Display device including film under display panel and method of manufacturing display device

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 peripheral area at least partially surrounding the display area; a window layer disposed on the display panel; and a first film disposed below the display panel and including a base film and a line. The wire is disposed inside the base film and has a curved shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device including a film under a display panel and a method of manufacturing the display device. Background Art

[0002] Display devices used in computer monitors, televisions, mobile phones, etc. may include self-emitting organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and liquid crystal displays that require a separate light source such as a backlight to generate an image.

[0003] Display devices have traditionally been used in televisions and computer monitors, but recently, they have been used in a variety of personal portable devices. Research is underway to develop display devices that have a larger display area while reducing their volume and weight.

[0004] With the latest advancements in display device-related technologies, flexible display devices that can be folded or formed into a curled shape are being researched and developed. In addition, stretchable displays that can be stretched horizontally or vertically are also under development. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a display panel including a display area and a peripheral area at least partially surrounding the display area; a window layer disposed on the display panel; and a first film disposed under the display panel and including a base film and a line. The line is disposed inside the base film and has a curved shape.

[0006] A method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: providing a display panel including a display area and a peripheral area at least partially surrounding the display area; attaching a first film including a base film and a line disposed inside the base film, the line having a curved shape, under the display panel; compressing the display panel and the first film into a mold; curing the display panel and the first film; and attaching the window layer to the display panel. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] The drawings (which are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concept and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification) illustrate embodiments of the inventive concept in conjunction with the description.

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 is a sectional view showing Figure 1 a form of the display device.

[0010] Figure 3 is along Figure 1A cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line I-I'.

[0011] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the display panel of Figure 3 .

[0012] Figure 5 is a plan view showing an example of the first film before stretching of Figure 3 .

[0013] Figure 6 is a plan view showing an example of the first film after stretching of Figure 3 .

[0014] Figure 7 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the sensing unit in which Figure 3 is arranged.

[0015] Figure 8 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the sensing unit in which Figure 3 is arranged.

[0016] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment in which the sensing unit of Figure 3 is connected to the connection film.

[0017] Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 are views showing methods of manufacturing a display device according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 17 is a view showing an embodiment of the display device of the present disclosure provided in a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0020] In this specification, a plane may be defined by a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1. For example, the second direction D2 may be perpendicular to the first direction D1. Further, a third direction D3 may be the normal direction of the plane. For example, the third direction D3 may be perpendicular to the plane formed by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Reference Figure 1, the display device DD may include a display area DA and a peripheral area SA. The display area DA may be at least partially surrounded by the peripheral area SA. As used herein, the phrase "at least partially surround" is understood to mean that the surrounding element may contact the surrounded element on at least one side or part, may contact the surrounded element on two sides (whether these sides are opposite sides or adjacent sides), may contact the surrounded element on more than two sides, and may even completely surround the surrounded element.

[0023] The display area DA may be an area that can display an image by generating light or adjusting the transmittance of light provided from an external light source. The peripheral area SA may be an area that does not display an image. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto, and at least a part of the peripheral area SA may display an image.

[0024] The display area DA may display a plurality of images IM. A user may receive information from the display device DD through the plurality of images IM.

[0025] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing Figure 1 a form of the display device.

[0026] The display device DD may include a convex area CVA and a concave area CCA that are arranged adjacent to each other along a first direction D1. The convex area CVA refers to an area where the display device DD protrudes in a third direction D3, and the concave area CCA refers to an area where the display device DD protrudes in a direction opposite to the third direction D3.

[0027] In an embodiment, each of the convex area CVA and the concave area CCA may be arranged as one and / or more along the first direction D1. For example, the display device DD may include two convex areas CVA and one concave area CCA along the first direction D1. Although Figure 2 shows that the display device DD may include both the convex area CVA and the concave area CCA, the display device DD may only include the convex area CVA and may not include the concave area CCA.

