U.S. patent application number 15/670120 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-08 for display device.
The applicant listed for this patent is InnoLux Corporation. Invention is credited to Kuan-Feng LEE, Yu-Hsien WU, Yuan-Lin WU.
Application Number | 20180323239 15/670120 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62017280 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180323239 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; Kuan-Feng ; et
al. |
November 8, 2018 |
DISPLAY DEVICE
Abstract
A display device is provided. The display device includes a
substrate having a first edge and a second edge opposite to the
first edge. There is a first distance between the first edge and
the second edge. The display device also includes a plurality of
light-emitting units disposed on the substrate, and a conductive
line disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to at
least one of the plurality of light-emitting units. The conductive
line includes an undulating edge and has an extending length which
is greater than or equal to half of the first distance and is less
than or equal to the first distance.
Inventors: |
LEE; Kuan-Feng; (Miao-Li
County, TW) ; WU; Yuan-Lin; (Miao-Li County, TW)
; WU; Yu-Hsien; (Miao-Li County, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
InnoLux Corporation |
Miao-Li County |
|
TW |
|
|
Family ID: |
62017280 |
Appl. No.: |
15/670120 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62500539 |
May 3, 2017 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0416 20130101;
G06F 3/044 20130101; H01L 25/075 20130101; G06F 3/0412 20130101;
H01L 27/323 20130101; H05K 1/189 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01L 27/32 20060101
H01L027/32; G06F 3/044 20060101 G06F003/044; G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041 |
Claims
1. A display device, comprising: a substrate having a first edge
and a second edge opposite to the first edge, wherein a first
distance is between the first edge and the second edge; a plurality
of light-emitting units disposed on the substrate; and a conductive
line disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to at
least one of the plurality of light-emitting units, wherein the
conductive line includes an undulating edge, wherein the conductive
line has an extending length, and wherein the extending length is
greater than or equal to half of the first distance and is less
than or equal to the first distance.
2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the conductive
line further includes a plurality of openings.
3. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a
conductive electrode disposed on the substrate, wherein the
conductive line is electrically connected to at least one of the
plurality of light-emitting units by the conductive electrode, and
the conductive electrode includes an undulating edge.
4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the conductive
electrode further includes a plurality of openings.
5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein an area of one
of the plurality of openings is smaller than an area of one of the
plurality of light-emitting units.
6. The display device according to claim 3, wherein the conductive
electrode comprises a common electrode, a touch electrode, or a
combination thereof.
7. The display device according to claim 3, further comprising: a
touch electrode disposed on the conductive electrode, wherein the
touch electrode includes an undulating edge.
8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the touch
electrode further includes a plurality of openings.
9. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a
conductive electrode disposed on the substrate, wherein the
conductive line is electrically connected to at least one of the
plurality of light-emitting units by the conductive electrode, the
conductive electrode includes a plurality of openings, at least one
of the plurality of openings has a shape, and the shape has a first
curved portion.
10. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: an
insulating layer disposed on the substrate; and a conductive
electrode disposed on the insulating layer, wherein the insulating
layer includes a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the
first portion, the first portion and the conductive electrode are
overlapping, the second portion and the conductive electrode are
not overlapping, and a thickness of the second portion is greater
than a thickness of the first portion.
11. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: an
insulating layer disposed on the substrate, wherein the conductive
line is disposed on the insulating layer, the insulating layer
includes a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first
portion, the first portion and the conductive line are overlapping,
the second portion and the conductive line are not overlapping, and
a thickness of the first portion is greater than a thickness of the
second portion.
12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the
light-emitting unit is a light-emitting diode.
13. A display device, comprising: a substrate; a plurality of
light-emitting units disposed on the substrate; and a conductive
line disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to at
least one of the plurality of light-emitting units, wherein the
conductive line includes a plurality of openings.
14. The display device according to claim 13, further comprising: a
conductive electrode disposed on the substrate, wherein the
conductive line is electrically connected to at least one of the
plurality of light-emitting units by the conductive electrode, and
the conductive electrode includes an undulating edge.
15. The display device according to claim 13, further comprising: a
conductive electrode disposed on the substrate, wherein the
conductive line is electrically connected to at least one of the
plurality of light-emitting units by the conductive electrode, and
the conductive electrode includes a plurality of openings.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein an area of one of the
plurality of openings of the conductive electrode is smaller than
an area of one of the plurality of light-emitting units.
17. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the
conductive line further includes an undulating edge.
18. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the
conductive electrode comprises a common electrode, a touch
electrode, or a combination thereof.
