Liquid crystal display device

Abstract

A liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first substrate, the first substrate including a display area and a non-display area, and bending downward in the non-display area; a second substrate disposed below the first substrate; a light source disposed below the first substrate in the non-display area; a reflective layer disposed on a bottom surface of the first substrate and a side surface of the second substrate in the non-display area; a light guide plate disposed below the second substrate; a plurality of concave patterns formed on a top surface of the first substrate in the non-display area; and a black sealing material disposed outside the first substrate and the second substrate, and filling the plurality of concave patterns.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0202328, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 31, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a liquid crystal display device, and more specifically, to a liquid crystal display device capable of reducing the width of the bezel area and minimizing light leakage from the light source. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, with the advent of the information age, the field of display, which expresses electrical information signals visually, has developed rapidly. Correspondingly, various display devices with superior performance (e.g., thinness, light weight, and low power consumption) have been developed. Specific examples of such display devices include liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), field emission displays (FEDs), and organic light-emitting diode (OLEDs).

[0004] Among these devices, a liquid crystal display device is a device in which a liquid crystal panel is configured by setting two substrates, each having electrodes for generating an electric field, facing each other and injecting liquid crystal material between the two substrates, and displaying an image by controlling the optical anisotropy and birefringence of the liquid crystal molecules by an electric field generated by applying a voltage to the two electrodes of the liquid crystal panel.

[0005] In recent years, various methods have been explored to reduce the size of the bezel area in order to reduce the overall size of the display device and improve its appearance. For example, bezel-less LCD devices are being developed, in which the width of the bezel area is minimized. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this disclosure is to provide a liquid crystal display device in which the border area is minimized.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a liquid crystal display device that can prevent damage to the bezel area due to external impacts in the lateral direction.

[0008] The objective of this disclosure is to provide a liquid crystal display device in which light leakage of the light source is minimized and the efficiency of the backlight unit is improved.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned purposes, and other purposes not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on the following description.

[0010] In one embodiment, a liquid crystal display device includes: a first substrate, the first substrate including a display area and a non-display area, and bending downward in the non-display area; a second substrate disposed below the first substrate; a light source disposed below the first substrate in the non-display area; a reflective layer disposed on the bottom surface of the first substrate and the side surface of the second substrate in the non-display area; a light guide plate disposed below the second substrate; a plurality of concave patterns formed on the top surface of the first substrate in the non-display area; and a black sealing material disposed outside the first substrate and the second substrate, and filling the plurality of concave patterns.

[0011] Further details of the embodiments are included in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0012] According to the exemplary configuration of this disclosure, the bezel area can be minimized by bending the upper glass substrate.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, black resin is disposed in the frame area to minimize damage to the frame area and to the upper glass substrate due to external impact.

[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the light source is disposed in the curved region of the upper glass substrate to reduce the thickness of the display device and improve the efficiency of the backlight unit.

[0015] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, light leakage from the light source to the frame area can be minimized by using a pattern formed on the upper glass substrate.

[0016] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those exemplified above, and include many other different effects. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of this disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of a liquid crystal display device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display panel used to illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a liquid crystal display device according to the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4This is a schematic plan view of a first substrate for illustrating an exemplary liquid crystal display device according to the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken from line II-II'.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a view used to illustrate a concave pattern formed on a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figures 7A to 7K This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as the methods for implementing these advantages and features, will become clear from the exemplary embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, but will be implemented in various forms. Exemplary embodiments are provided by way of example only so that those skilled in the art can fully understand the disclosure and scope of this disclosure.

[0027] The shapes, dimensions, ratios, angles, numbers, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings to describe exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are merely examples, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, in the following description of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of known related technologies may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the subject matter of this disclosure. Terms such as “comprising,” “having,” and “consisting of” as used herein are generally intended to allow for the addition of additional components, unless such terms are used in conjunction with the term “only.” Unless otherwise expressly stated, any reference to the singular may include the plural.

[0028] Even without explicit explanation, components are interpreted as including the normal tolerance range.

[0029] When using terms such as “above,” “over,” “below,” and “next to” to describe the positional relationship between two components, one or more components may be located between the two components unless the term is used in conjunction with the terms “close to” or “directly.”

[0030] When an element or layer is placed "on" another element or layer, the other layer or element can be directly inserted on or between the other element.

[0031] 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, the first component referred to below may be the second component in the technical concept of this disclosure.

[0032] Throughout this disclosure, the same reference numerals generally denote the same elements.

[0033] For ease of description, the dimensions and thickness of each component shown in the accompanying drawings are illustrated, and this disclosure is not limited to the dimensions and thickness of the components shown.

[0034] Features of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be partially or completely dependent on or combined with each other, and may be interlocked and operated in various technical ways, and the embodiments may be implemented independently or in connection with each other.

[0035] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic plan view of a liquid crystal display device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display panel used to illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a liquid crystal display device according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 For ease of description, in the various configurations of the liquid crystal display device 100, only the liquid crystal display panel PNL and a plurality of sub-pixels SP are shown.

[0037] A liquid crystal display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a liquid crystal display panel (PNL). The liquid crystal display panel (PNL) is a panel that displays various images. The liquid crystal display panel (PNL) includes a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA is an area provided with a plurality of sub-pixels SP and displays an actual image, while the non-display area NDA is the outer area surrounding the display area DA and does not display an image. The non-display area NDA may be referred to as a border area. Wiring and driving circuitry for driving the screen are provided in the non-display area NDA.

