Display devices, flexible printed circuit boards, and electronic devices.

Abstract

To provide a display device or the like with improved electrical connection reliability. [Solution] The display device includes a display panel including a plurality of panel pads arranged along a first direction, a flexible printed circuit board, and a main circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board includes a base portion, a first projection extending in a first direction from one side of the base portion and projecting in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a second projection projecting in a second direction from one side of the base portion and spaced apart from the first projection in the first direction, a plurality of first connecting pads arranged on the first projection, and a plurality of second connecting pads arranged on the second projection. Of the plurality of first connecting pads, at least two may extend in different directions from each other, and of the plurality of second connecting pads, at least two may extend in different directions from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a display device, an electronic device, and a method for manufacturing a display device. More specifically, it relates to a flexible printed circuit board, a display device, an electronic device, and a method for manufacturing a display device in which the bonding precision is improved during the process and the reliability of electrical connection is improved.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a display device includes two or more electronic components. For example, display devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, and televisions include a display panel for displaying images, a flexible printed circuit board, and a main circuit board.

[0003] Two electronic components are electrically connected through the connection of pads. The pad portions of the two electronic components can be joined through an alignment step and a crimping process.

[0004] The pads of the two electronic components can have dimensions different from the designed dimensions due to manufacturing errors. Furthermore, due to the heat generated in the bonding process, the two electronic components can shrink or expand. Therefore, research has been conducted to improve the bonding precision of electronic components.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a flexible printed circuit board, a display device, and an electronic device in which the reliability of electrical connection is improved.

[0007] The object of this invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a display device with improved electrical connection reliability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a display panel comprising a substrate in which a display area and a non-display area for displaying an image are defined, and a plurality of panel pads arranged in the non-display area and aligned along a first direction; and a flexible printed circuit board comprising a base portion, a first projection extending in the first direction from one side of the base portion and projecting in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a second projection projecting in the second direction from one side of the base portion and spaced apart from the first projection in the first direction, a plurality of first connecting pads arranged on the first projection, and a plurality of second connecting pads arranged on the second projection.

[0009] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of first connecting pads may be electrically connected to each of the plurality of first panel pads while overlapping in a plan view, and each of the plurality of second connecting pads may be electrically connected to each of the plurality of second panel pads while overlapping in a plan view.

[0010] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the plurality of first connecting pads may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the first and second directions, and at least a portion of the plurality of second connecting pads may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the first and second directions.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible printed circuit board may further include at least two or more first alignment marks arranged on the first protrusion and at least two or more second alignment marks arranged on the second protrusion.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first alignment marks may be arranged facing each other in the first direction with the plurality of first connecting pads in between, and the plurality of second alignment marks may be arranged facing each other in the first direction with the plurality of second connecting pads in between.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least two of the plurality of first connecting pads may extend in different directions from each other, and at least two of the plurality of second connecting pads may extend in different directions from each other.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least two of the plurality of first connecting pads are symmetrical with respect to a first axis of symmetry extending in the second direction, and at least two of the plurality of second connecting pads may be symmetrical with respect to a second axis of symmetry extending in the second direction.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, among the plurality of first connecting pads, the first pad and the second pad are symmetrical with respect to the first axis of symmetry, and among the plurality of first connecting pads, the third pad and the fourth pad may be symmetrical with respect to the first axis of symmetry.

[0016] In one embodiment, the multiple virtual lines extending from each of the multiple first connecting pads converge at a single first convergence point, and among the multiple second connecting pads, the fifth pad and the sixth pad may be symmetrical with respect to the second axis of symmetry.

[0017] In one embodiment, among the plurality of second connecting pads, the seventh pad and the eighth pad are symmetrical with respect to the second axis of symmetry, and the plurality of imaginary lines, each extended from the plurality of second connecting pads, can converge at a single second convergence point.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the width of the first projection in the first direction may differ from the width of the second projection in the first direction.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first connection pads may have a different number from the plurality of second connection pads.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an incision part, which is a region between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, is defined, and the depth of the incision part in the second direction may be 5 mm or more.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first protrusion and the second protrusion may have equal lengths in the first direction.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first connection pads and the plurality of second connection pads may have the same number as each other.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first length, which is the distance in the second direction from one side of the first protrusion to one side of the display panel overlapping the first protrusion in the second direction, may be different from a second length, which is the distance in the second direction from one side of the second protrusion to one side of the display panel overlapping the second protrusion in the second direction.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a third length, which is the distance in the second direction from one side of the plurality of first connection pads to one side of the display panel overlapping the first protrusion in the first direction, may be different from a fourth length, which is the distance in the second direction from one side of the plurality of second connection pads to one side of the display panel overlapping the second protrusion in the second direction.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the flexible printed circuit board may further include a third protrusion spaced apart from the second protrusion in the first direction and a plurality of third connection pads disposed on the third protrusion.

[0026] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of third connection pads may be electrically connected while overlapping each of a plurality of third panel pads among the plurality of panel pads in a plan view.

[0027] In one embodiment, at least a part of the plurality of third connection pads may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction and the second direction.

[0028] A method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of preparing a display panel including a plurality of panel pads arranged along a first direction; a base portion; a first protrusion protruding from one side of the base portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a second protrusion protruding from one side of the base portion in the second direction and spaced apart from the first protrusion in the first direction, a plurality of first connection pads disposed on the first protrusion, and a plurality of second connection pads disposed on the second protrusion; preparing a flexible printed circuit board; aligning the flexible printed circuit board on the display panel by adjusting the position of the first protrusion with a first alignment head and adjusting the position of the second protrusion with a second alignment head; temporarily pressing the display panel and the flexible printed circuit board; and permanently pressing the display panel and the flexible printed circuit board.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the temporary pressing step, the plurality of first connection pads and the plurality of first panel pads may be temporarily pressed using a first temporary pressing head, and the plurality of second connection pads and the plurality of second panel pads may be temporarily pressed using a second temporary pressing head different from the first temporary pressing head.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the permanent pressing step, the plurality of first connection pads and the plurality of first panel pads may be permanently pressed using a first permanent pressing head, and the plurality of second connection pads and the plurality of second panel pads may be permanently pressed using a second permanent pressing head different from the first permanent pressing head.

[0031] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a display panel comprising a substrate in which a display area and a non-display area for displaying an image are defined, and a plurality of panel pads arranged in the non-display area and aligned along a first direction; and a flexible printed circuit board comprising a base portion, a first projection extending in the first direction from one side of the base portion and projecting in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a second projection projecting in the second direction from one side of the base portion and spaced apart from the first projection in the first direction, a plurality of first connecting pads arranged on the first projection, and a plurality of second connecting pads arranged on the second projection.

[0032] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of first connecting pads may be electrically connected to each of the plurality of first panel pads while overlapping in a plan view, and each of the plurality of second connecting pads may be electrically connected to each of the plurality of second panel pads while overlapping in a plan view.