[0028] In Figure 2 , the display device DD is shown as including a convex area CVA and a concave area CCA that are arranged adjacent to each other along the first direction D1. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the display device DD may include a convex area CVA and a concave area CCA that are arranged adjacent to each other along the first direction D1 and / or a second direction D2.

[0029] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the display device taken along Figure 1 the line I-I'.

[0030] Refer toFigure 3 , the display device DD may include a cover film CF, a first film FL1, a sensing unit SU, a display panel DP, a second film FL2, and a window layer WL.

[0031] The cover film CF may be attached below the display panel DP. The cover film CF may protect the display panel DP from external impacts, foreign substances, etc. For example, the cover film CF may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0032] The first film FL1 may be disposed on the cover film CF. For example, the first film FL1 may at least partially cover the top surface of the cover film CF and the bottom surface of the display panel DP. The first film FL1 may protect the display panel DP. For example, the first film FL1 may protect the display panel DP from impacts, foreign substances, etc. The planar area of the first film FL1 may be larger than the planar area of the display panel DP. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. Subsequently, reference will be made to Figure 5 and Figure 6 to describe the first film FL1 in detail.

[0033] The sensing unit SU may be disposed on the first film FL1. In a cross-sectional view, the sensing unit SU may be disposed between the display panel DP and the first film FL1. For example, the sensing unit SU may overlap with the peripheral area SA. When the user uses the display device DD, the sensing unit SU may recognize the movement of the user. For example, the sensing unit SU may detect the touch direction, touch pressure, etc. of the user. Subsequently, reference will be made to Figure 7 and Figure 8 to describe the sensing unit SU in detail.

[0034] The display panel DP may be disposed on the first film FL1. The display panel DP may emit light according to an applied electrical signal. The display panel DP may include one of an organic light-emitting display panel, an inorganic light-emitting display panel, and a quantum dot display panel. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. Subsequently, reference will be made to Figure 4 to describe the display panel DP in detail.

[0035] The second film FL2 may be disposed on the display panel DP. For example, the second film FL2 may at least partially cover the top surface of the display panel DP. The second film FL2 may protect the display panel DP. For example, the second film FL2 may protect the display panel DP from impacts, foreign substances, etc.

[0036] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second film FL2 may be stretchable. For example, the second film FL2 may be stretched along the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and / or the third direction D3. For example, the second film FL2 may include polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. As the second film FL2 is stretched, the display device DD may be implemented in various foldable or stretchable shapes.

[0037] The window layer WL may be disposed on the second film FL2, and the window layer WL may include a substantially transparent material. For example, the window layer WL may include glass or plastic. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0038] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a display panel Figure 3 of.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 4 , the display panel DP may include a substrate SUB, a buffer layer BUF, a gate insulating layer GI, a transistor TR, an interlayer insulating layer IL, a connection electrode CNE, a first via layer VIA1, a second via layer VIA2, a light-emitting diode LED, a pixel defining layer PDL, and a packaging layer ENC.

[0040] The transistor TR may include an active layer ACT, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE. The light-emitting diode LED may include a pixel electrode PE, a light-emitting layer EL, and a common electrode CE.

[0041] The substrate SUB may include a glass substrate, a metal substrate, a plastic substrate, etc. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto, and the substrate SUB may be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

[0042] The buffer layer BUF may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The buffer layer BUF may prevent impurities such as oxygen and moisture from penetrating into the upper portion of the substrate SUB. The buffer layer BUF may include an inorganic insulating material.

[0043] The active layer ACT may be disposed on the buffer layer BUF. The active layer ACT may include an oxide semiconductor, a silicon semiconductor, an organic semiconductor, etc. For example, the oxide semiconductor may include indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and / or zinc (Zn). The silicon semiconductor may include amorphous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, etc. The active layer ACT may include a source region, a drain region, and a channel region disposed between the source region and the drain region.

[0044] The gate insulating layer GI can be disposed on the buffer layer BUF. For example, the gate insulating layer GI can at least partially cover the active layer ACT on the buffer layer BUF. The gate insulating layer GI can include an inorganic insulating material. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gate insulating layer GI can be completely formed in the display area DA and the peripheral area SA.

