Indication device

Abstract

Reduces wobbling and lifting phenomena in display devices. [Solution] The display device according to this specification may have a support substrate that is coupled to a display panel, having four spline regions (SPA1 to SPA4) corresponding to the four arc-shaped corners of the display panel, and having a hole pattern (PT) formed in each spline region. When the support substrate and the display panel are coupled, the coupling pressure can be absorbed through the hole patterns formed in each spline region of the support substrate, thereby preventing the support substrate from wobbling or lifting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a display device.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, display devices include an organic light emitting display (OLED) that emits light by itself, a liquid crystal display (LCD) that requires a separate light source, and the like.

[0003] In recent years, display devices including light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been attracting attention as next-generation display devices. Each light emitting diode may be arranged in the display area (Active Area; AA) of the display panel.

[0004] The display panel may be attached to a cover member to protect a large number of light emitting diodes. The cover member is arranged to cover the entire surface of the display panel and can serve to protect the display panel from external impacts.

[0005] Also, the display device attaches a support substrate to the lower part of the display panel to reinforce the rigidity of the display panel. The description in the background art section should not be regarded as prior art solely for the reason that it is described in the background art section or is related to the background art. The background art section may include information explaining one or more aspects of the technology.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, when the support substrate is attached to the display panel, there is a problem that pressure is applied to the corners, resulting in warping and lifting phenomena.

[0007] ​In order to solve the aforementioned problems, the inventors of this specification have invented a display device that prevents the support substrate from waviness or lifting when it is attached to the display panel.

[0008] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of this specification is to provide a display device that can absorb pressure through a hole pattern formed at each corner of the support substrate when the display panel and the support substrate are coupled together.

[0009] However, the problems described herein are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0010] Furthermore, it is readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of this specification can be achieved by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A display device according to one embodiment of this specification may have a cover member positioned above a display panel having four arc-shaped corners, a support substrate positioned below the display panel, and the support substrate having four spline regions corresponding to each of the four arc-shaped corners, with a hole pattern formed in each spline region. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the embodiments of this specification, a support substrate having a hole pattern formed at each corner can be bonded to a display panel.

[0013] According to the embodiments of this specification, when the support substrate and the display panel are coupled, pressure can be absorbed through the hole pattern formed in each spline region of the support substrate, thereby preventing the support substrate from warping or lifting.

[0014] According to the embodiments described herein, when the support substrate and the display panel are coupled, the occurrence of warping or lifting of the support substrate can be prevented, thereby preventing malfunctions of the display device.

[0015] According to the examples described herein, it is possible to achieve a narrow bezel by preventing product defects.

[0016] According to the embodiments described herein, warping or lifting of the support substrate can affect the operation of the display panel and further increase power consumption. However, by preventing such product defects, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the product.

[0017] According to the embodiments described herein, the reduction in the power consumption of the product can prevent a decrease in the lifespan of the display device.

[0018] According to the embodiments of this specification, the power consumption of the product is reduced, and the reduction in product lifespan is prevented, thereby providing a long-life, low-power display device.

[0019] According to the embodiments described herein, by reducing the power consumption of the product, the reduction in the lifespan of the display panel can be mitigated, thereby improving the quality of the display device.

[0020] Furthermore, the display device according to this specification can improve quality by ensuring a defect-free connection between the display panel and the support substrate, thereby ensuring product reliability.

[0021] The effects described herein are not limited to those mentioned above, and any other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0022] The above-described effects and the specific effects of this specification will be described and described in the following forms for carrying out the invention. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, and are meant to provide a further description of the concept of the claimed invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are included to better understand the present disclosure and are incorporated in this application and form a part thereof, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and are helpful in explaining the principles of the present disclosure together with the detailed description.

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an apparatus to which a display device according to an embodiment of this specification is applied. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a spline region of a support substrate according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example in which pressure is applied to a spline region according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the structure of a hole pattern formed on a support substrate according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A' of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the action when pressure is generated on a support substrate according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing hole patterns formed in a display region and a non-display region of a support substrate according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of a support substrate according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a hole pattern formed in a first spline region of a support substrate according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing a hole pattern formed in a second spline region of a support substrate according to an embodiment of this specification. [Figure 12] This figure shows the hole pattern formed in the fourth spline region of the support substrate according to the embodiments of this specification. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Embodiments of this disclosure can be seen in detail, and examples thereof can be shown in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, detailed descriptions of known functions or configurations related to this document will be omitted where it is deemed that such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the invention. The described processing steps and / or operations are illustrative only, and the order of steps and / or operations is not limited to those described herein and can be modified as known in the art, except for steps and / or operations that must occur in a particular order. The names of each element used in the following description have been selected solely for the convenience of writing the specification and may therefore differ from the names used in actual products. The advantages and features of this specification and the methods for achieving them will become clearer with reference to the examples described below in detail, together with the accompanying drawings. However, this specification is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be realized in a variety of different forms. These embodiments are provided to complete the disclosure of this specification and to fully inform a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this specification belongs of the scope of the invention.

[0026] The shapes (e.g., size, length, width, height, thickness, position, radius, diameter, area, etc.), proportions, angles, and quantities disclosed in the drawings to illustrate the embodiments described herein are illustrative, and this specification is not limited to those depicted. The same reference numerals throughout the specification refer to the same component. In addition, where a specific description of the relevant known art would obscure the gist of this specification, such description is omitted. Where "includes," "has," or "becomes," etc., used herein, other parts may be added unless "only," etc., are used. When a component is shown singularly, it includes multiple components unless otherwise explicitly stated. Throughout the drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise specified, the same drawing reference numeral should be understood to refer to the same element, feature, and structure. The relative sizes and depictions of these elements may be exaggerated for clarity, explanation, and convenience.

