIG. 4 shows a fourth step (S130) of configuring a sealing cover PK covering at least a portion of the test display panel TDP. Figures 1 to 7 The same contents apply to the structures described in , so detailed description is omitted.

[0077] Reference Figure 8 According to one embodiment, a display panel reliability test method includes: a first step (S100) of providing a heating plate and a fixture configured on the heating plate and including a water tank and a support portion surrounding the water tank; a second step (S110) of providing predetermined water to the water tank; a third step (S120) of configuring a test display panel in a manner overlapping with the water tank on a plane; a fourth step (S130) of configuring a sealing cover covering at least a portion of the test display panel; a fifth step (S140) of applying heat to the heating plate to maintain a test space defined by a space surrounded by the fixture and the sealing cover at a temperature of not less than 80 degrees Celsius and not more than 90 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of not less than 95% and not more than 100%; and a sixth step (S150) of confirming whether the test display panel is corroded.

[0078] Reference Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 In the first step (S100), the heating plate HP and the clamp JG may be in direct contact. That is, the upper surface of the heating plate HP may be in direct contact with the lower surface of the clamp JG. Fig. 9 Different from the above, the fixture JG may further include a water channel WP ( Figure 5 ) are connected to each other.

[0079] In the second step (S110), a predetermined amount of water WT is supplied to the water tank WS to fill a portion of the water tank WS. The volume of the water WT supplied to the water tank WS is such that the test space TS ( Figure 6) reaches a relative humidity of 95% or more and 100% or less by volume. The second step (S110) may include a step 2-1 of supplying a predetermined amount of water WT to each of the plurality of unit water tanks WSU. The step 2-1 may be a step of supplying a predetermined amount of water WT to each of the plurality of unit water tanks WSU without the water passages WP ( Figure 5 ) are connected to each other or only part of the plurality of unit water tanks WSU is connected through the water channel WP ( Figure 5 ) is connected to the water channel WP ( Figure 5 ) of the unit water tank WSU to provide a predetermined water WT step. All unit water tanks WSU can be connected through the water channel WP ( Figure 5 ) is connected to only provide a predetermined water WT to any one unit water tank WSU, and the water WT passes through the water channel WP ( Figure 5 ) is configured in all unit water tanks WSU, and has the advantage that the amount of water WT configured in each unit water tank WSU can be adjusted individually.

[0080] Reference Figure 8 as well as Fig.10 In the third step (S120), the test display panel TDP is arranged to overlap with the water tank WS on a plane. The test display panel TDP may be arranged on the support portion SP. The test display panel TDP may be arranged directly on the support portion SP. The test display panel TDP may not be directly in contact with the water WT arranged in the water tank WS. Fig. 9 ) contact. The test display panel TDP may be provided in plurality. The water tank WS may include a plurality of unit water tanks WSU. The support portion SP may include a plurality of unit support portions SPU. The third step (S120) may include step 3-1 of configuring a plurality of test display panels TDP in a manner of overlapping with the plurality of unit water tanks WSU on a plane. Any one of the plurality of test display panels TDP may be respectively configured above the corresponding unit support portion SPU. The test display panel TDP may be directly configured on the unit support portion SPU. The test display panel TDP may be placed on a first support frame SP1( Figure 6 ). The test display panel TDP can be directly arranged on the first support frame SP1 ( Figure 6 )superior.

[0081] Reference Figure 8 as well as Fig.11aIn the fourth step (S130), the sealing cover PK covers the entire test display panel TDP, or, unlike the case shown, covers a portion. The sealing cover PK may be directly arranged on the support portion SP. The sealing cover PK may include a groove in the form of a narrow groove on the side. When the sealing cover PK covers a portion of the test display panel TDP, a portion of the test display panel TDP may be exposed through the groove formed on the side of the sealing cover PK. When the sealing cover PK covers a portion of the test display panel TDP, the portion of the test display panel TDP covered by the sealing cover PK and the remaining portion of the test display panel TDP not covered may be exposed to other environments to compare the degree of corrosion. The sealing cover PK may include a plurality of unit sealing covers PKU. The fourth step (S130) may also include the step 4-1 of configuring a plurality of unit sealing covers PKU respectively covering a plurality of test display panels TDP. Alternatively, the fourth step (S130) does not include the step 4-1, and the fourth step (S130) may be a step of configuring a sealing cover PK-1( Figure 3b In step 4-1, each of the plurality of unit sealing caps PKU may cover at least a portion of the test display panel TDP. Sealing cap PK-1 ( Figure 3b ) can cover multiple test display panel TDPs.

