Display device

Abstract

Disclosed is a display device. The display device disclosed herein may comprise: a display panel; an electrode which is adjacent to an edge of the display panel and is formed on the rear surface of the display panel; a line extending from the electrode toward the edge of the display panel and having one end electrically connected to the electrode; and a node outside the display panel to which the other end of the line is electrically connected.

Description

display device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device.

[0002] As the information society develops, the demand for display devices is also increasing in various forms, and in response to this, various display devices such as LCD (Liquid Crystal Display Device), PDP (Plasma Display Panel), ELD (Electro luminescent Display), and VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) are being researched and used in recent years.

[0003] Among these, the LCD panel has a TFT substrate and a color substrate that face each other with a liquid crystal layer in between, and can display images using light provided from a backlight unit. In addition, the OLED panel can display images by depositing an organic layer capable of self-luminescence on a substrate on which a transparent electrode is formed.

[0004] Recently, various attempts have been made regarding the shape and material of the frame to which the display panel is attached.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0006] Another purpose may be to provide a structure that can minimize damage to the display panel due to external surges such as static electricity.

[0007] Another purpose may be to provide a structure that can minimize damage to the display panel even if the electrodes of the display panel are covered by a non-conductive material or exposed to the rear of the display panel.

[0008] Another purpose may be to provide a ground structure for the electrodes that represent information on the display panel.

[0009] Another purpose may be to provide a ground structure for the electrodes representing marks used to align the display panel to a counterpart.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above or other purposes, a display device may include: a display panel; an electrode formed on a rear surface of the display panel and adjacent to an edge of the display panel; a line extending from the electrode toward the edge of the display panel, the line having one end electrically connected to the electrode; and a node external to the display panel to which the other end of the line is electrically connected.

[0011] The effects of the display device according to the present disclosure are described as follows.

[0012] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a structure can be provided that can minimize damage to a display panel due to an external surge such as static electricity.

[0013] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a structure can be provided that can minimize damage to a display panel even if the electrode of the display panel is covered by a non-conductive material or exposed to the rear of the display panel.

[0014] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a ground structure of an electrode indicating information of a display panel can be provided.

[0015] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a ground structure of an electrode representing a mark used to align a display panel to a counterpart can be provided.

[0016] Further scope of the applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only.

[0017] Figures 1 to 16 are drawings illustrating examples of display devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components are given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0019] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing specifications, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves.

[0020] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0022] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0023] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0024] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0025] The direction indications of up (U), down (D), left (Le), right (Ri), front (F), and back (R) shown in the drawings are only for convenience of explanation, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited thereby.

[0026]

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, a display device (1) may include a display panel (10). The display panel (10) may display an image.

[0028] The display panel (10) may include a first long side (LS1), a second long side (LS2) opposite the first long side (LS1), a first short side (SS1) adjacent to the first long side (LS1) and the second long side (LS2), and a second short side (SS2) opposite the first short side (SS1). Meanwhile, for convenience of explanation, the lengths of the first and second long sides (LS1, LS2) are illustrated and described as being longer than the lengths of the first and second short sides (SS1, SS2), but it may also be possible for the lengths of the first and second long sides (LS1, LS2) to be approximately equal to the lengths of the first and second short sides (SS1, SS2).

[0029] The direction parallel to the long sides (LS1, LS2) can be referred to as the left-right direction. The side of the first short side (SS1) can be referred to as the left (Le, x), and the side of the second short side (SS2) can be referred to as the right (Ri).

[0030] The direction parallel to the short sides (SS1, SS2) can be referred to as the vertical direction. The first long side (LS1) side can be referred to as the upper side (U, y), and the second long side (LS2) side can be referred to as the lower side (D).

[0031] The direction perpendicular to the long sides (LS1, LS2) and the short sides (SS1, SS2) may be referred to as the front-back direction. The direction in which the display panel (10) displays an image may be referred to as the front (F, z), and the opposite direction may be referred to as the rear (R).

[0032] The long sides (LS1, LS2) and the short sides (SS1, SS2) may be referred to as edges of the display device (1). The points where the long sides (LS1, LS2) and the short sides (SS1, SS2) meet each other may be referred to as corners. The first corner (Ca) may be the point where the first short side (SS1) and the first long side (LS1) meet. The second corner (Cb) may be the point where the first long side (LS1) and the second short side (SS2) meet. The third corner (Cc) may be the point where the second short side (SS2) and the second long side (LS2) meet. The fourth corner (Cd) may be the point where the second long side (LS2) and the first short side (SS1) meet.