[0027] In interpreting the components, even if not explicitly stated otherwise, they shall be interpreted as including a margin of error. All implementations described herein as “examples” should not necessarily be interpreted as being preferable or advantageous to other implementations.

[0028] When describing the positional relationship between two parts, for example, using phrases like "on top of," "above," "below," "to the side," or "adjacent," it is acceptable for one or more other parts to be located between the two parts, unless "immediately," "directly," or "nearby" is used.

[0029] When describing temporal relationships, expressions such as "after," "following," "next," and "before" may include non-consecutive events unless "immediately" or "directly" is used. Terms such as "down," "below," "up," and "above" may be used to describe relationships between items, as shown in the diagram. It should be understood that these terms are spatially relative and based on the direction shown in the diagram.

[0030] The terms "First," "Second," etc., are used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, the first component referred to below may also be the second component within the technical concept of this specification.

[0031] In describing the components of this specification, terms such as 1st, 2nd, A, B, (a), or (b) may be used. These terms are used to distinguish a component from other components, and the terms do not limit the nature, order, sequence, or number of the component.

[0032] Where it is stated that one component “connects,” “joins,” “connects,” or “adheres” to another component, that component may be directly connected, joined, connected, or adhered to the other component, but it should be understood that other components may be interposed between each component that is indirectly connected, joined, connected, or adhered to, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0033] Where it is stated that a component or layer "contacts" or "overlaps" with another component or layer, it should be understood that the component or layer may directly contact or overlap with another component or layer, but other components may be interposed between each component that may indirectly contact or overlap, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0034] "At least one" must be understood to include any combination of one or more of the relevant components. For example, "at least one of the first, second, and third components" can be interpreted as including not only the first, second, or third component alone, but any combination of two or more of the first, second, and third components.

[0035] The terms "first direction," "second direction," "third direction," "X-axis direction," "Y-axis direction," and "Z-axis direction" are not to be interpreted as merely geometric relationships where the relationships are perpendicular to each other, but may also mean that there are broader directions within the range in which the configuration of this specification can function.

[0036] The features of the various embodiments described herein can be combined or linked together, either partially or whole, and are technically capable of various interconnections and drives. Each embodiment can be implemented independently or in conjunction with others. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as that generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments belong. Terms such as commonly used, predefined terms should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as idealized or overly formal unless expressly defined herein. For example, the terms “part” or “unit” can apply to separate circuits or structures, integrated circuits, computing blocks of circuit devices, or any structure configured to perform a described function that should be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0037] The following describes various embodiments of this specification in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 shows an apparatus to which the display device according to the embodiment of this specification is applied. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the display device according to the embodiment of this specification. Figure 3 shows the spline region of the support substrate according to the embodiment of this specification.

[0039] The display device 1000 according to the embodiments herein may be included in various devices or electronic devices.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1, the display device 1000 according to the embodiment of this specification can be applied to wearable devices such as smartwatches and watch phones.

[0041] The display device 1000 according to the embodiments of this specification may have a display panel 100 mounted on a case portion 1005. The embodiments of this specification are not limited thereto.

[0042] The various devices or electronic devices that include the display device 1000 according to the embodiments herein may include, but are not limited to, mobile devices, laptop computers, and monitors or TVs.

[0043] Each of the wearable device, mobile device, laptop computer, and monitor or TV may include a case 1005 and a display panel 100 and display device 1000 according to the embodiments herein.

[0044] For example, the display devices according to the embodiments of this specification can be applied to mobile devices, video phones, smartwatches, watch phones, wearable devices, foldable devices, rollable devices, bendable devices, flexible devices, curved devices, sliding devices, variable devices, electronic organizers, e-books, PMPs (portable multimedia players), PDAs (personal digital assistants), MP3 players, mobile medical devices, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, navigation systems, vehicle display devices, theater display devices, televisions, wallpaper devices, signage devices, game consoles, laptops, monitors, cameras, CAM software, and home appliances.

[0045] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the display device 1000 according to the embodiments of this specification may include a display panel 100, a polarizing layer 293, an adhesive layer 295, a cover member 155, a support substrate 145, a flexible circuit board 157, and a printed circuit board 160. The embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, one or more of the above components may be omitted, and one or more additional components may be included.

[0046] For example, the display device 1000 may include a substrate 110. The substrate 110 may be a member that supports other components of the display device 1000. The substrate 110 may be made of an insulating material. For example, the substrate 110 may be made of glass or resin, but is not limited thereto. For example, the substrate 110 may be made of a flexible or rigid material. For example, the substrate 110 may be made of a flexible plastic material such as polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). However, the examples herein are not limited thereto.

[0047] The display panel 100 can display information, video, and / or images provided to the user. For example, the display panel 100 may include a display area (AA) and a non-display area (NA). For example, the substrate 110 may include a display area (AA) and a non-display area (NA). The display area (AA) and non-display area (NA) are not limited to the substrate 110, but may be described in relation to the display device 1000 as a whole.

[0048] The display area (AA) may be an area on which an image is displayed. The display area (AA) may include multiple pixels. Each of the multiple pixels may consist of multiple subpixels. Each of the multiple subpixels may have multiple light-emitting elements. The multiple light-emitting elements may be configured differently depending on the type of display device 1000. For example, if the display device 1000 is an inorganic light-emitting display device, the light-emitting elements may be LEDs (Light-emitting Diodes), Micro LEDs (Micro Light-emitting Diodes), or Mini LEDs (Mini Light-emitting Diodes), but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto.

