Display panel and display device including the same

Abstract

The invention discloses a display panel and a display device. The display panel includes: a display substrate having a display area displaying an image and a pad area disposed on at least one side of the display area; a plurality of pad groups arranged on the pad region in the first direction; and a plurality of connection lines disposed between the display area and the pad area. The plurality of pad groups includes: a first pad group disposed on a central portion of the pad region and having a plurality of first pads, at least some of the first pads having a first inclination with respect to a reference line parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the plurality of first pads being spaced apart by a first pitch; and a second pad group disposed on at least one side of the first pad group and having a plurality of second pads, at least some of the second pads having a second inclination different from the first inclination with respect to the reference line, and the plurality of second pads being spaced by a second pitch different from the first pitch. The second spacing is smaller than the first spacing.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2018 - 0055254, filed on May 15, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a display panel and a display device including the display panel, and more particularly, to a display panel having a reduced area of an inactive region outside a display area and a display device including the display panel. Background art

[0004] Various types of display devices are being used to provide image information. Such display devices include a display area and panel pads, wherein an image is displayed on the display area, and the panel pads are disposed outside the display area to provide drive signals to a display portion that displays the image.

[0005] In order to arrange the panel pads and connection lines connecting the panel pads to the display portion, space is required at the periphery of the display area. Minimizing the area on which the panel pads are arranged increases the relative ratio of the display area to the peripheral area in the display device and reduces the inactive region, thereby improving the design freedom of the display device.

[0006] The above information disclosed in this background section is only for understanding the background of the inventive concept, and thus, it may include information that does not constitute the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0007] Compared with the conventional design, a display panel and a display device including the display panel constructed according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention have a reduced inactive region.

[0008] According to the principles and exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a display panel and a display device including the display panel have a minimum or reduced pad area while maintaining the connection reliability with a connection circuit board. For example, the inclination and pitch of the pads of a pad group can be changed to optimize the layout of the pads. Thus, when compared with a display panel having a constant inclination and pitch, although the same number of pads are provided, the pad area according to the principles and some exemplary embodiments of the present invention can have a relatively reduced length and a relatively reduced inactive region. In addition, the inclination and pitch of the pads can be optimized to maintain a sufficient contact area with a connection member, thereby achieving good reliability while reducing the inactive region.

[0009] Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the following description and will be partly apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the inventive concept.

[0010] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a display panel includes a display substrate and a plurality of pad groups. The display substrate has a display area for displaying an image and a pad area provided on at least one side of the display area. The plurality of pad groups are arranged on the pad area in a first direction. The plurality of pad groups include a first pad group and a second pad group. The first pad group has a plurality of first pads. At least some of the plurality of first pads have a first inclination with respect to a reference line extending in a second direction different from the first direction, and the plurality of first pads are spaced apart from each other by a first pitch. The second pad group has a plurality of second pads. At least some of the plurality of second pads have a second inclination different from the first inclination with respect to the reference line, and the plurality of second pads are spaced apart from each other by a second pitch different from the first pitch.

[0011] The first pad group may be provided on a central portion of the pad area, and the second pad group may be provided on at least one side of the first pad group.

[0012] The second inclination may be greater than the first inclination, and the second pitch may be smaller than the first pitch.

[0013] The second inclination may be greater than 0 degrees and may be less than or equal to about 50 degrees.

[0014] The second pad group may include: a plurality of first sub-pad groups provided on one side of the first pad group; and a plurality of second sub-pad groups provided on the other side of the first pad group.

[0015] Each of the first sub-pad group and the second sub-pad group may include a second pad. The second inclinations of the second pads in the first sub-pad group may be different from each other, and the second inclinations of the second pads in the second sub-pad group may be different from each other.

[0016] The second inclination of the second pads in the first sub-pad group may increase outward from the central portion toward the end of the pad area in the first direction, and the second pitch between the second pads may decrease outward from the central portion toward the end of the pad area in the first direction.

[0017] The second inclination of the second pads in the second sub-pad group may increase outward from the central portion toward the end of the pad area in the first direction, and the second pitch between the second pads may decrease outward from the central portion toward the end of the pad area in the first direction.

[0018] The second pads of the nth first sub-pad group in one direction starting from the first pad group and the second pads of the nth second sub-pad group in another direction starting from the first pad group may be arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to each other with respect to the first pad group, where n may be an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0019] At least one of a first reference line defined by connecting one end of each of the first pad and the second pad and a second reference line defined by connecting the other end of each of the first pad and the second pad may be a curve, the first reference line may be defined to be adjacent to the display area, and the second reference line may be defined to be adjacent to the edge of the display substrate.

[0020] The first reference line may be a curve convex toward the display area, and the second reference line may be a straight line parallel to the edge of the display substrate.

[0021] The first reference line may be a substantially straight line extending substantially parallel to the edge of the display substrate, and the second reference line may be a curve convex toward the edge of the display substrate.

[0022] At least some of the first pads and the second pads may have a rectangular shape, at least some of the first pads may have a first length and a first width, and at least some of the second pads may have a second length greater than the first length and a second width less than the first width.

[0023] The first surface area of at least some of the first pads and the second surface area of at least some of the second pads may be substantially the same.

[0024] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a display panel includes a display substrate, a plurality of pad groups, and a plurality of connection lines. Among them, the display substrate has a display area for displaying an image and a pad area provided on at least one side of the display area; the plurality of pad groups are arranged in a first direction on the pad area; the plurality of connection lines are provided between the display area and the pad area, where the plurality of pad groups include a first pad group and a second pad group. The first pad group has a plurality of first pads, at least some of the plurality of first pads have a first inclination with respect to a reference line extending in a second direction different from the first direction, and the plurality of first pads are spaced apart by a first pitch. The second pad group has a plurality of second pads, at least some of the plurality of second pads have a second inclination different from the first inclination with respect to the reference line, and the plurality of second pads are spaced apart by a second pitch different from the first pitch.

[0025] The connection lines may include a first connection line and a second connection line. Among them, the first connection line includes a first sub-line portion extending from the display area toward the pad area and a second sub-line portion extending from the first sub-line portion and connected to the first pad; the second connection line includes a third sub-line portion extending from the display area toward the pad area and a fourth sub-line portion extending from the third sub-line portion and connected to the second pad, where the second sub-line portion has a third inclination with respect to the reference line, and the fourth sub-line portion has a fourth inclination different from the third inclination with respect to the reference line.

[0026] The first inclination and the third inclination may be substantially the same, and the second inclination and the fourth inclination may be substantially the same.

