Display device

Abstract

The display device includes: a display panel having a non-bending area and a bending area extending from one end of the non-bending area, the display panel including a display panel bendable portion; the bending protection layer is arranged on the display panel and comprises a bending protection layer bending part which can be bent together with the bending area; a polarization unit disposed on the display panel, partially disposed on the bending protection layer, and defining a step difference corresponding to the bending protection layer; and a coated window disposed directly on the polarizing unit and including a resin material. And the polarization unit is overlapped with the bending area and the non-bending area. And the polarization unit covers the bendable part of the display panel.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and all rights arising from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0031541 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on March 10, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device, and more particularly, to a display device including a polarization unit in which a step difference is defined, and a method of manufacturing the display device. Background Art

[0004] Display devices that provide images to users (such as televisions, monitors, smart phones, and tablet computers) include display panels to display images. Various types of display panels are being developed, such as liquid crystal display panels, organic light-emitting display panels, electrowetting display panels, and electrophoretic display panels. In addition, the display device includes a window to protect the display panel. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present disclosure provides an embodiment of a display device including a coated window.

[0006] The present disclosure provides an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display device including a coated window.

[0007] An embodiment of the utility model provides a display device, comprising: a display panel, comprising a non-bending area and a bending area extending from one end of the non-bending area, wherein the display panel comprises a bendable portion of the display panel; a bending protection layer, arranged on the display panel and comprising a bendable portion of the bending protection layer, wherein the bendable portion of the bending protection layer can be bent together with the bending area; a polarization unit, arranged on the display panel, partially arranged on the bending protection layer, and defining a step difference corresponding to the bending protection layer; and a coating window, directly arranged on the polarization unit and comprising a resin material, wherein the polarization unit overlaps with the bending area and the non-bending area, and when observed in a plan view, the polarization unit covers the bending portion of the display panel.

[0008] In an embodiment, when viewed in a plane, the outer side surface of the polarization unit is disposed at the same position as a point disposed at a point in the bendable portion of the bending protection layer that is farthest from the non-bending region.

[0009] In an embodiment, an outer side surface of the polarization unit protrudes outward more than the bendable portion of the display panel disposed at a point farthest from the non-bending region.

[0010] In an embodiment, the polarization unit includes: a first polarization part, which is arranged on the display panel and overlaps with the non-bending area; and a second polarization part, which is arranged on the bending protection layer, extends from the first polarization part, and overlaps with the non-bending area, and the step difference is located at the boundary between the first polarization part and the second polarization part.

[0011] In an embodiment, the first polarizing portion has a thickness, which is greater than a thickness of the second polarizing portion.

[0012] In an embodiment, the second polarization portion is directly disposed on the bending protection layer.

[0013] In an embodiment, when viewed in a plan view, the second polarization portion has a planar shape corresponding to a planar shape of the bending protection layer.

[0014] In an embodiment, the display device further comprises a light-blocking pattern, which is directly disposed on the polarization unit and covers a bent portion of the display panel and a bent portion of the bending protection layer when viewed in a plan view.

[0015] In an embodiment, an outer side surface of the light-blocking pattern protrudes outward more than the bendable portion of the display panel, and the bendable portion of the display panel is disposed at a point farthest from the non-bending region.

[0016] In an embodiment, an outer side surface of the light-blocking pattern and an outer side surface of the coating window are aligned with an outer side surface of the polarization unit when viewed in a plan view.

[0017] In an embodiment, an outer side surface of the polarization unit protrudes outward more than the bendable portion of the bending protection layer, and the bendable portion of the bending protection layer is arranged at a point farthest from the non-bending area.

[0018] In an embodiment, the display device further includes: a main circuit board, which is a rigid circuit board or a flexible circuit board; and a first circuit board connected to an end portion of the display panel and electrically connecting the main circuit board and the display panel.

[0019] In an embodiment, the step difference is spaced apart from a side surface of the bending protection layer.

[0020] An embodiment of the utility model provides a display device, comprising: a display panel, comprising a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area; a first circuit board, overlapping with the non-display area and comprising one end arranged on the front surface of the display panel, and the other end arranged at the rear side of the display panel; a polarization unit, arranged on the display panel and the first circuit board, and defining a step difference corresponding to the first circuit board; and a coating window, directly arranged on the polarization unit and comprising a resin material, and when observed in a plan view, the polarization unit covers a bent portion of the first circuit board.

[0021] In an embodiment, an outer side surface of the polarization unit protrudes outward more than the first circuit board bendable portion, and the first circuit board bendable portion is arranged at a point farthest from the non-bending area.

[0022] In an embodiment, the polarization unit includes: a first polarization portion, which is arranged on the display panel and has a first thickness; and a second polarization portion, which extends from the first polarization portion, has a second thickness less than the first thickness, and overlaps with the bendable portion of the first circuit board, and the step difference is located at the boundary between the first polarization portion and the second polarization portion.

[0023] In an embodiment, the display device further includes: a touch sensing panel disposed between the display panel and the polarization unit, connected to the first circuit board, and sensing an input signal; and a main circuit board electrically connected to the touch sensing panel through the first circuit board.

[0024] In an embodiment, the display device further comprises: a light-blocking pattern, which is directly disposed on the polarization unit and covers the bendable portion of the first circuit board when viewed in a plan view.

[0025] An embodiment of the utility model provides a method for manufacturing a display device. The method includes: forming a bendable first member on a display panel including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area; forming a polarization unit on the display panel and the first member, defining a step difference corresponding to the first member in the polarization unit; forming a light-blocking pattern on the polarization unit to overlap with the bendable portion of the first member; forming a coating window including a resin material on the polarization unit; and bending the first member. When viewed in a plan view, the polarization unit covers the bent portion of the first member.

[0026] In an embodiment, the forming of the coating window includes coating the resin material on the polarization unit and curing the coated resin material.

[0027] In the embodiment and according to the above, the polarization unit of the display device extends to cover the bent portion of the display panel when viewed in a plane, and the light blocking pattern is provided on the polarization unit. Therefore, the bent portion of the display panel is prevented from being viewed from the outside.

[0028] In an embodiment, and in accordance with the above, the extended polarizing unit is used as a base layer in the manufacturing process of the coated window.

[0029] In the embodiment and according to the above, since the method of manufacturing the display device is simplified, process reliability is improved and manufacturing cost is reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention and are used together with the description to explain the principles of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 3 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 4A is a plan view of a portion of a display panel and a polarization unit according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 4B According to the embodiment along Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of the display panel taken along line II-II';

[0036] Figure 5A is a side view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 5B is a side view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0038] Figure 5C is a side view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0040] Figure 7 is a plan view of a touch sensing panel according to an embodiment;

[0041] Fig. 8Ais a plan view of a polarization unit and a touch unit according to an embodiment;

[0042] Figure 8B According to the embodiment along Fig. 8A A cross-sectional view of the polarization unit and the touch unit taken along line IV-IV';

[0043] Fig.9A is a side view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0044] Fig. 9B is a side view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0045] Fig. 10A is a side view of a display device illustrating a method of manufacturing the display device according to an embodiment;

[0046] Fig. 10B is a side view of a display device illustrating a method of manufacturing the display device according to an embodiment;

[0047] Fig. 10C is a side view of a display device illustrating a method of manufacturing the display device according to an embodiment;

[0048] Fig. 10D is a side view of a display device illustrating a method of manufacturing the display device according to an embodiment;

[0049] Fig. 10E is a side view of a display device illustrating a method of manufacturing the display device according to an embodiment;

[0050] Fig.10F is a side view of a display device illustrating a method of manufacturing the display device according to an embodiment;

[0051] Figure 10G is a side view of a display device illustrating a method of manufacturing the display device according to an embodiment;

[0052] Fig.11A is a side view of a display device illustrating a method of manufacturing the display device according to an embodiment;

[0053] Fig. 11B is a side view of a display device illustrating a method of manufacturing the display device according to an embodiment;

[0054] Fig. 11C is a side view of a display device illustrating a method of manufacturing the display device according to an embodiment;

[0055] Fig.11D is a side view of a display device illustrating a method of manufacturing the display device according to an embodiment;

[0056] Fig.11Eis a side view of a display device illustrating a method of manufacturing the display device according to an embodiment;

[0057] Fig.11F is a side view of a display device illustrating a method of manufacturing the display device according to an embodiment;

[0058] Fig.11G is a side view of a display device illustrating a method of manufacturing the display device according to an embodiment; and

[0059] Fig.11H is a side view of a display device illustrating a method of manufacturing the display device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] The present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0061] In the present disclosure, it will be understood that when an element (or region, layer or portion, etc.) is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present and / or set between them.