[0033]

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, the display device (1) may include a display panel (10), a plate (20), a frame (30), a guide panel (40), and a back cover (50).

[0035] The display panel (10) can form the front surface of the display device (1) and can display an image forward. The display panel (10) can output an image composed of a plurality of pixels, and the color, brightness, and saturation of each pixel can be adjusted. The display panel (10) can generate light corresponding to the colors red, green, or blue according to a control signal. The display panel (10) can be divided into an active area where an image is displayed and a de-active area where an image is not displayed. For example, the display panel (10) can be an OLED panel. As another example, the display panel (10) can be an LCD panel, and in this case, the display device (1) can include a backlight unit that provides light to the display panel (10). However, the type of the display panel (10) is not limited thereto.

[0036] The plate (20) may be positioned at the rear of the display panel (10) and may be coupled or attached to the display panel (10). The plate (20) may include a metal material. For example, the plate (20) may be a hot dipped galvanized iron (GI) or an electrolytic galvanized iron (EGI).

[0037] The hole (20H) may be adjacent to the lower edge of the plate (20) and may be formed by penetrating the plate (20) forward and backward. The holes (20Ha, 20Hb) may be spaced apart from each other.

[0038] The frame (30) may be positioned at the rear of the plate (20) and may be coupled or attached to the plate (20). The frame (30) may include a metal or plastic material. The frame (30) may be referred to as a cover bottom (30) or a module cover (30).

[0039] The hole (30H) may be adjacent to the lower side of the frame (30) and may be formed by penetrating the frame (30) forward and backward. The holes (30Ha, 30Hb) may be spaced apart from each other.

[0040] The guide panel (40) may extend along the edge of the frame (30) and be coupled to the frame (30). The guide panel (40) may cover the display panel (10), the plate (20), and the side of the frame (30). The guide panel (40) may include a plastic material. The guide panel (40) may be referred to as a middle cabinet (40) or a side frame (40).

[0041] The back cover (50) may be positioned at the rear of the frame (30) and may be coupled to the frame (30). The back cover (50) may include a plastic material.

[0042]

[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, a source PCB (12) may be adjacent to a lower side of a display panel (10) and may extend along the lower side. The source PCB (12) may be referred to as a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) or a board (12). A plurality of source PCBs (12) may be arranged along the lower side of the display panel (10). For example, a first source PCB (12a), a second source PCB (12b), a third source PCB (12c), and a fourth source PCB (12d) may be arranged sequentially from the left side to the right side of the display panel (10). A first bridge cable (13a) may electrically connect the first source PCB (12a) and the second source PCB (12b), and a second bridge cable (13b) may electrically connect the third source PCB (12c) and the fourth source PCB (12d). Each of the bridge cables (13a, 13b) may be an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable).

[0044] Cables (11) can electrically connect the display panel (10) and the source PCB (12). Lower ends of each of the plurality of cables (11) can be connected to the lower side of the display panel (10), and upper ends of each of the plurality of cables (11) can be connected to the lower side of the source PCB (12). The cables (11) can be COF (Chip On Film). The source PCBs (12) can be spaced upward from the lower side of the display panel (10), and the cables (11) can be arranged between the lower side of the display panel (10) and the source PCBs (12). The source PCBs (12) and the cables (11) can be coupled or attached to the rear side of the display panel (10).

[0045] A resin (not shown) may be applied to the rear surface of the display panel (10) and may cover the cables (11). The first electrode (15a) may be adjacent to a corner where the left side and the lower side of the display panel (10) meet, and may be adjacent to the cables (11) at the rear surface of the display panel (10). The second electrode (15b) may be adjacent to a corner where the right side and the lower side of the display panel (10) meet, and may be adjacent to the cables (11) at the rear surface of the display panel (10). The first electrode (15a) and the second electrode (15b) may not be covered by the resin covering the cables (11). That is, the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) may be exposed to the rear surface of the display panel (10).

[0046] The cable (C) can be electrically connected to the source PCB (12) through the hole (20H) of the plate (20) and the hole (CH) formed in the frame (30). For example, the first cable (C1) and the second cable (C2) can pass through the first holes (20Ha, 30Ha) and be electrically connected to the second source PCB (12b). For example, the third cable (C3) and the fourth cable (C4) can pass through the second holes (20Hb, 30Hb) and be electrically connected to the third source PCB (12c).