[0027] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a display device includes a display panel and a connection circuit board. Among them, the display panel has a display area and a pad area provided on at least one side of the display area. The pad area includes a plurality of pad groups arranged in a first direction; the connection circuit board includes a plurality of connection pad groups that can be coupled to the pad groups. Among them, the pad group includes a first pad group and a second pad group. The first pad group has a plurality of first pads, and at least some of the plurality of first pads have a first inclination with respect to a reference line extending in a second direction different from the first direction and are spaced apart from each other at a first pitch. The second pad group has a plurality of second pads, and at least some of the plurality of second pads have a second inclination different from the first inclination with respect to the reference line and are spaced apart from each other at a second pitch different from the first pitch. Among them, the connection pad group includes a first connection pad group having a first connection pad that can be coupled to the first pad and a second connection pad group having a second connection pad that can be coupled to the second pad.

[0028] The first pad group may be provided on the central portion of the pad area, and the second pad group may be provided on at least one side of the first pad group. The second inclination may be greater than the first inclination, and the second pitch may be smaller than the first pitch.

[0029] At least some of the first pads and the second pads have a rectangular shape, and at least some of the first pads may have a first length and a first width, and at least some of the second pads may have a second length greater than the first length and a second width smaller than the first width. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The drawings (which are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification) illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the specification, are used to explain the inventive concept.

[0031] Figure 1is a plan view of a portion of a display device constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a portion of a display panel constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 is a detailed plan view illustrating a portion of a pad region of a display panel constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating a layout of a pad group constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 is a plan view illustrating a layout of a pad group constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 is a plan view showing a change in vertical length according to the inclination of the pad.

[0037] Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B and Figure 7C is a graph showing the relationship between the inclination, pitch, and vertical length of pads.

[0038] Figure 8 is a graph illustrating tilt angles of pads according to pad groups according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 9 is a graph showing pitches of pads according to pad groups according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 10 It shows Figure 2 The plan view of area AA.

[0041] Figure 11 is a plan view showing a portion of a display panel constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 12 is a detailed plan view illustrating a portion of a pad region of a display panel constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 13 is a plan view showing a portion of a display panel constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 14 is a plan view illustrating a portion of a pad region of a display panel constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 15 It is a graph showing the length of pads according to a pad group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 16 It is a graph showing the width of pads according to a pad group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 17 It is an exploded perspective view of a part of a display device constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0048] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or examples of the present invention. As used herein, "embodiment" and "example" are interchangeable words that are non-limiting examples of a device or method that applies one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that the various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the various exemplary embodiments. In addition, the various exemplary embodiments may be different, but not necessarily exclusive. For example, without departing from the inventive concept, the specific shapes, configurations, and features of an exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment.

[0049] Unless otherwise indicated, the exemplary embodiments shown are to be interpreted as providing exemplary features of different details of some ways in which the inventive concept may be practiced. Thus, unless otherwise indicated, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions, and / or aspects, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as "elements") of each embodiment may be combined, separated, exchanged, and / or rearranged otherwise without departing from the inventive concept.

[0050] The use of hatching and / or shading in the drawings is generally used to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, unless specified, the presence or absence of hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material property, dimension, ratio, commonality between the elements shown, and / or any other characteristic, property, nature, etc. of the elements. In addition, in the drawings, for clarity and / or descriptive purposes, the sizes and relative sizes of elements may be enlarged. When the exemplary embodiments may be implemented differently, a particular process order may be performed differently from the order described. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in an order opposite to the order described. Additionally, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0051] When an element such as a layer is referred to as being on, connected to, or coupled to another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being directly on, directly disposed on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to another element or layer, no intervening elements, films, plates, layers, regions, etc. are present. For example, "directly disposed" can mean disposed without using additional elements (such as an adhesive element) between two layers or two components. To this end, the term "connected" can mean physical connection, electrical connection, and / or fluid connection with or without intervening elements. Further, the DR1 axis, DR2 axis, and DR3 axis are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, such as the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the DR1 axis, DR2 axis, and DR3 axis can be perpendicular to each other, or can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" can be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, e.g., XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0052] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

[0053] Spatial relative terms, such as "beneath", "below", "under", "lower", "above", "upper", "over", "higher", "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall"), etc., may be used herein for descriptive purposes and, thus, to describe the relationship of one element to another element as shown in the figures. In addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "below" or "beneath" another element or feature would then be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation above and below. Further, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and as such, the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0054] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. Additionally, when the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", and / or "including" are used in this specification, they specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and other similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and as such, are used to account for the inherent deviations that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art in measured values, calculated values, and / or provided values.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0056] Hereinafter, a display panel and a display device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Figure 1 is a plan view of a part of a display device constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a plan view of a part of a display panel constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and is Figure 2 a detailed plan view of a part corresponding to a pad region in the display panel of

[0058] Referring to Figure 1 , a display device DD according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a display panel DP, a connection circuit board FB, and a connection member AF. Additionally, the display device DD of the present invention may further include a driving circuit board. The connection circuit board FB may be disposed between the display panel DP and the driving circuit board. In the display device DD, the display panel DP and the connection circuit board FB may be electrically connected to each other. Additionally, the display device DD may further include a connection member AF disposed between the display panel DP and the connection circuit board FB.

[0059] The display panel DP may include a liquid crystal display panel, an organic light emitting display panel, a plasma display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) display panel, an electrowetting display panel, etc. For example, in the display device DD, the display panel DP may be a liquid crystal display panel or an organic light emitting display panel. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0060] The display panel DP may be flexible. "Flexible" means a bendable property and may include a structure that can be completely folded into a thickness of several nanometers. For example, the display panel DP may be a curved display panel or a foldable display panel. Additionally, the display panel DP may be rigid.

[0061] Referring Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the display panel DP may include a display substrate PS and a plurality of pad groups PDG. The display substrate PS may include a display area DA and a pad area PA. The display substrate PS may be divided into a display area DA, a non-display area NDA, and a pad area PA. The pad groups PDG may be disposed on the pad area PA. A connection line CL may be disposed between the display area DA and the pad area PA.

[0062] Although in Figure 2 and Figure 3 the display substrate PS includes a first substrate BS1 and a second substrate BS2, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. The display substrate PS may include a plurality of pixels disposed on the display area DA. For example, the display substrate PS may be a liquid crystal display substrate. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiments, the display substrate PS may be a liquid crystal display substrate including a liquid crystal layer disposed between a first substrate BS1 and a second substrate BS2.

[0063] However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the display substrate PS may be an organic light emitting display substrate. In the case of an organic light emitting display substrate, the display substrate PS may include a base substrate and an organic light emitting device layer disposed on the base substrate.

[0064] Additionally, the display substrate PS may include display elements and may be a plasma display substrate, an electrophoretic display substrate, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) display substrate, an electrowetting display substrate, etc.

