Display device

Abstract

A display device including a peripheral region having a reduced area is provided. The display device includes: a first substrate; a first pad on the first substrate along a first edge of the first substrate; a second pad on the first substrate along the first edge and between the first edge and the first pad; a second substrate; a third pad on the second substrate along a second edge of the second substrate; a fourth pad on the second substrate along the second edge and between the second edge and the third pad; a first film including an end portion electrically connected to the first pad and another end portion electrically connected to the third pad; and a second film including an end portion electrically connected to the second pad and another end portion electrically connected to the fourth pad.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and all benefits derived from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0039257, filed on March 21, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] One or more embodiments relate to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device having a reduced peripheral area. Background Art

[0003] Generally speaking, a display device includes a display area in which an image is displayed and a peripheral area outside the display area. In such a display device, the ratio of the peripheral area to the display area can be relatively reduced by increasing the area of ​​the display area. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Existing display devices have a problem in that it is not easy to display high-quality images while relatively reducing the size of the peripheral area of ​​the display device. Reducing the size of the peripheral area of ​​the display device may reduce the ability of the display device to effectively display high-quality images.

[0005] One or more embodiments will overcome various problems including the aforementioned problems and provide a display device with a reduced peripheral area. However, this is merely an example, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0006] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments, a display device includes: a first substrate; a first pad on the first substrate along a first edge of the first substrate; a second pad on the first substrate along the first edge, the second pad being between the first edge and the first pad; a second substrate; a third pad on the second substrate along the second edge of the second substrate; a fourth pad on the second substrate along the second edge, the fourth pad being between the second edge and the third pad; a first film including an end electrically connected to the first pad and another end electrically connected to the third pad; and a second film including an end electrically connected to the second pad and another end electrically connected to the fourth pad.

[0008] The first film may overlap the second film.

[0009] A width of the first film in a second direction may be greater than a width of the second film in the second direction, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction extending from the first substrate to the second substrate.

[0010] The area of ​​the first film may be larger than the area of ​​the second film.

[0011] The first film may cover the second film.

[0012] A portion of the second film overlapping the second pad may be between the first substrate and the first film.

[0013] A portion of the second film overlapping the fourth pad may be between the second substrate and the first film.

[0014] The second pads may correspond to spaces between the first pads.

[0015] The fourth pads may correspond to spaces between the third pads.

[0016] The display device may further include: a first display element on the first substrate, wherein the second substrate may be included in a circuit board.

[0017] The display device may further include: a first display element on the first substrate; and a second display element on the second substrate.

[0018] The display device may further include: a driving driver on the first substrate.

[0019] The first film and the second film may be configured to transmit an electrical signal from the driving driver to the second display element.

[0020] The display device may further include: a flexible printed circuit board electrically connected to the third edge of the first substrate.

[0021] The third edge may be opposite to the first edge with respect to the center of the first substrate.

[0022] The first film and the second film may be configured to transmit an electrical signal from the flexible printed circuit board to the second display element.

[0023] The area of ​​the main display region of the first substrate where the first display element is arranged may be larger than the area of ​​the sub-display region of the second substrate where the second display element is arranged.

[0024] The first film and the second film may be bendable so that the rear surface of the second substrate may be on the rear surface of the first substrate.

[0025] The first and second films may be flexible.

[0026] The first pad, the second pad, the third pad, and the fourth pad may be arranged in a direction parallel to the first edge and the second edge. The width of the first film in the direction may be greater than the width of the second film in the direction.

[0027]

[0011] Further aspects, features, and advantages in addition to those described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description, claims, and drawings that serve to implement the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent through the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the appearance of a display device according to the embodiment;

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a portion of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic plan view of a portion of a display device;

[0032] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The line A-A' intercepts Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display device;

[0033] Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 The line B-B' intercepts Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display device;

[0034] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 The line C-C' intercepts Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display device;

[0035] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of a portion of a display device according to an embodiment; and

[0036] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Schematic plan view of a portion of a display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout. In this regard, the current embodiment may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the description set forth herein. Accordingly, embodiments are described herein merely by reference to the accompanying drawings to illustrate the aspects of the current description. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. Throughout this disclosure, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" indicates only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

[0038] Because the present disclosure allows for various variations and numerous embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in the written description. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure in order to gain a full understanding of the present disclosure, its advantages, and the objectives achieved by the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0039] Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings represent the same elements, and their repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0040] It will be understood that when a component, such as a layer, film, region, or plate, is referred to as being "on" another component, the component can be directly on the other component, or intervening components may be present thereon. For ease of explanation, the sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated. In other words, since the sizes and thicknesses of elements in the drawings are arbitrarily illustrated for ease of explanation, the following embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0041] In the following examples, the second direction (x-axis direction), the first direction (y-axis direction), and the third direction (z-axis direction) are not limited to directions corresponding to the three axes of the rectangular coordinate system and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the second direction (x-axis direction), the first direction (y-axis direction), and the third direction (z-axis direction) may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other.

[0042] It will be understood that although the terms “first” and “second”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms and these terms are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0043] It will be further understood that the term "comprises" and / or variations thereof used herein specify the presence of stated features or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features or components.

[0044] In this embodiment, expressions such as “A and / or B” indicate A, B, or A and B. Expressions such as “at least one of A and B” indicate A, B, or A and B.

[0045] It will be understood that when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being connected to another layer, region, or component, it can be directly and / or indirectly connected to the other layer, region, or component. That is, for example, there can be intervening layers, regions, or components. For example, when a layer, region, or component is referred to as being electrically connected to another layer, region, or component, it can be directly or indirectly electrically connected to the other layer, region, or component.

[0046] As used herein, the terms "about" or "approximately" include the stated value and include an appropriate range of deviation for that particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity. For example, the term "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, ±5% of the stated value.

[0047] As used herein, the term "substantially" means approximately or practically. The term "substantially equal" means approximately or practically equal. The term "substantially identical" means approximately or practically identical. The term "substantially perpendicular" means approximately or practically perpendicular. The term "substantially parallel" means approximately or practically parallel. The term "substantially flat" means approximately or practically flat. The term "extending substantially in one direction" means extending approximately or practically in that direction.