[0033] In one embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board may further include at least two or more first alignment marks arranged on the first protrusion and at least two or more second alignment marks arranged on the second protrusion.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least two of the plurality of first connecting pads are symmetrical with respect to a first axis of symmetry extended in the second direction, and at least two of the plurality of second connecting pads may be symmetrical with respect to a second axis of symmetry different from the first axis of symmetry extended in the second direction.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the distance from one side of the plurality of first connecting pads in the second direction to one side of the display panel that overlaps with the first protrusion in the second direction may be different from the distance from one side of the plurality of second connecting pads in the second direction to one side of the display panel that overlaps with the second protrusion in the second direction.

[0036] A flexible printed circuit board according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a base portion, a first projection extending in a first direction from one side of the base portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a second projection extending in a second direction from one side of the base portion and spaced apart from the first projection in the first direction, a plurality of first connecting pads disposed on the first projection, and a plurality of second connecting pads disposed on the second projection.

[0037] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the plurality of first connecting pads may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the first and second directions, and at least a portion of the plurality of second connecting pads may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the first and second directions. An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a flexible printed circuit board comprising a base portion, a first projection extending in a first direction from one side of the base portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a second projection extending in a second direction from one side of the base portion and spaced apart from the first projection in the first direction, a plurality of first connecting pads disposed on the first projection, and a plurality of second connecting pads disposed on the second projection.

[0038] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the plurality of first connecting pads may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the first and second directions, and at least a portion of the plurality of second connecting pads may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the first and second directions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0039] According to the present invention, by arranging multiple connecting pads and multiple alignment marks on each protruding portion, the precision of bonding between the flexible printed circuit board and the display panel can be improved, thereby providing a flexible printed circuit board, a display device, an electronic device, and a method for manufacturing the display device in which the reliability of the electrical connection is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] [Figure 1]This is a plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a separated display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6a] This is a plan view showing a separated portion of the display device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6b] This is a plan view showing a separated portion of the display device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6c] This is a plan view showing a separated portion of the display device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6d] This is a plan view showing a separated portion of the display device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6e] This is a plan view showing a separated portion of the display device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing a part of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged view of the AA1 region in Figure 1. [Figure 9] This figure shows a part of a display device according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows a part of a display device according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows a part of a display device according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows a part of a display device according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16]This is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24a] This is a perspective view sequentially showing a method for manufacturing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24b] This is a perspective view sequentially showing a method for manufacturing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24c] This is a perspective view sequentially showing a method for manufacturing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This figure shows a plurality of electronic devices to which a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Figure 26] This figure shows a plurality of electronic devices to which a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] In this specification, when a component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is referred to as "on top of," "connected to," or "joined with" another component, it means that it can be directly placed on / connected to / joined with the other component, or that a third component may be placed between them.

[0042] The same drawing reference numeral refers to the same component. Furthermore, in multiple drawings, the thickness, proportions, and dimensions of multiple components are exaggerated for the sake of effective explanation of the technical content. "and / or" includes all possible combinations of the multiple components that are related.

[0043] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe various multiple components, but the multiple components should not be limited by such terms. The multiple terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from others. For example, without excluding the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. A singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0044] Terms such as "down," "on the lower side," "up," and "on the upper side" are used to describe the relationships between multiple components shown in the drawing. These terms are relative concepts and are described in relation to the direction shown in the drawing.

[0045] Terms such as "includes" or "possesses" are intended to indicate the existence of features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preemptively exclude the possibility of the existence or addition of one or more other features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0046] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms that are the same as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have the same meaning as they do in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an overly idealistic or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0047] The first to third directions DR1, DR2, and DR3 can be defined. The first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be directions that intersect each other in the direction defined in the plan view of the display device DD shown in Figure 1. The third direction DR3 may be the thickness direction of the display device DD as defined in Figure 2.

[0048] Figure 1 is a plan view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the display device DD according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a display panel DP and a flexible printed circuit board FPCB coupled to the display panel DP. In one embodiment, the display device DD may further include a main circuit board MPCB coupled to the flexible printed circuit board FPCB. The display panel DP, the flexible printed circuit board FPCB, and the main circuit board MPCB may be electrically connected.

[0050] A display panel DP may have a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA may be the area where the image is displayed. Multiple pixels PX that embody the image may be arranged in the display area DA. Multiple pixels PX may be arranged in a matrix along a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The display panel DP can display various images by controlling multiple pixels PX.

[0051] Each of the multiple pixels PX may include a display element (not shown) and a driving element (not shown). The display element (not shown) may include various embodiments. For example, the display element (not shown) may be at least one of a liquid crystal capacitor, an organic light-emitting element, an electrophoretic element, and an electrolyzed element. However, this is described as illustrative, and the display element (not shown) may include various embodiments as long as it can embody an image according to an electrical signal, and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0052] A driving element (not shown) can control the driving of each of the multiple pixel PX display elements (not shown). The driving element (not shown) may include a thin-film transistor (not shown). A display panel DP according to one embodiment of the present invention can be driven by an active method that allows for independent control of each of the multiple pixel PX.

[0053] The non-display area (NDA) may contain signal wiring (not shown) connected to multiple pixels PX, and multiple panel pads (not shown) for electrical connection to a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The display panel DP can be coupled to and electrically connected to external electronic components such as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) within the non-display area (NDA).

[0054] Referring to Figure 2, the display panel DP may include a substrate SS, a display layer DPL, and a sealing layer EN, which are laminated along a third direction DR3 in cross-section. The substrate SS may be a single layer or may include multiple insulating layers. The substrate SS may be at least one of a glass substrate, a plastic substrate, a film, and a laminate including multiple organic and / or inorganic films, and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0055] Although not shown in Figure 2, the substrate SS may include driving elements and signal wiring for the plurality of pixels PX. The substrate SS may have a laminated structure of a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of organic and / or inorganic films.

[0056] The display layer DPL may be arranged on the substrate SS. The display layer DPL may be electrically connected to the drive elements and signal wiring of the substrate SS. The display layer DPL may include display elements among the plurality of pixels PX. For example, if the display panel DP is an organic light-emitting display panel, the display layer DPL may include an organic light-emitting layer. The display area DA may be an area corresponding to the area on which the display layer DPL is arranged.

[0057] The sealing layer EN can be placed on the display layer DPL to cover it and protect it from external elements. Although not shown in Figure 2, the sealing layer EN can have a shape that covers the sides of the display layer DPL. Depending on the type of display panel DP, the sealing layer EN may be omitted or replaced with other display substrates.

[0058] A flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) can be coupled to the non-display area (NDA) of the display panel (DP) and the main circuit board (MPCB), thereby electrically connecting the main circuit board (MPCB) and the display panel (DP). The flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) may be positioned on one side of the display panel (DP) extending along a first direction (DR1).

[0059] A detailed explanation of flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) will be provided later.