[0065] The display area DA displays an image and is generally parallel to the plane defined by the first direction axis DR1 and the second direction axis DR2. For example, the display panel DP may provide an image in the direction of the third direction axis DR3. For convenience of description, the direction in which the image is provided from the display device DD may be defined as the upward direction, and the direction opposite to the upward direction may be defined as the downward direction. In this specification, the directions indicated by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3 will be described as the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3. In other words, in this specification, the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 may be the same as the directions of the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3. In this embodiment, the upward direction and the downward direction are parallel to the third direction DR3, where the third direction DR3 is defined as the direction perpendicular to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The third direction DR3 may be a reference direction for distinguishing the front surface and the back surface of the components to be described below. However, the upward direction and the downward direction may be relative concepts and may thus be changed to different directions.

[0066] The non-display area NDA is adjacent to the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may surround the edge of the display area DA and may be provided outside the display area DA. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the non-display area NDA may be provided only on the edge of at least one side of the display area DA. Although the non-display area NDA has a frame shape surrounding the display area DA in the illustrated embodiment, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0067] The pad area PA may be provided on at least one side of the display area DA. The pad area PA may be adjacent to the non-display area NDA. The pad area PA may be provided outside the non-display area NDA, but the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0068] The pad area PA may be an area to which the connection circuit board FB and the display substrate PS are coupled. The display panel DP may be electrically connected to external electronic components, such as the connection circuit board FB and the driving circuit board, through the pads PD provided on the pad area PA.

[0069] The pads PD arranged in the first direction DR1 may be provided on the pad area PA of the display panel DP. In the pad area PA, a plurality of pad groups PDG may be arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0070] The display substrate PS may receive an electrical signal from the outside or may output an electrical signal to the outside through the pads PD provided on the pad area PA. For example, the pad PD may be an input pad. The pad PD may be connected to the connection line CL.

[0071] The pad PD can be electrically connected to the connection circuit board FB. Each of the pads PD may include a metal such as copper (Cu), silver (Ag), or gold (Au) or a metal oxide. For example, each of the pads PD may include at least one transparent metal oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), zinc tin oxide (ZTO), and antimony tin oxide (ATO). In particular, ITO can be patterned on each of the pads PD. Additionally, the pad PD can be electrically connected to a driving device that drives pixels of the driving display substrate PS through a connection line CL.

[0072] The pad group PDG can be arranged in a first direction DR1. The pad group PDG may include a first pad group G1 and second pad groups G2-R and G2-L, where the first pad group G1 has a first inclination with respect to a reference line RL and includes a plurality of first pads PD1 spaced apart from each other by a first distance, and the second pad groups G2-R and G2-L have a second inclination with respect to the reference line RL and include a plurality of second pads PD2 spaced apart from each other by a second distance. The reference line RL can be a virtual line parallel to a second direction DR2, where the second direction DR2 is orthogonal to the first direction DR1. The inclination of each of the pads PD1 and PD2 can represent the angle between the extending direction of the reference line RL and the extending direction of the first pad PD1 or the second pad PD2. In this specification, the inclination value can be a positive value and can represent an acute angle.

[0073] The first inclination of each of the first pads PD1 in the first pad group G1 can be different from the second inclination of each of the second pads PD2 in the second pad groups G2-R and G2-L. Additionally, the first distance between the first pads PD1 in the first pad group G1 can be different from the second distance between the second pads PD2 in the second pad groups G2-R and G2-L.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of pad groups PDG may include a first pad group G1 disposed at a central portion of the pad area PA and second pad groups G2-R and G2-L disposed on at least one side of the first pad group G1. The inclination of each of the second pads PD2 in the second pad groups G2-R and G2-L can be greater than the inclination of each of the first pads PD1 in the first pad group G1. Additionally, the distance between the second pads PD2 can be less than the distance between the first pads PD1.

[0075] The second pad groups G2-R and G2-L may include a first sub-pad group G2-R disposed on one side of the first pad group G1 and a second sub-pad group G2-L disposed on the other side of the first pad group G1. For example, in the display panel DP according to the illustrated embodiment, the first sub-pad group G2-R may be disposed on the right side of the first pad group G1, and the second sub-pad group G2-L may be disposed on the left side of the first pad group G1.

[0076] The display panel DP may include: a first pad group G1 disposed at a central portion of the pad area PA; a first sub-pad group G2-R of number x disposed on the right side of the first pad group G1; and a second sub-pad group G2-L of number x disposed on the left side of the first pad group G1. The number x is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and the number of the first sub-pad group G2-R and the number of the second sub-pad group G2-L may be the same as or different from each other.

[0077] A plurality of first sub-pad groups G2-R may be arranged to be outward from the central portion of the pad area PA. The inclinations of the second pads PD2 included in different first sub-pad groups G2-R may be different from each other.

[0078] The inclination of the second pad PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-R may gradually increase outward from the central portion of the pad area PA. For example, referring to Figure 3 , the inclination of each of the second pads PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-Rn disposed in the nth group starting from the first pad group G1 disposed at the central portion may be different from the inclination of each of the second pads PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-Rx disposed in the xth group starting from the first pad group G1. In particular, the inclination of the second pad PD2 with respect to the reference line RL may gradually increase toward the first sub-pad group G2-R farthest from the central portion of the pad area PA.

[0079] In addition, the inclinations of the second pads PD2 included in different second sub-pad groups G2-L may be different from each other. The inclination of the second pad PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-L may gradually increase outward from the central portion. For example, referring to Figure 3 , the inclination of each of the second pads PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-Ln disposed in the nth group starting from the first pad group G1 disposed at the central portion of the pad area PA may be different from the inclination of each of the second pads PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-Lx disposed in the xth group starting from the first pad group G1. In particular, the inclination of the second pad PD2 with respect to the reference line RL may gradually increase toward the second sub-pad group G2-L farthest from the central portion of the pad area PA.

[0080] The pitches between the second pads PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-R may be different from each other. The distances between the second pads PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-R may gradually decrease outward from the central portion of the pad region PA. For example, referring to Figure 3 , the distance between the second pads PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-Rn provided in the n-th group starting from the first pad group G1 provided at the central portion may be different from the distance between the second pads PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-Rx provided in the x-th group starting from the first pad group G1. In particular, the distance between the second pads PD2, that is, the pitch of the second pads PD2, may gradually decrease toward the first sub-pad group G2-R that is farthest from the central portion. In this specification, the distance between pads may represent the minimum distance from the center of one pad to the center of another pad among adjacent pads, which is referred to as "pitch".

[0081] In other words, in order to arrange the defined pads PD1 and PD2 within the limited pad region PA, the interval between the pads PD1 and PD2 may gradually decrease toward the outside of the pad region PA.

[0082] In addition, the distances between the second pads PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-L may be different from each other. The distances between the second pads PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-L may also gradually decrease outward from the central portion of the pad region PA. For example, referring to Figure 3 , the distance between the second pads PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-Ln provided in the n-th group starting from the first pad group G1 provided at the central portion may be different from the distance between the second pads PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-Lx provided in the x-th group starting from the first pad group G1. In particular, the distance between the second pads PD2, that is, the pitch of each of the second pads PD2, may gradually decrease toward the second sub-pad group G2-L that is farther from the central portion.