[0048] Figure 1 and Figure 2 : is a schematic perspective view illustrating the appearance of a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the display device according to this embodiment is a foldable display device including a hinge HG and can be folded or unfolded along the hinge HG. The display device according to this embodiment may have a main display area MDA and a sub-display area SDA. The area of ​​the main display area MDA may be larger than that of the sub-display area SDA. Figure 1 The main display area MDA is folded at an angle of about 90 degrees. Figure 2 The figure shows a display device in a fully folded state. Figure 2 In the example of a fully folded display device shown in FIG, the main display area MDA is located inside the display device, allowing the user to use the sub-display area SDA outside the display device. The display device can also be fully unfolded so that the main display area MDA becomes substantially flat. The display device according to this embodiment can be a mobile device such as a smartphone.

[0049] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a portion of a display device according to an embodiment. For example, Figure 3 The display device can be Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display device according to the present embodiment may include a main display panel 10 and a sub-display panel 20.

[0050] The main display panel 10 may have a main display area MDA including a plurality of first display elements and a main peripheral area MPA outside the main display area MDA. The first display elements may be on a first substrate 101. It will be understood that the first substrate 101 of the main display panel 10 includes the main display area MDA and the main peripheral area MPA described herein.

[0051] The main peripheral area MPA may include a first scan driver SD1, a drive driver DD, and various circuits. The main peripheral area MPA may include a pad area PADA, to which a flexible printed circuit board F3 or electronic components, such as the drive driver DD, may be electrically attached. The main peripheral area MPA may also include a common voltage input line CPIL, a first common voltage supply line 11, a drive voltage input line DPIL, and a first drive voltage supply line 13. Various circuits, including a clock signal line CKL connected to the first scan driver SD1, may pass through the main peripheral area MPA.

[0052] The driver DD may include an integrated circuit for driving the main display panel 10. Such an integrated circuit may be a data driver integrated circuit for generating data signals, but one or more embodiments are not limited thereto. The first substrate 101 may have a first main edge E11 and a second main edge E12 extending substantially in a first direction (y-axis direction) and facing each other, and may also have a third main edge E13 and a fourth main edge E14 extending substantially in a second direction (x-axis direction) intersecting the first direction and appearing to connect the first main edge E11 and the second main edge E12. With respect to the center of the first substrate 101, the fourth main edge E14 may be opposite to the third main edge E13. The driver DD may be mounted in the main peripheral area MPA so as to be adjacent to the fourth main edge E14 of the first substrate 101. It will be understood that the aforementioned flexible printed circuit board F3 is electrically connected to the fourth main edge E14 of the first substrate 101. For convenience, the fourth main edge E14 may be referred to as the third edge.

[0053] As a reference, it is understandable that Figure 3is a plan view illustrating the first substrate 101 during manufacturing. In a completed display device or electronic device (e.g., a smartphone including a display device), a portion of the first substrate 101 may be bent to reduce the area of ​​the main peripheral area MPA recognized by the user. For example, the main peripheral area MPA may include a bending area BA, and the bending area BA may be located between the pad area PADA and the main display area MDA. In this case, the first substrate 101 is bent in the bending area BA so that the first area A1 on one side of the first substrate 101 with respect to the bending area BA may overlap with the second area A2 on the other side of the first substrate 101.

[0054] For example, the first substrate 101 is bent in the bending area BA so that at least a portion of the second area A2 including the pad area PADA can overlap with the first area A1 including the main display area MDA. In this case, the bending direction is set so that the pad area PADA is located behind the main display area MDA. Accordingly, the user perceives that the main display area MDA occupies a large portion of the display device. The drive driver DD is installed on the same plane as the display surface of the main display area MDA, but when the main display panel 10 is bent in the bending area BA, the drive driver DD can be positioned toward the rear surface of the main display area MDA.

[0055] The first substrate 101 may include various flexible or bendable materials, and examples of the material include polymer resins such as polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, or cellulose acetate propionate. Various modifications may be made to the first substrate 101, and for example, the first substrate 101 may have a multilayer structure including two layers containing the above-mentioned polymer resin and a barrier layer containing an inorganic material (e.g., silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride, etc.) and arranged between the two layers. In addition, when the first substrate 101 is not bent, the first substrate 101 may include glass or the like.

[0056] The main display area MDA may be substantially rectangular or square in shape. The edges of the main display area MDA may generally have a shape similar to the edges of a rectangle or square. Accordingly, the first substrate 101 may be substantially rectangular or square in shape. The edges of the main display area MDA may generally have a shape similar to the edges of a circle, an ellipse, or other polygonal shapes.

[0057] As described herein, the first substrate 101 may have a first main edge E11 and a second main edge E12 extending substantially in a first direction (y-axis direction) and facing each other, and may also have a third main edge E13 and a fourth main edge E14 extending substantially in a second direction (x-axis direction) intersecting the first direction and appearing to connect the first main edge E11 and the second main edge E12. The pad area PADA may be a portion of the main peripheral area MPA of the first substrate 101 adjacent to the fourth main edge E14. As needed, the first substrate 101 has a bending portion between the first main edge E11 and the fourth main edge E14 and between the second main edge E12 and the fourth main edge E14, so that the first substrate 101 can be easily bent in the bending area BA. Accordingly, as Figure 3 As illustrated in FIG, the width of the first substrate 101 in the second area A2 in the second direction (x-axis direction) may be smaller than the width of the first substrate 101 in the first area A1 in the second direction (x-axis direction).

[0058] Hereinafter, an organic light-emitting display device is described as an example of a display device, but the display device is not limited thereto. As another example, the display device may be a display device such as an inorganic light-emitting display device, an inorganic EL display device, or a quantum dot light-emitting display device. For example, the emissive layer of the display element of the display device may include an organic material or an inorganic material. In some aspects, the display device may include an emissive layer and quantum dots arranged in the path of light emitted from the emissive layer.

[0059] In the main display area MDA, a plurality of pixels are arranged. Each pixel can be a sub-pixel and includes a first display element, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and a pixel circuit electrically connected to the first display element. The pixel can emit, for example, red, green, blue, or white light. The pixel can be electrically connected to an external circuit arranged in the main peripheral area MPA. In the main peripheral area MPA, a first scan driver SD1, a first common voltage supply line 11, a first drive voltage supply line 13, and the like can be arranged.

[0060] The first scan driver SD1 may extend along the first main edge E11 of the first substrate 101. The first scan driver SD1 may be configured to provide scan signals to pixels via scan lines (not shown) extending in the second direction (x-axis direction) into the main display area MDA. The first scan driver SD1 may be positioned along the second main edge E12 of the first substrate 101. In this case, some of the pixels in the main display area MDA may be electrically connected to the first scan driver SD1 near the first main edge E11, and other pixels may be electrically connected to the first scan driver SD1 near the second main edge E12. Alternatively, an emission control driver may be positioned near the second main edge E12 of the first substrate 101 instead of the first scan driver SD1, and thus, the emission control driver may be configured to provide emission control signals to pixels in the main display area MDA via emission control lines (not shown) substantially parallel to the scan lines.