19. The display device according to claim 13, further comprising:
an insulating layer disposed on the substrate; and a conductive
electrode disposed on the insulating layer, wherein the insulating
layer includes a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the
first portion, the first portion and the conductive electrode are
overlapping, the second portion and the conductive electrode are
not overlapping, and a thickness of the second portion is greater
than a thickness of the first portion.
20. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the
light-emitting unit is a light-emitting diode.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of provisional application
no. U.S. Patent Application No. 62/500,539 filed on May 3, 2017,
the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0002] The disclosure relates to display devices, and in particular
to display devices including light-emitting diodes.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] As digital technology develops, display devices are becoming
more widely used in our society. For example, display devices have
been applied in modern information and communication devices such
as televisions, notebook computers, desktop computers, mobile
phones (e.g., smartphones). In addition, each generation of display
devices has been developed to be thinner, lighter, smaller, and
more fashionable.
[0004] Among the various types of display devices, light-emitting
diode (LED) display devices are becoming popular due to the
advantages of LEDs which include high efficiency and long
lifespans.
[0005] However, existing LED display devices have not been
satisfactory in every respect. For example, the conductive line or
conductive electrode may be easily cracked during the formation of
a curved display device).
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a display device.
The display device includes a substrate having a first edge and a
second edge opposite to the first edge, wherein there is a first
distance between the first edge and the second edge; a plurality of
light-emitting units disposed on the substrate; and a conductive
line disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to at
least one of the plurality of light-emitting units, wherein the
conductive line includes an undulating edge, wherein the conductive
line has an extending length, and wherein the extending length is
greater than or equal to half of the first distance and is less
than or equal to the first distance.
[0007] Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a display device.
The display device includes a substrate; a plurality of
light-emitting units disposed on the substrate; and a conductive
line disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to at
least one of the plurality of light-emitting units, wherein the
conductive line includes a plurality of openings.
[0008] A detailed description is given in the following embodiments
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The disclosure can be more fully understood from the
following detailed description when read with the accompanying
figures. It is worth noting that in accordance with standard
practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale.
In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily
increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.
[0010] FIG. 1A is a schematic side view of the curved display
device 10 according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 1B is a schematic side view of the curved display
device 10' according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2A is a schematic top view of the display device 20
according to First Embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 2B is a schematic top view of a portion of the display
region 202 of the display device 20 according to some embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 2C is a schematic top view of a portion of the display
region 202 of the display device 20 according to some embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 2D is a schematic top view of a portion of the display
region 202 of the display device 20 according to some embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 2E is a schematic top view of a portion of the display
region 202 of the display device 20 according to some embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 2F is a schematic top view of a portion of the
conductive line 208 according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 2G is a schematic top view of a portion of the
conductive line 208 according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 2H is a schematic top view of the display device 20
according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 2I is a schematic top view of the display device 20
according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 2J is a schematic top view of the display device 20
according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 3A is a schematic top view of a portion of the display
region 202 of the display device 30 according to Second Embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 3B is a schematic top view of a portion of the display
region 202 of the display device 30 according to some embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 3C is a schematic top view of a portion of the display
region 202 of the display device 30 according to some embodiments
of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 3D is a schematic top view of a portion of the
conductive electrode 210 according to some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 3E is a schematic top view of a portion of the
conductive electrode 210 according to some embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display
device 40 according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display
device 40 according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 4C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display
device 40 according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the display
device 50 according to Third Embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 6A is a schematic side view of the display device 60
according to Fourth Embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 6B is a schematic side view of the display device 70
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 7A is a schematic top view of the display device 80
according to Fifth Embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 7B is a schematic top view of the display device 80
according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 7C is a schematic top view of the display device 80
according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The following disclosure provides many different
embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of
the subject matter provided. Specific examples of components and
arrangements are described below to simplify the present
disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not
intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a first
feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows
may include embodiments in which the first and second features are
formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which
additional features may be formed between the first and second
features, such that the first and second features may not be in
direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat
reference numerals and/or letters in the various embodiments. This
repetition is for simplicity and clarity and does not in itself
dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or
configurations discussed.
[0037] Some embodiments are described below. Throughout the various
views and illustrative embodiments, like reference numbers are used
to designate like features. It should be understood that additional
operations can be provided before, during, and after the method,
and some of the operations described can be replaced or eliminated
for other embodiments of the method.
[0038] FIG. 1A is a schematic side view of the curved display
device 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the curved display device 10 includes one or
more curved portions 100. For example, the curved portions 100 can
include the end portions of the display device 10. In some
embodiments, the curved portions 100 (e.g., two curved portions
100) are symmetrical with respect to the center line C of the
curved display device 10 as shown in FIG. 1A.
[0039] FIG. 1B is a schematic side view of another curved display
device 10' according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As
shown in FIG. 1B, the curved display device 10' can have curved
portion 100' including the center portion of the display device
10'.
