Display device

Abstract

A display device is provided. The display device includes: a display panel including an active area and a non-active area surrounding the active area, the active area including an optical area in which a through hole is provided; a cover member disposed on the display panel; a first adhesive layer disposed between the display panel and the cover member and including a variable adhesive material; a base film disposed between the first adhesive layer and the display panel; and a second adhesive layer disposed between the base film and the display panel. Therefore, the local part can be easily removed.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0019878 filed on February 8, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device having improved unevenness in an optical region. Background Art

[0004] As display devices used for monitors of computers, televisions, or mobile phones, there are organic light emitting display (OLED) devices that are self-luminous devices, liquid crystal display (LCD) devices that require a separate light source, and the like.

[0005] Application ranges of display devices are diverse, including personal digital assistants and monitors of computers and televisions, and display devices having a large display area and reduced volume and weight are being studied.

[0006] In order to provide users with a wider range of functions, display devices also include optical components, such as cameras and proximity sensors. However, optical devices such as cameras need to be exposed to the outside to detect light, so display devices that incorporate optical devices by creating grooves in a portion of the display device or forming holes in the display device are being developed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] An object to be achieved by the present disclosure is to provide a display device in which damage to an adhesive layer due to physical punching is minimized.

[0008] Another object to be achieved by the present disclosure is to provide a display device which minimizes the phenomenon in which a stripe shape of a cut portion of a through hole is visible.

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device, wherein the unevenness of the optical area is improved.

[0010] Yet another object to be achieved by the present disclosure is to provide a display device with improved reliability and display quality.

[0011] The objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above objects, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other objects not mentioned above from the following description.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel including an active area and an inactive area surrounding the active area, the active area including an optical area having a through hole; a cover member disposed on the display panel; a first adhesive layer disposed between the display panel and the cover member and including a variable adhesive material; a base film disposed between the first adhesive layer and the display panel; and a second adhesive layer disposed between the base film and the display panel. Therefore, a localized portion can be easily removed.

[0013] Additional details of the exemplary embodiments are included in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the adhesive layer is cut using a laser to form a through hole, so that a phenomenon in which a stripe shape of a cut portion of the through hole is visible can be minimized.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the adhesive layer includes a changeable adhesive material so as to easily remove a partial portion.

[0016] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, visible recognition of unevenness of the optical zone may be minimized.

[0017] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, reliability and display quality can be improved.

[0018] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, potential defects in a display device, such as poor image quality, can be minimized. Therefore, according to exemplary embodiments, the service life of the display device is improved, thereby enabling low-power operation in terms of reducing production energy consumption.

[0019] The effects according to the present disclosure are not limited to those exemplified above, and more various effects are also included in this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The above and other aspects, features and other advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figures 4A to 4E is a process flow chart for explaining a method of manufacturing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0027] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the methods for achieving these advantages and features will become clear with reference to the exemplary embodiments described in detail below and the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but will be implemented in various forms. The exemplary embodiments are provided only by way of example so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the disclosure and scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] The shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, quantities, etc. shown in the accompanying drawings for describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Throughout the specification, similar reference numerals generally represent similar elements. In addition, in the following description of the present disclosure, detailed explanations of known related arts may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of the present disclosure. Terms such as "including," "having," and "consisting of..." used herein are generally intended to allow the addition of other components, unless these terms are used together with the term "only." Any reference to the singular may be taken to include the plural, unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0030] Even if not explicitly stated, the components are interpreted as including the ordinary error range.

[0031] When terms such as "on," "above," "below," and "beside" are used to describe the positional relationship between two parts, one or more parts may be located between the two parts, unless these terms are used together with the term "immediately" or "directly."

[0032] When an element or layer is disposed “on” another element or layer, the other layer or element can be directly on the other element or interposed therebetween.

[0033] Although the terms "first," "second," etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. Therefore, in the technical concept of the present disclosure, the first component mentioned below may be the second component.

[0034] Like reference numerals generally refer to like elements throughout the specification.

[0035] The size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are shown for convenience of description, and the present disclosure is not limited to the size and thickness of the components shown.

[0036] The features of the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be partially or completely adhered to or combined with each other, and may be technically interlocked and operated in various ways, and the embodiments may be performed independently or in association with each other.

[0037] Hereinafter, a display device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is an enlarged plan view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the figure, for the convenience of description, among the various components of the display device 100, only the display panel 140 is shown.

[0039] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the display panel 140 includes an active area AA, a non-active area NA and an optical area OA.

[0040] The active area AA is an area where multiple sub-pixels SP are arranged to display images. Each of the multiple sub-pixels SP is an individual unit that emits light, and a light-emitting diode and a driving circuit are formed in each of the multiple sub-pixels SP. For example, a display element for displaying an image and a circuit unit for driving the display element can be arranged in the multiple sub-pixels SP. For example, when the display device 100 is an organic light-emitting display device, the display element may include an organic light-emitting display diode, and when the display device 100 is a liquid crystal display device, the display element may include a liquid crystal element. The multiple sub-pixels SP may include red sub-pixels, green sub-pixels, blue sub-pixels, and / or white sub-pixels, but are not limited thereto.