[0049] The non-display area (NA) may be an area where no image is displayed. For example, the non-display area NA may extend from the display area AA. For example, the non-display area NA may completely or partially enclose the display area AA, but is not limited thereto. For example, at least part or all of the non-display area NA may not be visible from the front of the display panel 100. For example, it may be curved and not visible from the back side of the display panel 100, but is not limited thereto. Various wirings and circuits may be arranged in the non-display area (NA) to drive multiple pixels of the display area (AA). For example, various wirings and drive circuits may be mounted in the non-display area (NA), and pads (PADs) to which integrated circuits and printed circuits are connected may be arranged, but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto.

[0050] For example, the drive circuit may be a data drive circuit and / or a gate drive circuit, but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto. Wiring may be provided to supply control signals for controlling the drive circuit. For example, the control signals may include various timing signals, including a clock signal, an input data enable signal, and a synchronization signal, but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto. The control signals may be received via a pad. For example, link wiring for transmitting signals may be provided in a non-display area (NA). For example, drive components such as a flexible circuit board 157 and a printed circuit board 160 may be connected to the pad.

[0051] According to this specification, the non-display area (NA) may include a first non-display area (NA1), a bending area (BA), and a second non-display area (NA2). For example, the first non-display area (NA1) may be an area surrounding at least a portion of the display area (AA). The bending area (BA) is an area extending from at least one of the multiple sides of the first non-display area (NA1) and may be a bendable area. The second non-display area (NA2) is an area extending from the bending area (BA) and may have a pad portion (PAD) on it. For example, the bending area (BA) may be in a bent state, and the remaining area of ​​the substrate 110 excluding the bending area (BA) may be in a flat state. In this case, the bending of the bending area (BA) may cause the second non-display area (NA2) to be located on the back surface of the display area (AA). However, the embodiments described herein are not limited thereto.

[0052] The display area (AA) of the substrate 110 or the display device 1000 may be configured in various shapes depending on the design of the display device 1000. For example, the display area (AA) may be configured in a rectangular shape with four rounded corners, but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto. To give another example, the display area (AA) may be configured in a right-angled or circular shape with four rectangular corners, but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto.

[0053] According to this specification, the width of the second non-display area (NA2) where multiple pad electrodes are arranged may be wider than the width of the bending area (BA) where multiple link wirings are arranged. Similarly, the width of the display area (AA) where multiple subpixels are arranged may be wider than the width of the bending area (BA) where multiple link wirings are arranged. In the drawings, the width of the bending area (BA) is shown to be narrower than the width of other areas of the substrate 110, but the shape of the substrate 110 including the bending area (BA) is illustrative, and the embodiments described herein are not limited thereto. For example, the widths of the second non-display area NA2 where multiple pad electrodes are arranged, the width of the bending area BA where multiple link wirings are arranged, and the widths of the display area AA where multiple subpixels are arranged may be equal to or different from each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0054] Although not shown in the drawings, multiple pixel driving circuits may be arranged in the display area (AA). These multiple pixel driving circuits may be circuits for driving multiple sub-pixel light-emitting elements. Each of these multiple pixel driving circuits may include multiple transistors, including a driving transistor, and a storage capacitor, and may supply control signals, power, and driving current to the multiple sub-pixel light-emitting elements, thereby controlling the light-emitting operation of the multiple light-emitting elements. For example, a pixel driving circuit may include power supply wiring and signal wiring for controlling the on / off and / or light-emitting time of the light-emitting elements. For example, the multiple pixel driving circuits may be drive drivers manufactured on a semiconductor substrate using a MOSFET (Metal-oxide-silicon field effect transistor) manufacturing process, but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto. A drive driver may include multiple pixel driving circuits and drive multiple sub-pixels.

[0055] Referring together to Figures 2 and 3, a flexible circuit board 157 and a printed circuit board 160 may be arranged at the bottom of the display panel 100. The flexible circuit board 157 and the printed circuit board 160 may be arranged at least on one side edge of the display panel 100, but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto. One side of the flexible circuit board 157 may be attached to the display panel 100 and the other side to the printed circuit board 160, but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto. The flexible circuit board 157 may be a flexible film, but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto.

[0056] A pad section (PAD) containing multiple pad electrodes may be arranged in the second non-display area (NA2). One or more drive components, including one or more flexible circuit boards (or flexible films) 157 and a printed circuit board 160, may be attached to or bonded to the pad section (PAD). The multiple pad electrodes of the pad section (PAD) are electrically connected to one or more flexible circuit boards (or flexible films) 157, and various signals (or power) from the printed circuit board 160 and the flexible circuit boards (or flexible films) 157 can be transmitted to multiple pixel drive circuits in the display area (AA).

[0057] The flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 157 may be a film in which various components are arranged on a flexible base film. For example, the flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 157 may have a drive IC such as a gate driver IC or a data driver IC, but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto. The drive IC may be a component that processes data and drive signals to display an image. The drive IC may be arranged in a manner such as chip-on-glass (COG), chip-on-film (COF), or tape carrier package (TCP), depending on the mounting method, but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto. The flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 157 may be attached to or bonded to a plurality of pad electrodes (PE) via a conductive adhesive layer, but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto.

[0058] The printed circuit board 160 may be electrically connected to one or more flexible circuit boards (or flexible films) 157 and may be a component that supplies signals to the drive IC. The printed circuit board 160 may be located on one side of the flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 157 and electrically connected to the flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 157. Various components may be arranged on the printed circuit board 160 to supply various signals to the drive IC. For example, various components such as a timing controller, power supply unit, memory, or processor may be arranged on the printed circuit board 160. For example, the printed circuit board 160 may include a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto.