[0083] The first sub-pad group G2-R and the second sub-pad group G2-L may be arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to each other relative to the first pad group G1. For example, the second pad PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-Rn arranged in the nth group in one side direction starting from the first pad group G1 and the second pad PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-Ln arranged in the nth group in the other side direction starting from the first pad group G1 may be arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the first pad group G1. In particular, the second pad PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-Rn arranged in the nth group in one side direction starting from the first pad group G1 and the second pad PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-Ln arranged in the nth group in the other side direction starting from the first pad group G1 may have substantially the same inclination and substantially the same pitch. However, the inclination directions of the second pad PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-R and the second pad PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-L may be opposite to each other and symmetric with respect to the first pad group G1 or the reference line RL. In this specification, the symmetric arrangement may represent line symmetry.

[0084] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the layout of a pad group constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 shows a part of the first pad group G1 and the second pad groups G2-R and G2-L. Refer to Figure 4 , the extension direction EL-PD2 of the second pad PD2 of the first sub-pad group G^{2}-R may have an angle θ1 with respect to the reference line RL (which is a virtual line), and each of the second pads PD2 may have a pitch of value PT-R. In addition, the extension direction EL-PD2 of the second pad PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-L may have an angle θ2 with respect to the reference line RL (which is a virtual line), and each of the second pads PD2 may have a pitch of value PT-L when Figure 4 the first sub-pad group G2-R and the second sub-pad group G2-L shown in are arranged in positions substantially symmetric with respect to each other relative to the first pad group G1, the angles θ1 and θ2 may be substantially the same, and the values PT-R and PT-L may be substantially the same.

[0085] The extension direction EL-PD1 of the first pad PD1 of the first pad group G1 may be substantially parallel to the reference line RL. In other words, each of the first pads PD1 may have an inclination of 0 degrees. The distance PT1 between the first pads PD1 may be greater than the distance PT-R between the second pads PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-R and the distance PT-L between the second pads PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-L.

[0086] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the layout of a pad group constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5Part of the first pad group G1 and the second sub-pad group G2-L is shown. Refer to Figure 5 , the pitch between the second pads PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-L can gradually decrease in the direction away from the first pad group G1. In Figure 5 , the pitch PT-Ln and PT-Lx between the second pads PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-L can be smaller than the pitch PT1 between the first pads PD1 of the first pad group G1. Additionally, the pitch PT-Lx between the second pads PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-Lx, which are spaced apart from each other, in the x-th group starting from the first pad group PD2 can be smaller than the pitch PT-Ln between the second pads PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-Ln, which are spaced apart from each other, in the n-th group starting from the first pad group G1.

[0087] Figure 6 is a plan view showing the change in the vertical length of the pads according to the inclination of the pads. In Figure 6 , the inclination of the pads respectively represents the value of the inclination of the pads with respect to the reference line (refer to the reference symbol RL in Figure 4 ), where the reference line is generally parallel to the second direction DR2 perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0088] Refer to Figure 6 , the vertical length of each of the pads decreases as the value of the inclination of each of the pads increases. The vertical length of the pads can represent the maximum height in the vertical direction with respect to the lower end of the pads. With respect to the distance d1 between the upper end and the lower end of the pad with an inclination of 0 degrees, when the pad is set at a predetermined inclination, the vertical length can be smaller than the distance d1. For example, the vertical length of the pad with an inclination of about 50 degrees can be the distance d2.

[0089] In Figure 6 , when the part corresponding to the lower end of the pad with an inclination of about 0 degrees is called the lower reference line RL-B and the part corresponding to the upper end of the pad is called the upper reference line RL-T, as the inclination of the pad increases, the distances S1, S2, S3, and S4 between the upper reference line RL-T and the upper end of the pad can gradually increase. In other words, as the inclination of the pad increases, the vertical length can decrease. Therefore, the vertical length of the pad area (refer to the reference symbol PA in Figure 3 ) can decrease.

[0090] When the pad has a length L, the vertical length d of the pad can satisfy the following formula. Where, θ is the angle of the inclination of the pad.

[0091] d = L * cosθ

[0092] In Figure 2 , Figure 3 andFigure 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown in , each of the second pads PD2 may have an inclination greater than about 0 degrees and less than or equal to about 50 degrees. In other words, the inclination of each of the second pads PD2 relative to the reference line RL may be greater than the inclination of each of the first pads PD1 of the first pad group G1 relative to the reference line RL. For example, the extension direction of the first pad PD1 may be parallel to the extension direction of the reference line RL. The first inclination of each of the first pads PD1 may have a value of about 0 degrees. Therefore, the inclination of each of the second pads PD2 may be greater than the inclination of each of the first pads PD1, and may have an angle greater than about 0 degrees. The inclination of each of the second pads PD2 may be less than about 50 degrees. When the inclination of each of the second pads PD2 is greater than about 50 degrees, the spacing between the second pads PD2 may be insufficient to avoid a short circuit, thereby reducing reliability.

[0093] Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B and Figure 7C The vertical length of each of the pads, the distance of the inactive area, and the spacing between the pads according to the increase in the inclination of the pads are shown. Figure 7A 1 shows a case where the distance between the pads (ie, the pitch of the pads) is about 35 μm when the pads are not tilted. Figure 7B shows the case where the pitch of the pads is about 37 μm when the pads are not tilted, and Figure 7C The case where the pitch of the pads is about 39 μm when the pads are not tilted is shown.

[0094] refer to Figure 7A ,As the inclination of the pad increases, the vertical length of the pad decreases, and the distance of the ,ineffective area also decreases. Figure 7A The case where the reduction distance of the ineffective area is 111 μm is shown. When the inclination of the pad is reduced within the limited pad area, the pitch of each of the pads provided in the pad area must be reduced. Therefore, if the minimum value of the pad pitch (at which reliability is guaranteed) is about 27 μm, the maximum value of the pad inclination can be about 39 degrees.

[0095] Figure 7B and Figure 7C The vertical length and the inactive area distance of the pads decrease as the inclination of each of the pads increases. Here, it is confirmed that the pad pitch decreases as the inclination of the pads increases. Figure 7B and Figure 7C The cases where the maximum value of the reduced distance of the ineffective area is about 131 μm and about 153 μm when the maximum value of the pad interval (at which the reliability is guaranteed) is about 27 μm are respectively shown. Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B andFigure 7C It is confirmed that the degree of reduction of the ineffective region increases as the pad pitch when the pads are not tilted increases.