[0062] The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. In the accompanying drawings, the thickness, proportion and size of the components are exaggerated for the effective description of the technical content. As used herein, the term "and / or" may include any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0063] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. can be used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Therefore, the first element discussed below can be referred to as the second element without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms "one", "one (kind / person)" and "the (described)" are also intended to include plural forms.

[0064] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "under", "beneath", "lower", "above", and "upper" may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. These terms are used as relative concepts and are described with reference to the positions and / or directions indicated in the drawings.

[0065] It will also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0066] It should be understood that the terms “including” or “having” are intended to indicate the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof stated in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0067] As used herein, "directly disposed on..." may mean that there are no additional layers, films, regions, panels, etc. between one component and another component (such as a layer, film, region, panel, etc.). For example, "directly disposed on..." may mean that two layers or two members are disposed without using an additional member such as an adhesive member between them.

[0068] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" includes the stated value and means within an acceptable range of deviation of the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurements in question and the errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "about" can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, ±20%, ±10%, or ±5% of the stated value.

[0069] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in this article have the same meaning as commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the utility model belongs. It will also be understood that unless explicitly defined as such in this article, terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formalized meaning.

[0070] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0071] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment.

[0072] Reference Figure 1 , a portable terminal is shown as a representative example of the display device DD according to the embodiment. The portable terminal may include a tablet PC, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a game unit and / or a watch-type electronic device, etc., however, the present invention should not be limited thereto or thereby.

[0073] In an embodiment, the display device DD may be applied to large electronic devices (such as televisions and / or outdoor billboards, etc.) and / or small and medium-sized electronic devices (such as personal computers, notebook computers, car navigation devices and / or cameras, etc.). However, these are only examples, and the display device DD may be used in other electronic products as needed.

[0074] In an embodiment, the display device DD may be flexible. The term "flexible" as used herein refers to the property of being able to bend from a fully bent structure to a structure that is bent at a scale of a few nanometers. For example, the flexible display device DD may be a curved display device, a foldable display device, a slidable display device, and / or a rollable display device. However, the present invention should not be limited thereto or thereby, and the display device DD may be rigid.

[0075] In an embodiment, and as Figure 1 As shown in , a display surface in which an image IM is displayed may be substantially parallel to a plane defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The display device DD may include a plurality of areas distinguished from each other in the display surface. The display surface may include a display area DA in which the image IM is displayed, and a non-display area NDA around the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be referred to as a border area. As an example, the display area DA may have a quadrilateral shape. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. In addition, although not shown in the figure, a portion of the display device DD may also have a curved shape. In this case, the curved shape may be limited to a portion of the display area DA.

[0076] In an embodiment, the front surface (or upper surface) and the rear surface (or lower surface) of each component of the display device DD may be opposite to each other in the third direction DR3, and the normal direction of each of the front surface and the rear surface may be substantially parallel to the third direction DR3. The separation distance between the front surface and the rear surface of each component (or each unit) in the third direction DR3 may correspond to the thickness of the component (or unit) in the third direction DR3. In the present disclosure, the expression "when viewed in a plane" or "when viewed in a plan view" may mean a state viewed in the third direction DR3. In the present disclosure, the expression "when viewed in a cross section" may mean a state viewed in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2. At the same time, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3, respectively, may be associated with each other, and therefore, the directions indicated by the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3, respectively, may be changed to other directions.

[0077] In an embodiment, a front surface (or upper surface or first surface) and a rear surface (or lower surface or second surface) of each member of the display device DD may be defined with respect to a direction in which the image IM is displayed.

[0078] In an embodiment, the display device DD may sense a touch input TC generated by a user and applied thereto from the outside. The user's touch input TC may include various external inputs, such as a touch event generated by a body part of the user, light, heat, pressure, etc. In an embodiment, a touch event generated by a user's hand will be described as the user's touch input TC, however, this is merely an example. As described above, the user's touch input TC may be provided in various ways. In addition, the display device DD may sense an input applied by a user to the side surface and / or rear surface of the display device DD according to its design, and should not be particularly limited.

[0079] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment.

[0080] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, the adhesive member is not shown and will be referred to below. Figure 5A The adhesive member is described in detail.

[0081] In an embodiment, and as Figure 2 As shown in , the display device DD may include a coating window DW and a display module DM. The coating window DW may be directly disposed on the polarization unit ARU. The expression “the coating window DW is directly disposed on the polarization unit ARU” means that no separate adhesive or adhesive layer is disposed between the coating window DW and the polarization unit ARU.

[0082] In an embodiment, the coating window DW may provide a front surface FS of the display device DD. The front surface FS of the coating window DW may include a transmission area TA and a frame area BZA. The transmission area TA of the coating window DW may be an optically transparent area. Accordingly, the coating window DW may transmit an image IM provided from the display module DM through the transmission area TA (refer to FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 ), and the user can observe the image IM.

[0083] In an embodiment, the frame area BZA of the coating window DW may be aligned with the light blocking pattern BM described later (refer to Figure 5A ) overlap. The light-blocking pattern BM may be a rigid substrate including a material having a predetermined color. The frame area BZA of the coating window DW may prevent components of the display panel DP disposed to overlap with the light-blocking pattern BM from being observed from the outside.

[0084] In an embodiment, the frame area BZA may be defined as being adjacent to the transmission area TA, and the shape of the transmission area TA may be defined by the frame area BZA. As an example, the frame area BZA may be disposed outside the transmission area TA and may surround the transmission area TA, however, it should not be limited thereto or by it. The frame area BZA may be defined as being adjacent to only one side of the transmission area TA or may be omitted. In addition, the frame area BZA may be defined at the side surface of the display device DD, rather than at the front surface FS of the display device DD.

[0085] In an embodiment, the coating window DW may include an optically transparent insulating material. As an example, the coating window DW may include a resin material. The coating window DW may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. According to the display device DD including the coating window DW, the lamination process may be omitted in the method for manufacturing the display device DD. Accordingly, the manufacturing method of the display device DD may be simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the display device DD may be reduced.

[0086] In an embodiment, the coating window DW may include a functional layer such as an anti-fingerprint layer, an anti-reflection layer, a hard coating layer, etc. In an embodiment, the coating window DW may have a flat shape in the display area DP-DA, however, the shape of the coating window DW may be changed. Edges of the coating window DW facing each other in the first direction DR1 may be provided with a rounded surface.

[0087] In an embodiment, the display module DM may be disposed on the rear surface of the coating window DW and may generate an image. In addition, the display module DM may sense a user's touch input TC (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0088] In the embodiment, the display module DM providing a flat display surface is shown as a representative example, however, the shape of the display module DM may vary. Edges of the display module DM facing each other in the first direction DR1 may be bent from a central portion thereof and may be provided with a rounded surface.

[0089] In an embodiment, the display module DM may include a polarization unit ARU, a display panel DP, a protection panel CP, a support panel SPP, and a driving control module DCM.

[0090] In an embodiment, the polarization unit ARU may be disposed on the display panel DP, and a portion of the polarization unit ARU may be disposed on the bending protection layer SNL. Figure 5A) may be defined in the polarization unit ARU. The polarization unit ARU may be a polarization film, a polarization filter, or a polarization plate. The polarization unit ARU may be disposed between the coated window DW and the display panel DP. The polarization unit ARU may reduce the reflectivity of light incident from the outside to the polarization unit ARU. The polarization unit ARU may be attached to the display panel DP via an adhesive layer. A groove corresponding to the bending protection layer SNL may be defined at one side of the polarization unit ARU. This will be described in detail later.