[0060] The main circuit board (MPCB) can be electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The main circuit board (MPCB) can provide video data, control signals, power supply voltage, etc., to a display panel (DP) or a drive circuit (not shown). The main circuit board (MPCB) is a wiring board distinct from the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) and may include active and passive elements. The main circuit board (MPCB) is flexible and rigid and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0061] The display device DD may further include a connecting member (not shown) positioned between the main circuit board MPCB and the flexible printed circuit board FPCB, electrically connecting the main circuit board MPCB and the flexible printed circuit board FPCB, and positioned between the display panel DP and the flexible printed circuit board FPCB, electrically connecting the display panel DP and the flexible printed circuit board FPCB.

[0062] The connecting member (not shown) may be electrically conductive and adhesive. The connecting member (not shown) may include a thermosetting or photocurable material. For example, the connecting member (not shown) may include an anisotropic conductive film (ACF).

[0063] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a separated display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Referring to Figure 3, the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) may include a base portion BM, a first projection PT1, a second projection PT2, and a plurality of connecting pads CPD.

[0065] The base portion BM can provide an inner surface BM-S from which the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 protrude. In one embodiment, the base portion BM, the first protrusion PT1, and the second protrusion PT2 can have an integral shape and the same laminated structure.

[0066] The first protrusion PT1 may protrude from one side of the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) extending in a first direction DR1 to a second direction DR2. The first protrusion PT1 may be an area on which a plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 are arranged and which is coupled to a non-display area NDA of the display panel DP.

[0067] The second protrusion PT2 may protrude from one side of the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) extending in a first direction DR1 to a second direction DR2. The second protrusion PT2 may be separated from the first protrusion PT1 in the first direction DR1. The second protrusion PT2 may be an area where a plurality of second connecting pads CPD2 are arranged and coupled to the non-display area (NDA) of the display panel DP.

[0068] The base portion BM, the first protrusion PT1, and the second protrusion PT2 may contain polyimide (PI).

[0069] Referring to Figure 3, in one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of connecting pads CPD can be divided into a plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 arranged on the first protrusion PT1 and a plurality of second connecting pads (CPD2) arranged on the second protrusion PT2. When viewed from a plan view, the plurality of connecting pads CPD are hidden by the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2, but for the sake of simplicity, they are shown overlapping with the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2.

[0070] Multiple linking pads (CPDs) can be electrically connected to connection terminals (not shown) of a drive circuit (not shown) included in a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). Multiple linking pads (CPDs) can also be electrically connected to multiple panel pads (PPDs) arranged on a display panel (DP), as described later, while overlapping in a plan view. In other words, multiple linking pads (CPDs) can be connected to multiple panel pads (PPDs).

[0071] Multiple first connecting pads CPD1 may be arranged on the first protrusion PT1, spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1. Multiple second connecting pads CPD2 may be arranged on the second protrusion PT2, spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1.

[0072] A detailed explanation of the multiple first connecting pads CPD1 and the multiple second connecting pads CPD2 will be provided later.

[0073] In one embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) may further include a plurality of first alignment marks AM-F1 arranged on a first projection PT1 and a plurality of second alignment marks AM-F2 arranged on a second projection PT2.

[0074] In one embodiment, a plurality of first alignment marks AM-F1 are arranged facing each other in a first direction DR1, with a plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 in between, and each can be connected to the plurality of pads located furthest out among the plurality of first connecting pads CPD1. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the planar positions of the plurality of first alignment marks AM-F1 can be changed, and they may not be connected to the plurality of first connecting pads CPD1. The plurality of first alignment marks AM-F1 can be reference points for controlling the coupling position of the first protrusion PT1 of the flexible printed circuit board FPCB so that the first protrusion PT1 can be easily attached to the display panel DP. The coupling position of the first protrusion PT1 in the first direction DR1 can be adjusted via the plurality of first alignment marks AM-F1.

[0075] In one embodiment, multiple second alignment marks AM-F2 are arranged facing each other in a first direction DR1, with multiple second connecting pads CPD2 in between, and may be connected to the outermost multiple pads among the multiple second connecting pads CPD2. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the planar positions of the multiple second alignment marks AM-F2 may be changed, and they may not be connected to the multiple second connecting pads CPD2. Multiple second alignment marks AM-F2 can be reference points for controlling the coupling position of the second protrusions PT2 of the flexible printed circuit board FPCB so that the second protrusions PT2 can be easily attached to the display panel DP.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the coupling positions of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 can be individually adjusted by arranging a plurality of first alignment marks AM-F1 and a plurality of second alignment marks AM-F2 on the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2, respectively.

[0077] In one embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) may further include a plurality of first alignment pads (not shown) disposed on a first protrusion PT1 and a plurality of second alignment pads (not shown) disposed on a second protrusion PT2.

[0078] In one embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) may further include dummy pad portions (not shown) on the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2.

[0079] A detailed explanation of how to adjust the coupling position of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 will be given later.

[0080] Referring to Figure 3, the display panel DP may include multiple panel pads PPD located in the non-display area NDA, a first panel alignment mark AM-P1, and a second panel alignment mark AM-P2.

[0081] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of panel pads PPD can be divided into a plurality of first panel pads PPD1 and a plurality of second panel pads PPD2. Each of the plurality of first panel pads PPD1 can be electrically connected to each of the plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 arranged on a first protrusion PT1, and each of the plurality of second panel pads PPD2 can be electrically connected to each of the plurality of second connecting pads CPD2 arranged on a second protrusion PT2.

[0082] The first panel alignment marks AM-P1 may be arranged facing each other with multiple first panel pads PPD1 in between, and the second panel alignment marks AM-P2 may be arranged facing each other with multiple second panel pads PPD2 in between.

[0083] In one embodiment, the display panel DP may further include a panel alignment pad (not shown) or a dummy pad portion (not shown) located in the non-display area NDA.

[0084] A detailed explanation of the display panel DP configuration will be provided later.

[0085] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, in one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) can be bent. Furthermore, a cut portion IA may be defined in the region between the first projection PT1 and the second projection PT2 of the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). In an embodiment of the present invention, a cutting portion IA is defined in the region between the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2, and the flexible printed circuit board FPCB is bent, forming an opening region into which an external device such as a power supply cable PSC or a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) can enter and exit.

[0086] Figures 6a to 6e are plan views showing a separated portion of the display device shown in Figure 1. Figure 6a shows a portion of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) separated from a display panel (not shown) in one embodiment. Figure 6b is an enlarged view of the AA2 region in Figure 6a. Figure 6c is a plan view showing a portion of the multiple first connecting pads CPD1. For convenience of explanation, Figure 6c shows a portion of the multiple first connecting pads CPD1 in Figure 6b. Figure 6d is an enlarged view of the AA3 region in Figure 6a. Figure 6e is a plan view showing a portion of the multiple second connecting pads CPD2. For convenience of explanation, Figure 6e shows a portion of the multiple first connecting pads CPD1 in Figure 6b.

[0087] Referring to Figure 6a, a plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 can be arranged on the first protrusion PT1, spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1, and a plurality of second connecting pads CPD2 can be arranged on the second protrusion PT2, spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1. The heights FD-H1 of the plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 toward the second direction DR2 can be the same, and the heights FD-H2 of the plurality of second connecting pads CPD2 toward the second direction DR2 can be the same.