[0082] Fig.11b yes Fig.11a A plan view of the test display panel is shown.

[0083] Reference Fig.11b The test display panel TDP may include a scan driver SDV, a data driver DDV, and an emission driver EDV. The test display panel TDP may include a first area AA1, a second area AA2, and a curved area BA between the first area AA1 and the second area AA2. The curved area BA may extend in the second direction DR2, and the first area AA1, the curved area BA, and the second area AA2 are arranged along the first direction DR1.

[0084] The first area AA1 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA around the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. The display area DA may be an area where an image is displayed, and the non-display area NDA may be an area where an image is not displayed. The second area AA2 and the bending area BA may be areas where an image is not displayed.

[0085] When viewed in the second direction DR2, the first area AA1 may include a first non-folding area NFA1, a second non-folding area NFA2, and a folding area FA between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0086] The test display panel TDP may include a plurality of pixels PX, a plurality of scan lines SL1 to SLm, a plurality of data lines DL1 to DLn, a plurality of light-emitting lines EL1 to Elm, a plurality of first and second control lines CSL1 and CSL2, a power line PL, a plurality of connection lines CNL, and a plurality of pads PD. m and n are natural numbers. The pixels PX may be arranged in the display area DA and connected to the scan lines SL1 to SLm, the data lines DL1 to DLn, and the light-emitting lines EL1 to Elm.

[0087] The scanning driving unit SDV and the light emitting driving unit EDV may be arranged in the non-display area NDA. The scanning driving unit SDV and the light emitting driving unit EDV may be arranged in the non-display area NDA adjacent to both sides of the first area AA1 opposite to each other in the second direction DR2. The data driving unit DDV may be arranged in the second area AA2. The data driving unit DDV may be manufactured in the form of an integrated circuit chip and mounted on the second area AA2.

[0088] Scan lines SL1-SLm may extend in the second direction DR2 and be connected to the scan driving unit SDV. Data lines DL1-DLn may extend in the first direction DR1 and be connected to the data driving unit DDV via the bending area BA. Light emitting lines EL1-Elm may extend in the second direction DR2 and be connected to the light emitting driving unit EDV.

[0089] The power line PL may extend in the first direction DR1 and be disposed in the non-display area NDA. The power line PL may be disposed between the display area DA and the light emitting driving part EDV, but is not limited thereto. The power line PL may also be disposed between the display area DA and the scanning driving part SDV.

[0090] The power line PL may extend toward the second area AA2 via the bending area BA. When viewed on a plane, the power line PL may extend toward a lower end of the second area AA2. The power line PL may receive a driving voltage.

[0091] The connection line CNL may extend in the second direction DR2 and be arranged along the first direction DR1. The connection line CNL may be connected to the power line PL and the pixel PX. A driving voltage may be applied to the pixel PX through the power line PL and the connection line CNL connected to each other.

[0092] The first control line CSL1 may be connected to the scan driving part SDV and extend toward the lower end of the second area AA2 via the bending area BA. The second control line CSL2 may be connected to the light emitting driving part EDV and extend toward the lower end of the second area AA2 via the bending area BA. The data driving part DDV may be disposed between the first control line CSL1 and the second control line CSL2.

[0093] When viewed in a plane, the pad PD may be disposed adjacent to a lower end of the second area AA2. The data driving part DDV, the power line PL, the first control line CSL1, and the second control line CSL2 may be connected to the pad PD.

[0094] The data lines DL1 ˜DLn may be connected to corresponding pads PD through a data driving unit DDV. For example, the data lines DL1 ˜DLn may be connected to the data driving unit DDV, and the data driving unit DDV may be connected to pads PD corresponding to the data lines DL1 ˜DLn, respectively.

[0095] Although not shown, it can be that the printed circuit substrate is connected to the pad PD, and the timing controller and the voltage generating unit are configured on the printed circuit substrate. The timing controller can be manufactured by an integrated circuit chip and installed on the printed circuit substrate. The timing controller and the voltage generating unit can be connected to the pad PD through the printed circuit substrate.

[0096] The timing controller may control the operation of the scan driving part SDV, the data driving part DDV and the light emitting driving part EDV. The timing controller may generate a scan control signal, a data control signal and a light emitting control signal in response to a control signal received from the outside. The voltage generating part may generate a driving voltage.

[0097] The scan control signal may be provided to the scan driving part SDV through the first control line CSL1. The light emitting control signal may be provided to the light emitting driving part EDV through the second control line CSL2. The data control signal may be provided to the data driving part DDV. The timing controller may receive an image signal from the outside, and convert the data format of the image signal to match the interface specification of the data driving part DDV and provide it to the data driving part DDV.