[0038] Multiple subpixels (SPs) can be defined within a liquid crystal display panel (PNL). Each subpixel (SP) is the smallest unit constituting a display area (DA), and each area displays a single color. For example, multiple subpixels (SPs) may include red, green, and blue subpixels. Multiple subpixels (SPs) can be defined in a matrix format, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0039] The liquid crystal display panel PNL includes a first substrate 110, a second substrate 120, and a liquid crystal layer LC disposed between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120 to adjust the light transmittance.

[0040] The liquid crystal display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is a borderless display device. A first substrate 110, serving as the upper substrate, is composed of a thin-film transistor array substrate, and a second substrate 120, serving as the lower substrate, is composed of a color filter substrate. That is, the display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that, by inverting the liquid crystal display panel, the thin-film transistor array substrate with a larger area is positioned below the color filter substrate, which differs from the prior art.

[0041] Therefore, since the pad portion formed on the aforementioned thin-film transistor array substrate is positioned facing the back surface of the liquid crystal display panel (PNL), no device such as an outer cover (or top housing) for covering the pad portion is needed, thus achieving a four-surface borderless type. In this case, as described above, the structure where the color filter substrate is located on the thin-film transistor array substrate and serves as the viewing surface can be referred to as a flip-type.

[0042] A liquid crystal display panel (PNL) can be driven by an edge field switching (FFS) method, wherein an edge field formed between a first electrode TE1, serving as a common electrode, and a second electrode TE2, serving as a pixel electrode, passes through a slit and drives the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer LC located on the pixel region to display an image. As another example, the liquid crystal display panel (PNL) can be driven by an in-plane switching (IPS) method, wherein the first electrode TE1, serving as a common electrode, and the second electrode TE2, serving as a pixel electrode, are arranged in parallel, and the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer LC are driven by the horizontal electric field of the first electrode TE1 and the second electrode TE2, thereby displaying an image.

[0043] The first substrate 110 is configured to support various components included in the liquid crystal display device 100 and protect the components from external impacts or external environmental influences, and may be formed of a glass substrate.

[0044] The first substrate 110 supports various components of the liquid crystal display device 100. The first substrate 110 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA, as described in the liquid crystal display panel PNL above. Thin-film transistors (TFTs), various lines, and electrodes are formed on the first substrate 110 to define a plurality of sub-pixels. Color filters CF for displaying the three primary colors of red, green, and blue, as well as a black matrix BM dividing each sub-pixel, may be formed on the second substrate 120.

[0045] Multiple gate lines and data lines are disposed on the first substrate 110 and intersect each other. Thin-film transistors (TFTs) can be disposed in the intersection region of the gate lines and data lines and can be connected to the second electrode TE2 formed in the display area DA.

[0046] A buffer layer may be disposed between the first substrate 110 and the thin-film transistor (TFT). The buffer layer blocks impurities introduced from the first substrate 110 during the formation of the TFT. Additionally, the buffer layer protects various components of the display device 100 by preventing the penetration of moisture (H2O) and hydrogen (H2) from the outside. The buffer layer may be made of an insulating material, for example, silicon nitride (SiN). x ), silicon dioxide (SiO) x Inorganic layers made of materials such as silicon oxynitride (SiON) can be configured as single or multiple layers.

[0047] Thin-film transistors (TFTs) can be used as driving elements in a liquid crystal display device 100. A TFT includes an active layer ACT, a gate electrode G, a source electrode S, and a drain electrode D. In the liquid crystal display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the TFT may be a TFT with a top gate structure, wherein the gate electrode G is disposed on the active layer ACT, and the source electrode S and drain electrode D are disposed on the gate electrode G. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. A TFT may have a bottom gate structure, wherein the active layer ACT is disposed on the gate electrode G, and the gate electrode is disposed at the bottom.

[0048] Specifically, the active layer ACT is disposed on the first substrate 110. The active layer ACT can be formed of polycrystalline silicon (p-Si), amorphous silicon (a-Si), or oxide semiconductor, but is not limited to these.

[0049] A gate insulating layer 111 is disposed on the first substrate 110 and the active layer ACT. The gate insulating layer 111 may be made of silicon oxide (SiO2). x Silicon nitride (SiN) x It is made of (or multiple layers thereof). The gate electrode G is disposed on the gate insulating layer 111. The gate electrode G is disposed on the gate insulating layer 111 so as to overlap with the active layer ACT.

[0050] The gate electrode G can be formed of various conductive materials, such as magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), gold (Au), or alloys thereof, but is not limited thereto.

[0051] An interlayer insulating layer 112 is disposed on the gate insulating layer 111 and the gate electrode G. The interlayer insulating layer 112 may be made of silicon oxide (SiO2). x Silicon nitride (SiN) xIt is made of or in multiple layers.

[0052] The source electrode S and drain electrode D are disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 112. The source electrode S and drain electrode D are electrically connected to the active layer ACT through contact holes formed in the gate insulating layer 111 and the interlayer insulating layer 112. The source electrode S and drain electrode D can be formed of various conductive materials, such as magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), gold (Au), or alloys thereof, but are not limited thereto.