[0088] Referring to Figures 6b and 6c, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the multiple first connecting pads CPD1 may be extended in directions inclined with respect to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0089] In one embodiment, at least two of the multiple first connecting pads CPD1 can be extended in different directions from each other. Among the multiple first connecting pads CPD1, the first angle θ-PD1, which is the acute angle that the direction in which the first pad PD1 is extended makes with the first direction DR1, can be different from the third angle θ-PD3, which is the acute angle that the direction in which the third pad PD3 is extended makes with the first direction DR1, and the second angle θ-PD2, which is the acute angle that the direction in which the second pad PD2 is extended makes with the first direction DR1, can be different from the fourth angle θ-PD4, which is the acute angle that the direction in which the fourth pad PD4 is extended makes with the first direction DR1.

[0090] In one embodiment, among the plurality of first connecting pads CPD1, the first pad PD1 and the second pad PD2 may be symmetric with respect to the first axis of symmetry AOS1. That is, the first angle θ-PD1 and the second angle θ-PD2 may be of the same magnitude and symmetric with respect to the first axis of symmetry AOS1. The first axis of symmetry AOS1 may be an axis of symmetry extended in the second direction DR2 at the midpoint between the plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 located on the outermost side. Also, among the plurality of first connecting pads CPD1, the third pad PD3 and the fourth pad PD4 may be symmetric with respect to the first axis of symmetry AOS1. The first axis of symmetry AOS1 may, for example, be aligned with the second direction DR2.

[0091] In one embodiment, multiple virtual lines extending from multiple first connecting pads CPD1 can converge at a single first convergence point CP1. These virtual lines may be lines extended in directions parallel to the direction in which each of the multiple first connecting pads CPD1 extends from its respective center. As these virtual lines converge at a single first convergence point CP1, the acute angles that each of the multiple first connecting pads CPD1, arranged along the first direction DR1, make with the first direction DR1 are different from one another, and the closer they are to the midpoint, that is, closer to the first axis of symmetry AOS1, the larger the acute angles they can become.

[0092] Referring to Figures 6d and 6e, in one embodiment, at least some of the multiple second connecting pads CPD2 may be extended in directions inclined with respect to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0093] In one embodiment, at least two of the multiple second connecting pads CPD2 can be extended in different directions from each other. Among the multiple second connecting pads CPD2, the fifth angle θ-PD5, in which the direction in which the fifth pad PD5 is extended is an acute angle with the first direction DR1, can be different from the seventh angle θ-PD7, in which the direction in which the seventh pad PD7 is extended is an acute angle with the first direction DR1, and the sixth angle θ-PD6, in which the direction in which the sixth pad PD6 is extended is an acute angle with the first direction DR1, can be different from the eighth angle θ-PD8, in which the direction in which the eighth pad PD8 is extended is an acute angle with the first direction DR1.

[0094] In one embodiment, among the multiple second connecting pads CPD2, the fifth pad PD5 and the seventh pad PD7 may be symmetric with respect to the second axis of symmetry AOS2. That is, the fifth angle θ-PD5 and the seventh angle θ-PD7 are of the same magnitude and may be symmetric with respect to the second axis of symmetry AOS2. The second axis of symmetry AOS2 may be an axis of symmetry extended in the second direction DR2 at the midpoint between the multiple outermost second connecting pads CPD2. Also, among the multiple second connecting pads CPD2, the seventh pad PD7 and the eighth pad PD8 may be symmetric with respect to the second axis of symmetry AOS2. The second axis of symmetry AOS2 may, for example, be aligned with the second direction DR2.

[0095] In one embodiment, multiple virtual lines, each extended from a plurality of second connecting pads CPD2, can converge at a single second convergence point CP2. These virtual lines may be lines extended at the center of each of the plurality of second connecting pads CPD2 in directions parallel to the direction in which each is extended.

[0096] Figure 7 is a plan view showing a part of a display panel according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 shows a part of the display panel DP separated from the display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Referring to Figure 7, the display panel DP may include multiple panel pads PPD located in the non-display area NDA. The multiple panel pads PPD may be divided into multiple first panel pads PPD1 and multiple second panel pads PPD2.

[0098] Multiple first panel pads PPD1 can be placed in the non-display area NDA of the display panel PD and can be arranged along the first direction DR1, spaced apart from each other.

[0099] Each of the multiple first panel pads PPD1 may be positioned corresponding to each of the multiple first connecting pads CPD1 shown in Figure 6a. That is, each of the multiple first panel pads PPD1 may be electrically connected to each of the multiple first connecting pads (CPD1, Figure 6a) while overlapping in a plan view. Each of the multiple first panel pads PPD1 may be connected to each of the multiple first connecting pads (CPD1, Figure 6a). For example, each first panel pad PPD1 and each first connecting pad CPD1 may be connected by electrical contact between the portion of each first panel pad PPD1 exposed on the upper surface of the non-display area NDA of the display panel DP shown in Figure 2 and the portion of each first connecting pad CPD1 exposed on the lower surface of the flexible printed circuit board FPCB shown in Figure 2. Alternatively, each first panel pad PPD1 and each first connecting pad CPD1 may be connected via through holes.

[0100] In one embodiment, each of the multiple first panel pads PPD1 may have a shape similar to each of the multiple first connecting pads (CPD1, Figure 6a) that overlap in a plan view. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the multiple first panel pads PPD1 may be spaced apart from each other along a first direction DR1. The heights PD-H1 of the multiple first panel pads PPD1 in the second direction DR2 may be the same. In the multiple first panel pads PPD1, the first angle θ-PD1, which is the acute angle that the direction in which one first panel pad PPD1 extends makes with the second direction DR2, may differ from the second angle θ-PD2, which is the acute angle that another first panel pad PPD1 extends with the second direction DR2. The acute angle may increase as you move away from the center of the multiple first panel pads PPD1. For example, the second angle θ-PD2 may be larger than the first angle θ-PD1.

[0101] Multiple second panel pads PPD2 may be arranged spaced apart from the multiple first panel pads PPD1 in the first direction DR1. Multiple second panel pads PPD2 may be arranged in the non-display area NDA of the display panel PD, spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1.

[0102] Each of the multiple second panel pads PPD2 may be positioned corresponding to each of the multiple second connecting pads (CPD2, Figure 6a). That is, each of the multiple second panel pads PPD2 may be electrically connected to each of the multiple second connecting pads (CPD2, Figure 6a) while overlapping in a plan view. Each of the multiple second panel pads PPD2 may be connected to each of the multiple second connecting pads (CPD2, Figure 6a). As described above, the exposed portion of each second panel pad PPD2 in the display panel DP and the exposed portion of each second connecting pad CPD2 in the flexible printed circuit board FPCB may be connected, and may also be connected via through holes.