[0047] The mounting portion (40) may be coupled to or formed on the rear side of the frame (30). The mounting portion (40) may be located at the lower portion of the frame (30). The mounting portion (40) may include press portions that are recessed toward the rear, and fastening holes through which fastening members such as screws pass may be formed in the press portions. The mounting portion (40) may include a first region (41), a second region (42), and a third region (43). The first region (41) may be adjacent to the left side of the frame (30), the third region (43) may be adjacent to the right side of the frame (30), and the second region (42) may be located between the first region (41) and the third region (43).

[0048] A plurality of boards can be mounted on the mounting portion (40) and electrically connected to electronic components of the display device. The board can be a PCB (Printed Circuit Board), and components can be mounted on the board. A power supply board can be mounted in a first area (41) at the rear of the frame (30) and can provide power to components of the display device. A timing controller board (B2) can be mounted in a second area (42) at the rear of the frame (30) and can be connected to a source PCB (12) and a cable (11) via a cable (C) to provide digital video data and timing control signals to the display panel (10). A main board can be mounted in a third area (43) at the rear of the frame (30) and can control components of the display device.

[0049] Meanwhile, the back cover (50, see FIG. 2) may have a size corresponding to the mounting portion (40) and may cover the mounting portion (40).

[0050]

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the display device (1) may further include an end cover (60), a stand (80), and a basket (90).

[0052] The end cover (60) may be positioned at the rear of the back cover (50) and may be coupled to the back cover (50). The end cover (60) may cover the back cover (50). The end cover (60) may be an injection-molded plastic material. For example, the end cover (60) may include PC ABS material.

[0053] The stand (80) can be positioned between the back cover (50) and the end cover (60) and can be coupled to the back cover (50). The back cover (50) can be spaced upward from the ground by the stand (80). The basket (90) can be positioned at the rear of the end cover (60) and can be hung over the top of the end cover (60).

[0054]

[0055] Referring to FIG. 6, a plurality of adhesive members (20T1, 20T2, 20T3, 20T4, 20T5) can be attached to the rear surface of the display panel (10) and the front surface of the plate (20). The plurality of adhesive members (20T1, 20T2, 20T3, 20T4, 20T5) can be double-sided tapes. Accordingly, the display panel (10) can be attached to the front surface of the plate (20).

[0056] The front cover (20C) can be positioned below the display panel (10) and can be joined or attached to the front of the plate (20).

[0057] For example, cables (11) can be attached to the front surface of the plate (20) via adhesive members (20Tf). For example, a first source PCB (12a) can be attached to the front surface of the plate (20) via a first adhesive member (20Tsa), and a second source PCB (12b) can be attached to the front surface of the plate (20) via a second adhesive member (20Tsb).

[0058]

[0059] Referring to Fig. 7, the rear surface of the frame (30) may include an area where the mounting portion (40) is located and an area other than this (30g). The power supply board (B1), the timing controller board (B2), and the main board (B3) may be mounted on the rear surface of the mounting portion (40). In addition, the speakers (SPKa, SPKb) may be mounted on the rear surface of the mounting portion (40) adjacent to the lower side (30D) of the frame (30).

[0060]

[0061] Referring to FIG. 8, the display panel (10) may be a rectangular panel and may include four corners (Ca, Cb, Cc, Cd). The first corner (Ca) may be formed at a point where the left side (10L) and the upper side (10U) of the display panel (10) meet. The second corner (Cb) may be formed at a point where the upper side (10U) and the right side (10R) of the display panel (10) meet. The third corner (Cc) may be formed at a point where the right side (10R) and the lower side (10D) of the display panel (10) meet. The fourth corner (Cd) may be formed at a point where the lower side (10D) and the left side (10L) of the display panel (10) meet.

[0062] The display panel (10) may include glass (10G) and circuit patterns (10P) formed on the back surface of the glass (10G). The glass (10G) may be referred to as a substrate (10G). The display panel (10) may include an active area (AA) on which an image is displayed and a de-active area (DA) on which an image is not displayed.

[0063] The electrode (15) may be formed on the back of the inactive area (DA) and may be adjacent to one side of the display panel (10). The electrode (15) may be adjacent to one side of the display panel (10) to which the cable (11) is connected, and for example, the side may be the lower side. The electrode (15) may be referred to as a metal (15) or a metal electrode (15).

[0064] The first electrode (15a) may be adjacent to the fourth corner (Cd). Information indicating an ID (identity), such as the manufacturer and manufacturing date of the display panel (10), specifications such as inch information of the display panel (10), and a unique number of the display panel (10), may be formed or engraved on the first electrode (15a). The first electrode (15a) may include a metal material and may remain on the glass (10G) even after an etching process for forming circuit patterns (10P) on the glass (10G). The first electrode (15a) may be referred to as a panel ID electrode (15a).