[0059] The printed circuit board 160 may include at least one hole 180, but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto. An internal component that senses ambient light or temperature, etc., which may be supplied to multiple sensors, may be located in the area corresponding to at least one hole 180. For example, the internal component may include an ambient light sensor (ALS) or a temperature sensor, but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto. For example, the hole 180 may be a through-hole, but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto. For example, the hole 180 may be omitted by design.

[0060] Referring to Figure 2, the polarizing layer 293 may be placed on the display panel 100. The polarizing layer 293 can prevent or reduce light generated from an external light source from entering the inside of the display panel 100 and affecting light-emitting elements, etc. For example, the polarizing layer 293 can be omitted depending on the design.

[0061] The cover member 155 may be placed on the polarizing layer 293. The cover member 155 may include, for example, a cover glass made of glass material. The cover member 155 may be a member for protecting the display panel 100. An adhesive layer 295 may be placed between the polarizing layer 293 and the cover member 155. The cover member 155 may be attached to the display panel 100 by the adhesive layer 295. The adhesive layer 295 may include, but is not limited to, an optically clear adhesive (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), or a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). The embodiments herein can be placed on the polarizing layer 293. The cover member 155 may include a transparent material. For example, the cover member 155 may include, but is not limited to, a glass cover glass or a plastic material. For example, the adhesive layer 295 may be omitted depending on the design. For example, the cover member 155 can be attached to the display panel 100 without the adhesive layer 295, but is not limited to this.

[0062] The display panel 100 may have four corners, each with an arc shape. For example, the display panel 100 may have each corner formed in a round shape. The embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the display panel 100 may include three or more edges. For example, at least one of the three or more edges may have an arc shape. For example, at least one of the three or more edges may be formed in a circular shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] The cover member 155 is positioned on top of the display panel 100 to protect the display panel 100.

[0064] A support substrate 145 may be positioned between the display panel 100 and the printed circuit board 160. The support substrate 145 can reinforce the rigidity of the display panel 100. The support substrate 145 may be a backplate, but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto. For example, the support substrate 145 may be omitted or integrated with the display panel 100, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] The support substrate 145 is positioned below the display panel 100 and can serve to support the display panel 100.

[0066] The support substrate 145 may have four spline regions (SPA1 to SPA4) corresponding to the four arc-shaped corners of the display panel 100. Each spline region is an arc-shaped region at each of the four corners of the support substrate 145. For example, each spline region is an arc-shaped region where the horizontal and vertical sides meet the support substrate 145. Hole patterns (PT) may be formed in each spline region (SPA1 to SPA4). The embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the support substrate 145 may have at least one spline region corresponding to at least one arc-shaped edge of the display panel 100. For example, each hole pattern PT may be formed in at least one spline region.

[0067] The four spline regions (SPA1 to SPA4) may include the first spline region (SPA1) located at the upper left end, the second spline region (SPA2) located at the upper right end, the third spline region (SPA3) located at the lower right end, and the fourth spline region (SPA4) located at the lower left end, as shown in Figure 3.

[0068] The support substrate 145 may have two parallel horizontal sides and two parallel vertical sides. The horizontal and vertical sides may have different lengths. For example, the length of the vertical sides may be longer than the length of the horizontal sides.

[0069] However, the embodiments described herein are not limited thereto. For example, the support substrate 145 may have horizontal and vertical sides of equal length.

[0070] The support substrate 145 may have a first spline region (SPA1) located at the upper left end where the horizontal and vertical sides intersect, and a second spline region (SPA2) located at the upper right end where the horizontal and vertical sides intersect.

[0071] Furthermore, the support substrate 145 may have a third spline region (SPA3) located at the lower right end where the vertical and horizontal sides intersect, and a fourth spline region (SPA4) located at the lower left end where the vertical and horizontal sides intersect.

[0072] The support substrate 145 is positioned below the display panel 100 and may be attached to the display panel 100 via an adhesive member. When the support substrate 145 is attached to the display panel 100, it may be precisely attached and bonded to the display panel 100 via a plurality of direct bonding keys located in the non-display area (NA) of the display panel 100.

[0073] Multiple directly linked keys (DBKs) may be located at least one in the area outside the trimming line facing each corner of the substrate 110. For example, multiple directly linked keys (DBKs) may be arranged at each of the four corners of the substrate 110 and consist of four alignment key patterns.

[0074] Multiple directly bonded keys (DBKs) may contain metallic material. Multiple directly bonded keys (DBKs) may be formed by placing a black matrix with multiple openings on the metallic material, so that the metallic material is exposed through the openings in the black matrix.

[0075] When the support substrate 145 is attached to the display panel 100, pressure (P) is applied for bonding, as shown in Figure 4, causing the transverse and longitudinal sides and spline regions (e.g., SPA1) to bend in the direction of attachment to the display panel 100. Figure 4 shows an example of pressure being applied to the spline region according to an embodiment of this specification. The support substrate 145 may experience tensile stress (T) due to tension (Tesile) in the display region and compressive stress (P) due to compressive force (Compressive) in the non-display region. Embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the boundary between the region subjected to tensile stress (T) and the region subjected to compressive stress (P) may not exactly coincide with the boundary between the display region and the non-display region. For example, the region subjected to tensile stress (T) may be located inside the region subjected to compressive stress (P), but is not limited thereto.

[0076] The horizontal side may have a first curvature that causes the support substrate 145 to bend in the direction in which it adheres to the display panel 100, and the vertical side may have a second curvature that causes the support substrate 145 to bend in the direction in which it adheres to the display panel 100.

[0077] If the horizontal and vertical sides of the support substrate 145 have the same degree of deflection, the first curvature and the second curvature may have the same value.