[0061] A plurality of main pads may be located in the pad area PADA of the main display panel 10. Such main pads may not be covered by the insulating layer and may be exposed so that the main pads can be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board F3. That is, the pads of the flexible printed circuit board F3 can be electrically connected to the main pads of the main display panel 10.

[0062] The flexible printed circuit board F3 is constructed to transmit signals from a controller or a power supply to the main display panel 10. The control signal generated by the controller can be transmitted to the drive driver DD and the first scan driver SD1 through the flexible printed circuit board F3. In some aspects, the controller can provide a common voltage (ELVSS) to the first common voltage supply line 11 through the common voltage input line CPIL, and provide the common voltage to the common electrode of the organic light emitting diode in the main display area MDA. The controller can provide a drive voltage (ELVDD) to the first drive voltage supply line 13 through the drive voltage input line DPIL, and provide the drive voltage to the pixel circuit in the main display area MDA through a first drive voltage line (not shown) extending from the first drive voltage supply line 13 to the main display area MDA in a first direction (y-axis direction). The first drive voltage line can be substantially parallel to the first data line DL1. For reference, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 , the first common voltage supply line 11 may extend substantially in the first direction (y-axis direction) along each of the first main edge E11 and the second main edge E12. In some alternative and / or additional embodiments, the first common voltage supply line 11 may have a ring shape having one open side in a direction toward the fourth main edge E14, and thus may extend along the first main edge E11, the third main edge E13, and the second main edge E12.

[0063] The controller can generate data signals, and the generated data signals can be transmitted to the drive driver DD and the pixels in the main display area MDA via the first data line DL1 extending in the first direction (y-axis direction) and intersecting the main display area MDA. This figure illustrates that the clock signal line CKL is configured to receive a clock signal through the main pad and transmit the clock signal to the first scan driver SD1. However, unlike the figure, the clock signal line CKL can be configured to receive a clock signal from the drive driver DD and transmit the clock signal to the first scan driver SD1.

[0064] Similar to the main display panel 10, the auxiliary display panel 20 may have an auxiliary display area SDA where a plurality of pixels are arranged and an auxiliary peripheral area SPA outside the auxiliary display area SDA. It is understood that the second substrate 102 of the auxiliary display panel 20 includes the auxiliary display area SDA and the auxiliary peripheral area SPA described herein. In the auxiliary peripheral area SPA, the second scan driver SD2 and various circuits may be arranged. Although not shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in FIG, however, similar to the placement of the first driving voltage supply line 13, the second driving voltage supply line may also be arranged in the sub-peripheral area SPA when applicable or suitable for the display device.

[0065] The second substrate 102 may include various flexible or bendable materials, and examples of the material include polymer resins such as polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, or cellulose acetate propionate. Various modifications may be made to the second substrate 102, and for example, the second substrate 102 may have a multilayer structure including two layers containing the above-mentioned polymer resin and a barrier layer containing an inorganic material (e.g., silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride, etc.) and arranged between the two layers. In addition, when the second substrate 102 is not flexible, the second substrate 102 may include glass or the like.

[0066] The sub-display area SDA may be substantially rectangular or square in shape. The edges of the sub-display area SDA may generally have a shape similar to the edges of a rectangle or a square. Accordingly, the second substrate 102 may be substantially rectangular or square in shape. In some example embodiments, the edges of the sub-display area SDA may generally have a shape similar to the edges of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or other polygonal shapes. Moreover, when components such as cameras and illuminance sensors are located in the sub-display area SDA, openings may be located in the sub-display area SDA as needed to accommodate these components. For reference, Figure 2 The figure shows that the camera is located in the sub-display area SDA.

[0067] The second substrate 102 may have a first secondary edge E21 and a second secondary edge E22 extending substantially in a first direction (y-axis direction) and facing each other, and may also have a third secondary edge E23 and a fourth secondary edge E24 extending substantially in a second direction (x-axis direction) intersecting the first direction and seemingly connecting the first secondary edge E21 and the second secondary edge E22. The fourth secondary edge E24 of the second substrate 102 may be adjacent to the third primary edge E13 of the first substrate 101.

[0068] In the secondary display area SDA, a plurality of pixels are arranged. Each of the pixels may be a sub-pixel and include a second display element, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and a pixel circuit electrically connected to the second display element. The second display element may be on the second substrate 102. The pixels may emit, for example, red light, green light, blue light, or white light. The pixels may be electrically connected to an external circuit arranged in the secondary peripheral area SPA. In the secondary peripheral area SPA, a second scan driver SD2 and a second common voltage supply line 12 may be arranged, and in some example embodiments, a second drive voltage supply line may also be arranged.

[0069] The second scan driver SD2 may extend along the first sub-edge E21 of the second substrate 102. The second scan driver SD2 may be configured to provide scan signals to pixels via scan lines (not shown) extending in the second direction (x-axis direction) into the sub-display area SDA. The second scan driver SD2 may be positioned along the second sub-edge E22 of the second substrate 102. In this case, some of the pixels in the sub-display area SDA may be electrically connected to the second scan driver SD2 near the first sub-edge E21, and other pixels may be electrically connected to the second scan driver SD2 near the second sub-edge E22. Alternatively, an emission control driver may be positioned near the second sub-edge E22 of the second substrate 102 instead of the second scan driver SD2, and thus, the emission control driver may be configured to provide emission control signals to pixels in the sub-display area SDA via emission control lines (not shown) substantially parallel to the scan lines.

[0070] Unlike the main display panel 10 on which the drive driver DD is mounted, the sub-display panel 20 may not include a drive driver. Instead, the electrical signal from the drive driver DD mounted on the main display panel 10 may be transmitted to the sub-display panel 20 and may be transmitted to the pixels in the sub-display area SDA of the sub-display panel 20 through the second data line DL2 extending in the first direction (y-axis direction) and crossing the sub-display area SDA. To this end, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As illustrated in FIG, the first film F1 and the second film F2 may electrically connect the main display panel 10 and the sub-display panel 20, which are described in detail herein.