[0065] The second electrode (15b) may be adjacent to the third corner (Cc). The second electrode (15b) and the first electrode (15a) may be used to align the display panel (10) to a counterpart. A mark, such as a specific point, line, or shape (e.g., a cross shape), may be formed or engraved on the second electrode (15b) and the first electrode (15a). Alternatively, the second electrode (15b) and the first electrode (15a) may have the shape of a specific point, line, or shape (e.g., a cross shape). The second electrode (15b) and the first electrode (15a) may include a metal material and may remain on the glass (10G) even after an etching process for forming circuit patterns (10P) on the glass (10G). For example, the plate (20) and the frame (30) can be aligned to the display panel (10) with respect to the second electrode (15b) (see FIGS. 3, 6, and 7). The first electrode (15a) can be referred to as a first alignment electrode (15a), and the second electrode (15b) can be referred to as a second alignment electrode (15b).

[0066] Meanwhile, the first electrode (15a) described above may be adjacent to the third corner (Cc), and the second electrode (15b) described above may be adjacent to the fourth corner (Cd).

[0067]

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, as the area of ​​the display panel (10) increases, the area of ​​the electrode (15) positioned on the back surface of the glass (10G) of the display panel (10) may increase. A resin may be formed on the back surface of the glass (10G) and may cover at least a portion of the circuit patterns (10P) while avoiding the electrode (15).

[0069] Referring to FIG. 9, the display panel (10) may have a first area, and an electrode (15) of a second area may be adjacent to a lower side (10D) of the display panel (10).

[0070] Referring to FIG. 10, the display panel (10) may have a third area larger than the first area, and an electrode (15) having a fourth area larger than the second area may be adjacent to the lower side (10D) of the display panel (10).

[0071] Referring to FIG. 11, the display panel (10) may have a fifth area larger than the third area, and an electrode (15) having a sixth area larger than the fourth area may be adjacent to the lower side (10D) of the display panel (10).

[0072]

[0073] Referring to FIG. 12, the glass (10G) of the display panel (10) may be referred to as the first glass (10G), and the second glass (10M) may be formed as one body with the first glass (10G).

[0074] A plurality of first electrode pads (18) may be formed on the rear surface of the first glass (10G) and arranged in a row. The first electrode pads (18) may be referred to as cable connection electrodes (18). For example, the first electrode pads (18) may include a metal material such as copper (Cu).

[0075] A common electrode (19) may be formed on the back surface of the second glass (10M) and may be electrically connected to a plurality of first electrode pads (18). Accordingly, static electricity generated during the manufacturing process of the display panel (10) may be discharged to the outside through the common electrode (19) to the first electrode pads (18). That is, the common electrode (19) may provide a node for grounding the first electrode pads (18) during the manufacturing process of the display panel (10).

[0076] The second glass (10M) can be cut out from the first glass (10G) along the cutting line (CL). The lower edge (10D) of the display panel (10) can be formed along the cutting line (CL).

[0077] A plurality of cables (11, see FIGS. 3 and 6) can be coupled or attached to a plurality of first electrode pads (18) and electrically connected to the plurality of first electrode pads (18). Accordingly, the source PCB (12) can be electrically connected to the first electrode pads (18) of the display panel (10) through the cables (11) and can provide a signal to a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) of the display panel (10) through the first electrode pads (18). The TFT can be a transistor used as a driving element of pixels of the display panel (10). The TFT can control the flow of current to the pixels of the display panel (10).

[0078] A line (16) may be formed on the back surface of the first glass (10G). The line (16) may be composed of one line or two or more lines. The line (16) may be an electrode made of a metal material and may be referred to as a ground line (16), a line electrode (16), a pattern electrode (16), or a circuit (16). The line (16) may remain on the first glass (10G) even after an etching process for forming circuit patterns (10P) on the first glass (10G).

[0079] The first electrode (15a) can be electrically connected to the line (16) and can be electrically connected to the active electrode (10A) of the TFT formed on the back of the glass (10G) of the display panel (10) through the line (16). One end of the line (16) can be electrically connected to the first electrode (15a), and the other end of the line (16) can be electrically connected to the active electrode (10A) of the TFT.

[0080] Accordingly, the first electrode (15a) can be grounded to the TFT through the line (16). Similarly, the second electrode (15b, see FIG. 8) can also be grounded to the TFT through the same line as the line (16). That is, the TFT can provide a node for grounding the electrode (15) of the display panel (10).