[0078] However, if the degree of deflection of the horizontal and vertical sides of the support substrate 145 is different from that of the other, the first curvature and the second curvature may have different values ​​from each other.

[0079] Each spline region (SPA1 to SPA4) is a composite curvature region where the lateral and vertical deflections intersect when the lateral and vertical edges of the support substrate 145 are deflected.

[0080] Therefore, each spline region (SPA1 to SPA4) may have a third curvature, which is a composite curvature, formed by the intersection of a horizontal side having a first curvature and a vertical side having a second curvature.

[0081] In the support substrate 145, the first spline region (SPA1) located at the upper left end where the horizontal and vertical sides intersect may have a third-first curvature where the horizontal side with the first curvature intersects with the vertical side with the second curvature, and which bends in the direction of the corner at the upper left end.

[0082] In the support substrate 145, the second spline region (SPA2) located at the upper right end where the horizontal and vertical sides intersect may have a third-second curvature where the horizontal side with the first curvature intersects with the vertical side with the second curvature, and which bends in the direction of the corner at the upper right end.

[0083] In the support substrate 145, the third spline region (SPA3) located at the lower right end where the vertical and horizontal sides intersect may have a third-to-third curvature where the vertical side with the second curvature intersects with the horizontal side with the first curvature, and which bends in the direction of the corner at the lower right end.

[0084] In the support substrate 145, the fourth spline region (SPA4) located at the lower left end where the vertical and horizontal sides intersect may have a third-to-fourth curvature where the vertical side with the second curvature intersects with the horizontal side with the first curvature, and which flexes in the direction of the corner at the lower left end.

[0085] The 3-1 curvature, 3-2 curvature, 3-3 curvature, and 3-4 curvature may have the same value as each other.

[0086] The 3-1 curvature, 3-2 curvature, 3-3 curvature, and 3-4 curvature may have different values ​​from each other. The 3-1 curvature, 3-2 curvature, 3-3 curvature, and 3-4 curvature may have values ​​that decrease sequentially. The 3-1 curvature, 3-2 curvature, 3-3 curvature, and 3-4 curvature may have values ​​that increase sequentially.

[0087] The 3-1 curvature may have a value greater than the 3-2 curvature, 3-3 curvature, and 3-4 curvature. The 3-1 curvature may have a value less than the 3-2 curvature, 3-3 curvature, and 3-4 curvature. Therefore, the 3-2 curvature, 3-3 curvature, and 3-4 curvature may have the same value as each other.

[0088] The 3-2 curvature may have a different value from the 3-1 curvature, the 3-3 curvature, and the 3-4 curvature. Therefore, the 3-1 curvature, the 3-3 curvature, and the 3-4 curvature may have the same value as each other. The 3-2 curvature may have an even larger value than the 3-1 curvature, the 3-3 curvature, and the 3-4 curvature. The 3-2 curvature may have an even smaller value than the 3-1 curvature, the 3-3 curvature, and the 3-4 curvature.

[0089] The third-third curvature may have a different value from the third-first curvature, the third-second curvature, and the third-fourth curvature. Therefore, the third-first curvature, the third-second curvature, and the third-fourth curvature may have the same value as each other. The third-third curvature may have a value even greater than the third-first curvature, the third-second curvature, and the third-fourth curvature. The third-third curvature may have a value even smaller than the third-first curvature, the third-second curvature, and the third-fourth curvature.

[0090] The third- and fourth curvatures may have different values ​​from the third-first curvature, the third-second curvature, and the third-third curvature. Therefore, the third-first curvature, the third-second curvature, and the third-third curvature may have the same value as each other. The third- and fourth curvatures may have even larger values ​​than the third-first curvature, the third-second curvature, and the third-third curvature. The third- and fourth curvatures may have even smaller values ​​than the third-first curvature, the third-second curvature, and the third-third curvature. The display device 1000 according to the embodiments of this specification may have a variety of curvatures, not limited to these. The display device 1000 according to the embodiments of this specification may have a variety of curvatures due to differences in length, differences in the pattern of the release portion, etc.

[0091] The support substrate 145 according to the embodiments of this specification has hole patterns (PT) formed at each of the four corners, i.e., the first spline region (SPA1) to the fourth spline region (SPA4) having a third curvature of composite curvature, thereby dispersing tensile stress (T) in the display area to prevent cracking and lifting, and absorbing compressive stress (P) in the non-display area to prevent the occurrence of wrinkles.

[0092] Figure 5 shows the structure of the hole pattern formed on the support substrate according to the embodiment described herein.

[0093] Referring to Figure 5, the support substrate 145 according to the embodiment of this specification may have hole patterns (PT) formed in the first spline region (SPA1) to the fourth spline region (SPA4), respectively.

[0094] The hole pattern (PT) may consist of alternating horizontal holes and vertical holes. The horizontal and vertical holes may have shapes such as rectangles, ovals, or ovals or rectangles with partially recessed middle sections on both sides, but are not limited to these.

[0095] The support substrate 145 may include a back plate that reinforces the rigidity of the display panel 100.

[0096] The support substrate 145 may be made of a metal material. The metal material may include, for example, stainless steel (SUS). However, the metal material is not limited to this in the embodiments described herein.

[0097] The support substrate 145 may have a flat area (FA) and a pattern area on which a hole pattern (PT) is formed, as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A' in Figure 5. Each hole pattern (PT) may be formed in each spline area (SPA1 to SPA4). For example, the hole pattern PT does not have to be formed in the flat area (FA). For example, the pattern area can correspond to at least one or all of the spline areas SPA1 to SPA4. For example, the pattern area may be the same size as, larger than, or smaller than, the spline areas SPA1 to SPA4, but is not limited to these.