[0096] Reference Figure 7B In the case where pads having an inclination angle of about 0 degrees have a pitch of about 37 μm, when the minimum value of the pad pitch (at which reliability is ensured) is about 27 μm, the maximum value of the inclination angle of the pads can be about 42.5 degrees. Reference Figure 7C In the case where pads having an inclination angle of about 0 degrees have a pitch of about 39 μm, when the minimum value of the pad pitch (at which reliability is ensured) is about 27 μm, the maximum value of the inclination angle of the pads can be about 46 degrees.

[0097] In other words, reference Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C , in order to reduce the vertical length of the pad region on which pads are arranged, the inclination angle of the pads increases and the pitch between the pads decreases. Accordingly, on the display panel according to the exemplary embodiment, the ineffective region can be reduced.

[0098] Figure 8 is a graph showing the angle of the pad inclination for each pad group, and Figure 9 is a graph showing the pad pitch for each pad group. Figure 8 and Figure 9 show the inclination and pitch of the pads in the pad groups provided in the display panel according to the foregoing embodiment.

[0099] Reference Figure 8 , in the display panel according to the exemplary embodiment, each of the pads in the first pad group G1 can have an inclination angle of about 0 degrees. The first sub-pad groups G2-R1, G2-R2, …, G2-Rn, …, G2-Rx provided on one side of the first pad group G1 can have pad inclination angles that gradually increase as the first sub-pad groups G2-R1, G2-R2, …, G2-Rn, …, G2-Rx are spaced apart from the first pad group G1. In addition, the second sub-pad groups G2-L1, G2-L2, …, G2-Ln, …, G2-Lx provided on the other side of the first pad group G1 can have pad inclination angles that gradually increase as they are spaced apart from the first pad group G1. The pads of the first sub-pad groups G2-R1, G2-R2, …, G2-Rn, …, G2-Rx and the pads of the second sub-pad groups G2-L1, G2-L2, …, G2-Ln, …, G2-Lx can have inclination angles that are substantially symmetric with each other with respect to the first pad group G1.

[0100] Reference Figure 9, in a display panel according to an exemplary embodiment, the value of the pad pitch between the pads of the first pad group G1 may be the largest, and the pitch between the pads of the first sub-pad groups G2-R1, G2-R2, …, G2-Rn, …, G2-Rx provided on one side of the first pad group G1 may gradually decrease as the distance from the first pad group G1 increases. Additionally, in the second sub-pad groups G2-L1, G2-L2, …, G2-Ln, …, G2-Lx provided on the other side of the first pad group G1, the pitch may gradually decrease as the distance from the first pad group G1 increases. The pads of the first sub-pad groups G2-R1, G2-R2, …, G2-Rn, …, G2-Rx and the pads of the second sub-pad groups G2-L1, G2-L2, …, G2-Ln, …, G2-Lx may have substantially symmetric pitches with respect to each other.

[0101] In other words, referring to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C , Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the display panel DP may include a plurality of pad groups arranged in a first direction DR1, and the inclination of the pads of different pad groups and the pitch between the pads may be different from each other. The inclination of the plurality of pads of one pad group and the pitch between the pads may be substantially the same. In other words, since different inclination values are provided for each pad group and different pitches are provided for each pad group, the plurality of pad groups may be arranged to minimize the ineffective area on the pad region.

[0102] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , according to an exemplary embodiment, one of the first virtual line IL1 connecting the ends of the side of the pad PD adjacent to the display area DA to each other and the second virtual line IL2 connecting the ends of the other side of the pad adjacent to the edge ED of the display substrate PS may be a curve. In other words, according to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of pad groups PDG may be arranged in a fan shape. The first virtual line IL1 may be a line connecting the centers of the upper ends of the representative pads of each pad group to each other. Additionally, the second virtual line IL2 may be a line connecting the centers of the lower ends of the representative pads of each pad group to each other. Here, the representative pad of each pad group may be the pad provided at the center among the pads of each pad group. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the representative pad may be any pad selected from each pad group.

[0103] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the first virtual line IL1 can be a curve, and the second virtual line IL2 can be a straight line. In particular, the first virtual line IL1 can have a curved shape that bulges toward the display area DA, and the second virtual line IL2 can have a straight shape parallel to the edge ED of the display substrate PS.

[0104] In the display panel DP, a plurality of pad groups PDG can be arranged in a fan shape. The inclination of the pads PD of the pad group PDG can gradually increase outward from the central portion of the pad area PA, and the pad pitch can gradually decrease outward from the central portion of the pad area PA, thereby minimizing or reducing the extension of the pad area PA and the connection line CL, and thus reducing the dead zone.

[0105] Figure 10 is a plan view showing Figure 2 the area AA. Figure 10 is an enlarged view showing a part of the display panel DP according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The display panel DP according to the exemplary embodiment may include a display substrate PS, a plurality of pad groups PDG, and a connection line CL.

[0106] The connection line CL can be provided between the display area DA and the pad area PA. The connection line CL can electrically connect the pixels provided on the display area DA to the pads PD.

[0107] The connection line CL can include a first connection line CL1 connected to the first pad PD1 of the first pad group G1 and a second connection line CL2 connected to the second pads PD2 of the second pad groups G2-R and G2-L.

[0108] The first connection line CL1 may include a first sub-line portion SL1 extending in a direction from the display area DA to the pad area PA and a second sub-line portion SL2 extending from the first sub-line portion SL1 to connect to the first pad PD1. Additionally, the second connection line CL2 may include a third sub-line portion SL3 extending in a direction from the display area DA to the pad area PA and a fourth sub-line portion SL4 extending from the third sub-line portion SL3 to connect to the second pad PD2. The first sub-line portion SL1 and the third sub-line portion SL3 may be substantially straight portions extending from the display area DA to the pad area PA and generally parallel to the second direction axis DR2. In other words, the first sub-line portion SL1 and the third sub-line portion SL3 may be portions extending substantially parallel to the reference line RL. In an exemplary embodiment, the second sub-line portion SL2 may be a straight portion extending from the first sub-line portion SL1. The extending direction of the second sub-line portion SL2 may be generally parallel to the extending direction of the first pad PD1 of the first pad group G1. For example, like the first sub-line portion SL1, the second sub-line portion SL2 may extend in a direction generally parallel to the second direction axis DR2. Additionally, the fourth sub-line portion SL4 may be a portion extending obliquely from the third sub-line portion SL3. Here, the second sub-line portion SL2 and the fourth sub-line portion SL4 may correspond to a structure commonly referred to as spider wiring.

[0109] The extending direction of the fourth sub-line portion SL4 may be generally parallel to the extending direction EL-PD2 of the second pad PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-Rn or the second sub-pad group G2-Ln. For example, referring to Figure 10 , the angle θ c between the reference line RL and the extending direction EL-CL2 of the fourth sub-line portion SL4 p may be substantially the same as the angle θ

[0110] between the reference line RL and the extending direction EL-PD2 of the second pad PD2.