[0081] In comparison, when the electrode (15) is located on the back surface of the first glass (10G) without being grounded, charges generated during the manufacturing process of the display panel (10) may accumulate on the electrode (15), and sparks or the like may occur between the electrode (15) on which charges have accumulated and another electrode (e.g., an electrode of a TFT) of the display panel (10), which may cause damage to the display panel (10).

[0082]

[0083] Referring again to FIG. 3, the height (H20) of the plate (20) may be less than the height (H10) of the display panel (10), and the height (H30) of the frame (30) may be equal to or greater than the height (H10) of the display panel (10). The upper side of the display panel (10), the upper side of the plate (20), and the upper side of the frame (30) may be positioned at the same height. The lower side of the plate (20) may be spaced upward from the lower side of the display panel (10) and the lower side of the frame (30), and the cables (11) and the source PCBs (12) may be positioned between the display panel (10) and the frame (30) below the plate (20). The first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) on the rear surface of the display panel (10) may be separated from the plate (20) and covered by the frame (30). Alternatively, the plate (20) may be omitted, and the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) may be covered by a frame (30).

[0084] At this time, the frame (30) may include a non-conductive material. For example, the frame (30) may be an injection molded plastic material. For example, the frame (30) may include a PC ABS material. The frame (30) cannot shield an external surge, and the external surge may be applied to the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b). The external surge applied to the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) may be transmitted to the TFT through the line (16) (see FIG. 12), and may cause damage to the TFT with a thin line width of the circuit or deterioration of the image quality. To prevent this, it may be necessary to cover the electrodes (15a, 15b) with members made of a separate conductive material (e.g., a metal material). Alternatively, it may be necessary to contact the electrodes (15a, 15b) with members made of a separate conductive material.

[0085]

[0086] Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 7, the height (H21) of the plate (20) and the height (H31) of the frame (30) may be equal to or greater than the height (H11) of the display panel (10). The upper side of the display panel (10), the upper side of the plate (20), and the upper side of the frame (30) may be positioned at the same height. The lower side of the plate (20) and the lower side of the frame (30) may be positioned at the same height as the lower side of the display panel (10) or may be spaced downward.

[0087] The width (W21) of the plate (20) may be smaller than the width (W11) of the display panel (10), and the width (W31) of the frame (30) may be equal to or larger than the width (W11) of the display panel (10). The left side of the display panel (10) and the left side of the frame (30) may be spaced to the left from the left side of the plate (20). The right side of the display panel (10) and the right side of the frame (30) may be spaced to the right from the right side of the plate (20). The first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) on the rear surface of the display panel (10) may be separated from the plate (20) and covered by the frame (30). Alternatively, the plate (20) may be omitted, and the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) may be covered by the frame (30).

[0088] At this time, the frame (30) may include a non-conductive material. For example, the frame (30) may be an injection molded plastic material. For example, the frame (30) may include a PC ABS material. The frame (30) cannot shield an external surge, and the external surge may be applied to the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b). The external surge applied to the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) may be transmitted to the TFT through the line (16) (see FIG. 12), and may cause damage to the TFT with a thin line width of the circuit or deterioration of the image quality. To prevent this, it may be necessary to cover the electrodes (15a, 15b) with members made of a separate conductive material (e.g., a metal material). Alternatively, it may be necessary to contact the electrodes (15a, 15b) with members made of a separate conductive material.

[0089]

[0090] Referring to FIG. 13, the glass (10G) of the display panel (10) may be referred to as the first glass (10G), and the second glass (10M) may be formed as one body with the first glass (10G).

[0091] A plurality of first electrode pads (18) and second electrode pads (18E) may be formed on the back surface of the first glass (10G) and arranged in a row. The first electrode pad (18) may be referred to as a cable connection electrode (18). The second electrode pad (18E) may be referred to as a ground electrode pad (18E), a ground electrode (18E), or a connecting electrode (18E). For example, the first electrode pad (18) and the second electrode pad (18E) may include a metal material such as copper (Cu).

[0092] A common electrode (19) may be formed on the back surface of the second glass (10M) and may be electrically connected to a plurality of first electrode pads (18) and second electrode pads (18E). Accordingly, charges that enter the first electrode pads (18) and the second electrode pad (18E) due to static electricity generated during the manufacturing process of the display panel (10) may be discharged to the outside through the common electrode (19). That is, the common electrode (19) may provide a node for grounding the first electrode pads (18) and the second electrode pad (18E) during the manufacturing process of the display panel (10). In addition, since the electrode (15) is electrically connected to the second electrode pad (18E) through a line (17) described below, the common electrode (19) may provide a node for grounding the electrode (15) during the manufacturing process of the display panel (10).