[0091] In an embodiment, the display panel DP may be disposed between the coating window DW and the support panel SPP. The display panel DP may display an image IM in response to an electrical signal. According to an embodiment, the display panel DP may be a light-emitting display panel, however, it should not be particularly limited. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel, an inorganic light-emitting display panel, an organic-inorganic light-emitting display panel, and / or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the inorganic light-emitting display panel may include an inorganic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the organic-inorganic light-emitting display panel may include an organic-inorganic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots or quantum rods.

[0092] In an embodiment, the image IM (see Figure 1 ) can be displayed through the front surface IS of the display panel DP. The front surface IS of the display panel DP may include a display area DP-DA and a non-display area DP-NDA. The display area DP-DA may be Figure 1 The display area DA corresponds to the non-display area DP-NDA. Figure 1 Corresponding to the non-display area NDA.

[0093] In an embodiment, the bending protection layer SNL may be disposed on the display panel DP and may be aligned with the bending area BA (see Figure 3 The bending protection layer SNL can prevent the bent portion of the display panel DP from being damaged by external impact and / or can prevent external foreign matter from entering the display panel DP. Figure 2 The bending protection layer SNL shown in FIG. 1 is only an example, and the shape of the bending protection layer SNL may be changed as needed.

[0094] In an embodiment, the bending protection layer SNL may be disposed on the front surface of the display panel DP and may protect the bending portion of the display panel DP. The bending protection layer SNL may include a plastic film as its base layer. The bending protection layer SNL may include a plastic film containing any one selected from the group consisting of polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyarylate (PAR), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyarylethersulfone (PAES) and combinations thereof.

[0095] However, in an embodiment, the material for the bending protection layer SNL should not be limited to plastic resin, and an organic / inorganic composite material may be used as the material for the bending protection layer SNL. The bending protection layer SNL may include a porous organic layer and an inorganic material filled in the pores of the organic layer. The bending protection layer SNL may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure.

[0096] In an embodiment, the display area DP-DA may be activated in response to an electrical signal, and the image IM may be displayed through the display area DP-DA. According to an embodiment, the display area DP-DA of the display panel DP may correspond to the transmission area TA of the coating window DW. Meanwhile, in the following description, the expression "one area / portion corresponds to another area / portion" means "one area / portion overlaps another area / portion", but they should not be limited to having the same area and / or the same shape.

[0097] In an embodiment, the non-display area DP-NDA may be defined to be adjacent to the outside of the display area DP-DA. As an example, the non-display area DP-NDA may surround the display area DP-DA, however, it should not be limited thereto or thereby. According to an embodiment, the non-display area DP-NDA may be defined in a variety of shapes.

[0098] In an embodiment, a driving circuit or driving line driving the elements arranged in the display area DP-DA, various signal lines providing electrical signals, and pads may be provided in the non-display area DP-NDA. The non-display area DP-NDA of the display panel DP may correspond to the frame area BZA of the coating window DW. The components of the display panel DP provided in the non-display area DP-NDA may be prevented from being observed from the outside through the frame area BZA.

[0099] In an embodiment, the drive control module DCM may include a main circuit board MCB (or a driving circuit board), a first circuit board FCB1 (or a panel flexible circuit board), and a panel drive circuit PDC. The first circuit board FCB1 may be connected to an end portion of the display panel DP to electrically connect the main circuit board MCB to the display panel DP.

[0100] In an embodiment, the first circuit board FCB1 may electrically connect the main circuit board MCB to the display panel DP, and the panel drive circuit PDC may be mounted on the first circuit board FCB1. The panel drive circuit PDC may be implemented in an integrated circuit. Although not shown in the figure, a plurality of passive components and / or a plurality of active components may be mounted on the main circuit board MCB. The main circuit board MCB may be a rigid circuit board or a flexible circuit board, and the first circuit board FCB1 may be a flexible circuit board.

[0101] In an embodiment, the protection panel CP may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel DP and may protect the display panel DP from impact. The protection panel CP may include a plastic film as its base layer. The protection panel CP may include a single layer or a multi-layer structure.

[0102] In an embodiment, the support panel SPP may be disposed on the rear surface of the protection panel CP and may support the display panel DP and the protection panel CP. The support panel SPP may be a metal plate having a stiffness higher than a reference level. The support panel SPP may be a stainless steel plate. The support panel SPP may have a black (or dark) color to block external light incident into the display panel DP.

[0103] Figure 3 is a plan view of a display panel DP according to an embodiment.

[0104] Figure 3 The embodiment of the signal circuit diagram is schematically shown. In addition, for the convenience of explanation, Figure 3 Some components are omitted.

[0105] In an embodiment, and as Figure 3 As shown in , when viewed in a plane, the display panel DP may include a display area DP-DA and a non-display area DP-NDA. In an embodiment, the non-display area DP-NDA may be defined along an edge of the display area DP-DA. The display area DP-DA and the non-display area DP-NDA of the display panel DP may be respectively Figure 1 The display area DA and the non-display area NDA of the display device DD shown in FIG. 1 correspond to each other.

[0106] In an embodiment, the display panel DP may include a non-bending area NBA and a bending area BA extending from one end of the non-bending area NBA and being bent. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the non-bending area NBA may be disposed at the upper side in the second direction DR2, and the bending area BA may be disposed at the lower side in the second direction DR2. The lower end of the bending area BA may be bent and may be disposed to face the non-bending area NBA. This will be referred to as Figure 5B Give a description.

[0107] In an embodiment, the display panel DP may include a scan driving circuit SDC, a plurality of signal lines SGL, a plurality of signal pads PD, and a plurality of pixels PX. The pixels PX may be arranged in the display area DP-DA. Each of the plurality of pixels PX may include an organic light emitting diode and a pixel driving circuit connected to the organic light emitting diode.

[0108] In an embodiment, the scan driving circuit SDC may generate a plurality of scan signals and may sequentially output the scan signals to a plurality of scan lines SL described later. The scan driving circuit SDC may also output a control signal to a pixel driving circuit of the pixel PX.

[0109] In an embodiment, the scan driving circuit SDC may include a plurality of thin film transistors formed by the same process as the driving circuit of the pixel PX, for example, a low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) process or a low temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) process.

[0110] In an embodiment, the signal line SGL may include a scan line SL, a data line DL, a power line PL, and a control signal line CSL. Each of the plurality of scan lines SL may be connected to a corresponding pixel PX among the plurality of pixels PX, and each of the data lines DL may be connected to a corresponding pixel PX among the plurality of pixels PX. The power line PL may be connected to the pixel PX. The control signal line CSL may provide a control signal to the scan drive circuit SDC.

[0111] In an embodiment, the signal line SGL may overlap the display area DP-DA and the non-display area DP-NDA. The signal line SGL may include a pad portion and a line portion. The line portion may overlap the display area DP-DA and the non-display area DP-NDA. The pad portion may be connected to one end of the line portion. The pad portion may be arranged in the non-display area DP-NDA and may overlap with a corresponding signal pad among a plurality of signal pads PD. In the non-display area DP-NDA, an area where a plurality of signal pads PD are arranged may be defined as a pad area NDA-PD.

[0112] In an embodiment, the line portion connected to the pixel PX may substantially form a large part of the signal line SGL. The line portion may be connected to a transistor (not shown) of the pixel PX. The line portion may have a single layer or a multilayer structure, and the line portion may be provided in the form of a monomer, or may be implemented by two or more parts. The two or more parts may be arranged on different layers from each other, and may be connected to each other via a contact hole, which is defined by an insulating layer arranged between the two or more parts.

[0113] Figure 4A is a plan view of a portion of a display panel DP and a polarization unit ARU according to an embodiment.