[0040] It should be noted that the curved display devices (e.g.,
curved display device 10 or curved display device 10') of some
embodiments of the present disclosure can be foldable display
devices. However, in other embodiments, the shape of the curved
display device is substantially fixed.
First Embodiment
[0041] First Embodiment of the present disclosure provides some
display devices which can be used to form curved display devices.
The conductive lines of the display devices of First Embodiment may
have a wavy shape and/or include one or more openings, which may
avoid or reduce the formation of cracks in the step of using these
display devices to form curved display devices.
[0042] FIG. 2A is a schematic top view of the display device 20
according to First Embodiment of the present disclosure. The
display device 20 can be used to form a curved display device
(e.g., a curved display device with a side view the same as, or
similar to the curved display devices 10 or 10' discussed above).
For example, the display device 20 can be bent to form a curved
display device.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 2A, the display device 20 can include a
display region 202 and a non-display region 204 adjacent to the
display region 202. For example, the non-display region 204 can
surround or enclose the display region 202, as shown in FIG. 2A.
The display region 202 can refer to the display region in the
display device 20 in which the light-emitting units (e.g.,
light-emitting diodes) are disposed. On the other hand, the
non-display region 204 refers to a region other than the display
region 202 in the display device 20. For example, an integrated
circuit (IC), a demultiplexer (DEMUX), a gate driver on panel
(GOP), other applicable devices or components, or a combination
thereof may be disposed in the non-display region 204. For example,
the devices or components disposed in the non-display region 204
may be electrically connected to the light-emitting units (e.g.,
light-emitting diodes) disposed in the display region 202 to
provide some desired functions (e.g., providing driving signal to
the light-emitting units disposed in the display region 202).
[0044] As shown in FIG. 2A, the display device 20 includes a
substrate 200 having a first edge 200a and a second edge 200b
opposite to the first edge 200a. In some embodiments, the first
edge 200a and the second edge 200b are substantially parallel to
each other and are spaced apart by a first distance D.sub.1 (e.g.,
5 cm to 10 cm). For example, the substrate 200 of the display
device 20 may include polyimide, glass, other applicable materials,
or a combination thereof. It should be noted that the elements of
the display device 20 formed on the substrate 200 are not shown in
FIG. 2A, and will be discussed in the following paragraph.
[0045] Then, referring to FIG. 2B, a schematic top view of a
portion of the display region 202 of the display device 20 is
illustrated. As shown in FIG. 2B, the display region 202 can
include a plurality of light-emitting units 206 (e.g.,
light-emitting diodes), one or more conductive lines 208, and one
or more conductive electrodes 210.
[0046] In this embodiment, a sub-pixel 212 has two light-emitting
units 206 (e.g., light-emitting diodes). However, the sub-pixel 212
may have less or more than two light-emitting units 206 with the
same color in other embodiments. In some embodiments, adjacent
sub-pixels 212 (e.g., three sub-pixels 212) can form a pixel. For
example, the pixel can include sub-pixels 212 containing
light-emitting units 206 of different colors (e.g., red, green,
blue, or a combination thereof).
[0047] For example, the material of the conductive electrodes 210
can include, but is not limited to, indium tin oxide (ITO), tin
oxide (SnO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium zinc oxide
(IGZO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), antimony tin oxide (ATO),
antimony zinc oxide (AZO), metal, or a combination thereof. For
example, the material of the conductive lines 208 can include, but
is not limited to, indium tin oxide (ITO), tin oxide (SnO), indium
zinc oxide (IZO), indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), indium tin zinc
oxide (ITZO), antimony tin oxide (ATO), antimony zinc oxide (AZO),
metal, or a combination thereof. For example, the conductive
electrodes 210 and the conductive lines 208 may be respectively
formed by a deposition process followed by a lithography process
and an etching process.
[0048] In some embodiments, the conductive line 208 can be a common
line, the conductive electrode 210 can be a common electrode, and
the conductive line 208 can be electrically connected to at least
one of the light-emitting units 206 through the conductive
electrode 210.
[0049] In some embodiments, the one or more conductive electrodes
210 can be disposed on the one or more conductive lines 208 and the
plurality of light-emitting units 206. In other words, the one or
more conductive lines 208 and the plurality of light-emitting units
206 can be disposed between the substrate 200 and the one or more
conductive electrodes 210.
[0050] In some embodiments, the conductive line 208 may have a wavy
shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the conductive line 208
may include an undulating edge 208a (e.g., an undulating edge
extending along a direction substantially perpendicular to the
first edge 200a and/or the second edge 200b of the substrate 200),
and thus the formation of cracks in the conductive line 208 during
the step of forming a curved display device (e.g., bending the
display device 20 to form a curved display device) may be avoided
or reduced.