[0071] As a reference, it is understandable that Figure 3 1 is a plan view illustrating the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 during manufacturing. In the completed display device or electronic device (for example, a smartphone including a display device), the first film F1 and the second film F2 are bent so that the rear surface of the sub-display panel 20 faces the rear surface of the main display panel 10, thereby achieving the Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electronic device described. That is, the rear surface of the second substrate 102 can be placed on the rear surface of the first substrate 101. The first film F1 and the second film F2 can be flexible. The bent portions of the first film F1 and the second film F2 can be placed on the Figure 1 In this case, at least a portion of the flexible printed circuit board F3 attached to the pad area PADA of the main display panel 10 or at least a portion of a circuit board electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board F3 may be between the main display panel 10 and the sub-display panel 20.

[0072] The first common voltage supply line 11 of the main display panel 10 may be electrically connected to the second common voltage supply line 12 of the subsidiary display panel 20 through the first film F1 and / or the second film F2, and may be configured to supply a common voltage (ELVSS) to the common electrode of the organic light emitting diode in the subsidiary display area SDA. Figure 3 , the second common voltage supply line 12 may extend substantially in the first direction (y-axis direction) along each of the first secondary edge E21 and the second secondary edge E22. In some alternative and / or additional embodiments, the second common voltage supply line 12 may have a ring shape having one open side in a direction toward the fourth secondary edge E24, and thus may extend along the first secondary edge E21, the third secondary edge E23, and the second secondary edge E22.

[0073] Furthermore, the first driving voltage line extending from the first driving voltage supply line 13 to the main display area MDA in the first direction (y-axis direction) can also be electrically connected to the second driving voltage supply line of the sub-display panel 20 through the first film F1 and / or the second film F2. Accordingly, the driving voltage (ELVDD) can be supplied to the pixel circuit in the sub-display area SDA through a second driving voltage line (not shown) extending from the second driving voltage supply line to the sub-display area SDA in the first direction (y-axis direction). The second driving voltage line can be substantially parallel to the second data line DL2.

[0074] The first scan driver SD1 of the main display panel 10 may also be electrically connected to the second scan driver SD2 of the sub-display panel 20 through the first film F1 and / or the second film F2. It will be understood that the clock signal applied to the first scan driver SD1 is applied to the second scan driver SD2 of the sub-display panel 20 through the first film F1 and / or the second film F2.

[0075] For reference, the common voltage (ELVSS), the driving voltage (ELVDD), and / or the clock signal may be electrical signals transmitted from the flexible printed circuit board F3 to the main display panel 10. Alternatively, the electrical signal may be applied to the driving driver DD mounted on the main display panel 10 through the flexible printed circuit board F3, and the data signal generated by the driving driver DD using the electrical signal may be transmitted to the second display element of the sub-display panel 20 through the first film F1 and the second film F2. Therefore, it can be understood that the first film F1 and the second film F2 are configured to transmit the electrical signal from the flexible printed circuit board F3 to the second display element of the sub-display panel 20.

[0076] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic plan view of a portion of a display device, and Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The line A-A' intercepts Figure 4 Schematic cross-sectional view of a display device.

[0077] The first pad P1 and the second pad P2 may be arranged on the first substrate 101. In detail, the first pad P1 may be arranged along the third main edge E13 near the third main edge E13, which is the edge of the first substrate 101 facing the second substrate 102. That is, the first pad P1 may be arranged in the second direction (x-axis direction) near the third main edge E13. The second pad P2 may be arranged between the third main edge E13 and the first pad P1. The second pad P2 may also be arranged along the third main edge E13 (that is, in the second direction (x-axis direction)). For reference, for convenience, the third main edge E13 may be referred to as the first edge. The first pad P1 and the second pad P2 may not be covered by the insulating layer and may be exposed, and thus electrically connected to the first film F1 and / or the second film F2 as described herein. For ease of illustration, from Figure 3 The first pad P1 and the second pad P2 are omitted.

[0078] The third pad P3 and the fourth pad P4 may be arranged on the second substrate 102. In detail, the third pad P3 may be arranged along the fourth sub-edge E24 near the fourth sub-edge E24, and the fourth sub-edge E24 is the edge of the second substrate 102 facing the first substrate 101. That is, the third pad P3 may be arranged in the second direction (x-axis direction) near the fourth sub-edge E24. The fourth pad P4 may be arranged between the fourth sub-edge E24 and the third pad P3. The fourth pad P4 may also be arranged along the fourth sub-edge E24 (that is, in the second direction (x-axis direction)). For reference, for convenience, the fourth sub-edge E24 may be referred to as the second edge. The third pad P3 and the fourth pad P4 may not be covered by the insulating layer and may be exposed, and thus electrically connected to the first film F1 and / or the second film F2. For ease of illustration, from Figure 3 The third pad P3 and the fourth pad P4 are omitted.

[0079] An end portion of the first film F1 (in the -y direction) can be electrically connected to the first pad P1 on the first substrate 101, and the other end portion of the first film F1 (in the +y direction) can be electrically connected to the third pad P3 on the second substrate 102. An end portion of the second film F2 (in the -y direction) can be electrically connected to the second pad P2 on the first substrate 101, and the other end portion of the second film F2 (in the +y direction) can be electrically connected to the fourth pad P4 on the second substrate 102. The first film F1 may include a conductive wire, and the conductive wire can electrically connect the first pad P1 on the first substrate 101 to the third pad P3 on the second substrate 102. The second film F2 may also include a conductive wire, and the conductive wire can electrically connect the second pad P2 on the first substrate 101 to the fourth pad P4 on the second substrate 102. In other words, one conductive wire of the first film F1 can electrically connect any one of the first pads P1 on the first substrate 101 to its corresponding one of the third pads P3 on the second substrate 102. One conductive line of the second film F2 may electrically connect any one of the second pads P2 on the first substrate 101 to its corresponding one of the fourth pads P4 on the second substrate 102 .

[0080] As described herein, a driving driver DD including an integrated circuit configured to drive the main display panel 10 may be mounted on the first substrate 101. The integrated circuit may be a data driving integrated circuit configured to generate a data signal, and the data signal from the driving driver DD may be transmitted to pixels in the main display area MDA of the main display panel 10 including the first substrate 101 through the first data lines DL1.

[0081] Unlike the main display panel 10, on which the driver DD is mounted, the sub-display panel 20 may not include a driver. Therefore, there is a need for a medium for transmitting data signals to the pixels in the sub-display area SDA of the sub-display panel 20. In the case of the display device according to this embodiment, the first film F1 and the second film F2 can be used to transmit electrical signals from the driver DD to the second display elements in the sub-display area SDA.