[0041] The non-active area NA is an area where no image is displayed, and various wirings and driver ICs for driving the plurality of sub-pixels SP arranged in the active area AA are disposed therein. For example, various ICs and driver circuits such as a gate driver IC and a data driver IC may be disposed in the non-active area NA. The non-active area NA, where no image is displayed, may also be defined as a border area.

[0042] Meanwhile, the non-active area NA can be defined as the area surrounding the active area AA, as Figure 1However, the non-active area NA may be defined as an area extending from the active area AA, or as an area in which the plurality of sub-pixels SP are not disposed, but is not limited thereto.

[0043] The optical area OA may be provided in the active area AA. Within the active area AA, the optical area OA may be provided between the plurality of sub-pixels SP. The optical area OA is a region in which an optical device, such as a camera or a proximity sensor, is provided. Therefore, the optical area OA may include a through hole TH that passes through some configuration of the display device 100 to provide for the placement of the optical device. The through hole TH, which passes through the display panel 140, is formed to ensure space for the placement of the optical device.

[0044] At the same time, the inner frame area IB can be configured to surround the through hole TH. No sub-pixels SP are provided in the inner frame area IB, and the inner frame area IB can be a non-active area NA, similar to the through hole TH. The inner frame area IB can be configured to prevent cracks that may be generated during the formation of the through hole TH from penetrating into the active area AA. Therefore, even though not shown in the figure, the inner frame area IB can include a concave-convex pattern to prevent the penetration of moisture entering from the outside through the cutting line and the expansion of small cracks.

[0045] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 sectional view of the display device taken along line III-III'.

[0046] refer to Figure 3 , the display device 100 may include a cover member 110 , an adhesive layer 120 , a polarizer 130 , a display panel 140 , a support member 150 , a conductive member 160 , and a conductive light blocking member 170 .

[0047] First, the display panel 140 may include a substrate and light emitting diodes.

[0048] The substrate is a support member for supporting other components provided on the substrate of the display device 100 and can be made of an insulating material. For example, the substrate can be formed of glass or resin. In addition, the substrate can be configured to include plastic such as a polymer or polyimide (PI) or can be formed of a flexible material.

[0049] The light emitting diodes may be provided on the substrate. Depending on the type of the display panel 140, the light emitting diodes may be defined in different ways. For example, when the display panel 140 is an organic light emitting display panel, the light emitting diodes may be organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs).

[0050] A driving transistor may be disposed between the substrate and the light-emitting diode to drive the light-emitting diode. The driving transistor may be disposed in each of the plurality of sub-pixel regions. For example, the driving transistor includes a gate electrode, an active layer, a source electrode, and a drain electrode. The driving transistor may further include a gate insulating layer that insulates the gate electrode from the active layer and an interlayer insulating layer that insulates the gate electrode from the source electrode and the drain electrode.

[0051] The cover member 110 is provided on the display panel 140. The cover member 110 can protect the polarizer 130 and the display panel 140 provided below the cover member 110 from external impact, moisture and heat. The cover member 110 can be formed of a material having impact resistance and optical transmittance. For example, the cover member 110 can be a substrate formed of glass or a film formed of a plastic material such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but is not limited thereto. In addition, the cover member 110 is an exemplary term and may be referred to as various terms, such as a front member or cover glass, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] The polarizer 130 may be disposed between the cover member 110 and the display panel 140. The polarizer 130 selectively transmits light to reduce reflection of external light incident on the display panel 140. Specifically, the display panel 140 may include various metal materials applied to thin film transistors, wiring, and electroluminescent elements. Therefore, external light incident on the display panel 140 may be reflected from the metal material, so that the visibility of the display device 100 may be reduced due to the reflection of the external light. Therefore, the polarizer 130 is disposed on one surface of the display panel 140 to suppress the reflection of external light and increase the outdoor visibility of the display device 100. However, Figure 3 The components of the display device 100 shown in FIG. 1 are exemplary, and the polarizer 130 may be omitted depending on an implementation example of the display device 100 , without being limited to that shown in the drawings.

[0053] The adhesive layer 120 may be disposed between the cover member 110 and the polarizer 130. The adhesive layer 120 may bond and fix a component disposed under the cover member 110 and the cover member 110 to each other.

[0054] The adhesive layer 120 may include a first adhesive layer 121, a base film 122, a second adhesive layer 123, and a third adhesive layer 124. The first adhesive layer 121, the base film 122, the second adhesive layer 123, and the third adhesive layer 124 are arranged to surround the through hole TH and may be arranged in different regions. For example, the first adhesive layer 121, the base film 122, and the second adhesive layer 123 are arranged to overlap with the inner frame region IB, and the third adhesive layer 124 may be arranged to surround the inner frame region IB.

[0055] The first adhesive layer 121 is provided between the cover member 110 and the display panel 140 to bond and secure components disposed below the cover member 110 to the cover member 110. Through holes TH are also formed in the first adhesive layer 121 disposed below the cover member 110, so that the first adhesive layer 121 may include a variable adhesive material that facilitates re-peeling and easy removal of a local portion. In other words, the first adhesive layer 121 may be a variable adhesive layer whose adhesive strength varies depending on specific conditions.