[0051] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2B, the conductive
line 208 can extend along a direction substantially perpendicular
to the first edge 200a and/or the second edge 200b of the substrate
200 (referring to FIG. 2A), and an extending length L.sub.1 (e.g.,
a distance measured in a direction perpendicular to the first edge
200a and/or the second edge 200b of the substrate 200) of the
conductive line 208 can be greater than or equal to half of the
first distance D.sub.1 and be less than or equal to the first
distance D.sub.1 (i.e., 0.5 D.sub.1.ltoreq.L.sub.1.ltoreq.D.sub.1).
In some embodiments, since the extending length L.sub.1 is greater
than or equal to half of the first distance D.sub.1 and less than
or equal to the first distance D.sub.1, a better device performance
can be obtained.
[0052] FIGS. 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, and 2G illustrate some conductive
lines 208 of some embodiments of the present disclosure which also
may avoid or reduce the formation of cracks during the step of
forming a curved display device.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 2C, one difference between the embodiments
illustrated in FIG. 2C and FIG. 2B is that the conductive line 208
of the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2C further includes one or
more openings 214. For example, a pattering process including a
lithography process followed by an etching process may be used to
form the one or more openings 214 in the conductive line 208. In
some embodiments, the opening 214 may have a shape including a
first curved portion 214a (e.g., the round corners of the
rectangular opening 214), and thus the mechanical property of the
conductive line 208 may be further improved. In other embodiments,
the opening 214 may also be substantially oval-shaped (e.g., as
shown in FIG. 2D), substantially square, substantially rectangular,
substantially round, substantially oblong, substantially
triangular, polygon, irregularly-shaped, other applicable shapes,
or a combination thereof.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 2E, one difference between the embodiments
illustrated in FIG. 2C and FIG. 2E is that the conductive line 208
of the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2E includes a substantially
straight edge 208a (e.g., a straight edge extending along a
direction substantially perpendicular to the first edge 200a and/or
the second edge 200b of the substrate 200). Notably, the opening
214 of the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2E may also be
substantially oval-shaped, substantially square, substantially
rectangular, substantially round, substantially oblong,
substantially triangular, polygon, irregularly-shaped, other
applicable shapes, or a combination thereof.
[0055] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2C, 2D, and 2E, the
one or more openings 214 may be located between adjacent conductive
electrodes 210.
[0056] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2F, a single
conductive line 208 may include a plurality of openings 214 having
different shapes or sizes to increase design flexibility.
[0057] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2G, the conductive
line 208 may have a partially undulating edge 208a. For example,
the edge 208a of the conductive line 208 may include a
substantially straight portion 208a' and a wavy portion 208a'',
where the wavy portion is provided at weak points that are prone to
cracking.
[0058] In some embodiments, the conductive lines 208 are common
lines that can be used to transmit common signals from an IC
disposed in the non-display region 204 of the display device 20 to
the light-emitting units 206 disposed in the display region 202 of
the display device 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 2H, the common
signals can be transmitted from an IC 216 into the display region
202 of the display device 20 through the common lines 208 in a
direction substantially perpendicular to the first edge 200a and/or
the second edge 200b of the substrate 200. As shown in FIG. 2H, the
common lines 208 may be electrically connected to the IC 216
through another common line 218 disposed in the non-display region
204 of the substrate 200. In some embodiments, the common line 218
may also have a wavy shape, and/or include a plurality of openings
as do the common lines 208 discussed above. In some embodiments,
the common line 218 and the common lines 208 may be disposed in
different layers, and in such cases one or more vias may be used to
electrically connect the common line 218 to the common lines 208.
In some embodiments, the common line 218 and the common lines 208
may be disposed in the same layer, and the common line 218 and the
common lines 208 may be formed by a same process (e.g., deposition,
lithography, etching, other applicable processes, or a combination
thereof). As shown in FIG. 2H, a demultiplexer (DEMUX) 222'
electrically connected to the IC 216, and a gate driver on panel
222 electrically connected to the IC 216 may also be disposed in
the non-display region 204 of the display device 20. In addition,
as shown in FIG. 2H, the IC 216 may be electrically connected to a
printed circuit board 220.
[0059] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2I, the common signals
can be transmitted from the IC 216 into the display region 202 of
the display device 20 through common lines 224 extending along a
direction substantially parallel to the first edge 200a and/or the
second edge 200b of the substrate 200, and thus the common signals
are transmitted into the display region 202 of the display device
20 in the direction substantially parallel to the first edge 200a
and/or the second edge 200b. In some embodiments, the common lines
224 may also have a wavy shape, and/or include a plurality of
openings as do the common lines 208 discussed above.