[0045] The gate electrode GE can be disposed on the gate insulating layer GI. The gate electrode GE can at least partially overlap with the channel region of the active layer ACT. The gate electrode GE can include a conductive material such as a metal, an alloy, a conductive metal nitride, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material. Examples of the conductive material that can be used in the gate electrode GE can include gold (Au), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), palladium (Pd), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), lithium (Li), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), scandium (Sc), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), aluminum-containing alloy, silver-containing alloy, copper-containing alloy, molybdenum-containing alloy, aluminum nitride (AlN), tungsten nitride (WN), titanium nitride (TiN), chromium nitride (CrN), tantalum nitride (TaN), strontium ruthenium oxide (SrRuO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin oxide (ITO), tin oxide (SnO), indium oxide (InO), gallium oxide (GaO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), etc. These can be used alone or in combination with each other. Alternatively, the gate electrode GE can have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure including a plurality of conductive layers.

[0046] The interlayer insulating layer IL can be disposed on the gate electrode GE. For example, the interlayer insulating layer IL can be disposed on the gate insulating layer GI and at least partially cover the gate electrode GE on the gate insulating layer GI. The interlayer insulating layer IL can include an inorganic insulating material.

[0047] The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE can be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer IL. Each of the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE can be connected to the active layer ACT. For example, the source electrode SE can be in contact with the source region of the active layer ACT, and the drain electrode DE can be in contact with the drain region of the active layer ACT. Each of the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE can include a conductive material. The active layer ACT, the gate electrode GE, the source electrode SE, and the drain electrode DE can form a transistor TR.

[0048] The first via layer VIA1 can be disposed on the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. For example, the first via layer VIA1 can be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer IL and at least partially cover the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE on the interlayer insulating layer IL. The first via layer VIA1 can include an organic insulating material. In an embodiment, the first via layer VIA1 can be formed only in the display area DA and a part of the peripheral area SA adjacent to the display area DA.

[0049] The connection electrode CNE can be disposed on the first via layer VIA1. The connection electrode CNE can transmit a signal from the transistor TR to the light-emitting diode LED. The connection electrode CNE can include a metal, an alloy, a metal nitride, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, etc. These can be used alone or in combination with each other. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0050] The second via layer VIA2 can be disposed on the connection electrode CNE. For example, the second via layer VIA2 can be disposed on the first via layer VIA1 and cover the connection electrode CNE. The second via layer VIA2 can include substantially the same material as the first via layer VIA1.

[0051] The pixel electrode PE can be disposed on the second via layer VIA2. The pixel electrode PE can include a conductive material. The pixel electrode PE can be connected to the drain electrode DE through the connection electrode CNE. Therefore, the pixel electrode PE can be electrically connected to the transistor TR.

[0052] The pixel defining layer PDL can be disposed on the pixel electrode PE. For example, the pixel defining layer PDL can expose at least a part of the pixel electrode PE. The pixel defining layer PDL can include an inorganic insulating material or an organic insulating material.

[0053] The light-emitting layer EL can be disposed on the pixel electrode PE. For example, the light-emitting layer EL can be disposed within an opening defined by the pixel defining layer PDL. For example, the light-emitting layer EL can be at least partially surrounded by the pixel defining layer PDL. The light-emitting layer EL can include at least one of an organic light-emitting material and / or a quantum dot. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0054] The common electrode CE can be disposed on the light-emitting layer EL. The common electrode CE can also be disposed on the pixel defining layer PDL. For example, the common electrode CE can be continuously disposed on the light-emitting layer EL and the pixel defining layer PDL. The common electrode CE can include a conductive material. The light-emitting layer EL can emit light based on the voltage difference between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE.