[0098] The flattened area (FA) corresponds to the display area (AA) of the display panel 100. Each perforated pattern (PT) is, in part, a non-display area (NA) of the display panel 100 and is, in part, a display area (AA) of the display panel 100, but is not limited to this. For example, the entire pattern area may correspond to the non-display area NA of the display panel 100. For example, at least a portion of the flat area FA may correspond to the non-display area NA of the display panel 100, for example, between adjacent pattern areas.

[0099] Each spline region (SPA1 to SPA4) may have, but is not limited to, a first region corresponding to a display region (AA) and a second region corresponding to a non-display region (NA).

[0100] In this case, the first region may have a larger area than the second region, but is not limited to this.

[0101] The second area can correspond to the bezel area of ​​the non-display area (NA). The second area can overlap with the bezel area of ​​the display panel 100.

[0102] Each hole pattern (PT) may be formed from a portion of the first region to the second region. For example, each hole pattern (PT) may partially overlap with the display region (AA).

[0103] The first region may include a flattened region and a patterned region in which a hole pattern is formed.

[0104] The flattened region in the first region may have a certain length (a). For example, the flattened region in the first region may have a length of 0.8 millimeters (mm) to 1.2 millimeters (mm). The flattened region may have a length of, for example, 1.0 millimeter (mm).

[0105] The inner or outer diameter of the arc in each spline region (SPA1 to SPA4) may be 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm. For example, the inner diameter of the arc may be R0.2 mm, and the outer diameter of the arc may be R0.3 mm. For example, an arc with a thickness like a donut (annular arc) has two radii (inner radius and outer radius). These can be defined as the inner diameter and outer diameter, respectively.

[0106] The support substrate 145 may be bonded to the display panel 100 via one of the following: optically clear adhesive (OCA), optically clear resin (OCR), or pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). For example, the support substrate 145 may be bonded to the display panel 100 via pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) located at the bottom, as shown in Figure 6.

[0107] Figure 7 shows the operation of the support substrate when pressure is generated according to the embodiment of this specification.

[0108] Referring to Figure 7, when the support substrate 145 according to the embodiment of this specification is attached to the display panel 100, pressure is generated due to the bending of the attachment in each spline region (SPA1 to SPA4), but this pressure is absorbed into the hole space by the hole pattern (PT).

[0109] Figure 8 shows the hole patterns formed in the display area and non-display area of ​​the support substrate according to the embodiment described herein.

[0110] Referring to Figure 8, the support substrate 145 according to the embodiment of this specification may be formed of a metal material (SUS) and may have a hole pattern (PT) formed in the spline region.

[0111] The hole pattern (PT) may be formed from the beginning of the spline area in the display area (AA) towards the outer edge to the non-display area (NA). Here, the non-display area (NA) may include the bezel area (BZ).

[0112] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional structure of a support substrate according to the embodiments described herein.

[0113] Referring to Figure 9, the support substrate 145 according to the embodiment of this specification may have a flattened area in the display area (AA) and a slightly flexible bending area.

[0114] The hole pattern (PT) may be formed from the beginning of the spline area in the flattened area of ​​the display area (AA) towards the outer edge, extending to the non-display area (NA).

[0115] A display panel 100 may be positioned below the support substrate 145, and a cover member 155 may be positioned below the display panel 100. The embodiments of this specification are not limited thereto. For example, in the display device according to the embodiments of this specification, if the vertical positional relationship is reversed, the display panel 100 may be positioned above the support substrate 145, and the cover member 155 may be positioned above the display panel 100.

[0116] The support substrate 145 may have a bending region that flexes in the spline region. In this case, the bending region may have a third curvature of composite curvature where the horizontal side of the support substrate 145 with a first curvature and the vertical side with a second curvature intersect and flex.

[0117] The display panel 100 and the cover member 155 can also bend to correspond to the bending region of the support substrate 145. The display panel 100 may have a fourth curvature that bends to correspond to the bending region of the support substrate 145. The cover member 155 may also have a fifth curvature that bends to correspond to the bending region of the support substrate 145. The fourth and fifth curvatures may have the same value. The fourth and fifth curvatures may have different values.

[0118] Figure 10 shows the hole pattern formed in the first spline region of the support substrate according to the embodiment of this specification.

[0119] Referring to Figure 10, the support substrate 145 according to the embodiment of this specification may have a hole pattern (PT) in the first spline region (SPA1) formed in an arc-shaped outer direction.

[0120] In this case, the support substrate 145 is made of a metal material (SUS), but it may have a hole pattern (PT) in which a large number of holes are formed that penetrate the first spline region (SPA1) of the metal material (SUS). The display panel 100 and the cover member 155 may be arranged continuously in the direction outside the hole pattern (PT). The hole pattern (PT) may be formed in a manner that flexes outward along the third curvature of the composite curvature that the support substrate 145 has in the first spline region (SPA1).

[0121] Figure 11 shows the hole pattern formed in the second spline region of the support substrate according to the embodiment of this specification.

[0122] Referring to Figure 11, the support substrate 145 according to the embodiment of this specification may be such that a hole pattern (PT) is formed in the arc-shaped outer direction, in which a metal material (SUS) penetrates through the second spline region (SPA2) and a large number of holes are formed.

[0123] In this case, the hole pattern (PT) may be formed in such a way that it flexes outward along the third curvature of the composite curvature that the support substrate 145 has in the second spline region (SPA2).

[0124] Figure 12 shows the hole pattern formed in the fourth spline region of the support substrate according to the embodiment described herein.

[0125] Referring to Figure 12, the support substrate 145 according to the embodiment of this specification may be such that a hole pattern (PT) is formed along the arc-shaped outer edge direction, in which a metal material (SUS) penetrates through the fourth spline region (SPA4) and a large number of holes are formed.