[0060] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2J, the common signals
can be transmitted into the display region 202 of the display
device 20 through both the common lines 208 extending along a
direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first edge
200a and/or the second edge 200b of the substrate 200, and the
common lines 224 extending along a direction that is substantially
parallel to the first edge 200a and/or the second edge 200b of the
substrate 200. In other words, the common signals can be
transmitted into the display region 202 of the display device 20 in
two directions substantially perpendicular to each other.
[0061] Understandably, FIGS. 2H, 2I, and 2J are schematic top views
of some display devices according to some embodiments of the
present disclosure, and the elements illustrated in these FIGS. may
be disposed in the same layer or in different layers.
[0062] It should be noted that the curved display devices formed of
the display devices of the above embodiments may include technical
features which are the same as or similar to the technical features
of the display devices of the above embodiments. For example, the
conductive lines may still have a wavy shape and/or include one or
more openings in the curved display devices formed of the display
devices of the above embodiments. These curved display devices are
intended to be included within the scope of the present
disclosure.
Second Embodiment
[0063] FIG. 3A is a schematic top view of a portion of the display
region 202 of the display device 30 according to Second Embodiment
of the present disclosure. One difference between Second Embodiment
and the above embodiments is that the one or more conductive
electrodes 210 (e.g., a common electrode) may have a wavy shape
and/or include one or more openings, which may avoid or reduce the
formation of cracks in the one or more conductive electrodes during
the step of forming a curved display device (e.g., bending the
display device 30 to form a curved display device).
[0064] As shown in FIG. 3A, the conductive electrode 210 may have a
wavy shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the conductive
electrode 210 may include an undulating edge 210a (e.g., an
undulating edge extending along a direction substantially parallel
to the first edge 200a and/or the second edge 200b of the substrate
200).
[0065] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3B, the conductive
electrode 210 may have one or more openings 302. For example, a
pattering process including a lithography process followed by an
etching process may be used to form the one or more openings 302 in
the conductive electrode 210. In some embodiments, the opening 302
may have a shape including a first curved portion 302a (e.g., the
round corners of the rectangular opening 302), and thus the
mechanical property of the conductive electrode 210 may be further
improved. In other embodiments, the opening 302 may also be
substantially oval-shaped, substantially square, substantially
rectangular, substantially round, substantially oblong,
substantially triangular, polygon, irregularly-shaped, other
applicable shape, or a combination thereof.
[0066] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3B, the area of one of
the openings 302 is smaller than the area of one of the
light-emitting units 206 (e.g., the area of the bottom surface or
top surface of one of the light-emitting diodes 206), and thus the
mechanical property of the conductive electrode 210 may be further
improved.
[0067] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3C, a single bulk
conductive electrode 210 including a plurality of openings 302 can
be provided. In addition, the single conductive electrode 210 may
cover a plurality of sub-pixels 212.
[0068] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the
light-emitting units 206 are fully covered by the conductive
electrodes 210.
[0069] FIGS. 3D and 3E illustrate some conductive electrodes 210
according to some embodiments of the present disclosure which also
may avoid or reduce the formation of cracks during the step of
forming a curved display device.
[0070] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3D, a single
conductive electrode 210 may include a plurality of openings 302
having different shapes or sizes to increase design
flexibility.
[0071] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3E, the conductive
electrode 210 may have a partially undulating edge 210a. For
example, the edge 210a of the conductive electrode 210 may include
a substantially straight portion 210a' and a wavy portion 210a'',
where the wavy portion is provided at weak points that are prone to
cracking.
[0072] In some other embodiments, the design of the conductive
electrodes 210 (e.g., the wavy shape, and/or the opening therein)
discussed above can be applied to a common electrode, a touch
electrode, other conductive electrodes, or a combination thereof of
a display device. The details will be discussed in the following
paragraph.
[0073] FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional of the display device
40 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The
display device 40 can be used to form a curved display device
(e.g., a curved display device with a side view the same as, or
similar to the curved display devices 10 or 10' discussed above).