[0093] In comparison, when the electrode (15) is located on the back surface of the first glass (10G) without being grounded, charges generated during the manufacturing process of the display panel (10) may accumulate on the electrode (15), and sparks or the like may occur between the electrode (15) on which charges have accumulated and another electrode (e.g., an electrode of a TFT) of the display panel (10), which may cause damage to the display panel (10).

[0094] The second glass (10M) can be cut out from the first glass (10G) along the cutting line (CL). The lower edge (10D) of the display panel (10) can be formed along the cutting line (CL).

[0095] A plurality of cables (11, see FIGS. 3 and 6) can be coupled or attached to a plurality of first electrode pads (18) and a plurality of second electrode pads (18E), and can be electrically connected to the plurality of first electrode pads (18) and the second electrode pads (18E). Accordingly, a source PCB (12, see FIGS. 3 and 6) can be electrically connected to the first electrode pads (18) and the second electrode pads (18E) of the display panel (10) via the cables (11), and can provide a signal to a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) of the display panel (10) via the first electrode pads (18). The TFT can be a transistor used as a driving element of pixels of the display panel (10). The TFT can control the flow of current to the pixels of the display panel (10).

[0096] A line (17) may be formed on the back surface of the first glass (10G). The line (17) may be composed of one line or two or more lines. The line (17) may be an electrode made of a metal material and may be referred to as a ground line (17), a line electrode (17), a pattern electrode (17), or a circuit (17). The line (17) may remain on the first glass (10G) even after an etching process for forming circuit patterns (10P) on the first glass (10G).

[0097] The first electrode (15a) can be electrically connected to a line (17) and can be electrically connected to a second electrode pad (18E) via the line (17). One end of the line (17) can be electrically connected to the first electrode (15a), and the other end of the line (17) can be electrically connected to the second electrode pad (18E).

[0098] Accordingly, the first electrode (15a) can be grounded to the source PCB (12, see FIGS. 3 and 6) via the line (17), the second electrode pad (18E), and the cable (11). Similarly, the second electrode (15b, see FIG. 8) can also be grounded to the source PCB (12, see FIGS. 3 and 6) via the same line as the line (17), the second electrode pad (18E), and the cable (11). That is, the source PCB (12) can provide a node for grounding the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b). For example, the first electrode (15a) can be grounded to the first source PCB (12a, see FIG. 6), and the second electrode (15b) can be grounded to the second source PCB (12b, see FIG. 6). The first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) may not be electrically connected to other electrodes (i.e., driving circuits) of the display panel (10), such as the active electrode (15a) of the TFT other than the second electrode pad (18E), and in this respect, the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) may be referred to as floating electrodes (15a, 15b, floating electrodes).

[0099]

[0100] Referring again to FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) on the rear surface of the display panel (10) may be separated from the plate (20) and covered by the frame (30). Alternatively, the plate (20) may be omitted, and the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) may be covered by the frame (30).

[0101] At this time, the frame (30) may include a non-conductive material. For example, the frame (30) may be an injection molded plastic material. For example, the frame (30) may include a PC ABS material. The frame (30) cannot shield an external surge, and the external surge may be applied to the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b). The external surge applied to the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) may be transmitted to the source PCB (12, see FIGS. 3 and 6) through the line (17), the second electrode pad (18E), and the cable (11) (see FIG. 13), and the source PCB (12) having a wide circuit line width may not be damaged by the transmitted surge. That is, the source PCB (12) may provide a node for the ground of the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b).

[0102] Accordingly, even if the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) are not covered or brought into contact with members of a separate conductive material (e.g., metal material), damage to the components of the display panel (10), including the TFT, due to an external surge can be prevented.

[0103]

[0104] Referring to FIG. 14, unlike the above-described case with reference to FIG. 13, the second electrode pad (18E) may not be connected to the cable (11), but may be electrically connected to a metal member (19M) outside the display panel (10). The second electrode pad (18E) may be electrically connected to the metal member (19M) by contacting the metal member (19M), or may be electrically connected to the metal member (19M) through a line (19L) connected to the second electrode pad (18E). Alternatively, the second electrode pad (18E) may be omitted, in which case the line (17, see FIG. 13) may be electrically connected to the metal member (19M).