[0114] In the examples, and with reference to Figure 4A , the polarization unit ARU may include a first polarization part ARU1 and a second polarization part ARU2. In an embodiment, the second polarization part ARU2 may correspond to the bending protection layer SNL, and the first polarization part ARU1 may correspond to the remaining part except the second polarization part ARU2. When viewed in a plane, the second polarization part ARU2 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the bending protection layer SNL. The second polarization part ARU2 may have a size substantially equal to or greater than the size of the bending protection layer SNL when viewed in a plane when viewed in a plane. In the present disclosure, the expression "having substantially the same size" used herein may mean that even if there are slight differences in the size (such as process tolerances), the size will still be considered to be the same.

[0115] Figure 4B According to the embodiment along Figure 4A A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0116] In the examples, and with reference to Figure 4B , a step difference SP may exist at a boundary between the first polarization portion ARU1 and the second polarization portion ARU2. The upper surface of the first polarization portion ARU1 and the upper surface of the second polarization portion ARU2 may form a flat plane. The lower surface of the first polarization portion ARU1 and the lower surface of the second polarization portion ARU2 may be arranged at different positions in the third direction DR3. The first polarization portion ARU1 may have a thickness T1, which is greater than the thickness T2 of the second polarization portion ARU2. Accordingly, a space may be formed between the lower surface of the second polarization portion ARU2 and the inner side surface of the first polarization portion ARU1. Referring to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the bending protection layer SNL can be set in the above space.

[0117] In the embodiment, therefore, the polarization unit ARU may extend in the downward direction opposite to the third direction DR3 without contacting the bending protection layer SNL. In the case where the above-mentioned space is not formed, when the polarization unit ARU extends, the polarization unit ARU may pass through the bending protection layer SNL toward the coating window DW (refer to Figure 2 ) direction. Therefore, foreign matter may enter the display panel DP or cracks may occur.

[0118] Figure 5A is a side view of a display device DD according to the embodiment. Figure 5B is a side view of a display device DD according to an embodiment. In more detail, Figure 5A It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' of Figure 5B The bent state of the bending area BA is shown.

[0119] In the examples, and with reference to Figure 5A and Figure 5B , the display panel DP is shown as having a single-layer structure, however, the display panel DP may have a multi-layer structure. The display panel DP may include a substrate layer, a circuit layer, a light-emitting element layer and / or an encapsulation layer. In addition, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that other general components may also be included in the display panel DP.

[0120] In an embodiment, the stacking structure of the display device DD is as follows: Figure 5A As shown in . The display device DD may include a display module DM and a coating window DW disposed on the display module DM. The display module DM may include a display panel DP, a polarization unit ARU, a first protective film PF1, a second protective film PF2, a protective panel CP, a supporting panel SPP, and corresponding first adhesive layers AM1, second adhesive layers AM2, third adhesive layers AM3, fourth adhesive layers AM4, fifth adhesive layers AM5, and sixth adhesive layers AM6.

[0121] In an embodiment, each of the first adhesive layer AM1 to the sixth adhesive layer AM6 described below may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) film, an optically clear adhesive (OCA) film, or an optically clear resin (OCR) film. The first adhesive layer AM1 to the sixth adhesive layer AM6 may include a photocurable adhesive material or a thermally curable adhesive material, respectively, however, the materials used for the first adhesive layer AM1 to the sixth adhesive layer AM6, respectively, should not be particularly limited. Some of the first adhesive layer AM1 to the sixth adhesive layer AM6 may be omitted, respectively.

[0122] In an embodiment, the polarization unit ARU may be disposed on the upper surface DP-US of the display panel DP. The polarization unit ARU may overlap with the bending area BA and the non-bending area NBA of the display panel DP. According to an embodiment, the polarization unit ARU may extend to the bending area BA instead of being disposed only in the non-bending area NBA. As described above, the extended polarization unit ARU may be used as a base layer to allow the light-blocking pattern BM and the coating window DW to be disposed in the bending area BA. In particular, when a resin material is coated to form the coating window DW, the polarization unit ARU may be used as a base layer. In addition, the polarization unit ARU may be used as a barrier to prevent the coating solution of the coating window DW from entering the bent bending protection layer SNL and the display panel DP.

[0123] In an embodiment, the polarization unit ARU may include a first polarization part ARU1 and a second polarization part ARU2. The first polarization part ARU1 may be disposed on the display panel DP and may overlap the non-bending area NBA. The second polarization part ARU2 may be disposed on the bending protection layer SNL and may extend from the first polarization part ARU1 in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2. The second polarization part ARU2 may overlap the bending area BA and a portion of the non-bending area NBA.

[0124] In an embodiment, the first polarization part ARU1 may be attached to the display panel DP by a first adhesive layer AM1. However, the first adhesive layer AM1 may be omitted when necessary. The second polarization part ARU2 may be directly disposed on the bending protection layer SNL without a separate adhesive layer. This is to prevent the bending protection layer SNL in contact with the second polarization part ARU2 from causing any interference to the bending process when the bending protection layer SNL and the display panel DP are bent. In the case where the bending protection layer SNL is attached to the second polarization part ARU2 by an adhesive layer, during the bending process, while the bending protection layer SNL is bent, stress may be applied to the second polarization part ARU2 and the bending protection layer SNL. Accordingly, the bending protection layer SNL or the second polarization part ARU2 may be damaged.

[0125] In an embodiment, the sum of the thickness T1 of the first polarization part ARU1 and the thickness of the first adhesive layer AM1 may be the same as the sum of the thickness T2 of the second polarization part ARU2 and the thickness of the bending protection layer SNL. In the case where the first adhesive layer AM1 is omitted, the thickness T1 of the first polarization part ARU1 may be the same as the sum of the thickness T2 of the second polarization part ARU2 and the thickness of the bending protection layer SNL. The thickness T1 of the first polarization part ARU1 may be greater than the thickness of the bending protection layer SNL.

[0126] In an embodiment, a step difference SP may be defined between the first polarization part ARU1 and the second polarization part ARU2. The step difference SP may be spaced apart from the side surface SNL-S of the bending protection layer SNL by a predetermined distance. The side surface of the first polarization part ARU1 defining the step difference SP may be closer to the center of the non-bending area NBA than the side surface SNL-S of the bending protection layer SNL. Accordingly, the side surface SNL-S of the bending protection layer SNL and the side surface of the first polarization part ARU1 may be prevented from colliding with each other during the bending process.

[0127] In an embodiment, a bending protection layer SNL may be disposed on the display panel DP. The bending protection layer SNL may overlap the bending area BA and may be bent together with the display panel DP. A portion of the bending protection layer SNL may overlap the non-bending area NBA of the display panel DP.

[0128] In an embodiment, the drive control module DCM may be coupled to one end of the display panel DP. The drive control module DCM may include a first circuit board FCB1, a panel drive circuit PDC, and a main circuit board MCB. The first circuit board FCB1 may electrically connect the main circuit board MCB to the display panel DP, and the panel drive circuit PDC may be mounted on the first circuit board FCB1. In an embodiment, a structure in which the panel drive circuit PDC is disposed on the first circuit board FCB1 is shown, however, the position of the panel drive circuit PDC should not be limited thereto or thereby. As an example, the panel drive circuit PDC may be directly disposed on the upper surface DP-US of the display panel DP.

[0129] In an embodiment, the first circuit board FCB1 may be electrically connected to the signal pad PD. In this case, the signal pad PD may be connected to the Figure 3 Corresponding to the signal pad PD in the pad area NDA-PD.

[0130] In an embodiment, the second protection film PF2 may be coupled to the end of the display panel DP and the driving control module DCM. When the display panel DP is bent, one surface of the second protection film PF2 may contact the sixth adhesive layer AM6.

[0131] In an embodiment, the light-blocking pattern BM may be directly disposed on the polarization unit ARU. The light-blocking pattern BM may overlap with the non-bending area NBA and the bending area BA of the display panel DP. Since the light-blocking pattern BM blocks light, the display panel DP, the signal line, and the bending protection layer SNL disposed below the light-blocking pattern BM may not be perceived from the outside. The light-blocking pattern BM may be printed on the polarization unit ARU. The outer side surface BM-O of the light-blocking pattern BM may be aligned with the outer side surface ARU-O of the polarization unit ARU. In other words, when viewed in a cross section, the outer side surface BM-O of the light-blocking pattern BM and the outer side surface ARU-O of the polarization unit ARU may be aligned in a straight line.