For example, the display device 40 can be bent to form a curved
display device.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 4A, the display device 40 includes a
substrate 400. For example, the substrate 400 can be made of glass,
polyimide, other applicable materials, or a combination thereof. A
buffer layer 402 may be optionally formed on the substrate 400 to
reduce the lattice mismatch. For example, the buffer layer 402 can
be made of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, other applicable
materials, or a combination thereof. A semiconductor layer 404 may
be formed on the buffer layer 402. For example, the semiconductor
layer 404 may include one or more doped regions 404a which may
serve as source/drain regions. A gate insulator 406 may be formed
on the semiconductor layer 404. For example, the gate insulator 406
may be made of silicon oxide, other applicable materials, or a
combination thereof. One or more gate electrodes 408 may be formed
on the gate insulator 406, and a first insulating layer 410 (e.g.,
silicon oxide) may be formed on the one or more gate electrodes
408. A second insulating layer 412 may be formed on the first
insulating layer 410. For example, the second insulating layer 412
may be made of a material (e.g., silicon nitride) that is different
from the material of the first insulating layer 410. A third
insulating layer 414 may be formed on the second insulating layer
412. For example, the third insulating layer 414 may be made of
silicon nitride, organic materials (e.g., Acrylic based organic
material), other applicable insulating materials, or a combination
thereof. A pixel defining layer (PDL) 416 may be formed on the
third insulating layer 414. For example, the pixel defining layer
416 (e.g. an insulating layer) may be made of photosensitive
polyimide, acrylic, siloxane, novolac materials, other applicable
materials, or a combination thereof. A reflector 420 may be formed
on the pixel defining layer 416. As shown in FIG. 4A, the reflector
420 may extend from a top surface of the pixel defining layer 416
into the pixel defining layer 416 and the third insulating layer
414. For example, the reflector 420 may be made of metal (e.g., Al
or Ag), metal alloys (e.g., metal alloys of Al or Ag), other
applicable materials, or a combination thereof. One or more
light-emitting units 424 (e.g., light-emitting diodes) may be
formed on the reflector 420. As shown in FIG. 4A, a filling
material may be formed on the reflector 420 and around the one or
more light-emitting units 424. For example, the filling material
422 may be made of organic material, anisotropic conductive film
(ACF) bonding material, other applicable materials, or a
combination thereof. In some embodiments, the filling material can
include quantum dots therein. As shown in FIG. 4A, one or more
conductive lines 418 may be formed on the pixel defining layer 416.
For example, the conductive lines 418 may also have a wavy shape
and/or include one or more openings as do the conductive lines 208
discussed above. As shown in FIG. 4A, the display device 40 may
also include a fourth insulating layer 426 formed on the conductive
lines 418, the light-emitting units 424, and the pixel defining
layer 416. For example, the fourth insulating layer 426 may be made
of an organic material, inorganic/organic stacked layer (e.g.,
SiNx/organic/SiNx stacked layer), other applicable insulating
materials, or a combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 4A, a
conductive electrode 428 which may be configured to electrically
connect the conductive line 418 to the light-emitting unit 424 may
be formed on the conductive lines 418, the light-emitting units
424, and the fourth insulating layer 426.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 4A, one or more conductive structures 434
may be formed in the display device 40 to electrically connect
different elements of the display device 40.
[0076] In some embodiments, the conductive electrode 428 may
include a common electrode, a touch electrode, or a combination
thereof. As noted above, the design of the conductive electrodes
210 (e.g., the wavy shape, and/or the opening therein) discussed
above can be applied to the conductive electrode 428 (e.g., a
common electrode, a touch electrode, or a combination thereof),
such that the formation of cracks during the step of forming a
curved display device may be avoided or reduced.
[0077] In some embodiments, a single bulk conductive electrode 428
may simultaneously serve as a common electrode and a touch
electrode, and thus the route for transmitting common signals and
the route for transmitting touch signals may be the same. However,
in other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4B, two conductive
electrodes 428a and 428b may respectively serve as a touch
electrode and a common electrode, and thus the route for
transmitting touch signals and the route for transmitting common
signals may be different.
[0078] In some embodiments, the touch electrode and the common
electrode may be formed in different layers. For example, as shown
in FIG. 4C, one or more touch electrodes 432 can be formed on the
common electrode 428, and an insulating layer 430 may be formed
between the one or more touch electrodes 432 and the common
electrode 428. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4C, the one or
more touch electrodes 432 and the light-emitting units 424 do not
overlap, and thus a better device performance may be obtained.
[0079] Notably, more layers of conductive electrodes can be formed
on the conductive electrode 428 according to, for example, the
application of the display device. For example, more layers of
touch electrodes can be formed on the common electrode 428 and the
touch electrodes 432 of the display device illustrated in FIG.
4C.
[0080] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4A, the insulating
layer under the light-emitting units 424 (e.g., insulating layers
414) may include a recess or a trench 414a therein, which may
further reduce the formation of cracks in the display device during
the step of forming a curved display device.
[0081] It should be noted that the curved display devices formed of
the display devices of the above embodiments may include technical
features that are the same as or similar to the technical features
of the display devices of the above embodiments. For example, the
conductive electrodes may still have a wavy shape and/or include
one or more openings in the curved display devices formed of the
display devices of the above embodiments. These curved display
devices are intended to be included within the scope of the present
disclosure.