[0053] A passivation layer 113 is disposed on the source electrode S and the drain electrode D. The passivation layer 113 is an insulating layer used to protect the components disposed beneath it. The passivation layer 113 can be made of a single layer or a double layer of silicon oxide (SiO2). x ) or silicon nitride (SiN) x Configurations include, but are not limited to, this.

[0054] A planarization layer 114 is disposed on the passivation layer 113. The planarization layer 114 is an insulating layer that planarizes the upper portion of the first substrate 110 on which the thin-film transistor TFT is disposed. The planarization layer 114 can be formed of an organic material, for example, it can be configured as a single or double layer of polyimide or photosensitive acrylate, but is not limited thereto. The planarization layer 114 may include contact holes for electrically connecting the thin-film transistor TFT and the second electrode TE2.

[0055] A first electrode TE1, serving as a common electrode, is formed on the planarization layer 114. The first electrode TE1 is electrically connected to the common wiring. The first electrode TE1 is configured as a large electrode and is typically used for sub-pixels SP.

[0056] Meanwhile, the liquid crystal display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a touch element. In this case, the first electrode TE1 may include a plurality of common electrode blocks. The common electrode blocks configured by the first electrode TE1 can be used as touch electrodes of a capacitive touch element.

[0057] The first electrode TE1 can be made of a transparent conductive material. For example, the transparent conductive material can be formed of tin oxide (ITO), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium zinc tin oxide (ITZO), etc., but is not limited to these.

[0058] A protective layer 116 is disposed on the first electrode TE1. The protective layer 116 is a layer used to insulate the first electrode TE1 and the second electrode TE2, and can be formed of an inorganic or organic insulating material. For example, the protective layer 116 can be configured to be made of silicon oxide (SiO2). x ) or silicon nitride (SiN) x It can be made of a single layer or multiple layers. However, this specification is not limited thereto.

[0059] The second electrode TE2 is disposed on the protective layer 116. The second electrode TE2 can be a pixel electrode. The second electrode TE2 is electrically connected to the drain electrode D through a contact hole that penetrates the protective layer 116, the planarization layer 114 and the passivation layer 113 below it. Figure 3 The diagram shows the second electrode TE2 in contact with the drain electrode D of the thin-film transistor TFT. However, in some embodiments, the second electrode TE2 may be in contact with the source electrode S of the thin-film transistor TFT.

[0060] The second electrode TE2 can be formed as a structure with multiple slits. In this case, the second electrode TE2 can be formed as a straight shape or a Z-shaped shape with at least one curved shape. Figure 3 The liquid crystal display device 100 shown depicts a structure where the second electrode TE2 has multiple slits and the first electrode TE1 has a single electrode block. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The second electrode TE2 may have a single electrode block, and the first electrode TE1 may have multiple slits.

[0061] For example, the second electrode TE2 can be made of a transparent conductive material. For example, the transparent conductive material can be formed of tin oxide (ITO), indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium zinc tin oxide (ITZO), etc., but is not limited to these.

[0062] When a voltage is applied to the second electrode TE2 via the thin-film transistor TFT, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer LC are rotated by the electric field formed between the second electrode TE2 and the first electrode TE1, and the transmittance of light through the display area DA changes according to the degree of rotation of the liquid crystal. Therefore, the amount of light in the sub-pixel SP can be controlled.

[0063] At the same time, despite Figure 2 Not shown, but the liquid crystal display panel PNL may include an upper polarizer disposed on the upper surface of the first substrate 110 and a lower polarizer disposed on the lower surface of the second substrate 120. In this case, the lower polarizer and the upper polarizer have an area larger than the area of ​​the display area DA and an area smaller than the area of ​​the display panel PNL. The lower polarizer and the upper polarizer can be formed by stretching polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) dyed with iodine. The absorption axes of the lower polarizer and the upper polarizer are formed in the stretching direction, such that light vibrating in the direction parallel to the absorption axis is absorbed, and light vibrating only in the direction perpendicular to the absorption axis is selectively transmitted.

[0064] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 3 to 5 Components of a liquid crystal display device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are described.

[0065] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a schematic plan view of a first substrate for illustrating an exemplary liquid crystal display device according to the present disclosure. Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken from line II-II'.

[0066] refer to Figure 3 The liquid crystal display device 100 according to this disclosure includes a liquid crystal display panel PNL, which includes a first substrate 110 and a second substrate 120, a flexible film 130, a printed circuit board 135, a light source 140, a reflective layer 150, a light guide plate 160, a bottom cover 170, a black sealing material 180, and a protective coating 190. (Reference) Figure 3 At least one side of the first substrate 110 is bent downward in the non-display area NDA. The first substrate 110 can be bent in the non-display area NDA to extend in a direction perpendicular to the display area DA.

[0067] In this configuration, the first substrate 110 may include a concave pattern 115 in the bending region to facilitate bending. The concave pattern 115 has a shape that is recessed downwards from the top surface by removing a portion of the first substrate 110. The concave pattern 115 reduces the stress applied to the first substrate 110 during bending and allows the first substrate 110 to bend easily in the bending region. The number and shape of the concave patterns 115 can be adjusted in various ways.

[0068] The flexible film 130, the light source 140, and the reflective layer 150 are disposed on one side of the first substrate 110.