[0132] In an embodiment, the coating window DW can be disposed on the polarizing unit ARU without using a separate adhesive layer or adhesive member. The coating window DW can be formed by coating a resin material and curing the resin material. A step difference can be defined on the lower surface of the coating window DW to correspond to the light-blocking pattern BM. Even if a step difference is defined on the lower surface of the coating window DW due to the polarizing unit ARU and the light-blocking pattern BM, the upper surface of the coating window DW can also be flat. The outer surface DW-O of the coating window DW can be aligned with the outer surface BM-O of the light-blocking pattern BM and the outer surface ARU-O of the polarizing unit ARU. Accordingly, the coating window DW, the light-blocking pattern BM and the polarizing unit ARU can be prevented from being separated from each other due to external impact.

[0133] In an embodiment, the first protection film PF1 may be disposed on the rear surface DP-LS of the display panel DP. The first protection film PF1 may be attached to the rear surface DP-LS by the second adhesive layer AM2, however, the second adhesive layer AM2 may be omitted as needed. The first protection film PF1 may protect the rear surface DP-LS of the display panel DP from external impact.

[0134] In an embodiment, the protection panel CP may be disposed on the rear surface DP-LS of the display panel DP. The protection panel CP may protect the display panel DP from an impact applied thereto from a lower side of the protection panel CP.

[0135] In an embodiment, the protective panel CP may include a third adhesive layer AM3, a barrier layer BF, a fourth adhesive layer AM4, a cushion layer CU, and a fifth adhesive layer AM5. The barrier layer BF may be attached to the lower surface of the first protective film PF1 through the third adhesive layer AM3. The barrier layer BF may have a color with low transmittance, and therefore, components disposed below the barrier layer BF may be prevented from being observed.

[0136] In an embodiment, the barrier layer BF may include a flexible synthetic resin film. As an example, the barrier layer BF may be a film including polyimide (PI) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. However, it should not be limited thereto or thereby, and the barrier layer BF may include various materials.

[0137] In an embodiment, the cushion layer CU may be attached to the lower surface of the barrier layer BF by the fourth adhesive layer AM4. The cushion layer CU may absorb the impact applied to the display panel DP from the lower side of the display panel DP. The cushion layer CU may be a highly elastic material such as a foam sheet having a plurality of openings formed therein.

[0138] In an embodiment, the support panel SPP may be disposed under the protection panel CP and may support the display panel DP and the protection panel CP. The support panel SPP may be a metal plate having a predetermined rigidity. As an example, the support panel SPP may be a stainless steel plate. The support panel SPP may have a black color to block external light incident into the display panel DP.

[0139] In the examples, and with reference to Figure 5B , the display panel DP may be bent, and a portion of the display panel DP may be disposed under the supporting panel SPP. One surface of the second protective film PF2 may be directly attached to the sixth adhesive layer AM6. The unbent first upper surface DP-US1 of the display panel DP may be closer to the coating window DW than the first lower surface DP-LS1. The bent second upper surface DP-US2 of the display panel DP may be farther away from the coating window DW than the second lower surface DP-LS2. In this case, the bending protection layer SNL disposed on the display panel DP may be bent together with the display panel DP. The bending protection layer SNL may cover the bent portion of the display panel DP so that the bent portion of the display panel DP is not exposed, and therefore, the bending protection layer SNL may protect the bending area BA of the display panel DP.

[0140] In an embodiment, the polarization unit ARU may cover the bent portion of the display panel DP. Since the light-blocking pattern BM is disposed on the polarization unit ARU, the bent portion of the display panel DP cannot be observed from the outside. The outer surface ARU-O of the polarization unit ARU may be farther from the non-bending area NBA than the point LDP, which is the point in the bent portion of the display panel DP that is farthest from the non-bending area NBA. The outer surface ARU-O of the polarization unit ARU may protrude much more outward than the point LSNL, which is farthest from the non-bending area NBA in the bent portion of the bending protection layer SNL.

[0141] In an embodiment, the position of the point LARU farthest from the non-bending area NBA in the polarization unit ARU in the second direction DR2 may be defined as a first position H1. The position of the point LSNL farthest from the non-bending area NBA in the bending portion of the bending protection layer SNL in the second direction DR2 may be defined as a second position H2. The position of the point LDP farthest from the non-bending area NBA in the bending portion of the display panel DP in the second direction DR2 may be defined as a third position H3. The first position H1 may be farther from the non-bending area NBA than the second position H2 and the third position H3. The second position H2 may be farther from the non-bending area NBA than the third position H3.

[0142] In an embodiment, when viewed in a plane, the light-blocking pattern BM may cover the bent portion of the display panel DP and the bent portion of the bending protection layer SNL. The outer surface BM-O of the light-blocking pattern BM may protrude more outward than the point LDP farthest from the non-bending area NBA in the bent portion of the display panel DP.

[0143] In an embodiment, in the case where the coating window DW is formed by coating a resin material and curing the resin material, it may be impossible to combine the light-blocking pattern BM alone on the rear surface of the coating window DW. Accordingly, the light-blocking pattern BM may need to be disposed on the upper surface of the polarization unit ARU disposed below the coating window DW. In the case of a conventional polarization unit ARU in which the polarization unit ARU does not extend to the bending area BA, the light-blocking pattern BM does not extend to the bending area BA either. In this case, the bent display panel DP and the bent bending protection layer SNL may be observed from the outside. According to the present disclosure, the step difference SP may be formed in the polarization unit ARU, and the polarization unit ARU may extend to the bending area BA. Accordingly, the light-blocking pattern BM may also extend to the bending area BA, and the bent portion of the display panel DP and the bent portion of the bending protection layer SNL may not be observed from the outside.

[0144] Figure 5C is a side view of a display device DD according to the embodiment.

[0145] In the embodiment, in addition to the position of the polarization unit ARU, the position of the light blocking pattern BM, and the position of the coating window DW, Figure 5C The display device DD shown in FIG. has the same Figure 5B The structure and function of the display device DD described in the foregoing description are the same as those of the foregoing description. Figure 5C In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote Figure 5B The same elements are the same elements in , and therefore, detailed description of the same elements will be omitted.

[0146] In an embodiment, when viewed in a plane, the outer side surface ARU-O of the polarization unit ARU may be disposed at the same position as the point LSNL farthest from the non-bending area NBA in the bending portion of the bending protection layer SNL. In other words, the first position H1 and the second position H2 may be disposed at the same position in the second direction DR2. In this case, when viewed in a plane, the light-blocking pattern BM may cover the bending portion of the display panel DP and the bending portion of the bending protection layer SNL, and therefore, the bending portion of the display panel DP and the bending portion of the bending protection layer SNL may not be observed from the outside. In addition, the size of the display device DD may be prevented from being unnecessarily enlarged.

[0147] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment.

[0148] exist Figure 6 In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote Figure 2 The same elements are the same elements in , and therefore, detailed description of the same elements will be omitted.

[0149] In the examples, and with reference to Figure 6 , the display module DM may include a display panel DP and a drive control module DCM connected to the display panel DP. The display panel DP may be rigid and not bendable. The drive control module DCM may include a panel drive circuit PDC, a first circuit board FCB1, and a main circuit board MCB. The panel drive circuit PDC may be disposed in the non-display area DP-NDA of the display panel DP by a chip on glass (COG) method or a chip on plastic (COP) method.

[0150] In an embodiment, the first circuit board FCB1 may be disposed in the non-display area DP-NDA of the display panel DP and may be bent. The first circuit board FCB1 may be connected to one end of the display panel DP and may electrically connect the main circuit board MCB to the display panel DP. Fig. 9B As shown in FIG. 1 , the first circuit board FCB1 can be bent, and one end of the first circuit board FCB1 (see below) Fig. 9B When viewed in the third direction DR3, one end of the first circuit board FCB1 (hereinafter referred to as the “other end”) may be disposed at the rear side of the display panel DP. Fig. 9B The main circuit board MCB may be disposed on the rear surface of the display panel DP when the first circuit board FCB1 is bent (see FIG. Fig. 9B ).