[0126] The fourth spline region (SPA4) may have a third curvature, which is a composite curvature where the horizontal side of the support substrate 145 with a first curvature and the vertical side with a second curvature intersect and flex.

[0127] In this case, the hole pattern (PT) may be formed in such a way that it flexes outward along the third curvature of the composite curvature that the support substrate 145 has in the fourth spline region (SPA4).

[0128] As described above, the support substrate 145 according to the embodiment of this specification has a hole pattern (PT) in each spline region (SPA1 to SPA4), so that even if pressure is applied during the adhesion process with the display panel 100, the pressure is absorbed through the hole pattern, thereby preventing the support substrate from warping or lifting.

[0129] On the other hand, the display panel 100 attached to the support substrate 145 in the embodiments of this specification may include a large number of light-emitting elements in the display area (AA), although this is not shown.

[0130] Light-emitting elements can be formed on a silicon wafer by methods such as metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE), or sputtering, but the examples herein are not limited to these methods.

[0131] The light-emitting element may include an anode electrode, a first semiconductor layer, an active layer, a second semiconductor layer, a cathode electrode, and a sealing film, but the examples herein are not limited thereto. For example, the light-emitting element may not include a sealing film.

[0132] One of the first and second semiconductor layers can be made of a compound semiconductor such as a III-V or II-VI semiconductor, and may be doped with impurities (or topants). For example, one of the first and second semiconductor layers may be a semiconductor layer doped with n-type impurities, and the other may be a semiconductor layer doped with p-type impurities, but the examples herein are not limited thereto. For example, one or more of the first and second semiconductor layers may be layers doped with n-type or p-type impurities in a substance such as gallium nitride (GaN), gallium phosphide (GaP), gallium arsenide (GaAsP), aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP), indium aluminum phosphide (InAlP), aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN), aluminum indium nitride (AlInN), aluminum indium gallium nitride (AlInGaN), aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs), or gallium arsenide (GaAs), but the examples herein are not limited thereto. For example, n-type impurities may include silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), selenium (Se), carbon (C), therium (Te), or tin (Sn), but the examples herein are not limited thereto. For example, p-type impurities may include magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), or beryllium (Be), but the examples herein are not limited thereto.

[0133] The first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer may be a nitride semiconductor containing n-type impurities and a nitride semiconductor containing p-type impurities, respectively, but the examples herein are not limited thereto. For example, the first semiconductor layer may be a nitride semiconductor containing p-type impurities, and the second semiconductor layer may be a nitride semiconductor containing n-type impurities, but the examples herein are not limited thereto.

[0134] The active layer may be positioned between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer. The active layer is supplied with holes and electrons from the first and second semiconductor layers and can emit light. For example, the active layer may consist of one of the following: a single well structure, a multi-well structure, a single quantum well structure, a multi-quantum well (MQW) structure, a quantum dot structure, and a quantum beam structure, but the examples herein are not limited thereto. For example, the active layer may consist of indium gallium nitride (InGaN) or gallium nitride (GaN), but the examples herein are not limited thereto.

[0135] For example, the active layer may include a multi-quantum well (MQW) structure having a well layer and a barrier layer with a higher band gap than the well layer. For instance, the active layer may consist of an InGaN well layer and an AlGaN barrier layer, but the examples herein are not limited to this.

[0136] The anode electrode may be composed of gold (Au), tin (Sn), tungsten (W), silicon (Si), silver (Ag), titanium (Ti), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), indium (In), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), platinum (Pt), copper (Cu), or alloys thereof, but the examples herein are not limited to these.

[0137] The cathode electrode may be composed of a material such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), or indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), but the examples herein are not limited thereto.

[0138] The encapsulation film may be located on at least a portion of the first semiconductor layer, the active layer, the second semiconductor layer, the anode electrode, and the cathode electrode. For example, the encapsulation film may surround at least a portion of the first semiconductor layer, the active layer, the second semiconductor layer, the anode electrode, and the cathode electrode. The encapsulation film may be made of an insulating material such as silicon nitride (SiNx) or silicon oxide (SiOx), but the examples herein are not limited thereto.

[0139] According to this specification, the light-emitting element may have a vertical structure, a lateral structure, or a flip-chip structure.

[0140] A black matrix may be placed on the light-emitting elements in the display area (AA). The black matrix can prevent light leakage between multiple adjacent light-emitting elements.

[0141] A cover layer may be placed on the black matrix in the display area (AA). The cover layer can protect the underlying structure of the cover layer. For example, the cover layer may be made of an organic insulating material, but the examples herein are not limited thereto. For example, the cover layer may be made of a photoresist, polyimide (PI), or photoacrylic material, but the examples herein are not limited thereto. For example, the cover layer may be an overcoat layer or an insulating layer, but the examples herein are not limited thereto.

[0142] As shown in Figure 2, a polarizing layer 293 may be arranged on the cover layer of the display panel 100 via a first adhesive layer. A cover member 155 may be arranged on the polarizing layer via a second adhesive layer 295. For example, the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer 295 may include optically clear adhesive (OCA), optically clear resin (OCR), or pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), but the examples herein are not limited thereto.

[0143] Although not shown, multiple pad electrodes may be arranged in the second non-display area (NA2). An adhesive layer (ACF) may be arranged on the multiple pad electrodes. The adhesive layer (ACF) may be an adhesive layer in which conductive balls are dispersed in an insulating material, but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto. When heat or pressure is applied to the adhesive layer (ACF), the conductive balls may be electrically connected in the portion where heat or pressure is applied, thereby having conductive properties. An adhesive layer (ACF) can be arranged between the multiple pad electrodes and the flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 157, and the flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 157 can be attached to or bonded to the multiple pad electrodes. For example, the adhesive layer (ACF) may be an anisotropic conductive film (ACF), but the embodiments herein are not limited thereto.