[0082] In detail, the driving driver DD mounted on the main display panel 10 may generate data signals to be transmitted to the pixels in the sub-display area SDA of the sub-display panel 20. The data signals may be transmitted to the second data lines DL2 of the sub-display panel 20 through at least some of the first data lines DL1 of the main display panel 10 and at least some of the conductive lines of the first film F1 and the conductive lines of the second film F2. In an example in which the number of the first data lines DL1 of the main display panel 10 is equal to the number of the second data lines DL2 of the sub-display panel 20, the first data lines DL1 may be electrically connected to the second data lines DL2 on a one-to-one basis through the conductive lines of the first film F1 and the conductive lines of the second film F2.

[0083] As described herein, the second scan driver SD2 extending along the first secondary edge E21 of the second substrate 102 may be configured to provide scan signals to pixels via scan lines (not shown) extending in the second direction (x-axis direction) into the secondary display area SDA. A clock signal, etc., used by the second scan driver SD2 to generate the scan signals may be transmitted to the second scan driver SD2 via at least some of the first and second pads P1 and P2 on the first substrate 101, the conductive lines of the first film F1 and / or the conductive lines of the second film F2, and at least some of the third and fourth pads P3 and P4 on the second substrate 102.

[0084] The common voltage (ELVSS) to be applied to the common electrode of the organic light emitting diode in the sub-display area SDA can be applied through the second common voltage supply line 12 of the sub-display panel 20. To this end, embodiments of the present disclosure support providing an electrical connection between the second common voltage supply line 12 of the sub-display panel 20 and the first common voltage supply line 11 of the main display panel 10. The first common voltage supply line 11 of the main display panel 10 can be electrically connected to the second common voltage supply line 12 of the sub-display panel 20 through at least some of the first and second pads P1 and P2 on the first substrate 101, the conductive lines of the first film F1 and / or the conductive lines of the second film F2, and at least some of the third and fourth pads P3 and P4 on the second substrate 102.

[0085] The driving voltage (ELVDD) to be applied to the pixel circuits in the auxiliary display area SDA can be applied via a second driving voltage line extending into the auxiliary display area SDA and substantially parallel to the second data line DL2. To this end, embodiments of the present disclosure support providing an electrical connection between the second driving voltage line of the auxiliary display panel 20 and the first driving voltage line of the main display panel 10. The first driving voltage line of the main display panel 10 can be electrically connected to the second driving voltage line of the auxiliary display panel 20 via at least some of the first and second pads P1 and P2 on the first substrate 101, the conductive lines of the first film F1 and / or the conductive lines of the second film F2, and at least some of the third and fourth pads P3 and P4 on the second substrate 102.

[0086] As described herein, the first drive voltage supply line 13 can be located in the main display panel 10, and the first drive voltage line extends from the first drive voltage supply line 13 in a first direction (y-axis direction) so that the first drive voltage line can intersect the main display area MDA. Similarly, a second drive voltage supply line (not shown) is located near the fourth secondary edge E24 in the secondary display panel 20, and the second drive voltage line extends from the second drive voltage supply line in the first direction (y-axis direction) so that the second drive voltage line can intersect the secondary display area SDA. In this case, the first drive voltage line of the main display panel 10 can be electrically connected to the second drive voltage supply line of the secondary display panel 20 through at least some of the first pads P1 and the second pads P2 on the first substrate 101, the conductive lines of the first film F1 and / or the conductive lines of the second film F2, and at least some of the third pads P3 and the fourth pads P4 on the second substrate 102. In this case, the second drive voltage supply line can be located on a different layer from the second data line DL2 and thus electrically insulated therefrom.

[0087] For reference, for convenience, Figure 4 Not shown are conductive lines electrically connected to the first and second pads P1 and P2 on the first substrate 101 and conductive lines electrically connected to the third and fourth pads P3 and P4 on the second substrate 102. For example, at least some of the first data lines DL1 on the first substrate 101 may be electrically connected to some of the first and second pads P1 and P2 on the first substrate 101 through conductive lines, and the second data lines DL2 on the second substrate 102 may be electrically connected to some of the third and fourth pads P3 and P4 on the second substrate 102 through conductive lines.

[0088] The display device according to the present embodiment can be implemented without a separate driver or circuit board for driving the sub-display panel 20, resulting in a reduction in manufacturing costs. In some aspects, because the main display panel 10 is electrically connected to the sub-display panel 20 by using the first film F1 and the second film F2 that can overlap each other, a display device capable of displaying a high-resolution image even on the sub-display panel 20 at low cost can be implemented.

[0089] For example, unlike a display device using a first film F1 and a second film F2 that overlap each other, it is possible to consider using a single film to electrically connect the main display panel 10 to the sub-display panel 20. However, in this case, since there is a limit on the number of conductive lines that can be included in a single film, there may be a problem in which a high-resolution image may not be displayed in the sub-display panel 20.

[0090] Alternatively, it can be considered that a single film includes conductive lines at different layers. For example, it can be considered that a single film includes a sufficient number of conductive lines by placing a first conductive line on the lower surface of the single film and a second conductive line on the upper surface of the single film.

[0091] However, in this case, because the lower surface of the single film contacts the first and second pads P1 and P2 on the first substrate 101, a structure is required that allows the pad located on the lower surface of the single film and electrically connected to the first pad P1 to be electrically connected to the second conductive line located on the upper surface of the single film via the conductive layer in the through-hole that penetrates the upper and lower surfaces of the single film. Accordingly, the portion of the through-hole for the single film may be necessary for the single film, and such portion is positioned toward the center of the first substrate 101 (in the -y direction) relative to the position of the first pad P1 on the first substrate 101. The placement of such a portion may result in an increase in the area of ​​the portion of the single film that overlaps with the first substrate 101, and such an increase may result in an increase in the area of ​​the main peripheral area MPA of the first substrate 101; therefore, the ratio of the main display area MDA of the first substrate 101 may be reduced. A single film including conductive lines on both surfaces, through-holes, and the conductive layer in the through-holes has a complex structure, and the use of a single film may significantly increase the manufacturing cost of the display device.