[0105] Accordingly, the electrode (15, see FIG. 13) can be grounded to the metal member (19M). That is, the metal member (19M) can provide a node for grounding the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b, see FIG. 3). The first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) may not be electrically connected to other electrodes (i.e., driving circuits) of the display panel (10), such as the active electrode (15a) of the TFT other than the second electrode pad (18E), and in this respect, the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) can be referred to as floating electrodes (15a, 15b, floating electrodes).

[0106]

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, a pixel of a display panel (10) may include a light emitting region and a transparent region. In the light emitting region, subpixels of RGBW (Red, Green, Blue, White), RGW (Red, Green, White), or BGW (Blue, Green, White) may be arranged adjacent to each other, and the light emitting region without subpixels may be arranged next to the light emitting region. Accordingly, the display panel (10) having a plurality of pixels may not only display an image but also transmit light. For example, the front of the display panel (10) may be attached to the back of a transparent panel (10S) made of glass by an adhesive film (10T) such as an OCA film (Optically Clear Adhesive Film). The display panel (10) may be referred to as a transparent display panel or a transparent OLED panel.

[0108] The guide panel (40) may extend along the edge of the display panel (10) and may be coupled or attached to the display panel (10). The stand (90) may be positioned below the display panel (10) and the guide panel (40), and the lower side of the guide panel (40) may be coupled to the housing (90). For example, the housing (90) may have a desk shape having a top plate (93) and legs (91, 92). The plate (20) and the frame (30) positioned at the rear of the display panel (10) described above may be omitted.

[0109] A source PCB (12) may be adjacent to a lower side of a display panel (10) and may extend along the lower side. The source PCB (12) may be referred to as a PCB (12, Printed Circuit Board) or a board (12). A plurality of cables (11) may connect the lower side of the display panel (10) and the upper side of the source PCB (12). The cables (11) and the source PCB (12) may be coupled or attached to the rear side of the transparent panel (10S).

[0110] The first electrode (15a) may be adjacent to the corner where the left side and the lower side of the display panel (10) meet, and may be exposed to the rear of the display panel (10). The second electrode (15b) may be adjacent to the corner where the right side and the lower side of the display panel (10) meet, and may be exposed to the rear of the display panel (10).

[0111] The configuration in which the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) described above are grounded to the source PCB (12) through the line (17) with reference to FIG. 13 can also be applied to the above-described TOLED (Transparent OLED) type display panel (10). Since an external surge applied to the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) exposed to the rear of the display panel (10) is transmitted to the source PCB (12) through the line (17), the second electrode pad (18E), and the cable (11), the display panel (10) may not be damaged. That is, the source PCB (12) can provide a node for grounding the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b, see FIG. 3).

[0112] The configuration in which the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) described above are grounded to the metal member (19M) through the line (17) with reference to FIG. 14 can also be applied to the above-described TOLED (Transparent OLED) type display panel (10). Since the external surge applied to the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b) exposed to the rear of the display panel (10) is transmitted to the metal member (19M) through the line (17), the display panel (10) may not be damaged. That is, the metal member (19M) can provide a node for grounding the first and second electrodes (15a, 15b, see FIG. 3).

[0113]

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 16, a display device may include: a display panel; an electrode formed on a rear surface of the display panel and adjacent to an edge of the display panel; a line extending from the electrode toward the edge of the display panel, the line having one end electrically connected to the electrode; and a node external to the display panel to which the other end of the line is electrically connected.

[0115] Information regarding the above display panel can be formed or engraved on the electrode.

[0116] A mark for identifying the above display panel may be formed or engraved on the electrode.

[0117] The electrode may include: a first electrode adjacent to one end of the edge of the display panel; and a second electrode adjacent to the other end of the edge of the display panel; and the line may include: a first line having one end electrically connected to the first electrode; and a second line having one end electrically connected to the second electrode; and the other end of the first line and the other end of the second line may be electrically connected to the node.

[0118] The display device may further include: a first glass forming a substrate of the display panel; a second glass formed as one body with the first glass; and a common electrode formed on the rear surface of the second glass and providing the node, wherein the edge of the display panel may be formed at a boundary between the first glass and the second glass when the second glass is cut out from the first glass.

[0119] The display device may further include: a first electrode pad formed on the back surface of the first glass and closer to the edge of the display panel than the electrode; and a second electrode pad adjacent to the first electrode pad, wherein the other end of the line may be electrically connected to the second electrode pad.

[0120] The display device may further include: a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) adjacent to the edge of the display panel and providing the node; and a cable electrically connecting the other end of the line and the PCB.