[0151] In an embodiment, the touch sensing panel TSP may be disposed between the display panel DP and the polarization unit ARU, and may be connected to the second circuit board FCB2. The touch sensing panel TSP may obtain a touch input TC generated by a user (refer to Figure 1 ) coordinate information. The touch sensing panel TSP can sense various inputs applied thereto from the outside of the display device DD. As an example, the touch sensing panel TSP can sense inputs generated by the user's body, however, the utility model should not be limited to or thereby. For example, the touch sensing panel TSP can sense external inputs provided in various forms, such as light, heat and / or pressure. In addition, the touch sensing panel TSP can sense contact inputs occurring on its sensing surface and / or proximity inputs applied when approaching close to the sensing surface.

[0152] In an embodiment, the touch sensing panel TSP may be a capacitive touch panel and / or an electromagnetic induction touch panel.The touch sensing panel TSP may include a base layer, sensing electrodes, and / or signal lines connected to the sensing electrodes.

[0153] In an embodiment, the touch control unit TCM may include a second circuit board FCB2 and a touch drive circuit TDC. The second circuit board FCB2 may electrically connect the main circuit board MCB to the touch sensing panel TSP, and the touch drive circuit TDC may be mounted on the second circuit board FCB2. The touch drive circuit TDC may be implemented as an integrated circuit. The second circuit board FCB2 may be a flexible circuit board.

[0154] Figure 7 is a plan view of a touch sensing panel TSP according to an embodiment.

[0155] In the examples, and with reference to Figure 7 The touch sensing panel TSP can sense the user's touch input TC (refer to Figure 1 ) to obtain information about the position and strength of the external touch input. When viewed in a plane, the touch sensing panel TSP may include a touch area TTA and a touch peripheral area TSA. In an embodiment, the touch peripheral area TSA may be defined along an edge of the touch area TTA. The touch area TTA and the touch peripheral area TSA of the touch sensing panel TSP may be respectively Figure 1 The display area DA and the non-display area NDA of the display device DD shown in FIG. 1 correspond to each other.

[0156] In an embodiment, the touch sensing panel TSP may include a plurality of first sensing electrodes SE1 , a plurality of second sensing electrodes SE2 , a plurality of sensing lines TL1 , TL2 , and TL3 , and a plurality of sensing pads TPD.

[0157] In an embodiment, the first sensing electrode SE1 and the second sensing electrode SE2 may be disposed in the touch area TTA. The touch sensing panel TSP may obtain information about a touch input based on a capacitance change between the first sensing electrode SE1 and the second sensing electrode SE2.

[0158] In an embodiment, the first sensing electrode SE1 may extend in the first direction DR1 and may be arranged in the second direction DR2. The first sensing electrode SE1 may include a plurality of first sensing patterns SPE1 and a plurality of first connection patterns CPE1.

[0159] In an embodiment, a plurality of first sensing patterns SPE1 forming one first sensing electrode may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. For ease of explanation, the first sensing patterns SPE1 are shown as shaded. The first connection pattern CPE1 may be disposed between the first sensing patterns SPE1 and may connect two first sensing patterns SPE1 adjacent to each other.

[0160] In an embodiment, the second sensing electrode SE2 may extend in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2 and may be arranged in the first direction DR1. The second sensing electrode SE2 may include a plurality of second sensing patterns SPE2 and a plurality of second connection patterns CPE2.

[0161] In an embodiment, a plurality of second sensing patterns SPE2 forming one second sensing electrode may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. A second connection pattern CPE2 may be disposed between the second sensing patterns SPE2 and may connect two second sensing patterns SPE2 adjacent to each other.

[0162] In an embodiment, the sensing lines TL1, TL2, and TL3 may be disposed in the touch peripheral area TSA. The sensing lines TL1, TL2, and TL3 may include a first sensing line TL1, a second sensing line TL2, and a third sensing line TL3. The first sensing line TL1 may be connected to the first sensing electrode SE1. The second sensing line TL2 may be connected to one end of the second sensing electrode SE2.

[0163] In an embodiment, the third sensing line TL3 may be connected to the other end of the second sensing electrode SE2. The other end of the second sensing electrode may be opposite to the one end of the second sensing electrode SE2. According to an embodiment, the second sensing electrode SE2 may be connected to the second sensing line TL2 and the third sensing line TL3. Accordingly, the second sensing electrode SE2 having a relatively longer length than that of the first sensing electrode SE1 may have uniform sensitivity over its entire area. Meanwhile, this is only an example, and the third sensing line TL3 may be omitted, and the utility model should not be particularly limited.

[0164] In an embodiment, the sensing pad TPD may be disposed in the touch peripheral area TSA. The plurality of sensing pads TPD may be connected to the sensing lines TL1, TL2, and TL3, respectively, and thus may be electrically connected to a corresponding one of the first sensing electrode SE1 and the second sensing electrode SE2. The sensing pad TPD may be connected to the second circuit board FCB2 (refer to Fig. 8A ).

[0165] Fig. 8A is a plan view of a polarization unit ARU and a touch control unit TCM according to an embodiment.

[0166] In the examples, and with reference to Fig. 8A , the polarization unit ARU may include a first polarization part ARU1 and a second polarization part ARU2. In this case, the second polarization part ARU2 may correspond to the second circuit board FCB2, and the first polarization part ARU1 may correspond to the remaining part except the second polarization part ARU2. When viewed in a plane, the second polarization part ARU2 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the second circuit board FCB2. The shape of the second polarization part ARU2 in the plane may be substantially the same as the shape of the second circuit board FCB2 in the plane, or may be larger than the shape of the second circuit board FCB2 in the plane. In the present disclosure, the expression "having substantially the same shape" used herein may mean that even if there are slight differences in size (such as process tolerances), the shapes will still be considered to be the same.

[0167] Figure 8B According to the embodiment along Fig. 8A A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV'.

[0168] In the examples, and with reference to Figure 8B , a step difference SP may exist at a boundary between the first polarization part ARU1 and the second polarization part ARU2. The first polarization part ARU1 may have a thickness T1, which is greater than a thickness T2 of the second polarization part ARU2. Accordingly, a space may be formed between a lower surface of the second polarization part ARU2 and an inner side surface of the first polarization part ARU1. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B , the second circuit board FCB2 can be arranged in the above space.

[0169] Therefore, in an embodiment, the polarization unit ARU may extend in a downward direction opposite to the third direction DR3 without contacting the second circuit board FCB2.

[0170] Fig.9A is a side view of a display device DD according to the embodiment. Fig. 9B The display device DD according to the embodiment (see Figure 6). In more detail, Fig.9A It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III', and Fig. 9B It is shown Fig.9A A side view of the bending state of the bending area BA. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote Figure 5A The same elements are the same elements in , and therefore, detailed description of the same elements will be omitted.

[0171] In the examples, and with reference to Fig.9A , the display device DD may include a display panel DP, a polarization unit ARU, a first protective film PF1, a second protective film PF2, a protective panel CP, a support panel SPP, a touch sensing panel TSP, a coating window DW, and a first adhesive layer AM1, a second adhesive layer AM2, a third adhesive layer AM3, a fourth adhesive layer AM4, a fifth adhesive layer AM5, a sixth adhesive layer AM6, and a seventh adhesive layer AM7, respectively. Some of the respective first to seventh adhesive layers AM1 to AM7 described below may be omitted.

[0172] In an embodiment, the panel driving circuit PDC may be disposed on the display panel DP, however, the location of the panel driving circuit PDC should not be limited thereto or thereby. As an example, the panel driving circuit PDC may be disposed on the first circuit board FCB1. The display panel DP may include a non-bending area NBA that is not bent.

[0173] In an embodiment, the first circuit board FCB1 may be electrically connected to the signal pad PD. The signal pad PD may be connected to the Figure 3 The signal pad PD may be disposed in the non-display area DP-NDA (refer to Figure 6 The first circuit board FCB1 may include a bent bending area BA.