[0103] In one embodiment, each of the multiple second panel pads PPD2 may have the same shape as each of the multiple second connecting pads (CPD2, Figure 6a) that overlap in a plan view. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the multiple second panel pads PPD2 may be spaced apart from each other along the first direction DR1. The heights PD-H2 of the multiple second panel pads PPD2 in the second direction DR2 may be the same. In the multiple second panel pads PPD2, the third angle θ-PD3, which is the acute angle that the direction in which one second panel pad PPD2 extends makes with the second direction DR2, may differ from the fourth angle θ-PD4, which is the acute angle that another second panel pad PPD2 extends with the second direction DR2. The acute angle may increase as it moves away from the center of the multiple second panel pads PPD2. For example, the fourth angle θ-PD4 may be larger than the third angle θ-PD3.

[0104] In one embodiment, the display panel DP may further include a plurality of first panel alignment marks AM-P1 and a plurality of second panel alignment marks AM-P2, which are arranged opposite to each other, with a plurality of first panel pads PPD1 in between. Each of the plurality of first panel alignment marks AM-P1 may be positioned corresponding to each of the plurality of first alignment marks AM-F1 included in the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB, Figure 6b). Each of the plurality of second panel alignment marks AM-P2 may be positioned corresponding to each of the plurality of second alignment marks AM-F2 included in the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB, Figure 6b). The plurality of first panel alignment marks AM-P1 and the plurality of second panel alignment marks AM-P2 may be reference points for adjusting the bonding position of the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB, Figure 6b) so that the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB, Figure 6b) can be easily attached to the display panel DP.

[0105] A detailed explanation of adjusting the bonding position of flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) will be provided later.

[0106] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the AA1 region in Figure 1. Figure 9 is a diagram showing a part of the display device according to one embodiment. Figure 10 is a diagram showing a part of the display device according to one embodiment. Figure 11 is a diagram showing a part of the display device according to one embodiment. Figure 12 is a diagram showing a part of the display device according to one embodiment.

[0107] The display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 8 to 12. Components identical to those described in Figures 1 to 7 are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0108] Referring to Figure 8, the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) can be coupled to the display panel (DP). Each of the multiple first connecting pads (CPD1) located on the first projection (PT1) of the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) and each of the multiple first panel pads (PPD1) of the display panel (DP) can overlap each other in a plan view and be electrically connected to each other. Similarly, each of the multiple second connecting pads (CPD2) located on the second projection (PT2) of the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) and each of the multiple second panel pads (PPD2) of the display panel (DP) can overlap each other in a plan view and be electrically connected to each other.

[0109] In one embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) may further include an alignment pad (not shown) positioned on a first protrusion PT1 and a second protrusion PT2, which may be used to determine whether the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 can be aligned.

[0110] Multiple first alignment marks AM-F1 and multiple first panel alignment marks AM-P1 can be used to determine whether a first protrusion PT1 can be aligned. For example, the positions of the first protrusion PT1 can be rearranged so that the portions of the multiple first alignment marks AM-F1 that protrude in the second direction DR2 and the recessed portions of the shaded first panel alignment marks AM-P1 are positioned in a rearranged manner along the second direction DR2. That is, for example, the protruding portions of each first alignment mark AM-F1 in the second direction DR2 and the recessed portions of each first panel alignment mark AM-P1 in the second direction DR2 can be aligned so that the bottom of the protruding portion of each first alignment mark AM-F1 and the top surface of the recessed portion of each first panel alignment mark AM-P1 coincide in the first direction DR1. However, this is merely illustrative, and the display device according to one embodiment of the present invention can be rearranged according to various alignment methods and may include various alignment marks, and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0111] In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the multiple first connecting pads CPD1 and each of the multiple first panel pads PPD1 can overlap each other and be stably connected. The multiple first connecting pads CPD1 and the multiple first panel pads PPD1 are electrically connected, and video data, control signals, power supply voltage, etc., provided by the main circuit board (MPCB, Figure 1) can be transmitted to the display panel DP. That is, the multiple first connecting pads CPD1 and the multiple first panel pads PPD1 may be input / output terminal pads to which electrical signals are transmitted, while the other multiple alignment marks, multiple alignment pads, and dummy pad sections may have configurations that have different functions from the input / output terminal pads.

[0112] On the other hand, in the embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 and the plurality of first panel pads PPD1 are shown to correspond one-to-one, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 and the plurality of first panel pads PPD1 may correspond one-to-many. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 and the plurality of first panel pads PPD1 may have different numbers from each other, and the invention is not limited to any particular embodiment.

[0113] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 and a plurality of first alignment marks AM-F1 are arranged on a first protrusion PT1 of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), and the position of the first protrusion PT1 can be adjusted so that each of the plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 overlaps with each of the plurality of first panel pads PPD1 of the display panel DP, thereby stably connecting them to one another. Furthermore, a plurality of second connecting pads CPD2 and a plurality of second alignment marks AM-F2 are arranged on a second protrusion PT2 of the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), and the coupling position of the second protrusion PT2 can be adjusted so that each of the plurality of second connecting pads CPD2 overlaps with each of the plurality of second panel pads PPD2 of the display panel DP, thereby stably connecting them to one another. In other words, the coupling positions of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 can be controlled individually.

[0114] In the embodiment of the present invention, each of the multiple second connecting pads CPD2 and each of the multiple second panel pads PPD2 can overlap each other and be stably connected. The multiple second connecting pads CPD2 and the multiple second panel pads PPD2 are electrically connected, and video data, control signals, power supply voltage, etc., provided by the main circuit board (MPCB, Figure 1) can be transmitted to the display panel DP. That is, the multiple second connecting pads CPD2 and the multiple second panel pads PPD2 may be input / output terminal pads to which electrical signals are transmitted, while the other multiple alignment marks, multiple alignment pads, and dummy pad sections may have configurations that have different functions from the input / output terminal pads.

[0115] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) may include a plurality of first alignment marks AM-F1 and a plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 arranged on a first protrusion PT1, and a plurality of second alignment marks AM-F2 and a plurality of second connecting pads CPD2 arranged on a second protrusion PT2. The bonding positions of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 can be individually controlled, and the elongation ratios of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 can also be individually controlled. Therefore, the bonding positions of the plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 and the plurality of first panel pads PPD1, and the bonding positions of the plurality of second connecting pads CPD2 and the plurality of second panel pads PPD2 can each be individually finely adjusted. A display device DD having these features can have improved bonding precision, thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connection.

[0116] Figures 9 to 12 illustrate the process of adjusting the bonding position of a flexible printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figures 9 to 12, some components have been omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0117] Figure 9 shows a portion of the display device before the coupling position of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 in one embodiment was adjusted, and Figure 10 shows a portion of the display device after the coupling position of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 in one embodiment was adjusted.