[0056] The first adhesive layer 121 may include an additive. For example, the first adhesive layer 121 may include an anti-adhesive. Before attaching the first adhesive layer 121 to the adherend, the anti-adhesive may be densely distributed on one surface of the first adhesive layer 121 attached to the adherend. After the first adhesive layer 121 is attached to the adherend, the anti-adhesive may be evenly distributed inside the first adhesive layer 121 by intermolecular forces. Therefore, the first adhesive layer 121 may exert its natural adhesive strength. The anti-adhesive may be formed of, for example, a hydrophobic polymer material, but is not limited thereto. The first adhesive layer 121 may refer to the following description. Figures 4A to 4E Describe in more detail.

[0057] The base film 122 may be provided under the first adhesive layer 121. The base film 122 is provided between the first adhesive layer 121 and the second adhesive layer 123 to maintain the shapes of the first adhesive layer 121 and the second adhesive layer 123 by supporting the first adhesive layer 121 and the second adhesive layer 123. For example, the base film 122 is formed of a material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but is not limited thereto.

[0058] The second adhesive layer 123 is provided below the base film 122 to bond and secure the components provided below the cover member 110 and the cover member 110 to the first adhesive layer 121 and the base film 122. The second adhesive layer 123 may be an optically clear adhesive (OCA) that minimizes foreign matter or bubbles generated between the cover member 110 and the polarizer 130, but is not limited thereto. Unlike the first adhesive layer 121, the second adhesive layer 123 may not include a variable adhesive material. In other words, the adhesive strength of the second adhesive layer 123 is not variable but fixed.

[0059] The third adhesive layer 124 may be provided on the side surfaces of the first adhesive layer 121, the base film 122, and the second adhesive layer 123. The third adhesive layer 124 is provided in an area other than the inner frame area 1B to bond and fix the cover member 110 and the components provided under the cover member 110. Therefore, one end of the third adhesive layer 124 may overlap with one end of the display panel 140. The third adhesive layer 124 may be an optically clear adhesive (OCA) that minimizes foreign matter or bubbles generated between the cover member 110 and the polarizer 130, but is not limited thereto. At the same time, unlike the first adhesive layer 121, the third adhesive layer 124 may not include a variable adhesive material. That is, the adhesive strength of the third adhesive layer 124 is not variable, but fixed.

[0060] The support member 150 may be disposed below the display panel 140. When the substrate forming the display panel 140 is formed of a plastic material (e.g., polyimide), a support substrate formed of glass is disposed below the substrate to perform the manufacturing process of the display device 100, and components such as a polarizer are formed on the display panel 140. Thereafter, the support substrate may be released. However, even after the support substrate is released, components for supporting the substrate are required, so the support member 150 for supporting the substrate may be disposed below the substrate of the display panel 140. In addition, the support member 150 not only supports the display panel 140, but also protects the display panel 140 from external moisture, heat, and impact. For example, the support member 150 may be a film formed of polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), but is not limited thereto.

[0061] The conductive member 160 may be disposed below the support member 150. The conductive member 160 is formed of a material having excellent electrical conductivity to discharge static electricity generated in the cover member 110 to the outside together with the conductive light shielding member 170. Furthermore, the conductive member 160 may function as a heat dissipation member that releases heat generated when the display device 100 is driven. To this end, the conductive member 160 may be formed of a material having excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, such as copper (Cu) or graphite, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] In addition, the conductive member 160 may protect and support components on the conductive member 160. The conductive member 160 is formed of a rigid material to minimize dents, etc., caused by external impact.

[0063] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the structures provided below the display panel 140 are referred to as the support member 150 and the conductive member 160, but the support member 150 and the conductive member 160 may be referred to by other terms. For example, the conductive member 160 may be referred to as a first member or a first plate, and the support member 150 may be referred to as a second member or a second plate, but are not limited thereto.

[0064] In the configuration of the display device 100, the through hole TH may be formed in the remaining configurations except for the cover member 110. The through hole TH may be formed by passing through the adhesive layer 120, the polarizer 130, the display panel 140, the support member 150, and the conductive member 160. That is, the adhesive layer 120, the polarizer 130, the display panel 140, the support member 150, and the conductive member 160 may be arranged to surround the through hole TH. The through hole TH is an empty space for placing an optical device (e.g., a camera) in the active area AA. The optical device may be provided in the through hole TH to recognize the external environment outside the cover member 110. The optical device may operate by recognizing external light transmitted to the optical device through the cover member 110. At this time, the through hole TH is not formed in the cover member 110 to suppress foreign matter from entering the through hole TH.

[0065] Meanwhile, the sizes of the through holes TH of the conductive member 160 may vary depending on the order of the processes for attaching the conductive member 160 and forming the through holes TH. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the through holes TH formed sequentially in the adhesive layer 120, polarizer 130, display panel 140, and support member 150, i.e., the through holes TH arranged along the adhesive layer 120, polarizer 130, display panel 140, and support member 150, are referred to as first through holes TH1. The through holes TH formed in the conductive member 160 are referred to as second through holes TH2. However, the first through holes TH1 and the second through holes TH2 are merely illustrative, such that the first through holes TH1 may be referred to as the first hole, and the second through holes TH2 may be referred to as the second hole, but are not limited thereto.