[0174] In an embodiment, a touch sensing panel TSP may be disposed on the display panel DP and may sense an input signal. The touch sensing panel TSP may be attached to the upper surface DP-US of the display panel DP by a second adhesive layer AM2. However, the second adhesive layer AM2 may be omitted as needed. The touch sensing panel TSP may be disposed between the display panel DP and the polarization unit ARU. The touch sensing panel TSP may be electrically connected to the sensing pad TPD and the second circuit board FCB2.

[0175] In an embodiment, the touch control unit TCM may include a touch driving circuit TDC, a second circuit board FCB2, and a sensing pad TPD. The touch control unit TCM may be coupled to an end portion of the touch sensing panel TSP. The second circuit board FCB2 may be connected to an end portion of the touch sensing panel TSP, and the main circuit board MCB may be electrically connected to the touch sensing panel TSP. The sensing pad TPD may be disposed on the touch sensing panel TSP. In this case, the sensing pad TPD may be connected to the touch sensing panel TSP. Figure 7 The sensing pads TPD shown are identical.

[0176] In an embodiment, the second circuit board FCB2 may be disposed on the display panel DP and may be bent together with the first circuit board FCB1. The second circuit board FCB2 may transmit an input signal sensed by the touch sensing panel TSP. The second circuit board FCB2 may overlap the bending area BA and may overlap a portion of the non-bending area NBA.

[0177] In an embodiment, the polarization unit ARU may be disposed on the display panel DP, and a portion of the polarization unit ARU may be disposed on the second circuit board FCB2. A step difference may be defined in the polarization unit ARU to correspond to the second circuit board FCB2. The polarization unit ARU may include a first polarization part ARU1 and a second polarization part ARU2.

[0178] In the embodiment, the first polarizing portion ARU1 may be disposed on the display panel DP and may overlap the non-bending area NBA. The second polarizing portion ARU2 may be disposed on the second circuit board FCB2 and may extend from the first polarizing portion ARU1 in a direction opposite to the second direction DR2. The second polarizing portion ARU2 may overlap the bending area BA and may overlap a portion of the non-bending area NBA.

[0179] In an embodiment, the first polarization part ARU1 may be attached to the touch sensing panel TSP by a first adhesive layer AM1, however, the first adhesive layer AM1 may be omitted as needed. The second polarization part ARU2 may extend from the first polarization part ARU1 and may be directly disposed on the second circuit board FCB2 without a separate adhesive layer. This is to prevent the second circuit board FCB2 in contact with the second polarization part ARU2 from causing any interference to the bending process when the second circuit board FCB2 is bent with the first circuit board FCB1. In the case where the second circuit board FCB2 is attached to the second polarization part ARU2 by an adhesive layer when the second circuit board FCB2 is bent, stress may be applied to the second polarization part ARU2 and the second circuit board FCB2 during the bending operation. Therefore, the second circuit board FCB2 or the second polarization part ARU2 may be damaged.

[0180] In an embodiment, the thickness T1 of the first polarization section ARU1 may be greater than the thickness T2 of the second polarization section ARU2. The thickness T1 of the first polarization section ARU1 may be greater than the thickness of the second circuit board FCB2.

[0181] In an embodiment, a step difference SP may be defined at a boundary between the first polarization section ARU1 and the second polarization section ARU2. The step difference SP may be spaced apart from the side surface FCB2-S of the second circuit board FCB2 by a predetermined distance. The side surface of the first polarization section ARU1 defining the step difference SP may be closer to the center of the non-bending area NBA than the side surface FCB2-S of the second circuit board FCB2. Accordingly, the side surface FCB2-S of the second circuit board FCB2 and the side surface of the first polarization section ARU1 may be prevented from colliding with each other during the bending operation.

[0182] In an embodiment, the first protective film PF1 may be disposed on the rear surface DP-LS of the display panel DP. The display panel DP and the first protective film PF1 may be attached to each other by a third adhesive layer AM3. The protective panel CP may be disposed on the rear surface of the first protective film PF1. The barrier layer BF may be attached to the rear surface of the first protective film PF1 by a fourth adhesive layer AM4. The cushion layer CU may be attached to the rear surface of the barrier layer BF by a fifth adhesive layer AM5. The support panel SPP may be attached to the rear surface of the cushion layer CU by a sixth adhesive layer AM6.

[0183] In the examples, and with reference to Fig. 9B , the first circuit board FCB1 and the second circuit board FCB2 may be bent and may be disposed under the support panel SPP. One surface of the second protection film PF2 may be attached to the seventh adhesive layer AM7.

[0184] In an embodiment, the first circuit board FCB1 may be bent. One end of the first circuit board FCB1 may be disposed on the front surface of the display panel DP, and the other end of the first circuit board FCB1 may be disposed at the rear side of the display panel DP. The other end of the first circuit board FCB1 may be connected to the main circuit board MCB.

[0185] In an embodiment, the second circuit board FCB2 may be connected to an end portion of the touch sensing panel TSP, and the main circuit board MCB may be electrically connected to the touch sensing panel TSP. The second circuit board FCB2 may transmit an input signal sensed by the touch sensing panel TSP. The second circuit board FCB2 may be bent together with the first circuit board FCB1. One end of the second circuit board FCB2 may be disposed on the front surface of the touch sensing panel TSP, and the other end of the second circuit board FCB2 may be disposed at the rear side of the touch sensing panel TSP. The other end of the second circuit board FCB2 may be connected to the main circuit board MCB.

[0186] In an embodiment, when viewed in a plane, the polarization unit ARU may cover a bent portion of the first circuit board FCB1 and a bent portion of the second circuit board FCB2. Since the light-blocking pattern BM is disposed on the polarization unit ARU, the bent portion of the display panel DP cannot be observed from the outside. The outer surface ARU-O of the polarization unit ARU may protrude much more outward than the point LFCB1, which is the point in the bent portion of the first circuit board FCB1 that is farthest from the non-bending area NBA. The outer surface ARU-O of the polarization unit ARU may protrude much more outward than the point LFCB2, which is the point in the bent portion of the second circuit board FCB2 that is farthest from the non-bending area NBA.

[0187] In an embodiment, the position of the point LARU of the polarization unit ARU farthest from the non-bending area NBA in the second direction DR2 may be defined as a first-first position HH1. The position of the point LFCB2 of the bending portion of the second circuit board FCB2 farthest from the non-bending area NBA in the second direction DR2 may be defined as a second-first position HH2. The position of the point LFCB1 of the first bending portion of the circuit board FCB1 farthest from the non-bending area NBA in the second direction DR2 may be defined as a third-first position HH3. The first-first position HH1 may be set to be farther from the non-bending area NBA than the second-first position HH2 and the third-first position HH3. The second-first position HH2 may be set to be farther from the non-bending area NBA than the third-first position HH3.

[0188] In an embodiment, when viewed in a plane, the light-blocking pattern BM may cover the bending portion of the first circuit board FCB1 and the bending portion of the second circuit board FCB2. The outer side surface BM-O of the light-blocking pattern BM may protrude much more outward than the point LFCB1 of the bending portion of the first circuit board FCB1 that is farthest from the non-bending area NBA.

[0189] In an embodiment, and in a case where the coating window DW is formed by coating a resin material and curing the resin material, it is impossible to attach the light-blocking pattern BM to the rear surface of the coating window DW. Accordingly, the light-blocking pattern BM may need to be provided on the upper surface of the polarizing unit ARU provided below the coating window DW. In the case of a conventional polarizing unit ARU in which the polarizing unit ARU does not extend to the bending area BA, the light-blocking pattern BM does not extend to the bending area BA either. In this case, the bent first circuit board FCB1 and the bent second circuit board FCB2 may be observed from the outside. According to an embodiment, a step difference may be formed in the polarizing unit ARU, and the polarizing unit ARU may extend to the bending area BA. Accordingly, the light-blocking pattern BM may also extend to the bending area BA, and the bent first circuit board FCB1 and the bent second circuit board FCB2 may not be observed from the outside.

[0190] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10G is a side view illustrating a method of manufacturing the display device DD according to the embodiment.