[0118] Referring to Figure 9, in one embodiment of the present invention, the distance D1 from one side of the plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 in the second direction DR2 to one side DP-S1 of the display panel DP that overlaps with the first protrusion PT1 in the second direction DR2 may differ from the distance D2 from one side of the plurality of second connecting pads CPD2 in the second direction DR2 to one side DP-S2 of the display panel DP that overlaps with the second protrusion PT2 in the second direction DR2. In this case, the degree to which the first protrusion PT1 is adjusted to the second direction DR2 so that each of the plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 is stably connected to each of the plurality of first panel pads PPD1 may differ from the degree to which the second protrusion PT2 is adjusted to the second direction DR2 so that each of the plurality of second connecting pads CPD2 is stably connected to each of the plurality of second panel pads PPD2.

[0119] Referring to Figure 10, the coupling positions of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 are individually adjusted, and each of the multiple first connecting pads CPD1 can overlap with each of the multiple first panel pads PPD1 and be stably connected, and each of the multiple second connecting pads CPD2 can overlap with each of the multiple second panel pads PPD2 and be stably connected. At this time, the first distance PT-D1, which is the distance from one side PT1-S of the first protrusion PT1 to one side DP-S1 of the display panel DP that overlaps with the first protrusion PT1 in the second direction DR2, may differ from the second distance PT-D2, which is the distance from one side PT2-S of the second protrusion PT2 to one side DP-S2 of the display panel DP that overlaps with the second protrusion PT2 in the second direction DR2. In the example in Figure 9, for example, the distance by which the second connecting pad CPD2 is shifted downward in the second direction DR2 (towards the flexible printed circuit board FPCB) relative to the second panel pad PPD2 is greater than the distance by which the first connecting pad CPD1 is shifted downward in the second direction DR2 relative to the first panel pad PPD1. Therefore, in the example in Figure 10, the second protrusion PT2 is shifted further upward in the second direction DR2 relative to the first protrusion PT1.

[0120] Figure 11 shows a portion of the display device before the coupling position of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 was adjusted according to one embodiment, and Figure 12 shows a portion of the display device after the coupling position of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 was adjusted according to one embodiment.

[0121] Referring to Figure 11, in one embodiment of the present invention, the distance D3 from one side PPD1-S of a plurality of first panel pads PPD1 in the second direction DR2 to one side DP-S1 of the display panel DP that overlaps with the first protrusion PT1 in the second direction DR2 may differ from the distance D4 from one side PPD2-S of a plurality of second panel pads PPD2 in the second direction DR2 to one side DP-S2 of the display panel DP that overlaps with the second protrusion PT2 in the second direction DR2. In this case, the degree to which the first protrusion PT1 is adjusted to the second direction DR2 so that each of the plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 is stably connected to each of the plurality of first panel pads PPD1 may differ from the degree to which the second protrusion PT2 is adjusted to the second direction DR2 so that each of the plurality of second connecting pads CPD2 is stably connected to each of the plurality of second panel pads PPD2.

[0122] Referring to Figure 12, the positions of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 are individually adjusted, and each of the multiple first connecting pads CPD1 can overlap with each of the multiple first panel pads PPD1 and be stably connected, and each of the multiple second connecting pads CPD2 can overlap with each of the multiple second panel pads PPD2 and be stably connected. At this time, the third distance CP-D1, which is the distance from one side CPD1-S of the multiple first connecting pads CPD1 in the second direction DR2 to one side DP-S1 of the display panel DP that overlaps with the first protrusion PT1 in the second direction DR2, may differ from the fourth distance CP-D2, which is the distance from one side CPD2-S of the multiple second connecting pads CPD2 in the second direction DR2 to one side DP-S2 of the display panel DP that overlaps with the second protrusion PT2 in the second direction DR2. In the example shown in Figure 12, the misalignment between the first panel pad PPD1 and the first connecting pad CPD1 can be corrected by adjusting the position of the first protrusion PT1, and the misalignment between the second panel pad PPD2 and the second connecting pad CPD2 can be corrected by adjusting the position of the second protrusion PT2.

[0123] The adjustment of the position in which the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) is coupled to the display panel (DP), as described with reference to Figures 9 to 12, can be performed by individually controlling the positions of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2. This allows each of the multiple first connecting pads CPD1 to be stably connected to each of the multiple first panel pads PPD1, and each of the multiple second connecting pads CPD2 to be stably connected to each of the multiple second panel pads PPD2. In this case, when the positions of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 are individually controlled, the first distance PT-D1 and the second distance PT-D2 can be different from each other, and the third distance CP-D1 and the fourth distance CP-D2 can be different from each other.

[0124] Figure 13 is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 13, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) according to one embodiment may include a first protrusion PT1 and a second protrusion PT2. The width PTL1 of the first protrusion PT1 in the first direction DR1 may be the same as the width PTL2 of the second protrusion PT2 in the first direction DR1. Furthermore, the number of first connecting pads CPD1 placed on the first protrusion PT1 and the number of second connecting pads CPD2 placed on the second protrusion PT2 may be the same. That is, the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 may be symmetrical with respect to the axis of symmetry AOS3 extending in the second direction DR2. Having a symmetrical structure for the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 can be advantageous when changing the stretch ratio of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 during the manufacturing process. For example, the stretch ratio can be changed while comparing the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2.

[0125] Figure 14 is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 14, a flexible printed circuit board FPCB2 according to one embodiment may include a first protrusion PT1 and a second protrusion PT2. The width PTL3 of the first protrusion PT1 in the first direction DR1 may differ from the width PTL4 of the second protrusion PT2 in the first direction DR1. Also, the number of multiple first connecting pads CPD1 and multiple second connecting pads CPD2 arranged on the first protrusion PT1 may differ from each other. That is, in one embodiment, the width PTL3 of the first protrusion PT1 and the width PTL4 of the second protrusion PT2 can be adjusted to correspond to a modified design of the display device DD, and the number of multiple first connecting pads CPD1 and multiple second connecting pads CPD2 can be adjusted.

[0126] Figure 15 is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] Referring to Figure 15, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) 3 according to one embodiment may include a first protrusion PT1 and a second protrusion PT2. In this case, an incision IA1 may be defined, which is the region between the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2. In one embodiment, the depth ID of the incision IA1 in the second direction DR2 may be 5 mm or more.

[0128] In the comparative example, when the depth of the incision is less than 5 mm, during the manufacturing process of the display device, when aligning the flexible printed circuit board onto the display panel, slippage between the alignment head and the protrusion may occur during the process of adjusting the position of the protrusion with the alignment head.

[0129] In the embodiment of the present invention, the display device DD may have a cut depth of 5 mm or more, and in the process of adjusting the position of the protrusion with the alignment head, the protrusion may be adjustable up to 3 μm on one side of the first direction DR1. Specifically, as the cut depth increases from a minimum of 5 mm or more, the range in which the position of the protrusion on one side of the first direction DR1 can be adjusted from a minimum of 3 μm or more can increase. For example, if the cut depth is 10 mm, the range in which the position of the protrusion can be adjusted may be up to 15 μm on one side of the first direction DR1 and up to 50 μm on the other side of the first direction DR1. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the cut depth can be adjusted to a suitable value according to the product design.