[0066] For example, reference Figure 3 In this embodiment, a first through hole TH1 having a first diameter D1 is formed simultaneously in the adhesive layer 120, polarizer 130, display panel 140, and support member 150. Subsequently, the conductive member 160, having a second through hole TH2 having a second diameter D2 formed therein, can be attached to the rear surface of the support member 150. In this case, the first diameter D1 of the first through hole TH1 can be smaller than the second diameter D2 of the second through hole TH2. If the second through hole TH2 is smaller than the first through hole TH1, it may be difficult to align the second through hole TH2 with the first through hole TH1 when attaching the conductive member 160. Furthermore, it may be difficult to form the conductive light-shielding member 170, described below, in the first through hole TH1. Therefore, when the through hole TH is formed before attaching the conductive member 160, the adhesive layer 120, polarizer 130, display panel 140, and support member 150 having the first through hole TH1 and the conductive member 160 having the second through hole TH2 having a larger diameter than the first through hole TH1 are attached to manufacture the display device 100.

[0067] Meanwhile, even though not shown, the through holes TH may be formed after attaching the adhesive layer 120, the polarizer 130, the display panel 140, and the support member 150 to the conductive member 160. In this case, the diameter of the first through holes TH1 formed in the adhesive layer 120, the polarizer 130, the display panel 140, and the support member 150 may be the same as the diameter of the second through holes TH2 formed in the conductive member 160. However, the sizes of the through holes TH formed in the adhesive layer 120, the polarizer 130, the display panel 140, the support member 150, and the conductive member 160 may be configured to various sizes, but are not limited thereto.

[0068] A light shielding member 170 is disposed in the through hole TH. The light shielding member 170 is formed of a conductive material and is referred to as a conductive light shielding member 170. The conductive light shielding member 170 can prevent light from the display panel 40 from entering the interior of the through hole TH and discharge static electricity generated from the cover member 110. The conductive light shielding member 170 can cover a portion of the cover member 110 exposed through the through hole TH, the side surface of the adhesive layer 120, the side surface of the polarizer 130, the side surface of the display panel 140, the side surface of the support member 150, and the side surface of the conductive member 160. The conductive light shielding member 170 can be disposed to cover the inner circumferential surface of the through hole TH and a portion of the rear surface of the cover member 110 corresponding to the circumference of the through hole TH. One end of the conductive light shielding member 170 can be disposed on the cover member 110, and the other end can be in contact with the conductive member 160. The conductive light shielding member 170 can overlap a portion of the conductive member 160.

[0069] For example, reference Figure 3 The conductive light-shielding member 170 may cover the rear surface of the cover member 110, the boundary portion between the rear surface of the cover member 110 and the side surface of the adhesive layer 120, the side surface of the adhesive layer 120, the side surface of the polarizer 130, the side surface of the display panel 140, and the side surface of the support member 150. The conductive light-shielding member 170 may cover the rear surface of the support member 150 exposed through the second through hole TH2, the boundary portion between the rear surface of the support member 150 and the side surface of the conductive member 160, and the side surface of the conductive member 160. Therefore, when the second through hole TH2 of the conductive member 160 is larger than the first through hole TH1 of the adhesive layer 120, the polarizer 130, the display panel 140, and the support member 150, the conductive light-shielding member 170 may also cover the portion of the support member 150 exposed through the second through hole TH2.

[0070] At the same time, although not shown in the figure, when the first diameter D1 and the second diameter D2 are equal, the conductive light shading member 170 can cover the rear surface of the cover member 110, the boundary portion between the rear surface of the cover member 110 and the side surface of the adhesive layer 120, the side surface of the adhesive layer 120, the side surface of the polarizer 130, the side surface of the display panel 140, the side surface of the support member 150 and the side surface of the conductive member 160.

[0071] The conductive light-shielding member 170 may be formed of an opaque and conductive material to suppress light leakage and discharge static electricity. The conductive light-shielding member 170 may be formed of a conductive ink or a conductive paste, for example, a conductive ink in which conductive particles (e.g., carbon black) or a conductive polymer (e.g., PEDOT:PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene))) are mixed, or a conductive paste formed of a material such as silver. In addition, the conductive light-shielding member 170 may have a resistance of 0 to 10^6Ω to discharge static electricity. The conductive light-shielding member 170 may be formed of various materials other than the above-mentioned materials, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] However, the end of the conductive light-shielding member 170 may be disposed on the printed pattern BP in the region corresponding to the first through hole TH1. Specifically, in the region corresponding to the first through hole TH1, the end of the conductive light-shielding member 170 may be disposed on the rear surface of the printed pattern BP. Because the end of the conductive light-shielding member 170 is disposed on the rear surface of the printed pattern BP, the printed pattern BP and the conductive light-shielding member 170 are in contact with each other in the region corresponding to the first through hole TH1. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) charges generated in the cover member 110 can be discharged from the printed pattern BP through this contact via the conductive light-shielding member 170.