Third Embodiment
[0082] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional of the display device
50 according to Third Embodiment of the present disclosure. The
display device 50 can be used to form a curved display device
(e.g., a curved display device with a side view the same as, or
similar to the curved display devices 10 or 10' discussed above).
For example, the display device 50 can be bent to form a curved
display device.
[0083] The display device 50 may be similar to the display devices
of the above embodiments (e.g., the display device 40), and the
difference between the display device 50 and the display devices of
the above embodiments will be discussed in the following
paragraph.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 5, the pixel defining layer 416 may include
a first portion 416a overlapping with the conductive line 418, and
a second portion 416b not overlapping with the conductive line 418.
As shown in FIG. 5, the second portion 416b of the pixel defining
layer 416 is adjacent to the first portion 416a of the pixel
defining layer 416 (e.g. an insulating layer). In some embodiments,
a thickness T.sub.1 of the first portion 416a can be greater than a
thickness T.sub.2 of the second portion 416b (e.g., a minimum
thickness of the second portion 416b), which may improve the
mechanical property of the display device 50 (e.g., avoiding or
reducing the formation of cracks in the display device 50 during
the step of bending the display device 50 to form a curved display
device).
[0085] As shown in FIG. 5, the fourth insulating layer 426 may
include a first portion 426a overlapping with the conductive
electrode 428, and a second portion 426b not overlapping with the
conductive electrode 428. As shown in FIG. 5, the second portion
426b of the fourth insulating layer 426 is adjacent to the first
portion 426a of the fourth insulating layer 426. In some
embodiments, a thickness T.sub.4 of the second portion 426b can be
greater than a thickness T.sub.3 of the first portion 426a (e.g., a
minimum thickness of the first portion 426a), which may improve the
mechanical property of the display device 50 (e.g., avoiding or
reducing the formation of cracks in the display device 50 during
the step of bending the display device 50 to form a curved display
device).
[0086] It should be noted that the curved display devices formed of
the display devices of the above embodiments may include technical
features which are the same as or similar to the technical features
of the display devices of the above embodiments (e.g., the
technical features of the insulating layers discussed in paragraphs
[0086] and [0087]). These curved display devices are intended to be
included within the scope of the present disclosure.
Fourth Embodiment
[0087] Fourth Embodiment of the present disclosure also provides
some display devices which may avoid or reduce the formation of
cracks in the step of using these display devices to form curved
display devices.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 6A, a schematic side view of the display
device 60 according to Fourth Embodiment of the present disclosure
is provided. Although only the substrate 200 and the light-emitting
units (e.g., light-emitting diodes) 206a and 206b are shown in FIG.
6A for the interest of simplicity, one skilled in the art can
understand that additional layers and/or components discussed in
the above embodiments may also be disposed in the display device
60. For example, some insulating layers may be formed between the
substrate 200 and the light-emitting units (206a and 206b) of the
display device 60, and one or more conductive electrodes may be
formed on the light-emitting units 206a and 206b.
[0089] For example, the display device 60 can be bent to form a
curved display device (e.g., curved display device 10' shown in
FIG. 1B). As shown in FIG. 6A, the display device 60 can include a
portion 60a and a portion 60b. For example, the portion 60a can
correspond to a curved portion of a curved display device (e.g.,
the curved portion 100' of the curved display device 10'
illustrated in FIG. 1B) formed of the display device 60, and the
portion 60b can correspond to a non-curved portion of the curved
display device formed of the display device 60.
[0090] In some embodiments, the dimension of one of the
light-emitting units 206a in the portion 60a may be smaller than
the dimension of one of the light-emitting units 206b in the
portion 60b, which may avoid or reduce the formation of cracks in
the step of using the display device 60 to form a curved display
device. For example, the bottom surface area of one of the
light-emitting units 206a may be smaller than the bottom surface
area of one of the light-emitting units 206b. In some embodiments,
the ratio of the bottom surface area of one of the light-emitting
units 206a to the bottom surface area of one of the light-emitting
units 206b may be 0.3 to 0.95.
[0091] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6A, the density (e.g.,
number of light-emitting units per unit area) of the light-emitting
units 206a in the portion 60a may be smaller than the density of
the light-emitting units 206b in the portion 60b, which may avoid
or reduce the formation of cracks in the step of using the display
device 60 to form a curved display device.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 6B, a schematic side view of the display
device 70 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure
is provided. Similar to the display device 60, the display device
70 also includes a portion 70a corresponding to the curved portion
of the curved display device (e.g., the curved portion 100 of the
curved display device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1A) formed of the
display device 70, and a portion 70b corresponding to the
non-curved portion of the curved display device formed of the
display device 70.