[0130] Figure 16 is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] Referring to Figure 16, the flexible printed circuit board FPCB4 of one embodiment may further include a third protrusion PT3 separated in a first direction DR1 from a first protrusion PT1 and a second protrusion PT2, and a plurality of third connecting pads CPD3 disposed on the third protrusion PT3. The flexible printed circuit board FPCB4 may further include a plurality of third alignment marks AM-F3 disposed on the third protrusion PT3 and facing each other with the plurality of third connecting pads CPD3 in between.

[0132] Figure 17 is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19 is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] Referring to Figure 17, the shape of the incision IA2 defined in the flexible printed circuit board FPCB5 according to one embodiment may be triangular.

[0134] Referring to Figure 18, the shape of the incision IA3 defined in the flexible printed circuit board FPCB6 according to one embodiment may be a pentagon.

[0135] Referring to Figure 19, the shape of the incision IA4 defined in the flexible printed circuit board FPCB7 according to one embodiment may be hexagonal. Excluding the opening, the shape of the incision IA4 may be pentagonal.

[0136] The embodiments described with reference to Figures 17 to 19 show multiple incisions having triangular, pentagonal, and hexagonal shapes, respectively, but the embodiments are not limited to these, and the shape of the incisions can be varied in many ways.

[0137] Figure 20 is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21 is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 22 is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] Referring to Figure 20, the cut portion IA5 defined in the flexible printed circuit board FPCB8 according to one embodiment may have a corner in the shape of a fillet 100. The corner in the shape of a fillet 100 can provide the effect of distributing the stress applied to the corner of the cut portion IA5 during the alignment process of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2, or due to thermal expansion, during the manufacturing process of the electronic device. This can prevent damage to the flexible printed circuit board FPCB8 and improve the stability during the manufacturing process of the electronic device and the reliability of the electronic device.

[0139] Referring to Figure 21, the flexible printed circuit board FPCB9 according to one embodiment may further include a hole 101 formed adjacent to the cut portion IA6. The hole 101 can provide the effect of distributing the stress applied to the corners during the alignment process of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 in the manufacturing process of the electronic device, or the stress applied to the corners of the cut portion IA5 due to thermal expansion. This can prevent damage to the flexible printed circuit board FPCB9 and improve the stability during the manufacturing process of the electronic device and the reliability of the electronic device.

[0140] Referring to Figure 22, the cut portion IA7 defined in the flexible printed circuit board FPCB10 according to one embodiment may have rounded corners 102. The rounded corners 102 are formed to cut out both ends of the bottom of the cut portion IA7. The rounded corners 102 can reduce the stress applied to the corners of the cut portion IA5 during the manufacturing process of the electronic device, either during the alignment process of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 or due to thermal expansion. This can prevent damage to the flexible printed circuit board FPCB10 and improve the stability during the manufacturing process of the electronic device and the reliability of the electronic device.

[0141] Figure 23 is a plan view showing a part of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] Referring to Figure 23, in one embodiment, a panel opening PIA may be defined between a first projection PT1 and a second projection PT2 of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The panel opening PIA may be formed on one side of the display panel DP1 in a second direction DR2. In one embodiment, the panel opening PIA may be an opening area (not shown) through which connection terminals for external devices can enter and exit. However, the function of the panel opening (PIA) is not limited to this.

[0143] Figures 24a to 24c are perspective views sequentially showing a method for manufacturing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] A method for manufacturing a display device DD according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the steps of: preparing a display panel DP including a plurality of panel pads PPD arranged along a first direction DR1; preparing a flexible printed circuit board FPCB including a base portion BM, a first protrusion PT1, a second protrusion PT2 spaced apart from the first protrusion PT1 in the first direction DR1, a plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 arranged on the first protrusion PT1, and a plurality of second connecting pads CPD2 arranged on the second protrusion PT2; aligning the flexible printed circuit board FPCB on the display panel DP; temporarily crimping the display panel and the flexible printed circuit board; and permanently crimping the display panel and the flexible printed circuit board.

[0145] Referring to Figure 24a, the step of aligning the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) onto the display panel DP involves vacuum-suctioning the first protrusion PT1 with the first alignment head AH1 and vacuum-suctioning the second protrusion PT2 with the second alignment head AH2, thereby individually adjusting the positions of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2. The positions of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 are adjusted by the first alignment head AH1 and the second alignment head AH2, respectively, so that a plurality of first connecting pads CPD1 (not shown) and a plurality of first panel pads PPD1 overlap, and a plurality of second connecting pads CPD2 (not shown) and a plurality of second panel pads PPD2 overlap.

[0146] Referring to Figure 24b, the step of temporarily crimping the display panel DP and the flexible printed circuit board FPCB can be performed by using the first temporary crimping head PCH1 to temporarily crimp the first protrusion PT1 and the display panel DP on the first protrusion PT1, and using the second temporary crimping head PCH2 to temporarily crimp the second protrusion PT2 and the display panel DP on the second protrusion PT2. In one embodiment, the first temporary crimping head PCH1 and the second temporary crimping head PCH2 operate simultaneously, and the temporary crimping of the first protrusion PT1, the second protrusion PT2, and the display panel DP can be performed simultaneously, but this is not limited to the embodiment.

[0147] In the comparative example, the step of temporarily crimping the display panel and the flexible printed circuit board is performed using a single crimping head, so that the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 are simultaneously crimped to the display panel. In this case, the difference in height between the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 can result in uneven crimping of the flexible printed circuit board and the display panel.

[0148] According to the method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 are individually temporarily crimped to the display panel DP by the first temporary crimping head PCH1 and the second temporary crimping head PCH2, respectively, so that pressure is applied evenly to each of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2, and the flexible printed circuit board FPCB and the display panel DP can be stably temporarily crimped together without being concerned about the step difference between the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2.

[0149] In one embodiment, the first alignment head AH1 and the first temporary crimping head PCH1 may be an integrated piece of equipment, and the second alignment head AH2 and the second temporary crimping head PCH2 may be an integrated piece of equipment. That is, the first alignment head AH1 and the second alignment head AH2 can have a vacuum suction function inside and can simultaneously operate as temporary crimping heads. Therefore, the step of aligning the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 on the display panel DP and temporarily pressing them can be performed in a series of steps. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the first alignment head AH1 and the first temporary crimping head PCH1 may be separate components, and the second alignment head AH2 and the second temporary crimping head PCH2 may be separate components.

[0150] Referring to Figure 24c, the final crimping stage of the display panel DP and the flexible printed circuit board FPCB can be performed by using the first crimping head MCH1 to crimp the first protrusion PT1 to the display panel DP on the first protrusion PT1, and using the second crimping head MCH2 to crimp the second protrusion PT2 to the display panel DP on the second protrusion PT2.

[0151] According to the method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2 are individually crimped to the display panel DP by the first crimping head MCH1 and the second crimping head MCH2, respectively, and heat and pressure can be evenly transmitted to each of the first protrusion PT1 and the second protrusion PT2, so that the flexible printed circuit board FPCB and the display panel DP can be stably crimped together.