[0069] refer to Figure 3 A flexible film 130 is disposed on one side of the first substrate 110. One side of the flexible film 130 can be attached to the lower surface of the first substrate 110 in the non-display area NDA, and the other side can be attached to the printed circuit board 135. The flexible film 130 can be bent in the non-display area NDA such that the other side of the flexible film 130 overlaps with the lower portion of the second substrate 120. The flexible film 130 transmits various signals from the printed circuit board 135 to the liquid crystal display panel (PNL).

[0070] Specifically, refer to Figure 4 The flexible film 130 can transmit gate drive signals, data drive signals and light source drive signals to the liquid crystal display panel PNL through multiple connection lines LL formed on the first substrate 110.

[0071] For example, the multiple connection lines LL disposed on the rear surface of the first substrate 110 can be multiple gate connection lines SLL, multiple data connection lines DLL, and multiple light source connection lines LLL. The multiple gate connection lines SLL are wirings used to connect multiple gate lines and gate driving circuits formed in the display area DA of the first substrate 110, and the multiple data connection lines DLL are wirings used to connect multiple data lines and data driving circuits formed in the display area DA of the first substrate 110.

[0072] In addition, multiple light source connection lines LLL are wirings used to transmit signals driving the light source 140 disposed in the non-display area NDA. Multiple gate connection lines SLL, multiple data connection lines DLL, and multiple light source connection lines LLL can extend from the end of the bottom surface of the first substrate 110 toward the display area DA of the first substrate 110.

[0073] refer to Figure 3 A printed circuit board 135 is attached to the flexible film 130. The printed circuit board 135 can be disposed below the light guide plate 160. The printed circuit board 135 can transmit various signals to multiple wirings formed on the first substrate 110. For example, a timing controller can be disposed on the printed circuit board 135. The timing controller can provide various signals to the liquid crystal display panel (PNL). For example, the timing controller generates a data driver control signal DDC and a gate driver control signal GDC, and provides the generated data driver control signal DDC and gate driver control signal GDC to the liquid crystal display panel (PNL).

[0074] In the liquid crystal display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible film 130 and the printed circuit board 135 are disposed independently of each other, but the individual flexible film 130 and the printed circuit board 135 are not attached to each other, and the flexible printed circuit board FPCB can be integrally formed with the flexible film 130 and the printed circuit board 135, so that the flexible film 130 itself can be used as the printed circuit board 135.

[0075] refer to Figure 3 The light source 140 is disposed on one side of the first substrate 110. In this case, the light source 140 can be implemented as a light-emitting diode (LED) with advantages such as high efficiency, high brightness and low power consumption, but is not limited thereto.

[0076] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4Multiple light sources 140 can be disposed on the bottom surface of the first substrate 110 in the non-display area NDA, and their positions and placement density can be appropriately selected considering optical characteristics. The light sources 140 can receive electrical signals via a printed circuit board 135 and can be turned on or off. Circuitry for electrically connecting the light sources 140 and the light source driver is formed on the printed circuit board 135. The light sources 140 can receive signals via multiple light source connection lines LLL passing through the flexible film 130.

[0077] refer to Figure 5 The light source 140 may include a light-emitting unit 141, a first electrode 142a, a second electrode 142b, and a housing 143. The light-emitting unit is turned on and off by receiving drive signals applied from multiple light source connection lines LLL connected to the first electrode 142a and the second electrode 142b. In this case, the first electrode 142a and the second electrode 142b may be connected to multiple light source connection lines LLL connected by anisotropic conductive film (ACF). In this case, the gate connection line SLL and the multiple data connection lines DLL may bypass the light source 140 instead of being positioned below it.

[0078] refer to Figure 3 A reflective layer 150 is disposed on the bottom surface of the first substrate 110. The reflective layer 150 can expose the light source 140 through holes penetrating the reflective layer 150, but is not limited thereto. The reflective layer 150 can improve the efficiency of light incident on the light guide plate 160.

[0079] A reflective layer 150 extends from the bottom surface of the first substrate 110 toward the light guide plate 160 in the non-display area (NDA) and is disposed on the side surface of the second substrate 120. Since the light source 140 is attached to the bottom surface of the first substrate 110, when light emitted from the light source 140 is incident on the second substrate 120 or on both the first and second substrates 110, light efficiency may be reduced, and light leakage may occur. Therefore, in the NDA, the reflective layer 150 is disposed on the bottom surface of the first substrate 110 and the side surface of the second substrate 120 to improve luminous efficiency.

[0080] refer to Figure 5 A black insulating layer BI is disposed between the first substrate 110 and the reflective layer 150. The black insulating layer BI insulates the reflective layer 150 from the multiple connection lines LL (e.g., data connection lines DLL) disposed on the first substrate 110 and prevents light leakage emitted from the light source 140. Similar to the reflective layer 150, the black insulating layer BI includes through-holes for exposing the light source 140. Therefore, the alignment process can be easily performed during the mounting of the light source 140 by using the black insulating layer BI.

[0081] refer to Figure 3A light guide plate 160 is disposed below the second substrate 120. The light guide plate 160 converts the propagation direction of light incident from the light source 140 to provide uniform surface light to the liquid crystal display panel (PNL). For example, light incident from the light source 140 disposed on a side surface of the light guide plate 160 is uniformly diffused as it propagates through the light guide plate 160 via total internal reflection, so that the light guide plate 160 can provide uniform surface light. The light guide plate 160 may be formed of glass material or light-transmitting resin (e.g., polymethyl methacrylate or polycarbonate).