[0111] Figure 11It is a plan view of a display panel constructed according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 It shows according to Figure 11 A detailed plan view of a part of the pad area of the display panel constructed according to the exemplary embodiment shown in. In Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the description, in order to avoid redundancy, the content that is the same as that of the display panel DP described with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 will be omitted, and therefore, their differences will be mainly described. In the display panel DP-1 according to the exemplary embodiment, in addition to the pad area PA-1, the pad group PDG, and the connection line CL, the reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The content described in can be equally applied. In the description of the display panel DP-1 of Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The content described.

[0112] Figure 11 The display panel DP-1 of can include a display substrate PS, a plurality of pad groups PDG, and a connection line CL. The display substrate PS of the display panel DP-1 can include a display area DA and a pad area PA-1 provided on at least one side of the display area DA.

[0113] The plurality of pad groups PDG can include a first pad group G1 provided at the central portion of the pad area PA and second pad groups G2-R and G2-L provided on at least one side of the first pad group G1. The second pad groups G2-R and G2-L can include a first sub-pad group G2-R provided on one side of the first pad group G1 and a second sub-pad group G2-L provided on the other side of the first pad group G1.

[0114] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12, one of the first virtual line IL1 that connects the ends of the pads PD1 and PD2 on the side adjacent to the display area DA to each other and the second virtual line IL2 that connects the ends of the pads PD1 and PD2 on the other side adjacent to the edge ED of the display substrate PS can be a curve. In other words, the multiple pad groups PDG can be arranged in a fan shape. The first virtual line IL1 can be a line that connects the centers of the upper ends of the representative pads of each pad group G1, G2-R, and G2-L to each other. Additionally, the second virtual line IL2 can be a line that connects the centers of the lower ends of the representative pads of each pad group to each other. Here, the representative pad of each pad group can be the pad disposed at the center among the pads of each pad group. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the representative pad can be any pad selected from each pad group.

[0115] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the first virtual line IL1 can be a straight line, and the second virtual line IL2 can be a curve. In particular, the first virtual line IL1 can have a straight line shape parallel to the edge ED of the display substrate PS, and the second virtual line IL2 can have a curve shape protruding toward the edge ED of the display substrate PS.

[0116] The multiple pad groups PDG can include a first pad group G1 disposed at the central portion of the pad area PA and second pad groups G2-R and G2-L disposed on at least one side of the first pad group G1. The inclination of each of the second pads PD2 of the second pad groups G2-R and G2-L can be greater than the inclination of each of the first pads PD1 of the first pad group G1. Additionally, the pitch between the second pads PD2 can be smaller than the pitch between the first pads PD1.

[0117] The display panel DP-1 can include: a first pad group G1 disposed on the central portion of the pad area PA-1; a first sub-pad group G2-R having a quantity of x disposed on the right side of the first pad group G1; and a second sub-pad group G2-L having a quantity of x disposed on the left side of the first pad group G1. The number x is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and the quantity of the first sub-pad group G2-R and the quantity of the second sub-pad group G2-L can be substantially the same as or different from each other.

[0118] The multiple first sub-pad groups G2-R can be arranged to be arranged outward from the central portion of the pad area PA. The inclinations of the second pads PD2 of the first sub-pad groups G2-R can be different from each other.

[0119] The inclination of the second pad PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-R can gradually increase outward from the central portion of the pad area PA-1. Additionally, the inclination of the second pad PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-L can gradually increase outward from the central portion of the pad area PA.

[0120] In other words, in the display panel DP-1, a plurality of pad groups PDG may be arranged in a fan shape, the inclination of the pads of the pad group PDG may gradually increase from the central portion outward, and the pad pitch may gradually decrease from the central portion outward, thereby minimizing the pad area PA-1 and thus reducing the ineffective area.

[0121] Reference Figure 11 , the display panel DP-1 may include a first connection line CL1 connected to the first pad group G1 and a second connection line CL2 connected to the second pad groups G2-R and G2-L. The second connection line CL2 may include a third sub-line portion SL3 extending in a direction from the display area DA to the pad area PA-1 and a fourth sub-line portion SL4 extending from the third sub-line portion SL3 to connect to the second pad PD2. In the display panel DP-1, the fourth sub-line portion SL4 may include at least one bending portion CP. The fourth sub-line portion SL4 may include a lower sub-line portion SL4-1 connected to the second pad PD2 and an upper sub-line portion SL4-2 provided between the third sub-line portion SL3 and the lower sub-line portion SL4-1. In an exemplary embodiment, the extending direction of the lower sub-line portion SL4-1 may be parallel to the extending direction of the second pad PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-Rn or the second sub-pad group G2-Ln.

[0122] Figure 13 is a plan view of a display panel constructed according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is a view showing Figure 13 a detailed plan view of a part of the pad area of the display panel constructed according to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the description of Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7A , [[ID=�4]] Figure 7B , Figure 7C , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 the content of the display panel DP described in Figure 13 and Figure 14 will not be repeated, and therefore, their differences will be mainly described. In the description of the display panel DP-2 in Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 ,Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 The content described.

[0123] The display panel DP-2 may include a display substrate PS, a plurality of pad groups PDG, and connection lines CL. The display substrate PS may include a display area DA, a non-display area NDA, and a pad area PA-2, and the pad area PA-2 may be disposed on at least one side of the display area DA.

[0124] In the display panel DP-2, each of the first pad PD1 and the second pad PD2 may have a rectangular shape in a plane. In other words, each of the first pad PD1 of the first pad group G1 and the second pad PD2 of the second pad groups G2-R and G2-L may have a rectangular shape in a plane defined by a first direction axis DR1 and a second direction axis DR2.

[0125] Each of the first pads PD1 of the first pad group G1 may have a rectangular shape including a first length L1 and a first width W1, and each of the second pads PD2 of the second pad groups G2-R and G2-L may have a rectangular shape including a second length L2 different from the first length L1 and a second width W2 different from the first width W1.

[0126] In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of pad groups PDG may include a first pad group G1 disposed at a central portion of the pad area PA-2 and second pad groups G2-R and G2-L disposed on at least one side of the first pad group G1. The inclination of each of the second pads PD2 of the second pad groups G2-R and G2-L may be greater than the inclination of each of the first pads PD1 of the first pad group G1. Additionally, the pitch between the second pads PD2 may be smaller than the pitch between the first pads PD1.

[0127] A plurality of first sub-pad groups G2-R may be arranged outward from the central portion of the pad area PA-2. The inclination and pitch of the second pads PD2 of the first sub-pad groups G2-R may be different from each other. Additionally, the length and width of the second pads PD2 of the first sub-pad groups G2-R may be different from each other. Additionally, the second pads PD2 of the same first sub-pad group G2-R may have substantially the same length and width.

[0128] The inclination of the second pad PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-R may gradually increase outward from the central portion of the pad region PA-2, and the pitch between the second pads PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-R may gradually decrease outward from the central portion of the pad region PA-2. In addition, the length of the second pad PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-R may gradually increase outward from the central portion of the pad region PA-2, and the width of the second pad PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-R may gradually decrease outward from the central portion of the pad region PA-2.