[0073] The printed pattern BP may be disposed between the cover member 110 and the conductive light blocking member 170. For example, the printed pattern BP may be disposed along the circumference of the through hole TH on the rear surface of the cover member 110. At least one of the first through hole TH1 and the second through hole TH2 may overlap the printed pattern BP.

[0074] At this time, the printed pattern BP can discharge the static electricity generated in the cover member 110 to the conductive member 160 together with the conductive light-shielding member 170. The printed pattern BP can be formed of an insulating material or a conductive material (such as the conductive light-shielding member 170), and can be formed of, for example, black ink or ink including a conductive material or silver paste. At this time, even if the printed pattern BP is formed of an insulating material and the conductive light-shielding member 170 is indirectly connected to the cover member 110 through the printed pattern BP, the printed pattern can easily discharge the static electricity generated in the cover member 110. At the same time, in the present disclosure, even if the structure formed on the rear surface of the cover member 110 is referred to as a printed pattern BP, the printed pattern BP can also be referred to as a pattern, but is not limited to this. At the same time, the printed pattern BP can be set to overlap with the entire rear surface of the cover member 110, without being limited to as shown in the figure.

[0075] Below, we will refer to Figures 4A to 4E A method of manufacturing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0076] Figures 4A to 4E is a process flow chart for explaining a method of manufacturing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 4A to 4E For the sake of convenience, the printed pattern BP is not shown.

[0077] First, refer to Figure 4A , the first liner LL may be attached to one surface of the first adhesive layer 121, and the second liner HL may be attached to one surface of the second adhesive layer 123. The first liner LL and the second liner HL may protect the first adhesive layer 121, the base film 122, and the second adhesive layer 123. When the first adhesive layer 121 and the second adhesive layer 123 are attached to a component of the display device 100, the first liner LL and the second liner HL may be peeled off so that one surface of the first adhesive layer 121 and the second adhesive layer 123 come into contact with an adherend.

[0078] At the same time, before attaching the first adhesive layer 121 and the first liner LL, a coating process may be performed so that the release agent 121a in the first adhesive layer 121 is densely arranged on one surface to which the first liner LL is attached. Even if the first liner LL is peeled off to attach to an adherend, the release agent 121a is densely distributed on one surface of the first adhesive layer 121 to which the adherend is attached, so that the adhesive strength in the initial stage of attachment can be relatively low.

[0079] Next, refer to Figure 4B, a process of peeling off the first liner LL and attaching the cover member 110 as an adherend to one surface of the first adhesive layer 121 can be performed. When the cover member 110 is attached to one surface of the first adhesive layer 121, the release agent 121a that hinders the adhesive strength can be distributed from one surface of the first adhesive layer 121 into the first adhesive layer 121 through intermolecular forces. Therefore, the amount of the release agent 121a distributed on the one surface of the first adhesive layer 121 to which the cover member 110 is attached can be significantly reduced. Therefore, the first adhesive layer 121 can exhibit its natural adhesive strength.

[0080] Next, refer to Figure 4C , a heating process of the first adhesive layer 121 can be performed. When the first adhesive layer 121 is heated, the movement speed of the release agent 121a in the first adhesive layer 121 increases, thereby being evenly distributed over the entire first adhesive layer 121 at high speed. Therefore, the natural adhesive strength of the first adhesive layer 121 is ensured in a short time, so that the process time can be shortened. The heating process of the first adhesive layer 121 can be performed at, for example, 50°C to 80°C, but is not limited thereto.

[0081] Next, refer to Figure 4D , a cutting process of the first adhesive layer 121, the base film 122, the second adhesive layer 123, and the second liner layer HL may be performed. That is, the first adhesive layer 121, the base film 122, and the second adhesive layer 123 may be cut while being attached to the cover member 110. For example, in order to minimize a wave phenomenon in which a band shape of the cut portion is visible due to an external force, a laser cutting process may be performed as the cutting process.

[0082] Next, refer to Figure 4E , a peeling process of the second liner HL, an attaching process of the third adhesive layer 124 , the polarizer 130 , the display panel 140 , the support member 150 and the conductive member 160 , and a placement process of the conductive light blocking member 170 may be sequentially performed.

[0083] At the same time, the display device has an active area and a frame area. The active area substantially displays the image, and the frame area is an inactive area that is blocked by a light-shielding member so that the image is not substantially displayed. In the active area, a display element is provided to display the image, and in the frame area, various wiring or drive circuits for driving the display element are provided. The display device includes a camera, a speaker, a microphone, and various sensors to provide various functions, and these components are also provided in the frame area.

[0084] In recent years, research has been actively underway to reduce the bezel area in order to enhance the design of display devices and provide a larger screen size within the limited dimensions of the display devices. Consequently, components such as cameras, speakers, microphones, or sensors that were previously located in the bezel area are now located in the active area. However, in order to display images smoothly, a technology is being proposed to locate these components on the rear surface of the display panel.

[0085] However, an optical device such as a camera needs to be exposed to the outside to recognize light, and thus a display device is being developed in which the optical device is provided by notching a portion of the display device or forming a hole in the display device.