[0093] In some embodiments, the dimension of one of the
light-emitting units 206a in the portion 70a may be smaller than
the dimension of one of the light-emitting units 206b in the
portion 70b, which may avoid or reduce the formation of cracks in
the step of using the display device 70 to form a curved display
device. For example, the bottom surface area of one of the
light-emitting units 206a may be smaller than the bottom surface
area of one of the light-emitting units 206b. In some embodiments,
the ratio of the bottom surface area of one of the light-emitting
units 206a to the bottom surface area of one of the light-emitting
units 206b may be 0.3 to 0.95.
[0094] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6B, the density (e.g.,
number of light-emitting units per unit area) of the light-emitting
units 206a in portion 70a may be smaller than the density of the
light-emitting units 206b in portion 70b, which may avoid or reduce
the formation of cracks in the step of using the display device 70
to form a curved display device.
[0095] It should be noted that the curved display devices formed of
the display devices of the above embodiments may include technical
features which are the same as or similar to the technical features
of the display devices of the above embodiments (e.g., the
technical features of the light-emitting units discussed in
paragraphs [0093]-[0094], and [0096]-[0097]). These curved display
devices are intended to be included within the scope of the present
disclosure.
Fifth Embodiment
[0096] Fifth Embodiment of the present disclosure also provides
some display devices which may avoid or reduce the formation of
cracks in the step of using these display devices to form curved
display devices.
[0097] Referring to FIG. 7A, a schematic top view of the display
device 80 according to Fifth Embodiment of the present disclosure
is provided. Although only the substrate 800 and the conductive
electrodes (or conductive lines) 802 are shown in FIG. 7A for the
interest of simplicity, one skilled in the art can understand that
additional layers and/or components discussed in the above
embodiments may also be disposed in the display device 80. For
example, some light-emitting units or insulating layers may be
formed in the display device 80.
[0098] For example, the display device 80 can be bent to form a
curved display device (e.g., the curved display devices 10 or 10'
shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B). As shown in FIG. 7A, the display device
80 can include a portion 80a and a portion 80b. For example, the
portion 80a can correspond to a curved portion of a curved display
device (e.g., the curved portion 100' of the curved display device
10' illustrated in FIG. 1B) formed of the display device 80, and
the portion 80b can correspond to a non-curved portion of the
curved display device formed of the display device 80.
[0099] As shown in FIG. 7A, the conductive electrode (or conductive
line) 802 can include a neck portion 802a disposed in the portion
80a of the display device 80, and a portion 802b disposed in the
portion 80b of the display device 80. For example, the portion 802a
is narrower than the other portions of the conductive electrode (or
conductive line) 802. In some embodiments, a width W.sub.2 of the
portion 802a of the conductive electrode (or conductive line) 802
is smaller than a width W.sub.1 of the portion 802b of the
conductive electrode (or conductive line) 802, which may avoid or
reduce the formation of cracks in the step of using the display
device 80 to form a curved display device.
[0100] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7B, the conductive
electrode (or conductive line) 802 can include one or more openings
804. The density (e.g., number of openings per unit area) of the
openings 804 in the portion 802a of the conductive electrode (or
conductive line) 802 and the density of the openings 804 in the
portion 802b of the conductive electrode (or conductive line) 802
may be different. For example, the density of the openings 804 in
the portion 802a of the conductive electrode (or conductive line)
802 may be greater than the density of the openings 804 in the
portion 802b of the conductive electrode (or conductive line) 802,
which may avoid or reduce the formation of cracks in the step of
using the display device 80 to form a curved display device.
[0101] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7C, the area of one of
the openings 804 in the portion 802a of the conductive electrode
802 and the area of one of the openings 804 in the portion 802b of
the conductive electrode (or conductive line) 802 may be different.
For example, the area of one of the openings 804 in the portion
802a of the conductive electrode (or conductive line) 802 may be
greater than the area of one of the openings 804 in the portion
802b of the conductive electrode (or conductive line) 802, which
may avoid or reduce the formation of cracks in the step of using
the display device 80 to form a curved display device.
[0102] It should be noted that the curved display devices formed of
the display devices of the above embodiments may include technical
features which are the same as or similar to the technical features
of the display devices of the above embodiments (e.g., the
technical features of the conductive electrodes discussed in
paragraphs [00103]-[00105]). These curved display devices are
intended to be included within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0103] Understandably, a deposition process, a lithography process,
an etching process, other applicable processes, or a combination
thereof may be used to form the display devices of the above
embodiments.
[0104] The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so
that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of
the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate
that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for
designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying
out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the
embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also
realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the
spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make
various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In
addition, each claim can be an individual embodiment of the present
disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure includes the
combinations of every claim and every embodiment of the present
disclosure.
* * * * *