[0129] A plurality of second sub-pad groups G2-L may be arranged outward from the central portion of the pad region PA-2. The inclinations and pitches of the second pads PD2 of the second sub-pad groups G2-L may be different from each other. In addition, the lengths and widths of the second pads PD2 of the second sub-pad groups G2-L may be different from each other. In addition, the second pads PD2 of the same second sub-pad group G2-L may have substantially the same length and width.

[0130] The inclination of the second pad PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-L may gradually increase outward from the central portion of the pad region PA-2, and the pitch between the second pads PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-L may gradually decrease outward from the central portion of the pad region PA-2. In addition, the length of the second pad PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-L may gradually increase outward from the central portion of the pad region PA-2, and the width of the second pad PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-L may gradually decrease outward from the central portion of the pad region PA-2.

[0131] The first pad PD1 of the first pad group G1 and the second pads PD2 of the second pad groups G2-R and G2-L may have substantially the same surface area. In other words, the first pad PD1 and the second pads PD2 may have different lengths and widths and substantially the same surface area.

[0132] In Figure 13 and Figure 14 of the display panel DP-2, a first virtual line IL1 connecting the ends of the pads PD1 and PD2 adjacent to the display region DA to each other and a second virtual line IL2 connecting the ends of the pads PD1 and PD2 adjacent to the edge ED of the display substrate PS may be substantially parallel to each other. In other words, the first virtual line IL1 and the second virtual line IL2 may be substantially parallel to the edge ED of the display substrate PS.

[0133] The first virtual line IL1 may be a line connecting the uppermost ends of the first pad PD1 and the second pads PD2 to each other in a plane, and the second virtual line IL2 may be a line connecting the lowermost ends of the first pad PD1 and the second pads PD2 to each other in a plane. Refer to Figure 14, the distance d between the first virtual line IL1 and the second virtual line IL2 can be the vertical length of each of the pads PD1 and PD2. In other words, in Figure 13 and Figure 14 in the exemplary embodiment shown, the vertical lengths of the pads PD1 and PD2 of the plurality of pad groups PDG can be substantially the same.

[0134] Figure 15 and Figure 16 are graphs respectively showing the pad length and the pad width for each pad group in the display panel DP-2. Figure 15 is a graph showing the pad length for each pad group of the first pad group G1 and the second pad groups G2-R and G2-L in the display panel DP-2, and Figure 16 is a graph showing the pad width for each pad group of the first pad group G1 and the second pad groups G2-R and G2-L in the display panel DP-2.

[0135] Referring to Figure 15 , in the display panel DP-2, each of the pads in the first pad group G1 can have the shortest length, and the pads of the first sub-pad group G2-R provided on one side of the first pad group G1 can have lengths that gradually increase as they are spaced apart from the first pad group G1. In addition, the pads of the second sub-pad group G2-L provided on the other side of the first pad group G1 can have lengths that gradually increase as they are spaced apart from the first pad group G1. The first sub-pad group G2-R and the second sub-pad group G2-L that are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the first pad group G1 can have substantially the same length.

[0136] Referring to Figure 16 , in the display panel DP-2, among the plurality of pads provided on the pad region PA-2, each of the pads in the first pad group G1 can have the largest width, and the pads of the first sub-pad group G2-R provided on one side of the first pad group G1 can have widths that gradually decrease as they are spaced apart from the first pad group G1. In addition, the pads of the second sub-pad group G2-L provided on the other side of the first pad group G1 can have widths that gradually decrease as they are spaced apart from the first pad group G1. The first sub-pad group G2-R and the second sub-pad group G2-L that are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the first pad group G1 can have substantially the same width.

[0137] In other words, referring to Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16, the display panel DP-2 may include a plurality of pad groups PDG arranged in a first direction DR1, and pads of different pad groups may have different lengths and widths. The pads of one pad group may have substantially the same length and width. In other words, the display panel DP-2 may include pads having different lengths and different widths for each group and having substantially the same surface area to facilitate adhesion to a connection member (see the reference symbol AF in Figure 17 ), and the display panel DP-2 may provide pads having similar resistance values, thereby achieving good reliability and electrical performance.

[0138] In addition, in the display panel DP-2, pads of different pad groups may have different inclinations and different pitches. The inclinations and pitches of the pads of one pad group may be substantially the same. In other words, since different inclination values are provided for each pad group and different pitches are provided for each pad group, a plurality of pad groups PDG can be arranged while minimizing the dead zone on the pad area PA-2.

[0139] In an exemplary embodiment, a display device including the display panel according to the foregoing embodiment will be described. Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of a part of a display device constructed according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 17 The exploded perspective view of the display device of Figure 1 may relate to the display device of Figure 17 . Referring to

[0140] The display panel DP may include a display area DA and a pad area PA. The display area DA may be an area on which an image is displayed and may include a plurality of pixels. The pad area PA may be provided on at least one side of the display area DA. Although in Figure 1 and Figure 17 the pad area PA is provided only on one side of the display area DA, the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the pad area PA may be additionally provided outside the display area DA.

[0141] The display panel DP may include a plurality of pad groups PDG. The pad groups PDG may be provided on the pad area PA and may be arranged in a first direction DR1. The pad group PDG may include a first pad group G1 and second pad groups G2-R and G2-L, wherein the first pad group G1 has a first inclination with respect to a reference line RL and includes a plurality of first pads PD1 spaced apart from each other by a first distance, and the second pad groups G2-R and G2-L have a second inclination with respect to the reference line RL and include a plurality of second pads PD2 spaced apart from each other by a second distance.

[0142] In connection with reference Figure 1 ,Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 The same content as that described can be applied to the display panel DP and the pad group PDG of the display panel DP. In other words, the display device DD may include display panels DP, DP-1, and DP-2 according to the foregoing embodiments.

[0143] The display device DD may include a connection circuit board FB, and the connection circuit board FB may include a plurality of connection pad groups CPG. The connection circuit board FB may include a flexible board BF and a plurality of connection pad groups CPG provided on the flexible board BF.

[0144] The flexible board BF may be made of a flexible material such as polyimide. The flexible board BF may be provided in the form of a film. The connection pads CD1 and CD2 of the connection pad group CPG provided on the flexible board BF may be output pads or input pads.

[0145] The connection pad group CPG may include a first connection pad group CPG1 provided corresponding to the first pad group G1 of the display panel DP and second connection pad groups CPG-R and CPG-L provided corresponding to the second pad groups G2-R and G2-L of the display panel DP.