[0055] The encapsulation layer ENC may be disposed on the common electrode CE. The encapsulation layer ENC may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inorganic encapsulation layer and the organic encapsulation layer may be alternately disposed. For example, the organic encapsulation layer may include a cured polymer such as polyacrylate, epoxy resin, silicone resin, etc. For example, the inorganic thin film may include silicon oxide (SiO2), silicon nitride (Si3N4), silicon carbide (SiC), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), zirconium oxide (ZrO2), and titanium oxide (TiO2), etc.

[0056] Figure 5 is a plan view showing an example of the first film before stretching. Figure 3 before stretching. Figure 6 is a plan view showing an example of the first film after stretching. For example, Figure 3 after stretching. For example, Figure 5 is a plan view showing a form of the first film FL1 before stretching, and Figure 6 is a plan view showing a form of the first film FL1 after being stretched along the first direction D1 and / or the second direction D2.

[0057] Referring to Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the first film FL1 may include a base film BF and a wire WR.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first film FL1 is bent, the wire WR may disperse the force concentrated on the bent portion of the first film FL1. For example, as shown in Figure 2 , the first film FL1 may be bent in the convex region CVA and / or the concave region CCA, and when the elongation of the first film FL1 exceeds the elongation limit, breakage may occur in the first film FL1. Since the first film FL1 includes the wire WR, when the first film FL1 is bent, as the wire WR is stretched together, the first film FL1 may be uniformly stretched throughout the entire region of the display device DD. For example, the wire WR acts as a spring in the first film FL1, so that even when only a part of the first film FL1 is bent, the entire region of the first film FL1 is uniformly stretched.

[0059] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wire WR may have a curved pattern in a plan view. For example, the wire WR may have an S shape. The wire WR may be disposed inside the first film FL1. When the wire WR is stretched from the Figure 5 shape to the Figure 6When in the shape of [the object], its elongation rate can be substantially the same as that of the base film BF. For example, when stretched along the first direction D1 and / or the second direction D2, the elongation rate of the first film FL1 can be substantially the same as that of the wire WR. Therefore, the curving pattern of the wire WR can be formed based on the elongation rate of the base film BF.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the wire WR may include a metal. For example, the wire WR may include molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), etc. These may be used alone or in combination with each other. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0061] The base film BF may include a curable film. For example, the base film BF may include a thermosetting film or an ultraviolet curable film. For example, the base film BF may include polycaprolactone (PCL) or a curable silicone member. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0062] As a result, since the first film FL1 includes the wire WR, when the display device DD is bent, the stress can be dispersed rather than concentrated. For example, when the first film FL1 is bent, the wire WR acts as a spring, such that the stress can be evenly dispersed throughout the entire area of the display device DD. In addition, since the first film FL1 includes the base film BF having curability, the display device DD may not warp after being attached to an object (e.g., an automobile, a watch, etc.). Therefore, since the stress applied to the display device DD is dispersed, the stability of the device can be increased, and the warping phenomenon can be prevented to ensure reliability.

[0063] Figure 7 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a sensing unit in which Figure 3 is arranged. Figure 8 is a plan view showing another embodiment of a sensing unit in which Figure 3 is arranged.

[0064] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the sensing unit SU may include a transmitting sensing unit TU that transmits a touch driving signal and a receiving sensing unit RU that receives a sensing signal. There may be a plurality of transmitting sensing units TU and receiving sensing units RU. For example, the transmitting sensing unit TU may include a first transmitting sensing unit TU1 and a second transmitting sensing unit TU2. The receiving sensing unit RU may include a first receiving sensing unit RU1 and a second receiving sensing unit RU2. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, there may be three or more transmitting sensing units TU and receiving sensing units RU.