[0098] The scan driving part SDV may generate a plurality of scan signals in response to the scan control signal. The scan signals may be applied to the pixels PX through the scan lines SL1 ˜SLm. The scan signals may be applied to the pixels PX in sequence.

[0099] The data driving part DDV may generate a plurality of data voltages corresponding to the image signal in response to the data control signal. The data voltages may be applied to the pixels PX through the data lines DL1 to DLn. The light emitting driving part EDV may generate a plurality of light emitting signals in response to the light emitting control signal. The light emitting signals may be applied to the pixels PX through the light emitting lines EL1 to Elm.

[0100] The pixel PX may receive a data voltage in response to a scan signal, and may emit light of brightness corresponding to the data voltage in response to a light emission signal to display an image, and the light emission time of the pixel PX may be controlled by the light emission signal.

[0101] When the test display panel TDP is exposed to a high temperature and high humidity environment, moisture can easily penetrate into the test display panel TDP through the curved area BA. If the concentration of moisture flowing into the test display panel TDP through the curved area BA becomes high and the data lines DL1 to DLn, the scan lines SL1 to SLm, the light lines EL1 to Elm, the power lines PL, the connection lines CNL, the first control lines CSL1 or the second control lines CSL2 are corroded, the pixel PX may not be able to receive the data voltage in response to the scan signal. Since the pixel PX cannot receive the data voltage, it cannot emit light of a brightness corresponding to the data voltage to display an image. The display panel reliability test device TD( Figure 1 ) can provide an environment in which the test display panel TDP is exposed to a high temperature and high humidity environment for a long time to test in a short time whether corrosion may occur due to moisture flowing into the interior of the test display panel TDP through the bent area BA of the test display panel TDP.

[0102] Reference Figure 8 The fifth step (S140) may be a step of maintaining the test space at 80 degrees Celsius or higher and 90 degrees Celsius or lower and relative humidity at 95% or higher and 100% or lower for 300 hours. When the fifth step (S140) is maintained for less than 300 hours, the corrosion frequency occurring in the test display panel TDP is low and data analysis may become difficult.

[0103] In the sixth step (S150), whether the test display panel TDP is corroded may be confirmed by observing whether it changes color with the naked eye, observing whether it changes color with a microscope, and observing whether the test display panel TDP is operating.

[0104] Hereinafter, the results of evaluating the reliability of a display panel by using a display panel reliability testing method using a display panel reliability testing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0105] The display panel reliability testing device used in the display panel reliability testing method of the embodiment includes: Figure 1The heating plate, fixture and 30 unit sealing covers shown. The fixture includes 30 unit water tanks and 30 unit support parts. The side of each of the 30 unit sealing covers includes a slot in the form of a narrow slot. After filling each of the 30 unit water tanks with water, and configuring the 30 test display panels to overlap with the 30 unit water tanks on the plane, each of the multiple unit sealing covers is configured to cover half of the 30 test display panels. That is, by forming a groove on the side of each of the multiple unit sealing covers, half is configured in the test space, and the remaining half is configured outside the test space. In order to make the test space airtight, the gap between the groove formed on the side of the sealing cover and the test display panel is filled by a rubber filler. Thereafter, heat is applied to the heating plate to keep the test space at 85 degrees Celsius and 100% relative humidity, and the space outside the test space is kept at 85 degrees Celsius and 85% relative humidity. The time of corrosion in the test display panel is analyzed and shown in Table 1. The embodiment refers to the portion of the 30 test display panels arranged in the test space, and the comparative example 1 refers to the portion of the 30 test display panels arranged outside the test space. The condition in which more corrosion occurs in the display panel in the same time can confirm the corrosion of the display panel more quickly, so it can be interpreted that the efficiency is improved.

[0106]

Table 1

[0107]

[0108] Referring to Table 1, it was observed that two of the 30 test display panels of the embodiment were corroded after 288 hours, and a total of 6 of the 30 test display panels were corroded after 456 hours. Two of the 30 display panels of Comparative Example 1 were corroded after 1008 hours. Therefore, compared with Comparative Example 1, more test display panels of the embodiment were corroded in a relatively short period of time, which is interpreted as improved efficiency in reliability testing.

[0109] Fig.12 Graphs showing the water concentration of the test display panels of each of Example and Comparative Example 1. Fig.13 The moisture concentration of the test display panel of each of Comparative Examples 1 and 2 is shown. Fig.12 as well as Fig.13 is a graph of the data obtained through simulation.