[0082] The bottom cover 170 is a housing component that accommodates and protects the parts of the liquid crystal display device 100. The bottom cover 170 can be disposed on the bottom surface of the liquid crystal display panel PNL and the light guide plate 160. Figure 2 In this embodiment, to provide a borderless liquid crystal display device with a narrow bezel, a bottom cover 170 is shown that includes only a horizontal support portion disposed below the light guide plate 160, but is not limited thereto. For example, the bottom cover 170 may be formed as a rectangular frame shape with vertically curved edges. Specifically, the bottom cover 170 may include a horizontal support portion disposed facing the rear surface of the light guide plate 160 and a vertical support portion extending from the horizontal support portion and disposed around the side surface of the liquid crystal display panel PNL.

[0083] The bottom cover 170 may include a material with high thermal conductivity and high rigidity to smoothly dissipate heat from the drive circuitry and light source 140 to the outside. For example, the bottom cover 170 may be made of a sheet of metal such as aluminum, aluminum nitride (AlN), electro-galvanized steel sheet (EGI), stainless steel (SUS), gallium (SGLC), aluminized steel sheet (also known as ALCOSTA), tin-plated steel sheet (SPTE), etc., but is not limited to these.

[0084] In the non-display area (NDA), a black sealing material 180 is disposed outside the liquid crystal display panel. For example, the black sealing material 180 may be disposed in a frame shape on the edges of the four surfaces of the liquid crystal display device 100. The black sealing material 180 is disposed outside the liquid crystal display panel (PNL), the flexible film 130, and the light guide plate 160 to protect the liquid crystal display device 100 from external impacts in the lateral direction. (Reference) Figure 2 The black sealing material 180 can be configured to directly contact the curved first substrate 110 and can be configured to fill the interior of a plurality of concave patterns 115 of the first substrate 110. By filling the interior of the concave patterns 115 of the first substrate 110, the black sealing material 180 can maintain the curved shape of the first substrate 110 and protect the first substrate 110 from external impacts. In addition, the black sealing material 180 can prevent light emitted from the light source 140 disposed on the lower surface of the first substrate 110 from leaking outward in the non-display area NDA.

[0085] The black sealant 180 may be formed from a UV-curable material, to which a UV-curable oligomer is added, such as, but not limited to, epoxy acrylates, polyurethane acrylates, polyester acrylates, polyurethanes, and silicone acrylates. Furthermore, the black sealant 180 may include a black pigment or dye to prevent light leakage.

[0086] A protective coating 190 is disposed on the first substrate 110 to correspond to the display area DA. The protective coating 190 protects the liquid crystal display panel PNL from external impacts and scratches. Therefore, the protective coating 190 can be formed of a transparent material with excellent impact resistance and scratch resistance. Furthermore, the protective coating 190 protects the liquid crystal display panel PNL from external moisture penetration. Therefore, the protective coating 190 can prevent the liquid crystal display panel PNL from deteriorating, thereby preventing a decrease in display quality.

[0087] The protective coating 190 can be a film made of polymers such as polyimide, polyamide-imide, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethyl methacrylate, polypropylene glycol, and polycarbonate. Alternatively, the protective coating 190 can be a hard coating formed from a composition of cyclic olefin (co)polymers, photoisotropic polycarbonate, photoisotropic polymethyl methacrylate, etc. Furthermore, the protective coating 190 can have a multilayer structure in which various functional layers are stacked. For example, the protective coating 190 may include various functional layers, such as an external light reflection reduction layer, a UV blocking layer, etc.

[0088] In recent years, a type of flip-type display device has been actively developed, which uses a substrate on which thin-film transistors are disposed as the viewing surface. In particular, in the flip-type display device, since the substrate on which the thin-film transistors are disposed is composed of an upper substrate, the pad portion is positioned facing the rear surface of the panel, which allows for the removal of components such as outer covers for the pad portion, thereby achieving a four-sided borderless type.

[0089] A liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has a structure in which a thin-film transistor array substrate is located in the upper portion and serves as a viewing surface. The array substrate located in the non-display area is bent to reduce the width of the non-display area and achieve a narrow bezel. Specifically, since the light source constituting the backlight unit is located on the rear surface of the first substrate and the flexible film, the space used for setting the light source is reduced, and wiring is formed on the existing flexible film without the need to form separate wiring for driving the light source, thereby reducing wasted space. Furthermore, in the liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a black sealing material is provided outside the bent first substrate to reduce impact from the side surfaces. In addition, the arrangement of the light source and reflective layer provided in the bent region can be adjusted, and the bending pattern of the first substrate is used to prevent light leakage from the interior of the display device to the exterior.

[0090] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 4 Various examples are described regarding the shape of the concave pattern 115 formed on the first substrate 110.

[0091] Figure 6 This is a view used to illustrate a concave pattern formed on a first substrate of a liquid crystal display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] First, refer to Figure 6 (a) The cross-section of the concave pattern P1 may have a rectangular shape. In addition, a plurality of concave patterns P1 extend in a direction perpendicular to the folding direction of the first substrate 110 and are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the folding direction.