[0065] The first transmission sensing unit TU1 and the second transmission sensing unit TU2 may have a rectangular shape having a first portion extending along a first direction D1 in a plan view and two second portions extending from the first portion along a second direction D2 in the plan view. Each of the first reception sensing unit RU1 and the second reception sensing unit RU2 may have a photo frame shape in a plan view, the photo frame shape having a circular shape disposed inside the frame shape. For example, the photo frame shape may refer to a shape having four sides surrounding outer corners, the photo frame shape having opposite sides that are parallel and of equal length. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto, and each of the transmission sensing unit TU and the reception sensing unit RU may have various planar shapes in a plan view.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figure 7 shown, the transmission sensing unit TU and the reception sensing unit RU may be disposed in the peripheral area SA. As Figure 7 shown, the first transmission sensing unit TU1 may be disposed on one side of the peripheral area SA of the display device DD, and the first reception sensing unit RU1 may be disposed on the other side of the peripheral area SA of the display device DD. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0067] In an embodiment, as Figure 8 shown, the first transmission sensing unit TU1 and the second transmission sensing unit TU2 may be disposed on one side of the peripheral area SA of the display device DD, and the first reception sensing unit RU1 and the second reception sensing unit RU2 may be disposed on the other side different from the side on which the first transmission sensing unit TU1 and the second transmission sensing unit TU2 are disposed. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0068] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the present disclosure in which Figure 3 the sensing unit is connected to the connection film.

[0069] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 9 , the display device DD may further include a connection film LF and a printed circuit board PCB.

[0070] The sensing unit SU may be connected to the printed circuit board PCB through the connection film LF. For example, the sensing unit SU may be attached to the first end of the connection film LF, and the printed circuit board PCB may be attached to the second end of the connection film LF opposite the first end. The printed circuit board PCB may drive the sensing unit SU by applying an electrical signal.

[0071] The first end and the second end of the connection film LF may be attached to the sensing unit SU and the printed circuit board PCB, respectively, through an anisotropic conductive film (ACF). However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0072] Figure 10 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 、 Figure 13 、 Figure 14 、 Figure 15 and Figure 16 are views showing a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Referring to Figure 10 , a sensing unit SU may be formed on the first film FL1. For example, the sensing unit SU may be formed on the first film FL1 before attaching the first film FL1 to the display panel DP. The sensing unit SU may be formed in the peripheral area SA.

[0074] Further referring to Figure 3 and Figure 11 , the first film FL1 may be attached to one surface of the display panel DP. For example, the first film FL1 may be disposed below the display panel DP. For example, the first film FL1 may be attached to the substrate of the display panel DP (e.g., Figure 4 the substrate SUB in

[0075] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second film FL2 may also be attached to the display panel DP. For example, the second film FL2 may be attached to the encapsulation layer of the display panel DP (e.g., Figure 4 the encapsulation layer ENC in

[0076] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second film FL2 may be attached to the display panel DP before attaching the first film FL1. For example, after attaching the second film FL2 to the display panel DP, the first film FL1 may be attached to the display panel DP on another surface opposite to the surface to which the second film FL2 is attached. In some embodiments, the second film FL2 may be attached to the display panel DP after attaching the first film FL1. For example, the second film FL2 may be attached to another surface opposite to the surface to which the first film FL1 is attached.

[0077] Further referring to Figure 12 , in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display panel DP and the first film FL1 may be attached to the pad PD. The pad PD may be a soft pad. For example, the pad PD may be a soft pad containing silicon. Since the display panel DP and the first film FL1 are attached to the soft pad, the display panel DP and the first film FL1 may be uniformly attached to the mold MD without any gap. As Figure 12As shown in , the mold MD may be an object including a convex area CVA and a concave area CCA. For example, the mold MD may be an object having a concave or convex surface shape in a 3D shape. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the step of compressing the display panel DP and the first film FL1 into the mold MD, the display panel DP and the first film FL1 are compressed together with the soft pad.

[0078] Further references Figure 13 , the display panel DP and the first film FL1 may be compressed to the mold MD along the third direction D3. Since the display panel DP and the first film FL1 are compressed, the cross-sectional shapes of the display panel DP and the first film FL1 may be substantially the same as the shape of the mold MD. For example, the shapes of the display panel DP and the first film FL1 may be molded based on the shape of the mold MD.

[0079] Further references Figure 14 , after the display panel DP and the first film FL1 are compressed to the mold MD, the display panel DP and the first film FL1 may be cured.