[0144] A flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 157 may be placed on the adhesive layer (ACF). The flexible circuit board (or flexible film) 157 may be electrically connected to a plurality of pad electrodes via the adhesive layer (ACF).

[0145] According to the embodiments of this specification, during the manufacturing of the display device 1000, a support substrate 145 having a perforated pattern formed at each corner can be bonded to the display panel 100.

[0146] Therefore, when the support substrate 145 and the display panel 100 are connected, pressure is absorbed through the hole patterns (PT) formed in each spline region (SPA1 to SPA4) of the support substrate 145, thereby preventing the support substrate 145 from wobbling or lifting.

[0147] Therefore, it is possible to prevent product defects during the manufacturing of the display device 1000, and thereby achieve a narrow bezel for the display device.

[0148] Furthermore, according to the embodiments described herein, a display device can be provided that ensures product reliability by improving product quality.

[0149] The display devices according to the various embodiments of this specification can be described as follows:

[0150] A display device according to one embodiment of this specification includes a display panel having four arc-shaped corners; a cover member positioned above the display panel to protect the display panel; and a support substrate 145 positioned below the display panel to support the display panel, wherein the support substrate may have four spline regions corresponding to each of the four arc-shaped corners, and a hole pattern may be formed in each spline region.

[0151] The support substrate has two parallel horizontal sides and two parallel vertical sides, and the horizontal sides and vertical sides may have different lengths.

[0152] The horizontal side may have a first curvature that causes the support substrate to bend in the direction in which it adheres to the display panel, and the vertical side may have a second curvature that causes the support substrate to bend in the direction in which it adheres to the display panel.

[0153] A display device in which the first curvature and the second curvature have the same value.

[0154] The first curvature and the second curvature may have different values ​​from each other.

[0155] Each of the spline regions may have a third curvature of composite curvature where the horizontal side having the first curvature intersects with the vertical side having the second curvature.

[0156] The hole pattern may consist of alternating horizontal holes and vertical holes.

[0157] The support substrate may include a back plate that reinforces the rigidity of the display panel.

[0158] The support substrate may be made of a metal material.

[0159] The aforementioned metal material may include stainless steel.

[0160] The support substrate may have a flattened region and a patterned region in which the hole pattern is formed.

[0161] The display panel includes a display area and a non-display area, and each spline area may have a first area corresponding to the display area and a second area corresponding to the non-display area.

[0162] The hole pattern may be formed from a part of the first region to the second region.

[0163] The first region may include a flattened region and a patterned region in which the hole pattern is formed.

[0164] The flattened region in the first region may have a length of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0165] The inner or outer diameter of the arc shape in each of the spline regions may be 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0166] The support substrate may be bonded to the display panel via one of the following: optical adhesive (OCA), optical resin (OCR), or pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0167] As described above, this specification has been explained with reference to the illustrative drawings, but it is clear that this specification is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications can be made by an ordinary person of the art within the scope of the technical concept of this specification. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration of the embodiments described herein are not explicitly stated and explained in the embodiments described above, it is natural that the effects that can be predicted by such configurations should also be recognized. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0168] 1000 display devices 100 Display Panels 110 circuit boards 145 Support substrate 155 Cover component 157 Flexible printed circuit board 160 Printed Circuit Boards 293 Polarizing layer 295 Adhesive layer 1005 Case section AA display area NA hidden area SPA1~SPA4 Spline Area BZ Bezel Area BA Bending Area PT hole pattern SUS Stainless Steel FA Flattened area PSA pressure-sensitive adhesive

Claims

1. Display panel and It includes a support substrate positioned below the display panel and supporting the display panel, The support substrate is a display device having arc-shaped spline regions at each of its four corners, with a hole pattern formed in each spline region.

2. The support substrate has two parallel horizontal sides and two parallel vertical sides. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal side and the vertical side are of the same length or different lengths.

3. The aforementioned horizontal edge has a first curvature that flexes from the display panel toward the support substrate, The display device according to claim 2, wherein the vertical side has a second curvature that flexes from the display panel toward the support substrate.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the first curvature and the second curvature have the same value.

5. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the first curvature and the second curvature have different values ​​from each other.

6. The display device according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein each spline region has a third curvature of composite curvature where the horizontal side having the first curvature intersects with the vertical side having the second curvature.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the hole pattern is formed by alternating first holes formed in the horizontal direction and second holes formed in the vertical direction.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the first hole and the second hole are arranged alternately in the first and second directions.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein the support substrate has two horizontal sides parallel to the first direction and two vertical sides parallel to the second direction.

10. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the first hole and the second hole each have the shape of a rectangle, an ellipse, or an ellipse or rectangle with one or both of its long sides partially recessed in the center.

11. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the support substrate includes a back plate that reinforces the rigidity of the display panel.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the support substrate is formed of a metal material, and the metal material includes stainless steel.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the support substrate has a flattened region and a patterned region in which the hole pattern is formed.

14. The aforementioned display panel includes a display area and a non-display area. The display device according to claim 13, wherein each spline region comprises a first region corresponding to the display region and a second region corresponding to the non-display region.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein the hole pattern is formed from a part of the first region to the second region.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein the first region includes a flat region and a pattern region in which the hole pattern is formed.

17. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the support substrate is bonded to the display panel via one of an optical adhesive, an optical resin, or a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

18. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a cover member disposed on the upper part of the display panel to protect the display panel.

Images