[0093] Meanwhile, the distance d1 between the lowest point of the concave pattern P1 and the lower surface of the first substrate 110 is preferably 30 μm or greater. When the distance d1 between the lowest part of the concave pattern P1 and the bottom surface of the first substrate 110 is less than 30 μm, cracks may appear in the concave pattern P1 or the first substrate 110 may be damaged when the first substrate 110 is bent.

[0094] Next, refer to Figure 6 (b) The concave pattern P2 can have a rectangular shape in a cross-section. (Compared to...) Figure 6 (a) In comparison, Figure 6 In (b), the concave pattern P2 can be a single pattern with a relatively wide width and a narrow shape in the direction perpendicular to the folding direction.

[0095] refer to Figure 6 (c) The cross-section of the concave pattern P3 can be rectangular. In this case, the multiple concave patterns P3 can be formed to be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the folding direction of the first substrate 110, and can be spaced apart from each other in a Z-shape in the folding direction.

[0096] refer to Figure 6 (d) The concave pattern P4 can have a shape in which two grooves with a circular shape in the planar view are connected to each other. For example, the concave pattern P4 can have a dumbbell shape in the planar view and can be formed as a plurality of grooves spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the folding direction of the first substrate 110, and can be configured to be spaced apart in a Z-shape in the folding direction.

[0097] refer to Figure 6 (e) The cross-section of the concave pattern P5 may have a triangular shape. In addition, the plurality of concave patterns P5 may be formed to be spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the folding direction and have a narrow shape in a direction perpendicular to the folding direction of the first substrate 110.

[0098] refer to Figure 6 (f) The concave pattern P6 may have a semi-circular shape in cross-section. In addition, the plurality of concave patterns P6 may be formed to be spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the folding direction and have a narrow shape in a direction perpendicular to the folding direction of the first substrate 110.

[0099] refer to Figure 6 (g) The concave pattern P7 can have a rhomboid shape on a plane. In addition, multiple concave patterns P7 can be formed to be spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the folding direction, and have a narrow shape in a direction perpendicular to the folding direction of the first substrate 110.

[0100] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 7A to 7K A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is described.

[0101] Figures 7A to 7K This is a schematic process diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In this case, Figures 7A to 7D This is a schematic plan view illustrating the process of forming a flexible film 130, a light source 140, and a reflective layer 150 on a first substrate 110. Figure 7E to Figure 7K It is a schematic plan view illustrating the process of forming a flexible film 130, a light source 140, and a reflective layer 150 on a first substrate 110, and a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the bending process and the process of forming a black sealing material 180 and a protective coating 190.

[0102] refer to Figure 7A Multiple connection lines LL are formed on the rear surface of the first substrate 110. In this case, in subsequent processes, only the connection lines LL connected to the light source 140 can be set in the region AA in which the light source 140 is disposed, and the connection lines LL that transmit drive signals (e.g., data connection lines or gate connection lines) can be set to avoid the region AA in which the light source 140 is disposed.

[0103] refer to Figure 7B A black insulating layer BI is formed on the first substrate 110. The black insulating layer BI prevents contact between the wiring and the reflective layer 150 and prevents light leakage from the light source 140. Therefore, the black insulating layer BI can be provided on the bottom surface of the first substrate 110 corresponding to the non-display area NDA, except for the area AA in which the light source 140 is provided and the pad area provided at the end of the first substrate 110. In this case, the black insulating layer BI has a through-hole OA formed corresponding to the area AA in which the light source 140 is provided.

[0104] refer to Figure 7CThe flexible film 130 is attached to the end of the first substrate 110. The flexible film 130 is electrically connected to multiple connection lines LL formed on the first substrate 110 via pad areas. Furthermore, a light source 140 is mounted on the first substrate 110 to correspond to a through-hole formed in the black insulating layer BI. In this case, the light source 140 can be connected to the connection lines LL formed on the first substrate 110 using an anisotropic conductive film.

[0105] refer to Figure 7D A reflective layer 150 is formed on the bottom surface of the first substrate 110 corresponding to the non-display area NDA. To prevent unintended light leakage when the light source 140 is positioned on the first substrate 110, which is located on top and facing forward, the reflective layer 150 can be provided to cover the entire surface of the flexible film 130 and the first substrate 110 corresponding to the non-display area NDA. In this case, although not shown in FIG. 7, the reflective layer 150 can also be provided on the side surface of the second substrate 120.

[0106] Next, refer to Figure 7E The printed circuit board 135 is connected to the other side of the flexible film 130. However, the printed circuit board 135 can be connected to the flexible film 130 in a subsequent step. Furthermore, a protective film PF can be disposed on the top surface of the first substrate 110 to correspond to the display area DA. The protective film PF protects the upper surface of the first substrate 110, which serves as the viewing surface, from risks occurring during the manufacturing process of the liquid crystal display device 100. However, the protective film PF can be attached to the upper surface of the first substrate 110 in another prior step.

[0107] Referring to Figures 7F and 7G, a concave pattern 115 is formed on the first substrate 110 to correspond to the non-display area NDA. The process of forming the concave pattern 115 on the first substrate 110, which is a glass substrate, is not limited, but multiple concave patterns 115 can be formed on the upper surface of the first substrate 110 by irradiating with a laser and then performing an etching process. Depending on the size and shape of the multiple concave patterns 115, the laser irradiation process can be performed under different conditions.