[0080] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first film FL1 may be thermally cured when it is compressed on the mold MD. For example, the first film FL1 may be cured along the shape of the mold MD when it is compressed on the mold MD. For example, when the base film (e.g., Figure 5 When the base film BF in the mold MD is polycaprolactone (PCL), the first film FL1 may be thermally cured below 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the first film FL1 may be cured by ultraviolet rays when it is compressed into the mold MD. For example, the first film FL1 may be cured by ultraviolet rays along the shape of the mold MD. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0081] Since the first film FL1 is cured according to the shape of the mold MD, the shapes of the display panel DP and the first film FL1 can be maintained similar to the shape of the mold MD even after the pad PD is removed. Therefore, even when the display panel DP and the first film FL1 are attached to a curved portion of an object (e.g., a car, a watch, etc.), a warping phenomenon can be prevented.

[0082] Further references Figure 15 , the window layer WL can be attached to the display panel DP. Figure 15 As shown in , the window layer WL may have a curved shape similar to the shape of the top surface of the display panel DP. The window layer WL may be attached to the display panel DP using an optically transparent adhesive film or an optically transparent adhesive resin. Figure 3 As described, the second film (e.g., Figure 3 The second film FL2) in the cross-sectional view may be formed between the window layer WL and the display panel DP.

[0083] Further referring to Figure 16 , after forming the window layer WL on the display panel DP, a cover film CF can be formed under the first film FL1. The cover film CF can protect the display device (such as the display device DD in Figure 1 ) from external impacts.

[0084] According to Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 in the manufacturing methods shown, the window layer WL, the display panel DP, the first film FL1, and the cover film (such as the cover film CF in Figure 3 ) can be attached in sequence and a display device (such as the display device DD in Figure 3 ) can be formed.

[0085] Figure 17 is a view showing an embodiment of the display device of the present disclosure provided in a vehicle. For example, the display device DD in Figure 17 can correspond to the display device DD in Figure 3 .

[0086] Referring to Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 17 , the display device DD can include a convex region CVA and a concave region CCA. Thus, the display device DD can have a curved shape such that the display device DD can be attached to an object such as an automobile. For example, the display device DD can be connected to the center control panel, windshield, and / or dashboard of a vehicle and provide visual information to a user. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited thereto. The display device DD can be used not only in automobiles but also in watches, laptop computers, mobile phones, and wearable devices.

[0087] The present disclosure can be applied to display devices and electronic devices including display devices. For example, the present disclosure can be applied to high-resolution smart phones, mobile phones, smart tablets, smart watches, tablet PCs, vehicle navigation systems, televisions, computer monitors, laptop computers, etc.

[0088] Although the present disclosure has been specifically shown and described with reference to embodiments of the present disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a display panel including a display area and a peripheral area at least partially surrounding the display area; a window layer disposed on the display panel; and a first film disposed below the display panel and including: a base film; and lines, wherein the lines are disposed inside the base film and have a curved shape.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The lines include metal.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first film includes a thermosetting film or an ultraviolet (UV) curable film.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The elongation rate of the first film is the same as that of the base film.

5. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a sensing unit disposed between the display panel and the first film in a cross-sectional view.

6. The display device according to claim 5, further comprising: a connection film having a first end attached to the sensing unit; and a printed circuit board attached to a second end of the connection film opposite to the first end.

7. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second film disposed on the display panel, the second film being stretchable.

8. A method of manufacturing a display device, the method comprising: providing a display panel including a display area and a peripheral area at least partially surrounding the display area; attaching a first film including a base film and lines disposed inside the base film, the lines having a curved shape, below the display panel; compressing the display panel and the first film into a mold; curing the display panel and the first film; and attaching a window layer to the display panel.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: forming a sensing unit on the first film after providing the display panel and before attaching the first film.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein, In the step of compressing the display panel and the first film into the mold, the display panel and the first film are compressed together with a soft pad.

Images