[0086] For example, in various configurations of display devices, the remaining configurations except for the cover member are partially removed to form a through hole. Therefore, the adhesive layer provided between the various configurations may also be partially removed to protect the various structures from external forces and to fix the various configurations. For example, in order to partially remove the adhesive layer, a punching tool may be used to perform a punching process using physical external force. At this time, the depth of the punching tool needs to be controlled according to the cutting area, and when the depth is incorrectly controlled, the external force applied to the adhesive layer may increase. As a result, a ripple phenomenon may occur where the unevenness of the strip shape is visible along the cutting area.

[0087] In addition, during the process of attaching the adhesive layer, defects may occur, requiring the adhesive layer to be peeled off to remove the adhesive layer. At this time, due to the high adhesive strength of the adhesive layer, it may be difficult to remove the adhesive, making it difficult to reuse the display device.

[0088] In the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to allow light to pass through the optical device provided below the display panel 140, a through hole TH may be formed in a component provided below the cover member 110. At the same time, the adhesive layer 120 may be provided between the cover member 110 and the display panel 140. The first adhesive layer 121 may be provided to correspond to the optical area OA where the through hole TH is provided, for example, in the inner frame area IB. In this case, the first adhesive layer 121 may include a variable adhesive material. That is, the first adhesive layer 121 may be a variable adhesive layer that is easily removed locally and re-peeled. Therefore, the through hole TH of the first adhesive layer 121 may be easily formed.

[0089] Furthermore, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the through hole TH of the first adhesive layer 121 can be formed using a laser cutting process. Therefore, visible ripples in the cut portion of the first adhesive layer 121 due to physical external forces can be minimized. Consequently, in the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, unevenness generated near the through hole TH can be suppressed from being visible to the user. Consequently, the display quality of the area surrounding the through hole TH can be improved.

[0090] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 The display device 200 and Figures 1 to 4E The only difference between the display devices 100 is the adhesive layer 220, and the other components are substantially the same, so that repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0091] refer to Figure 5 , an adhesive layer 220 may be disposed between the cover member 110 and the polarizer 130. The adhesive layer 220 may bond and fix a component disposed under the cover member 110 and the cover member 110 to each other.

[0092] The adhesive layer 220 may include a first adhesive layer 221 , a base film 222 , and a second adhesive layer 223 .

[0093] The first adhesive layer 221 is disposed between the cover member 110 and the display panel 140 to bond and secure components disposed below the cover member 110 to the cover member 110. The first adhesive layer 221 disposed below the cover member 110 also has through holes TH, so that the first adhesive layer 221 can include a variable adhesive material that facilitates re-peeling and easy removal of a local portion. In other words, the first adhesive layer 221 can be a variable adhesive layer whose adhesive strength varies according to specific conditions.

[0094] The first adhesive layer 221 may include an additive. For example, the first adhesive layer 221 may include a release agent. Before the first adhesive layer 221 is attached to an adherend, the release agent may be densely distributed on a surface of the first adhesive layer 221 that adheres to the adherend. After the first adhesive layer 221 is attached to an adherend, the release agent may be uniformly distributed in the first adhesive layer 221 insides by intermolecular force. Therefore, the first adhesive layer 221 may show its natural adhesive strength. The release agent may be formed by, for example, a hydrophobic polymer material, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] The base film 222 may be provided below the first adhesive layer 221. The base film 222 is provided between the first adhesive layer 221 and the second adhesive layer 223 to maintain the shapes of the first adhesive layer 221 and the second adhesive layer 223 by supporting the first adhesive layer 221 and the second adhesive layer 223. For example, the base film 222 may be formed of a material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but is not limited thereto.

[0096] The second adhesive layer 223 is provided below the base film 222 to bond and secure the components provided below the cover member 110 and the cover member 110 to the first adhesive layer 221 and the base film 222. The second adhesive layer 223 may be an optically clear adhesive (OCA) that minimizes foreign matter or bubbles generated between the cover member 110 and the polarizer 130, but is not limited thereto. Unlike the first adhesive layer 221, the second adhesive layer 223 may not include a variable adhesive material. In other words, the adhesive strength of the second adhesive layer 223 may not be variable but may be fixed.

[0097] At the same time, the adhesive layer 220 can be constructed from the same layer on the front surface of the area corresponding to the display panel 140. That is, the adhesive layer 220 can be constructed from the same layer in the optical area OA and the area surrounding the optical area OA. Specifically, the adhesive layer 220 having the same laminated structure can be provided not only in the area overlapping with the inner frame area IB, but also in the active area AA and the non-active area NA surrounding the inner frame area IB. Therefore, one end of the first adhesive layer 221, the base film 222, and the second adhesive layer 223 can overlap with the boundary of the inner frame area IB, while the other end can overlap with the end of the display panel 140.