[0108] refer to Figure 7H The first substrate 110, on which a recessed pattern 115 is formed, is bent downward. In this case, the flexible film 130 and the printed circuit board 135 connected to the first substrate 110 can be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel PNL and the light guide plate 160.

[0109] refer to Figure 7IA bottom cover 170 for supporting and housing the liquid crystal display panel PNL and the light guide plate 160 is mounted thereon. The bottom cover 170 may include a horizontal portion 171 configured to face the lower surface of the light guide plate 160 and a vertical portion 172 extending from the horizontal portion 171 and configured to surround the side surfaces of the liquid crystal display panel PNL and the light guide plate 160. In this case, the vertical portion 172 is configured to be adjacent to the first substrate 110 that is bent in the non-display area NDA. To achieve a narrow bezel, the vertical portion 172 may be configured to contact the bent first substrate 110.

[0110] refer to Figure 7I Black resin 180' is filled into the space between the vertical portion 172 of the bottom cover 170 and the first substrate 110 to coat the upper portion of the first substrate 110 corresponding to the non-display area NDA. In this case, the vertical portion 172 of the bottom cover 170 provides space for accommodating the black resin 180'. The black resin 180' can be coated so that its position is higher than the top surface of the first substrate 110 in the display area. Thereafter, a black sealing material 180 is formed by a curing process.

[0111] refer to Figure 7J A protective coating composition 190' is applied to the top surface of the first substrate 110 to correspond to the display area DA. During the formation of the black sealing material 180, the protective coating 190 is used to planarize the portion of the black resin protruding beyond the first substrate 110.

[0112] refer to Figure 7K The coating composition 190' is cured to form a protective coating 190. The curing process can be selectively used depending on the coating composition 190', but is not limited to a specific method.

[0113] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] Figure 8 The liquid crystal display device 200 shown has the same Figure 3 The liquid crystal display device 100 shown has a basically the same configuration, except that the shapes of the first substrate 210 and the second substrate 220 in the non-display area NDA are different, and a black light-shielding layer BSL is also provided, so redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0115] refer to Figure 8 The side portion of the first substrate 210 in the non-display area NDA extends to contact the bottom cover 170. Figure 3Compared to the display device shown, the first substrate 210 has a structure that extends further downward, allowing the position of the light source 140 to be changed to be adjacent to the light guide plate 160. The light source 140 is positioned adjacent to the side of the light guide plate 160 to improve the efficiency of light incident on the light guide plate 160.

[0116] In the non-display area NDA, the side of the second substrate 220 may have an inclined surface SL, the upper end of which is positioned closer to the outside of the liquid crystal display device 100, and the lower end of which is positioned adjacent to the display area DA. The inclined surface SL formed on the side of the second substrate 220 can easily reflect light emitted from the light source 140 in the downward direction through the reflective layer 150 disposed on the inclined surface SL.

[0117] Therefore, the efficiency of light incident on the light guide plate 160 can be improved. In this case, the angle θ of the inclined surface SL can be 85° to 88°, but is not limited to this. When the angle θ of the inclined surface SL meets the above range, it is easy to deposit the reflective layer 250 on the inclined surface SL of the second substrate 220.

[0118] Simultaneously, in the non-display area NDA adjacent to the display area DA, a black light-shielding layer BSL is provided between the first substrate 210 and the second substrate 220. The black light-shielding layer BSL prevents a portion of the light L1 emitted from the light source 140 from passing through the reflective layer 250 and being guided to the display area DA. Although the reflective layer 250 has the function of reflecting light, depending on the constituent materials or arrangement structure, some light may pass through or leak, and the light guided to the display area DA causes a reduction in the user's visibility. Therefore, light leakage can be suppressed by the black light-shielding layer BSL.

[0119] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid crystal display device according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] Figure 9 The liquid crystal display device 300 shown has a similar Figure 8 The display device 200 shown has a basically the same configuration, except that an auxiliary concave pattern 315 is further formed on the first substrate 310, so redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0121] refer to Figure 9 The top surface of the first substrate 310, located in the non-display area NDA, further includes a plurality of concave patterns. Specifically, in addition to the concave pattern 115 formed to facilitate bending of the first substrate 310, an auxiliary concave pattern 315 is also formed adjacent to the display area DA.

[0122] The auxiliary concave pattern 315 prevents a portion of the light L2 emitted from the light source 140 from being directed to the display area DA to avoid the black light-shielding layer BSL. Even when the black light-shielding layer BSL is provided, light may still leak out from near the black light-shielding layer BSL. Therefore, when an additional auxiliary concave pattern 315 is formed in the non-display area NDA adjacent to the display area DA, the black sealing material 180 filled in the auxiliary concave pattern 315 can additionally perform a light-shielding function. In this case, the auxiliary concave pattern 315 is set to be more adjacent to the display area DA than the concave pattern 115 formed for bending performance. In addition, the auxiliary concave pattern 315 can have a greater depth and width than the concave pattern 115 formed for bending performance.