[0152] Figures 25 and 26 show an electronic device to which a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0153] Referring to Figure 25, the first electronic device ECD1 is a diagram showing a tablet PC including the first display device DDa. The second electronic device ECD2 is a diagram showing a portable terminal including the second display device DDb. The third electronic device ECD3 is a diagram showing a notebook computer including the third display device DDc. The fourth electronic device ECD4 is a diagram showing a television including the fourth display device DDd.

[0154] Figure 5, Electronic Device ECD5, shows a head-mounted display device including the fifth display device DDe. Figure 6, Electronic Device ECD6, shows a digital watch including the sixth display device DDf. Referring to Figure 26, Figure 7, Electronic Device ECD7, shows a vehicle including the seventh to tenth display devices DDg to DDj. Although the seventh electronic device ECD7 exemplifies an automobile, it is not limited to this and could be a variety of means of transport such as bicycles, motorcycles, trains, ships, airplanes, etc.

[0155] Display device 7 DDg is positioned in front of the steering wheel HN within the driver's field of view and can be used to display instrument panel information such as the vehicle's speed. Display device 8 DDh can be positioned separately from display device 7 DDg on the vehicle's dashboard and can be used to display information related to the vehicle's control interface, audio, temperature, road conditions, and video. Display device 9 DDi can be positioned on the sides of the driver's and passenger's seats and can be used in digital side mirrors. Display device 9 DDi can display video footage of the area outside the vehicle. Display device 10 DDj can be positioned behind the driver's and passenger's seats and can be used to display video footage, such as video, that can be seen by passengers in the rear seats.

[0156] Of the first to tenth display devices DDa to DDj, at least one may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) as described with reference to Figures 1 to 23. In addition to the electronic devices shown in Figures 25 and 26, the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) according to one embodiment can be applied to electronic devices in all fields. For example, it can be applied to various electronic devices such as printers, telephones, wearable devices, digital cameras, camcorders, viewfinders, 3D displays, video walls including tiled displays, theaters, billboards, medical equipment, memory, memory processors, and storage.

[0157] As described with reference to the examples, a person skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be modified and altered in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the claims below. Furthermore, the examples disclosed herein are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the invention, and all technical spirit within the claims below and equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] DD: Display device DP: Display panel FPCB: Flexible Printed Circuit Board MPCB: Main Circuit Board CPD: Linking Pad PPD: Panel Pad AM-F1, AM-F2: 1st and 2nd alignment marks AM-P1, AM-P2: 1st and 2nd panel alignment marks PT1, PT2: 1st and 2nd protrusion AH1, AH2: 1st and 2nd alignment heads PCH1, PCH2: First and second temporary crimping heads MCH1, MCH2: First and second crimping heads

Claims

1. A substrate having defined display areas and non-display areas for displaying images, and a display panel including a plurality of panel pads arranged in the non-display area and aligned along a first direction; and A flexible printed circuit board comprising a base portion, a first projection extending in a first direction from one side of the base portion and projecting in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a second projection projecting in a second direction from one side of the base portion and spaced apart from the first projection in the first direction, a plurality of first connecting pads disposed on the first projection, and a plurality of second connecting pads disposed on the second projection, Each of the plurality of first connecting pads is electrically connected to each of the plurality of first panel pads in a state that overlaps in a plan view. Each of the plurality of second connecting pads is electrically connected to each of the plurality of second panel pads in a state that overlaps in a plan view. At least a portion of the plurality of first connecting pads extends in a direction inclined with respect to the first and second directions. A display device wherein at least a portion of the plurality of second connecting pads extends in a direction inclined with respect to the first and second directions.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the flexible printed circuit board further includes at least two or more first alignment marks arranged on the first protrusion and at least two or more second alignment marks arranged on the second protrusion.

3. The plurality of first alignment marks are arranged facing each other in the first direction, with the plurality of first connecting pads in between. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of second alignment marks are arranged facing each other in the first direction, with the plurality of second connecting pads in between.

4. Of the plurality of first connecting pads, at least two extend in different directions from each other. The display device according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the plurality of second connecting pads extend in different directions from each other.

5. Of the plurality of first connecting pads, at least two are symmetrical with respect to a first axis of symmetry extending in the second direction. The display device according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the plurality of second connecting pads are symmetrical with respect to a second axis of symmetry extending in the second direction.

6. Of the plurality of first connecting pads, the first pad and the second pad are symmetrical with respect to the first axis of symmetry. Of the plurality of first connecting pads, the third pad and the fourth pad are symmetrical with respect to the first axis of symmetry. The multiple virtual lines, each extended from the multiple first connecting pads, converge at a single first convergence point. Of the plurality of second connecting pads, the fifth pad and the sixth pad are symmetrical with respect to the second axis of symmetry. Of the plurality of second connecting pads, the seventh pad and the eighth pad are symmetrical with respect to the second axis of symmetry. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of virtual lines, each extended from the plurality of second connecting pads, converge at a single second convergence point.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the first projection in the first direction is different from the width of the second projection in the first direction.

8. An incision is defined, which is the region between the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the depth of the incision in the second direction is 5 mm or more.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first projection and the second projection have equal lengths in the first direction.

10. The first length, which is the distance from one side of the first projection in the second direction to one side of the display panel that overlaps with the first projection in the second direction, The display device according to claim 1, wherein the second length, which is the distance from one side of the second projection in the second direction to one side of the display panel that overlaps with the second projection in the second direction, is different from each other.

11. The third length, which is the distance from one side of the plurality of first connecting pads in the second direction to one side of the display panel that overlaps with the first protrusion in the first direction, The display device according to claim 1, wherein the fourth length is the distance from one side of the plurality of second connecting pads in the second direction to one side of the display panel that overlaps with the second protrusion in the second direction, and is different from each other.

12. The flexible printed circuit board further includes a third protrusion spaced apart from the second protrusion in the first direction and a plurality of third connecting pads arranged on the third protrusion, Each of the plurality of third connecting pads is electrically connected to each of the plurality of third panel pads in a state that overlaps in a plan view. The display device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of third connecting pads extends in a direction inclined with respect to the first and second directions.

13. A base portion; comprising a first projection extending in a first direction from one side of the base portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a second projection extending in a second direction from one side of the base portion and spaced apart from the first projection in the first direction, a plurality of first connecting pads disposed on the first projection, and a plurality of second connecting pads disposed on the second projection, Of the plurality of first connecting pads, at least a portion extends in a direction inclined with respect to the first and second directions. A flexible printed circuit board in which at least a portion of the plurality of second connecting pads extends in a direction inclined with respect to the first and second directions.

14. A flexible printed circuit board includes a base portion, a first projection extending in a first direction from one side of the base portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a second projection extending in a second direction from one side of the base portion and spaced apart from the first projection in the first direction, a plurality of first connecting pads disposed on the first projection, and a plurality of second connecting pads disposed on the second projection, Of the plurality of first connecting pads, at least a portion extends in a direction inclined with respect to the first and second directions, An electronic device wherein at least a portion of the plurality of second connecting pads extends in a direction inclined with respect to the first and second directions.

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