[0191] In the examples, and with reference to Fig. 10A , a preliminary display device including a display panel DP, a first protective film PF1, a second protective film PF2, a signal pad PD, a first circuit board FCB1, a panel driving circuit PDC and a main circuit board MCB can be prepared. Since the detailed structure of the display device DD has been previously referred to Figure 5A and Figure 5B Description has been made and therefore will be omitted.

[0192] In the examples, and with reference to Fig. 10B , and the bending area BA (refer to Figure 5A ) may be formed on the display panel DP. The bending protection layer SNL may be bent with the bending area BA (refer to Figure 5A ) and can overlap with the non-bending area NBA (refer to Figure 5A ) partially overlap.

[0193] In the examples, and with reference to Fig. 10C , wherein a polarizing unit ARU defining a step difference SP corresponding to the bending protection layer SNL may be formed on the display panel DP and the bending protection layer SNL. The polarizing unit ARU may be a polarizing plate or a polarizing film and may be formed on the display panel DP by a lamination process. The step difference SP of the polarizing unit ARU may be formed by forming a preliminary polarizing unit having a flat shape using a conventional process and etching the preliminary polarizing unit to have a shape corresponding to the bending protection layer SNL.

[0194] In the examples, and with reference to Fig. 10DThe light blocking pattern BM may be formed on the polarization unit ARU and may be aligned with the bending area BA (refer to Figure 5A The light-blocking pattern BM may be coated on the polarization unit ARU to allow an outer side surface thereof to be aligned with an outer side surface of the polarization unit ARU.

[0195] In the examples, and with reference to Fig. 10E , a coating window DW including a resin material may be formed on the polarization unit ARU. The coating window DW may be formed by coating a coating solution including a resin material on the polarization unit ARU and curing the coated coating solution. Since the polarization unit ARU extends to the bending area BA (refer to Figure 5A ), so the applied coating solution will not enter the bending protection layer SNL or the display panel DP to be bent. Accordingly, the coating solution to be cured can be prevented from entering the bending protection layer SNL or the display panel DP to cause any interference to the bending process.

[0196] In the embodiment, and in the case of forming the coated window DW as described above, the cost of the display device can be reduced compared to the case of using a conventional glass type window. In addition, a separate lamination process and a process of forming an optically clear adhesive (OCA) film can be omitted. Therefore, the manufacturing process of the display device can be simplified, and the process reliability of the display device can be improved.

[0197] In the examples, and with reference to Fig.10F and Figure 10G , the protection panel CP and the support panel SPP may be formed under the first protection film PF1. Then, the bending area BA (refer to Figure 5A ) and the bending protection layer SNL may be bent. When the display panel DP is bent, the second protection film PF2 may be attached to the lower surface of the support panel SPP through the sixth adhesive layer AM6.

[0198] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11H is a side view illustrating a method of manufacturing the display device DD according to the embodiment.

[0199] In the examples, and with reference to Fig.11A , a preliminary display device including a display panel DP, a first protective film PF1, a second protective film PF2, a signal pad PD, a first circuit board FCB1, a panel driving circuit PDC and a main circuit board MCB can be prepared. Since the detailed structure of the display device DD has been previously referred to Fig.9A and Fig. 9B Description has been made and therefore will be omitted.

[0200] In the examples, and with reference to Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C, the touch sensing panel TSP may be formed on the display panel DP. After forming the touch sensing panel TSP, a second circuit board (or first member) FCB2 may be formed which is bent together with the first circuit board FCB1. The second circuit board FCB2 may be bent with the bending area BA (refer to Fig.9A ) and can overlap with the non-bending area NBA (refer to Fig.9A ) is overlapped. The sensing pad TPD may be formed at one end portion of the second circuit board FCB2. The touch driving circuit TDC may be formed at the other end portion of the second circuit board FCB2.

[0201] In the examples, and with reference to Fig.11D , wherein a polarizing unit ARU defining a step difference corresponding to the second circuit board FCB2 may be formed on the touch sensing panel TSP and the second circuit board FCB2. The polarizing unit ARU may be a polarizing plate or a polarizing film and may be formed on the display panel DP by a lamination process. The step difference SP of the polarizing unit ARU may be formed by forming a preliminary polarizing unit having a flat shape using a conventional process and etching the preliminary polarizing unit to have a shape corresponding to the second circuit board FCB2.

[0202] In the examples, and with reference to Fig.11E The light blocking pattern BM may be formed on the polarization unit ARU and may be formed with the first circuit board FCB1 (refer to Fig. 9B The light-blocking pattern BM may be coated on the polarization unit ARU to allow an outer side surface thereof to be aligned with an outer side surface of the polarization unit ARU.

[0203] In the examples, and with reference to Fig.11F , a coating window DW including a resin material may be formed on the polarization unit ARU. The coating window DW may be formed by coating a coating solution including a resin material on the polarization unit ARU and curing the coated coating solution. Since the polarization unit ARU extends to the bending area BA, the coated coating solution does not enter the second circuit board FCB2 or the display panel DP to be bent. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the coating solution to be cured from entering the second circuit board FCB2 or the display panel DP to cause any interference to the bending process.

[0204] In the examples, and with reference to Fig.11G and Fig.11H, the protective panel CP and the support panel SPP may be formed under the first protective film PF1. Then, the first circuit board FCB1 and the second circuit board FCB2 may be bent. When the first circuit board FCB1 and the second circuit board FCB2 are bent, the second protective film PF2 may be attached to the lower surface of the support panel SPP through the seventh adhesive layer AM7. The other end portion of the second circuit board FCB2 may be connected to the main circuit board MCB.

[0205] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it should be understood that the present invention should not be limited to these embodiments, but a person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, and the scope of the present invention should be determined according to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, It is characterized in that The display device comprises: A display panel, comprising a non-bending area and a bending area extending from one end of the non-bending area, wherein the display panel comprises a display panel bendable portion; A bending protection layer, disposed on the display panel and comprising a bendable portion of the bending protection layer, wherein the bendable portion of the bending protection layer can be bent together with the bending area; a polarizing unit, disposed on the display panel, partially disposed on the bending protection layer, and defining a step difference corresponding to the bending protection layer; and A coating window is directly disposed on the polarizing unit and includes a resin material, wherein the polarizing unit overlaps the bending area and the non-bending area, and wherein the polarizing unit covers the bendable portion of the display panel.

2. The display device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The outer surface of the polarization unit is arranged at the same position as a point, and the point is arranged at a point farthest from the non-bending area in the bendable portion of the bending protection layer.

3. The display device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that An outer side surface of the polarization unit protrudes outward more than a bendable portion of the display panel disposed at a point farthest from the non-bending region.

4. The display device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The polarization unit comprises: a first polarizing portion, disposed on the display panel and overlapping the non-bending area; and The second polarization portion is disposed on the bending protection layer, extends from the first polarization portion, and overlaps with the non-bending area, wherein the step difference is located at a boundary between the first polarization portion and the second polarization portion.

5. The display device according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The first polarization portion has a thickness, which is greater than a thickness of the second polarization portion.

6. The display device according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The second polarization part is directly disposed on the bending protection layer.

7. The display device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The display device further includes a light-blocking pattern, which is directly disposed on the polarization unit and covers the bendable portion of the display panel and the bendable portion of the bending protection layer.

8. The display device according to claim 7, It is characterized in that An outer surface of the light-blocking pattern protrudes outward more than the bendable portion of the display panel, and the bendable portion of the display panel is disposed at a point farthest from a non-bending region.

9. The display device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The outer side surface of the polarization unit protrudes outward more than the bendable portion of the bending protection layer, and the bendable portion of the bending protection layer is arranged at a point farthest from the non-bending area.

10. A display device, It is characterized in that The display device comprises: A display panel comprising a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area; a first circuit board overlapping the non-display area and including one end disposed on the front surface of the display panel and the other end disposed at the rear side of the display panel; a polarization unit disposed on the display panel and the first circuit board and defining a step difference corresponding to the first circuit board; and The coating window is directly disposed on the polarization unit and includes a resin material, wherein the polarization unit covers the bendable portion of the first circuit board.

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