[0123] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be described as follows: According to one aspect of this disclosure, a liquid crystal display device is provided. The liquid crystal display device includes: a first substrate, the first substrate including a display area and a non-display area, and curved downward in the non-display area; a second substrate disposed below the first substrate; a light source disposed below the first substrate in the non-display area; a reflective layer disposed on a bottom surface of the first substrate and a side surface of the second substrate in the non-display area; a light guide plate disposed below the second substrate; a plurality of concave patterns formed on a top surface of the first substrate in the non-display area; and a black sealing material disposed outside the first substrate and the second substrate, and filling the plurality of concave patterns.

[0124] The first substrate may include multiple thin-film transistors, and the second substrate may include a black matrix and a color filter.

[0125] Multiple concave patterns can have a shape in which a portion of the first substrate is removed and recessed downward from the top surface.

[0126] Each of the multiple concave patterns can extend in a direction perpendicular to the bending direction and can be set to be spaced apart from each other in the bending direction.

[0127] The liquid crystal display device may also include an auxiliary concave pattern that is more adjacent to the display area than the plurality of concave patterns, and the auxiliary concave pattern may have a greater depth and width than the concave patterns.

[0128] The liquid crystal display device may also include a black light-shielding layer disposed in the non-display area between the first substrate and the second substrate so as to be adjacent to the display area.

[0129] In the non-display area, the side of the second substrate has an inclined surface, the upper end of which is positioned closer to the outside of the liquid crystal display device and the lower end of which is adjacent to the display area, and a reflective layer covers the inclined surface.

[0130] The liquid crystal display device may also include a bottom cover disposed below the light guide plate. In the non-display area, the side of the first substrate may contact the bottom cover, and the light source may be located on the side of the light guide plate.

[0131] The liquid crystal display device may further include: a flexible film disposed on a first substrate in a non-display area; and a printed circuit board connected to the flexible film and disposed below a light guide plate, wherein a reflective layer may extend to the flexible film.

[0132] The liquid crystal display device may further include: a data connection line disposed on the bottom surface of a first substrate in a non-display area, which transmits data driving signals from a printed circuit board to a display area; a gate connection line disposed on the bottom surface of the first substrate in a non-display area, which transmits gate driving signals from a printed circuit board to the display area; and a light source connection line disposed on the bottom surface of the first substrate in a non-display area, which transmits light source driving signals from a printed circuit board to a light source, wherein the light source connection line may be disposed between the first substrate and the light source.

[0133] Data connection lines and gate connection lines do not overlap with the light source.

[0134] The liquid crystal display device may also include a black insulating layer disposed between the gate interconnects and the reflective layer. The data interconnects and gate interconnects may be configured to overlap with the reflective layer.

[0135] Although 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 may be embodied in various forms without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present disclosure. The scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative in all respects and do not limit the invention. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the scope of their equivalents should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal display device, comprising: A first substrate, the first substrate including a display area and a non-display area, and bent downward in the non-display area; A second substrate is disposed below the first substrate; A light source is disposed below the first substrate in the non-display area; A reflective layer is disposed on the bottom surface of the first substrate and the side surface of the second substrate in the non-display area; A light guide plate, wherein the light guide plate is disposed below the second substrate; Multiple concave patterns are formed on the top surface of the first substrate in the non-display area; as well as A black sealing material is disposed outside the first substrate and the second substrate and fills the plurality of concave patterns.

2. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein The first substrate includes a plurality of thin-film transistors, and The second substrate includes a black matrix and a color filter.

3. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of concave patterns have a shape in which a portion of the first substrate is removed and recessed downward from the top surface of the first substrate.

4. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3, wherein Each of the plurality of concave patterns extends in a direction perpendicular to the bending direction and is spaced apart from each other in the bending direction.

5. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3, further comprising: An auxiliary concave pattern, wherein the auxiliary concave pattern is more adjacent to the display area than the plurality of concave patterns. The auxiliary concave pattern has a greater depth and width than the concave pattern.

6. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A black light-shielding layer is disposed in the non-display area between the first substrate and the second substrate so as to be adjacent to the display area.

7. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, wherein, In the non-display area, the side of the second substrate has an inclined surface, the upper end of the inclined surface is positioned closer to the outside of the liquid crystal display device, and the lower end of the inclined surface is disposed adjacent to the display area, and the reflective layer covers the inclined surface.

8. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, further comprising: The bottom cover is located below the light guide plate. In the non-display area, the side of the first substrate contacts the bottom cover, and The light source is located on the side of the light guide plate.

9. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 1, further comprising: A flexible film is disposed on the first substrate in the non-display area; as well as A printed circuit board, connected to the flexible film and disposed below the light guide plate. The reflective layer extends into the flexible membrane.

10. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 9, further comprising: A data connection line is disposed on the bottom surface of the first substrate in the non-display area and transmits data drive signals from the printed circuit board to the display area; A gate connection line is disposed on the bottom surface of the first substrate in the non-display area and transmits the gate drive signal from the printed circuit board to the display area; as well as A light source connection line is disposed on the bottom surface of the first substrate in the non-display area, and transmits the light source driving signal from the printed circuit board to the light source. The light source connection line is disposed between the first substrate and the light source.

11. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 10, wherein, The data connection line and the gate connection line do not overlap with the light source.

12. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 10, further comprising: A black insulating layer is disposed between the data connection line and the gate connection line and the reflective layer. The data connection line and the gate connection line are configured to overlap with the reflective layer.

13. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 3, wherein, The distance between the lowest point of the concave pattern and the lower surface of the first substrate is 30 μm or greater.

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