[0092] In the case of the display device according to this embodiment, the use of the overlapping first and second films F1, F2 effectively prevents the aforementioned problems. Because the conductive lines are present on the lower surfaces of the first and second films F1, F2 (and not on their upper surfaces), and the pads on the lower surfaces of the first and second films F1, F2 are electrically connected to the first, second, third, or fourth pads P1, P2, P3, or P4, the structure of each of the first and second films F1, F2 can be simplified, enabling low manufacturing costs. In some aspects, because the display device according to this embodiment can be implemented without relying on ensuring a portion for through-holes, the ratio of the main display area MDA in the first substrate 101 can be maintained high. Moreover, because the overlapping first and second films F1, F2 are used, the number of conductive lines included in the first and second films F1, F2 can be sufficient. Therefore, a display device capable of displaying high-resolution images at low cost, even on the secondary display panel 20, can be realized.

[0093] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG, in a second direction (x-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (y-axis direction) from the first substrate 101 to the second substrate 102, the width W1 of the first film F1 can be greater than the width W2 of the second film F2. This width difference (e.g., the difference between the width W1 and the width W2) prevents the second film F2 from being exposed outside the first film F1, making it appear (e.g., from a plan view) that a single film is positioned between the main display panel 10 and the sub-display panel 20. Therefore, the probability of defects occurring during the manufacture of the display device can be reduced, and manufacturing efficiency can be improved.

[0094] As described herein, the first film F1 is electrically connected to the first pad P1 and the third pad P3, the second film F2 is electrically connected to the second pad P2 and the fourth pad P4, the second pad P2 is between the first pad P1 and the third major edge E13, and the fourth pad P4 is between the third pad P3 and the fourth minor edge E24. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown in the figure, when the first film F1 and the second film F2 are in a flat state, the length of the first film F1 in the first direction (y-axis direction) can be greater than the length of the second film F2 in the first direction (y-axis direction). In the state described herein, when the width W1 of the first film F1 becomes greater than the width W2 of the second film F2, the area of ​​the first film F1 can eventually be greater than the area of ​​the second film F2. In this case, the first film F1 covers the second film F2. Specifically, the portion of the second film F2 that overlaps the second pad P2 at the end facing the main display panel 10 can be between the first substrate 101 and the first film F1. Similarly, the portion of the second film F2 that overlaps the fourth pad P4 at the end facing the secondary display panel 20 can be between the second substrate 102 and the first film F1.

[0095] like Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the second pad P2 can correspond to the space between the first pad P1. As described herein, by using the first film F1 and the second film F2 overlapping each other to establish the electrical connection between the main display panel 10 and the auxiliary display panel 20, the embodiment of the present disclosure supports the placement of the target number of conductive wires for the case where it is impossible (for example, due to space limitations) or there is no cost-effectiveness to place the necessary number of conductive wires in a single film. In the display device according to the present embodiment, the first film F1 and the second film F2 overlapping each other are used, and therefore, a sufficient number of conductive wires (for example, conductive wires suitable for the number of conductive wires to realize the display device) can be located in the first film F1 and the second film F2. The embodiment of the present disclosure supports establishing an electrical connection between the conductive wire and the first pad P1 or the second pad P2 on the first substrate 101 while effectively preventing an accidental short circuit. In this case, for example, by widening the distance between the first pad P1 and the second pad P2 on the first substrate 101 as much as possible (for example, based on manufacturing tolerances and design constraints, etc.), an accidental short circuit between the first pad P1 and the second pad P2 can be prevented.

[0096] For this reason, Figure 4 , the second pads P2 can be arranged to correspond to the space between the first pads P1. In other words, when considering the positions of the first pads P1 and the second pads P2 in the second direction (x-axis direction), one first pad P1 can be arranged to correspond to the space between two adjacent second pads P2. Therefore, compared to when the first pad P1 and the second pad P2 closest to the first pad P1 are both located on a virtual straight line extending in the first direction (y-axis direction), the embodiments of the present disclosure support increasing the distance (in the first direction (y-axis direction) and / or the second direction (x-axis direction)) between the first pad P1 and the second pad P2 to a greater extent.

[0097] Stated another way, each dimension of the second pad P2 in the second direction (x-axis direction) may be equal to the spacing between adjacent first pads P1 in the second direction (x-axis direction). In some aspects, each spacing between second pads P2 in the second direction (x-axis direction) may be equal to each spacing between adjacent first pads P1 in the second direction (x-axis direction).

[0098] In some embodiments, a virtual line extending from the vertical edge (y-axis edge) of the first pad P1 in the first direction (y-axis direction) may intersect the second pad P2 closest to the first pad P1. For example, a virtual line extending from the vertical edge (y-axis edge) of the first pad P1 in the first direction (y-axis direction) may intersect the vertical edge (y-axis edge) of the second pad P2 closest to the first pad P1 or the vertical edge (y-axis edge) of another second pad P2 adjacent to the second pad P2.

[0099] In some alternative and / or additional embodiments, the second pads P2 may each be arranged to correspond to an area that is different from (e.g., smaller than) the space between the first pads P1. Stated another way, the respective dimensions of the second pads P2 in the second direction (x-axis direction) may be different from (e.g., smaller than) the spacing between adjacent first pads P1 in the second direction (x-axis direction). For example, embodiments of the present disclosure support implementations in which a virtual line extending from the first pad P1 in the first direction (y-axis direction) does not intersect with the second pad P2 closest to the first pad P1. That is, for example, a virtual line extending from the vertical edge (y-axis edge) of the first pad P1 in the first direction (y-axis direction) may pass between the vertical edge (y-axis edge) of the second pad P2 closest to the first pad P1 and the vertical edge (y-axis edge) of another second pad P2 adjacent to the second pad P2.

[0100] This arrangement can be applied in the same manner to the positional relationship between the third pad P3 and the fourth pad P4. Figure 4 As illustrated in , the fourth pad P4 may correspond to the space between the third pads P3. In the display device according to the present embodiment, the first film F1 and the second film F2 that overlap each other are used, and therefore, a sufficient number of conductive wires may be located in the first film F1 and the second film F2. The embodiments of the present disclosure support establishing an electrical connection between the conductive wire and the third pad P3 or the fourth pad P4 on the second substrate 102 while effectively preventing an accidental short circuit. In this case, for example, by widening the distance between the third pad P3 and the fourth pad P4 on the second substrate 102 as much as possible (for example, based on manufacturing tolerances and design constraints, etc.), an accidental short circuit between the third pad P3 and the fourth pad P4 can be prevented.