[0121] The display device may further include: a first electrode pad formed on a rear surface of the display panel and closer to the edge of the display panel than the electrode; and a second electrode pad adjacent to the first electrode pad, wherein the cable may be electrically connected to the first electrode pad and the second electrode pad, and the other end of the line may be electrically connected to the second electrode pad.

[0122] The PCB can provide a signal to the display panel through the cable and the first electrode pad, and the electrode can be grounded to the PCB through the line, the second electrode pad, and the cable.

[0123] The above display device may further include a timing controller board electrically connected to the PCB, the PCB may be a source PCB, and the cable may be a COF (Chip On Film).

[0124] The PCB may extend along the edge of the display panel, and the cable may include a plurality of cables arranged along the edge between the edge of the display panel and the PCB, and covered by a resin applied to the rear surface of the display panel, and the electrode may not be covered by the resin.

[0125] The display device may further include a metal member adjacent to the edge of the display and providing the node, and the other end of the line may be electrically connected to the metal member.

[0126] The above display device may further include a frame made of a non-conductive material located at the rear of the display panel and covering the display panel.

[0127] The display device may further include a plate positioned between the display panel and the frame and coupled to the display panel and the frame, wherein the electrode may be covered by the frame and extend beyond the plate.

[0128] The above display panel may have light-transmitting properties, and the electrode may be exposed to the rear of the display panel.

[0129]

[0130] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0131] For example, it means that a configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with a configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if a combination between configurations is not directly described, it means that a combination is possible, except in cases where a combination is described as impossible.

[0132] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Display panel; An electrode formed on the rear surface of the display panel and adjacent to an edge of the display panel; A line extending from said electrode toward said edge of said display panel, said one end of which is electrically connected to said electrode; and A display device including a node outside the display panel to which the other end of the above line is electrically connected.

2. In paragraph 1, Information about the above display panel is: A display device formed or engraved on the above electrode.

3. In paragraph 1, The mark for identifying the above display panel is, A display device formed or engraved on the above electrode.

4. In paragraph 1, The above electrodes: A first electrode adjacent to one end of the edge of the display panel; and, A second electrode is included adjacent to the other end of the edge of the display panel, The above line is: A first line electrically connected to the first electrode; and First, a second line is included that is electrically connected to the second electrode; The other end of the first line and the other end of the second line are, A display device electrically connected to the above node.

5. In paragraph 1, A first glass forming a substrate of the display panel; A second glass formed as one body with the first glass; and, further comprising a common electrode formed on the back surface of the second glass and providing the node; The above edge of the above display panel, A display device formed at the boundary between the first glass and the second glass when the second glass is cut out from the first glass.

6. In paragraph 5, A first electrode pad formed on the back surface of the first glass and closer to the edge of the display panel than the electrode; and Further comprising a second electrode pad adjacent to the first electrode pad, The other end of the above line is, A display device electrically connected to the second electrode pad.

7. In paragraph 1, A PCB (Printed Circuit Board) adjacent to the edge of the display panel and providing the node; and A display device further comprising a cable electrically connecting the other end of the line and the PCB.

8. In paragraph 7, A first electrode pad formed on the rear surface of the display panel and closer to the edge of the display panel than the electrode; and Further comprising a second electrode pad adjacent to the first electrode pad, The above cable is, electrically connected to the first electrode pad and the second electrode pad, The other end of the above line is, A display device electrically connected to the second electrode pad.

9. In paragraph 8, The above PCB is, Providing a signal to the display panel through the above cable and the first electrode pad, The above electrodes are, A display device grounded to the PCB through the above line, the second electrode pad, and the cable.

10. In paragraph 7, Further comprising a timing controller board electrically connected to the above PCB, The above PCB is the source PCB, The above cable is a COF (Chip On Film) display device.

11. In paragraph 7, The above PCB is, extending along the edge of the above display panel, The above cables are: A plurality of cables are arranged along the edge between the edge of the display panel and the PCB, and are covered by a resin applied to the rear surface of the display panel. The above electrodes are, A display device not covered by the above resin.

12. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a metal member adjacent to the edge of the display and providing the node, The other end of the above line is, A display device electrically connected to the above metal member.

13. In paragraph 1, A display device further comprising a frame made of a non-conductive material positioned at the rear of the display panel and covering the display panel.

14. In paragraph 13, Further comprising a plate positioned between the display panel and the frame and coupled to the display panel and the frame, The above electrodes are, A display device covered by the frame and outside the plate.

15. In paragraph 1, The above display panel has light-transmitting properties, The above electrodes are, A display device exposed at the rear of the above display panel.

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