[0110] Fig.12 The moisture concentration of each of the display panels of the embodiment and the comparative example 1 is shown according to time. Fig.13The water concentration of each display panel of Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 is shown according to time. The curve of the embodiment increases faster than the curve of Comparative Example 1, which can be interpreted as the water concentration of the display panel of the embodiment increases faster than the water concentration of the display panel of Comparative Example 1. The water concentration at which corrosion begins to occur in the display panel is about 0.06 (mol / m 2 ), the moisture concentration of the display panel of Comparative Example 1 reached about 0.06 (mol / m 2 ) is about 1000 hours, and the water concentration of the display panel of the embodiment reaches about 0.06 (mol / m 2 ) The time required is about 310 hours.

[0111] Comparative Example 2 arranges a display panel in the test space, and exposes the display panel under the condition that the test space is kept at 85 degrees Celsius and the relative humidity is 90%, thereby showing the moisture concentration of the display panel according to time. Compared with Comparative Example 1, the relative humidity of Comparative Example 2 is higher, and the moisture concentration of the display panel reaches about 0.06 (mol / m 2 ) is short. However, the relative humidity cannot be kept high enough and still takes about 980 hours, so that the moisture concentration of the display panel increases significantly slowly compared with the embodiment. It is explained that this is because, in the case of the embodiment, the relative humidity is high and the water vapor condenses into liquid inside or outside the display panel, so that the display panel can contact with more water molecules.

[0112] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a display panel reliability test device includes: a heating plate; a fixture, which is arranged on the heating plate and includes a water tank and a support portion surrounding the water tank; and a sealing cover, which is arranged on the fixture and overlaps with the water tank on a plane, and a test space defined by a space surrounded by the fixture and the sealing cover and arranged with a test display panel is maintained at a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius or more and 90 degrees Celsius or less and a relative humidity of 95% or more and 100% or less for more than 300 hours, thereby making it possible to make water condense in the display panel arranged in the test space and the display panel corrode faster, thereby improving the efficiency of the reliability test method. In addition, compared with the previous display panel reliability test method, the device for reliability testing is simple and inexpensive, thereby improving convenience and economy.

[0113] The above description is made with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, but it is understood by those skilled in the art or those with general knowledge in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without exceeding the scope of the concept and technical field of the present invention recorded in the attached claims. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited by the contents recorded in the detailed description of the specification, but should be limited by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A display panel reliability testing device, wherein: include: Heating plate; A fixture, arranged on the heating plate and comprising a water tank and a support portion surrounding the water tank; as well as A sealing cover is arranged on the fixture and overlaps with the water tank on a plane. A test space defined by a space surrounded by the jig and the sealing cover and in which the test display panel is arranged can be maintained at a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius or higher and 90 degrees Celsius or lower and a relative humidity of 95% or higher and 100% or lower for more than 300 hours.

2. The display panel reliability testing device according to claim 1, wherein: The water tank comprises a plurality of unit water tanks, The support portion includes a plurality of unit support portions respectively surrounding the plurality of unit water tanks. The sealing cover includes a plurality of unit sealing covers respectively overlapping with the plurality of unit water tanks on a plane.

3. The display panel reliability testing device according to claim 2, wherein: The jig further includes a water channel connecting at least a portion of the plurality of unit water tanks to each other.

4. The display panel reliability testing device according to claim 1, wherein: The water tank comprises a plurality of unit water tanks, The sealing cover overlaps with the plurality of unit water tanks in a plane.

5. The display panel reliability testing device according to claim 1, wherein: The fixture is directly arranged on the heating plate.

6. The display panel reliability testing device according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing cover is directly disposed on the fixture.

7. The display panel reliability testing device according to claim 1, wherein: The heating plate includes a thermally conductive substance.

8. The display panel reliability testing device according to claim 7, wherein: The thermally conductive material includes at least one of Fe, Cu, Ag, Au, Al and W.

9. The display panel reliability testing device according to claim 1, wherein: The support portion includes a thermally conductive material.

10. A display panel reliability testing method, wherein: include: A first step of providing a heating plate and a fixture disposed on the heating plate and comprising a water tank and a support portion surrounding the water tank; a second step of providing a predetermined amount of water to the water tank; a third step of disposing a test display panel so as to overlap with the water tank on a plane; a fourth step of configuring a sealing cover covering at least a portion of the test display panel; a fifth step of applying heat to the heating plate to maintain a test space defined by a space surrounded by the fixture and the sealing cover at 80 degrees Celsius or higher and 90 degrees Celsius or lower and a relative humidity of 95% or higher and 100% or lower; and The sixth step is to confirm whether the test display panel is corroded.

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