[0146] The connection pad group CPG may be arranged in a first direction DR1. The connection pad group CPG may be provided corresponding to the pad group PDG. The connection pad group CPG may include a first connection pad group CPG1 and second connection pad groups CPG-R and CPG-L, wherein the first connection pad group CPG1 has a first inclination with respect to a reference line RL and includes a plurality of first connection pads CD1 spaced apart from each other by a first distance, and the second connection pad groups CPG-R and CPG-L have a second inclination with respect to the reference line RL and include a plurality of second connection pads CD2 spaced apart from each other by a second distance. The inclination of each of the connection pads CD1 and CD2 may represent an angle between the extending direction of the reference line RL and the extending direction of the first connection pad CD1 or the second connection pad CD2. In this specification, the value of the inclination may be a positive value and may represent an acute angle. The first connection pad CD1 may face the corresponding first pad PD1, and the second connection pad CD2 may face the corresponding second pad PD2.

[0147] In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of connection pad groups CPG may include a first connection pad group CPG1 disposed at a central portion of the flexible board BF and second connection pad groups CPG-R and CPG-L disposed on at least one side of the first connection pad group CPG1. The inclination of each of the second connection pads CD2 of the second connection pad groups CPG-R and CPG-L may be greater than the inclination of each of the first connection pads CD1 of the first connection pad group CPG1. Additionally, the pitch between the second connection pads CD2 may be smaller than the pitch between the first connection pads CD1.

[0148] The second connection pad groups CPG-R and CPG-L may include a first sub-connection pad group CPG-R disposed on one side of the first connection pad group CPG1 and a second sub-connection pad group CPG-L disposed on the other side of the first connection pad group CPG1. For example, in the display device DD, the first sub-connection pad group CPG-R may be disposed corresponding to the first sub-pad group G2-R, and the second sub-connection pad group CPG-L may be disposed corresponding to the second sub-pad group G2-L.

[0149] The inclinations of the second connection pads CD2 of the first sub-connection pad group CPG-R may be different from each other. The inclination of the second connection pads CD2 of the first sub-connection pad group CPG-R may gradually increase outward from the central portion of the flexible board BF. The second connection pads CD2 of the first sub-connection pad group CPG-R may be disposed corresponding to the second pads PD2 of the first sub-pad group G2-R.

[0150] Additionally, the inclinations of the second connection pads CD2 of the second sub-connection pad group CPG-L may be different from each other. The inclination of the second connection pads CD2 of the second sub-connection pad group CPG-L may gradually increase outward from the central portion of the flexible board BF. The second connection pads CD2 of the second sub-connection pad group CPG-L may be disposed corresponding to the second pads PD2 of the second sub-pad group G2-L.

[0151] The display device DD may further include a connection member AF disposed between the display panel DP and the connection circuit board FB. The connection member AF may electrically connect the pads PD1 and PD2 of the display panel DP to the connection pads CD1 and CD2 of the connection circuit board FB. The connection member AF may have electrical conductivity and adhesiveness. The connection member AF may include a thermosetting material or a photocurable material. For example, the connection member AF may include an anisotropic conductive film (ACF).

[0152] The display device may include a plurality of pad groups. The plurality of pads may be arranged such that the inclination of the pads of the pad group gradually increases outward from the central portion of the pad region and the pitch between the pads of the pad group gradually decreases outward from the central portion of the pad region. Accordingly, the surface area of the pad region may be reduced, and the dead zone provided outside the display region may be minimized or reduced to implement a display device having various designs.

[0153] A display panel and a display device according to an exemplary embodiment may include a plurality of pad groups. The inclination and pitch of the pads of the pad group may be changed to optimize the layout of the pads. Accordingly, when compared with a display panel having a constant inclination and pitch, even if the same number of pads are provided, the pad region according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may still have a relatively reduced length and a relatively reduced dead zone. In addition, in a display panel and a display device according to an exemplary embodiment, the inclination and pitch of the pads may be optimized to maintain a sufficient contact area with a connection member, thereby achieving good reliability while reducing the dead zone.

[0154] Although certain exemplary embodiments and examples have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Accordingly, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but lies in the broader scope of the appended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. Display panel, comprising: A display substrate having a display area for displaying an image and a pad area provided on at least one side of the display area; A plurality of pad groups arranged on the pad area in a first direction; And A plurality of connection lines provided between the display area and the pad area, Wherein, the plurality of pad groups include: A first pad group provided on a central portion of the pad area, the first pad group having a plurality of first pads, at least some of the plurality of first pads having a first inclination with respect to a reference line parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the plurality of first pads being spaced apart by a first pitch; and A second pad group provided on at least one side of the first pad group, the second pad group having a plurality of second pads, at least some of the plurality of second pads having a second inclination different from the first inclination with respect to the reference line, and the plurality of second pads being spaced apart by a second pitch different from the first pitch, and Wherein, the second pitch is smaller than the first pitch.

2. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, The second inclination is greater than the first inclination.

3. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of connection lines include: A first connection line, comprising: A first sub-line portion extending from the display area towards the pad area; and A second sub-line portion extending from the first sub-line portion and connected to the first pad; and A second connection line, comprising: A third sub-line portion extending from the display area towards the pad area; and A fourth sub-line portion extending from the third sub-line portion and connected to the second pad, Wherein, the second sub-line portion has a third inclination with respect to the reference line, and the fourth sub-line portion has a fourth inclination different from the third inclination with respect to the reference line.

4. The display panel according to claim 3, wherein, The first inclination and the third inclination are the same, and the second inclination and the fourth inclination are the same.

5. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, At least some of the first pads and the second pads have a rectangular shape, Wherein, at least some of the first pads have a first length and a first width, and Wherein, at least some of the second pads have a second length greater than the first length and a second width smaller than the first width.

6. The display panel according to claim 5, wherein, The first surface area of at least some of the first pads and the second surface area of at least some of the second pads are the same.

7. The display panel according to claim 1, wherein, The second pad group includes: A plurality of first sub-pad groups provided on one side of the first pad group; and A plurality of second sub-pad groups provided on the other side of the first pad group, wherein each of the first sub-pad groups and the second sub-pad groups includes the second pads, Wherein, the second inclinations of the second pads of the first sub-pad groups are different from each other, and Wherein, the second inclinations of the second pads of the second sub-pad groups are different from each other.

8. The display panel according to claim 7, wherein, The second inclinations of the second pads of the first sub-pad group increase from the central portion towards the end of the pad area outward in the first direction, and Among them, the second pitch between the second pads of the first sub-pad group decreases from the central portion outward to the end of the pad region in the first direction.

9. The display panel according to claim 7, wherein, The second inclination of the second pads of the second sub-pad group increases from the central portion outward toward the end of the pad region in the first direction, and Among them, the second pitch between the second pads of the second sub-pad group decreases from the central portion outward toward the end of the pad region in the first direction.

10. A display device, comprising: The display panel according to any one of claims 1 to 9; And A connection circuit board, including a plurality of connection pad groups that can be coupled to the plurality of pad groups.

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