[0098] In a display device 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to allow light to pass through an optical device disposed below the display panel 140, a through hole TH may be formed in a component disposed below the cover member 110. At the same time, an adhesive layer 220 may be disposed between the cover member 110 and the display panel 140. The placement area of the adhesive layer 220 may overlap with the front surface of the display panel 140. Therefore, the adhesive layer 220 may overlap with the inner frame area IB surrounding the through hole TH. At this time, the first adhesive layer 221 may include a variable adhesive material. That is, the first adhesive layer 221 may be a variable adhesive layer that is easily removed locally and re-peeled. Therefore, the through hole TH of the first adhesive layer 221 may be easily formed.

[0099] Furthermore, in a display device 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the through-holes TH of the first adhesive layer 221 can be formed using a laser cutting process. Consequently, visible ripples in the cut portion of the first adhesive layer 221 due to physical force can be minimized. Consequently, in the display device 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, unevenness generated near the through-holes TH can be prevented from being visible to the user. Consequently, the display quality of the area surrounding the through-holes TH can be improved.

[0100] In a display device 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an adhesive layer 220, including a first adhesive layer 221 serving as a variable adhesive layer, can be disposed as a single layer on the front surface of the area corresponding to the display panel 140. That is, the adhesive layer 220 can be constructed from a single layer in both the optical area OA and the area surrounding the optical area OA. Specifically, the adhesive layer 220 having the same laminated structure can be disposed not only in the area overlapping the inner bezel area IB, but also in the active area AA and the non-active area NA surrounding the inner bezel area IB. That is, in the display device 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, to minimize the moire phenomenon near the through-hole TH, a distinction is made between the optical area OA, including the inner bezel area IB, and the remaining area excluding the optical area OA. Therefore, a separate adhesive layer 220 may not be provided. Thus, the process of forming and attaching a separate adhesive layer 220 for each area is omitted, while the moire phenomenon near the through-hole TH can be minimized. This saves manufacturing costs and time, thereby improving process efficiency.

[0101] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 The display device 300 and Figures 1 to 4E The only difference between the display devices 100 is the adhesive layer 320, and other components are substantially the same, so redundant description will be omitted.

[0102] refer to Figure 6 , a base film 322 may be provided under the first adhesive layer 121. The base film 322 is provided between the first adhesive layer 121 and the second adhesive layer 123 to maintain the shapes of the first adhesive layer 121 and the second adhesive layer 123 by supporting the first adhesive layer 121 and the second adhesive layer 123. For example, the base film 322 may be formed of a material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but is not limited thereto.

[0103] The base film 322 may include scattering particles to improve light extraction efficiency. The scattering particles of the base film 322 scatter the light totally reflected at the interface between the first adhesive layer 121 and the base film 322 according to the refractive index to guide it to the cover member 110. The scattering particles may be nano-sized spherical inorganic oxide particles with light scattering properties. The scattering particles may be, for example, one of titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles, silicon dioxide (SiO2) particles, zinc oxide (ZnO) particles, and aluminum oxide (AlO4) particles, but are not limited thereto. In addition, the scattering particles may be spherical, porous, or fibrous, but are not limited thereto.

[0104] In a display device 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to allow light to pass through an optical device disposed below the display panel 140, a through hole TH may be formed in a component disposed below the cover member 110. At the same time, an adhesive layer 120 may be disposed between the cover member 110 and the display panel 140. The first adhesive layer 121 may be disposed to correspond to the optical area OA where the through hole TH is disposed, and may be disposed, for example, in the inner frame area IB. In this case, the first adhesive layer 121 may include a variable adhesive material. That is, the first adhesive layer 121 may be a variable adhesive layer that can be easily partially removed and re-peeled. Therefore, the through hole TH of the first adhesive layer 121 may be easily formed.

[0105] Furthermore, in a display device 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the through-holes TH of the first adhesive layer 121 can be formed using a laser cutting process. Consequently, visible ripples in the first adhesive layer 121, which can occur due to physical force, can be minimized. Consequently, in the display device 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, unevenness generated near the through-holes TH can be prevented from being visible to the user. Consequently, the display quality of the area surrounding the through-holes TH can be improved.

[0106] Specifically, in the display device 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the base film 322 of the adhesive layer 320 includes scattering particles. Therefore, light emitted from the light emitting diodes of the display panel 140 is reflected or scattered by the scattering particles of the base film 322, thereby improving light extraction efficiency.

[0107] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 Compared with the display device 200, Figure 7 Only the adhesive layer 420 is different, and the other components are substantially the same, so redundant description will be omitted.

[0108] refer to Figure 7, a base film 422 may be provided under the first adhesive layer 221. The base film 422 is provided between the first adhesive layer 221 and the second adhesive layer 223 to maintain the shapes of the first adhesive layer 221 and the second adhesive layer 223 by supporting the first adhesive layer 221 and the second adhesive layer 223. For example, the base film 422 may be formed of a material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but is not limited thereto.

[0109] The base film 422 may include scattering particles to improve light extraction efficiency. The scattering particles of the base film 422 scatter the light totally reflected at the interface between the first adhesive layer 221 and the base film 422 according to the refractive index to guide it to the cover member 110. The scattering particles may be nano-sized spherical inorganic oxide particles with light scattering properties. The scattering particles may be, for example, one of titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles, silicon dioxide (SiO2) particles, zinc oxide (ZnO) particles, and aluminum oxide (AlO4) particles, but are not limited thereto. In addition, the scattering particles may be spherical, porous, or fibrous, but are not limited thereto.