[0101] For this reason, Figure 4 , the fourth pad P4 can be arranged to correspond to the space between the third pads P3. In other words, when considering the positions of the third pad P3 and the fourth pad P4 in the second direction (x-axis direction), one third pad P3 can be arranged to correspond to the space between two adjacent fourth pads P4. Therefore, compared with when a third pad P3 and a fourth pad P4 closest to the third pad P3 are both arranged on a virtual straight line extending in the first direction (y-axis direction), the embodiments of the present disclosure support increasing the distance (in the first direction (y-axis direction) and / or the second direction (x-axis direction)) between the third pad P3 and the fourth pad P4 to a greater extent.

[0102] Stated another way, each dimension of the fourth pad P4 in the second direction (x-axis direction) may be equal to the spacing between adjacent third pads P3 in the second direction (x-axis direction). In some aspects, each spacing between the fourth pads P4 in the second direction (x-axis direction) may be equal to each spacing between adjacent third pads P3 in the second direction (x-axis direction).

[0103] Additionally or alternatively, each dimension of the fourth pad P4 in the second direction (x-axis direction) may be different from (e.g., smaller than) the spacing between adjacent third pads P3 in the second direction (x-axis direction). In some aspects, each spacing between the fourth pads P4 in the second direction (x-axis direction) may be different from each spacing between adjacent third pads P3 in the second direction (x-axis direction).

[0104] Aspects of the sizes and spacings associated with the fourth pad P4 and the third pad P3 may include those described herein with respect to the sizes and spacings associated with the second pad P2 and the first pad P1 , and repeated descriptions of like elements are omitted for brevity.

[0105] Figure 6 It is taken along the line B-B' Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display device, and Figure 7 It is taken along the line C-C' Figure 4 Schematic cross-sectional view of a display device. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As illustrated in FIG, layers such as, for example, a buffer layer 110 , a first gate insulating layer 120 , a second gate insulating layer 130 , and an interlayer insulating layer 150 may be disposed on the first substrate 101 in addition to the first pad P1 and the second pad P2 .

[0106] The buffer layer 110 may be disposed between the first substrate 101 and the semiconductor layer of the thin film transistor included in the pixel circuit in the main display area MDA, and may extend to the main peripheral area MPA. The buffer layer 110 may include an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride. The buffer layer 110 may improve the flatness of the upper surface of the first substrate 101 or prevent or reduce the penetration of impurities from the first substrate 101 into the semiconductor layer of the thin film transistor.

[0107] Similar to the buffer layer 110, the first gate insulating layer 120 may be between the semiconductor layer and the gate electrode disposed thereover and may extend to the main peripheral area MPA. The first gate insulating layer 120 may include an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride.

[0108] The second gate insulating layer 130 may be between the gate electrode and the first conductive layer disposed above the second gate insulating layer 130, and the interlayer insulating layer 150 may be between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer disposed above the interlayer insulating layer 150. Similar to the first gate insulating layer 120, the second gate insulating layer 130 and the interlayer insulating layer 150 may extend to the main peripheral area MPA. The second gate insulating layer 130 and the interlayer insulating layer 150 may each include an inorganic material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride.

[0109] However, this is merely an example. When applicable or suitable for a display device, various insulating layers may be disposed on the first substrate 101, and conductive layers serving as wiring or connection electrodes may be disposed between the insulating layers. Figure 6 An example is illustrated in which the second wirings WR2 may be disposed between the first gate insulating layer 120 and the second gate insulating layer 130 , and the second pads P2 on the interlayer insulating layer 150 are in contact with their corresponding second wirings WR2 . Figure 7 An example is illustrated in which the first wirings WR1 may be disposed between the second gate insulating layer 130 and the interlayer insulating layer 150 , and the first pads P1 on the interlayer insulating layer 150 are in contact with their corresponding first wirings WR1 .

[0110] When, for example, the gate electrode of the thin film transistor in the main display area MDA is formed, the second wiring WR2 arranged between the first gate insulating layer 120 and the second gate insulating layer 130 can be simultaneously formed of the same material. When, for example, the first conductive layer in the main display area MDA is formed, the first wiring WR1 arranged between the second gate insulating layer 130 and the interlayer insulating layer 150 can be simultaneously formed of the same material.

[0111] For convenience, Figure 4 The first and second wirings WR1 and WR2 are not shown, but Figure 6and Figure 7 As illustrated in FIG, the first wiring WR1 connected to the first pad P1 and the second wiring WR2 connected to the second pad P2 can alternate in the second direction (x-axis direction). Accordingly, the first wiring WR1 and the second wiring WR2 adjacent in the first direction (x-axis direction) can be at different layers. Due to the arrangement described herein, when a larger number of first wirings WR1 and second wirings WR2 are aligned at narrow intervals on the first substrate 101 to realize the main display panel 10 capable of displaying high-resolution images, the occurrence of short circuits between the first wirings WR1 and the second wirings WR2 can be effectively prevented or reduced.

[0112] For reference, when forming the second conductive layer on the interlayer insulating layer 150 in the main display area MDA, the first pad P1 and the second pad P2 can be formed simultaneously from the same material. In some aspects, the first pad P1 and the second pad P2 can each have a multilayer structure. For example, the first pad P1 can have a multilayer structure of titanium / aluminum / titanium. Alternatively, the first pad P1 can have a multilayer structure of titanium / aluminum / titanium / ITO.

[0113] like Figure 6 As illustrated in FIG, the second film pads F2P of the second film F2 may be electrically connected to their corresponding second pads P2, and as Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the first film pads F1P of the first film F1 can be electrically connected to their corresponding first pads P1. To enable electrical connection, an anisotropic conductive film ACF can be arranged between the second film pads F2P and the second pads P2, and between the first film pads F1P and the first pads P1. The anisotropic conductive film ACF includes an adhesive member AD and conductive balls CB. Due to the adhesive strength, the adhesive member AD can adhere a portion of the second film F2 to the first substrate 101, and adhere a portion of the first film F1 to the first substrate 101. In this case, by placing the conductive balls CB between the second film pads F2P and the second pads P2, each of the second film pads F2P can be electrically connected to its corresponding second pad P2. Similarly, by placing the conductive balls CB between the first film pads F1P and the first pad P1, each of the first film pads F1P can be electrically connected to its corresponding first pad P1.

[0114] An embodiment in which the main display panel 10 is electrically connected to the sub-display panel 20 by using the first film F1 and the second film F2 overlapped with each other is described, but one or more embodiments are not limited thereto. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown in the figure, Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of a portion of a display device and Figure 9 yes Figure 8A schematic plan view of a portion of a display device, wherein the display device includes a main display panel 10, but omits a sub-display panel 20, and the main display panel 10 can be electrically connected to a printed circuit board PCB (which is not flexible) by using a first film F1 and a second film F2 overlapping each other. In a display device equipped with both a main display panel 10 and a sub-display panel 20 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the main display panel 10 can be electrically connected to the printed circuit board PCB by using two overlapping films. The printed circuit board PCB may include a substrate (which may be referred to as a second substrate). Hereinafter, a case where the display device includes the main display panel 10 and omits the sub-display panel 20 is described.

[0115] The first pad P1 may be arranged on the first substrate 101 along the fourth main edge E14 of the first substrate 101 of the main display panel 10, and the second pad P2 may be arranged between the fourth main edge E14 and the first pad P1. The first pad P1 and the second pad P2 may be arranged along the fourth main edge E14 (i.e., in the second direction (x-axis direction)). The first pad P1 and the second pad P2 may not be covered by the insulating layer and may be exposed, thereby being electrically connected to the first film F1 and / or the second film F2. For ease of illustration, Figure 8 The first pad P1 and the second pad P2 are omitted.

[0116] The third pad P3 and the fourth pad P4 may be arranged on the printed circuit board PCB. Specifically, near the printed circuit board edge PCBE, which is the edge of the printed circuit board PCB facing the first substrate 101, the third pad P3 may be arranged along the printed circuit board edge PCBE. The fourth pad P4 may be arranged between the printed circuit board edge PCBE and the third pad P3. The third pad P3 and the fourth pad P4 may be arranged along the printed circuit board edge PCBE (i.e., in the second direction (x-axis direction)). For ease of illustration, Figure 8 The third pad P3 and the fourth pad P4 are omitted.

[0117] An end of the first film F1 (in the +y direction) can be electrically connected to the first pad P1 on the first substrate 101, and the other end of the first film F1 (in the -y direction) can be electrically connected to the third pad P3 on the printed circuit board PCB. An end of the second film F2 (in the +y direction) can be electrically connected to the second pad P2 on the first substrate 101, and the other end of the second film F2 (in the -y direction) can be electrically connected to the fourth pad P4 on the printed circuit board PCB. The first film F1 may include a conductive wire, and the conductive wire can electrically connect the first pad P1 on the first substrate 101 to the third pad P3 on the printed circuit board PCB. The second film F2 may also include a conductive wire, and the conductive wire can electrically connect the second pad P2 on the first substrate 101 to the fourth pad P4 on the printed circuit board PCB. In other words, one conductive wire of the first film F1 can electrically connect any one of the first pads P1 on the first substrate 101 to its corresponding one of the third pads P3 on the printed circuit board PCB. One conductive line of the second film F2 may electrically connect any one of the second pads P2 on the first substrate 101 to its corresponding one of the fourth pads P4 on the printed circuit board PCB.

[0118] A controller for controlling the overall operation of an electronic device, such as a display device, may be mounted on the printed circuit board (PCB). In connection with transmitting electrical signals from the controller or other components mounted on or included in the printed circuit board (PCB) to the main display panel 10, the first film F1 and the second film F2 may be used to transmit the electrical signals to the main display panel 10.

[0119] like Figure 9 As shown in FIG, in the second direction (x-axis direction), the width W1 of the first film F1 can be greater than the width W2 of the second film F2. This width gap (e.g., the difference between the width W1 and the width W2) prevents the second film F2 from being exposed outside the first film F1, so that it appears (e.g., from a plan view) as if a single film is located between the main display panel 10 and the printed circuit board PCB. Therefore, the probability of defects occurring during the manufacturing process of the display device can be reduced, and manufacturing efficiency can be improved. With regard to the other embodiments described herein (e.g., reference to FIG), Figure 4) can be applied to the display device according to this embodiment. For example, the area of ​​the first film F1 can be larger than the area of ​​the second film F2, and the first film F1 can cover the second film F2. The positional relationship between the first pad P1 and the second pad P2 and other aspects can also be applied to the display device according to this embodiment, and the placement of the portion of the second film F2 overlapping the second pad P2 between the first substrate 101 and the first film F1 can also be applied to the display device according to this embodiment. The first film F1 and the second film F2 are bent so that the rear surface of the printed circuit board PCB can face the rear surface of the first substrate 101.

[0120] According to one or more embodiments, a display device with a reduced peripheral area can be realized. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by these effects.

[0121] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A display device comprising: a first substrate; a first pad on the first substrate along a first edge of the first substrate; a second pad on the first substrate along the first edge, the second pad being between the first edge and the first pad; a second substrate; a third pad on the second substrate along a second edge of the second substrate; a fourth pad on the second substrate along the second edge, the fourth pad being between the second edge and the third pad; a first film including an end portion electrically connected to the first pad and another end portion electrically connected to the third pad; and The second film includes an end portion electrically connected to the second pad and another end portion electrically connected to the fourth pad.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first film overlaps with the second film.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein A width of the first film in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction extending from the first substrate to the second substrate is greater than a width of the second film in the second direction.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein An area of ​​the first film is larger than an area of ​​the second film.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The first film covers the second film. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein: A portion of the second film overlapping with the second pad is between the first substrate and the first film.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein A portion of the second film overlapping with the fourth pad is between the second substrate and the first film.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The second pads correspond to spaces between the first pads.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein The fourth pads correspond to spaces between the third pads.

10. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first display element, on the first substrate, Wherein, the second substrate is included in a circuit board.

11. The display device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a first display element, on the first substrate; as well as The second display element is on the second substrate.

12. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising: The driver is driven on the first substrate.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The first film and the second film are configured to transmit an electrical signal from the drive driver to the second display element.

14. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising: A flexible printed circuit board is electrically connected to the third edge of the first substrate.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein The third edge is opposite to the first edge with respect to the center of the first substrate.

16. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The first film and the second film are configured to transmit an electrical signal from the flexible printed circuit board to the second display element.

17. The display device according to claim 11, wherein An area of ​​a main display region of the first substrate where the first display element is arranged is larger than an area of ​​a sub-display region of the second substrate where the second display element is arranged.

18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein: The first film and the second film are bendable so that the rear surface of the second substrate is on the rear surface of the first substrate.

19. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein: The first film and the second film are flexible.

20. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first pad, the second pad, the third pad, and the fourth pad are arranged in a direction parallel to the first edge and the second edge; and A width of the first film in the direction is greater than a width of the second film in the direction.

Images