[0110] In a display device 400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in order to allow light to pass through an optical device disposed below the display panel 140, a through hole TH may be formed in a component disposed below the cover member 110. At the same time, an adhesive layer 420 may be disposed between the cover member 110 and the display panel 140. The placement area of the adhesive layer 420 may overlap with the front surface of the display panel 140. Therefore, the adhesive layer 420 may overlap with the inner frame area IB surrounding the through hole TH. At this time, the first adhesive layer 221 may include a variable adhesive material. That is, the first adhesive layer 221 may be a variable adhesive layer that is easily removed locally and re-peeled. Therefore, the through hole TH of the first adhesive layer 221 may be easily formed.

[0111] Furthermore, in a display device 400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the through-holes TH of the first adhesive layer 221 can be formed using a laser cutting process. Consequently, visible ripples in the cut portion of the first adhesive layer 221 due to physical force can be minimized. Consequently, in the display device 400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, unevenness generated near the through-holes TH can be prevented from being visible to the user. Consequently, the display quality of the area surrounding the through-holes TH can be improved.

[0112] In a display device 400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an adhesive layer 420 including a first adhesive layer 221 serving as a variable adhesive layer can be disposed as a single layer on the front surface of the area corresponding to the display panel 140. That is, the adhesive layer 420 can be constructed from the same layer in both the optical area OA and the area surrounding the optical area OA. Specifically, the adhesive layer 420 having the same laminated structure can be disposed not only in the area overlapping the inner bezel area IB, but also in the active area AA and the non-active area NA surrounding the inner bezel area IB. That is, in the display device 400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, to minimize the moire phenomenon near the through-hole TH, a distinction is made between the optical area OA including the inner bezel area IB and the remaining area excluding the optical area OA. Therefore, a separate adhesive layer 420 may not be provided. Thus, the process of forming and attaching a separate adhesive layer 420 for each area is omitted, but the moire phenomenon near the through-hole TH can be minimized. This saves manufacturing costs and time, thereby improving process efficiency.

[0113] Specifically, in the display device 400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the base film 422 of the adhesive layer 420 includes scattering particles. Therefore, light emitted from the light emitting diodes of the display panel 140 is reflected or scattered by the scattering particles of the base film 422, thereby improving light extraction efficiency.

[0114] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may also be described as follows:

[0115] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a display device is provided. The display device includes: a display panel including an active area and an inactive area surrounding the active area, the active area including an optical area having a through hole disposed therein; a cover member disposed on the display panel; a first adhesive layer disposed between the display panel and the cover member, the first adhesive layer including a variable adhesive material; a base film disposed between the first adhesive layer and the display panel; and a second adhesive layer disposed between the base film and the display panel.

[0116] The first adhesive layer may include an additive, and the additive may be a release agent.

[0117] The additive may be formed of a hydrophobic polymer material.

[0118] The base film may include scattering particles and an organic material in which the scattering particles are dispersed.

[0119] The first adhesive layer, the base film, and the second adhesive layer may be disposed to surround the through hole.

[0120] The display panel may further include an inner bezel area disposed to surround the through hole, and the first adhesive layer, the base film, and the second adhesive layer may be disposed to overlap the inner bezel area.

[0121] The display device may further include a third adhesive layer disposed between the display panel and the cover member and surrounding the inner frame area. The adhesive strength of the third adhesive layer may be fixed.

[0122] End portions of the first adhesive layer, the base film, and the second adhesive layer may overlap with an end portion of the display panel.

[0123] The adhesive strength of the second adhesive layer may be fixed.

[0124] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can be embodied in many different forms without departing from the technical concepts of the present disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the technical concepts of the present disclosure. The scope of the technical concepts of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the above exemplary embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and do not limit the present disclosure. All technical concepts within the equivalent scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: a display panel comprising an active area and an inactive area surrounding the active area, wherein the active area comprises an optical area having a through hole; a cover member disposed on the display panel; a first adhesive layer disposed between the display panel and the cover member and including a variable adhesive material having a variable adhesive strength; a base film disposed between the first adhesive layer and the display panel; as well as A second adhesive layer is provided between the base film and the display panel.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first adhesive layer includes an additive, and the additive is a release agent.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The additive is formed of a hydrophobic polymer material.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The base film includes scattering particles and an organic material in which the scattering particles are dispersed.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first adhesive layer, the base film, and the second adhesive layer are disposed to surround the through hole. The display device according to claim 5 , wherein: The display panel further includes an inner bezel region disposed to surround the through hole, and the first adhesive layer, the base film, and the second adhesive layer are disposed to overlap the inner bezel region.

7. The display device according to claim 6, further comprising: A third adhesive layer is provided between the display panel and the cover member and surrounds the inner bezel area, wherein an adhesive strength of the third adhesive layer is constant.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein End portions of the first adhesive layer, the base film, and the second adhesive layer overlap with an end portion of the display panel.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The adhesive strength of the second adhesive layer is constant.

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