U.S. patent application number 16/053458 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-08 for display apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Display Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Wonho Kim, Yanghee Kim, Jeongho Lee, Keunsoo Lee, Hyungchul Lim, Soyeon Park.
Application Number | 20190245024 16/053458 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67130028 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190245024 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lim; Hyungchul ; et
al. |
August 8, 2019 |
DISPLAY APPARATUS
Abstract
A display apparatus including a display panel including a base
substrate and a first pad electrode on a first pad portion of the
base substrate, a flexible substrate connected to the first pad
portion, and a driving chip electrically connected to the flexible
substrate. The flexible substrate includes a first film layer, a
first wiring layer on the first film layer and comprising a
plurality of wirings, a second film layer on the first wiring
layer, and a second wiring layer on the second film layer and
comprising a plurality of wirings. The wirings of the second wiring
layer include a first_first wiring and a first_second wiring, the
first_first wiring and the first_second wiring extend in a same
direction along a same line and are spaced from each other by a gap
therebetween. The gap is at an edge of the base substrate in a plan
view.
Inventors: |
Lim; Hyungchul;
(Hwaseong-si, KR) ; Kim; Wonho; (Seongnam-si,
KR) ; Lee; Keunsoo; (Hwaseong-si, KR) ; Lee;
Jeongho; (Seoul, KR) ; Kim; Yanghee;
(Yongin-si, KR) ; Park; Soyeon; (Seoul,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Display Co., Ltd. |
Yongin-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
67130028 |
Appl. No.: |
16/053458 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 27/3276 20130101;
G09G 3/2014 20130101; H05K 3/361 20130101; H01L 27/1218 20130101;
H04N 9/3179 20130101; H05K 1/00 20130101; H01L 24/69 20130101; H01L
27/1248 20130101; H01L 23/49838 20130101; H04N 9/3164 20130101;
H01L 27/124 20130101; G09G 3/3406 20130101; H04N 9/3155 20130101;
H01L 51/0097 20130101; G09G 2320/0646 20130101; H01L 33/36
20130101; H01L 27/3223 20130101; H04N 9/3123 20130101; H01L 23/52
20130101; G09G 2320/0233 20130101; H01L 27/3258 20130101; H01L
33/62 20130101; G09G 3/3618 20130101; H01L 27/3262 20130101; H05K
2201/10234 20130101; H01L 27/1244 20130101; H01L 27/1225 20130101;
H01L 2224/16225 20130101; G09G 3/3614 20130101; H05K 2201/09481
20130101; H05K 2201/10128 20130101; H01L 23/4985 20130101; H04N
9/312 20130101; H01L 2251/5338 20130101; H04N 9/3126 20130101; H04N
9/3108 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01L 27/32 20060101
H01L027/32; H01L 51/00 20060101 H01L051/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 3, 2018 |
KR |
10-2018-0000952 |
Claims
1. A display apparatus comprising: a display panel comprising a
base substrate and a first pad electrode on a first pad portion of
the base substrate; a flexible substrate connected to the first pad
portion, the flexible substrate comprising: a first film layer; a
first wiring layer on the first film layer and comprising a
plurality of wirings; a second film layer on the first wiring
layer; and a second wiring layer on the second film layer and
comprising a plurality of wirings, the wirings of the second wiring
layer comprising a first_first wiring and a first_second wiring,
the first_first wiring and the first_second wiring extending in a
same direction and along a same line, the first_first wiring and
the first_second wiring being spaced from each other by a gap
therebetween, the gap being at an edge of the base substrate in a
plan view; and a driving chip electrically connected to the
flexible substrate.
2. The display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a
conductive member comprising a plurality of conductive balls and
being between the flexible substrate and the first pad electrode,
wherein the second wiring layer further comprises a first
contacting portion contacting at least some of the conductive balls
to be electrically connected to the first pad electrode.
3. The display apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first pad portion
extends in a first direction, the display panel further comprises a
second pad electrode on a second pad portion of the base substrate,
the second pad portion being spaced from the first pad portion in a
second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the second
pad portion extending in the first direction, the second wiring
layer further comprises a second contacting portion contacting at
least some of the conductive balls to be electrically connected to
the second pad electrode, the first contacting portion is
electrically connected to at least some of the wirings of the first
wiring layer through a contact opening formed through the second
film layer, and the second contacting portion is a portion of the
first_first wiring of the second wiring layer.
4. The display apparatus of claim 3, wherein the wirings of the
first wiring layer overlap the edge of the base substrate in the
plan view, and the wirings of the second wiring layer do not
overlap the edge of the base substrate in the plan view.
5. The display apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second wiring
layer further comprises a second wiring, and the second wiring
overlaps the edge of the base substrate in the plan view.
6. The display apparatus of claim 3, wherein the display panel
further comprises a dummy electrode in the second pad portion, the
second wiring layer further comprises a dummy line, and the dummy
line is electrically connected to the dummy electrode.
7. The display apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second wiring
layer further comprises a first signal line and a second signal
line, and the dummy line is between the first signal line and the
second signal line.
8. The display apparatus of claim 6, wherein the dummy line
comprises a first dummy line and a second dummy line, the second
dummy line extending in a same direction as the first dummy line
and along a same line, the first and second dummy lines being
spaced from each other by a gap therebetween, and the gap between
the first dummy line and the second dummy line overlaps the edge of
the base substrate in the plan view.
9. The display apparatus of claim 6, wherein in the plan view, the
dummy line overlaps the edge of the base substrate.
10. The display apparatus of claim 6, wherein the dummy electrode
comprises a first dummy electrode and a second dummy electrode, the
dummy line comprises a first dummy line electrically connected to
the first dummy electrode and a second dummy line electrically
connected to the second dummy electrode, and the first_first wiring
and the first_second wiring of the second wiring layer are between
the first dummy line and the second dummy line.
11. The display apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first dummy
electrode comprises a first_first dummy electrode and a
first_second dummy electrode, the first_second dummy electrode
extends in a same direction and along a same line as the
first_first dummy electrode, and the second dummy electrode
comprises a second_first dummy electrode and a second_second dummy
electrode, the second_second dummy electrode extends in a same
direction and along a same line as the second_first dummy
electrode.
12. The display apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first dummy line
comprises a first_first dummy line and a first_second dummy line,
the first_second dummy line extends in a same direction and along a
same line as the first_first dummy line, the first_first dummy line
and the first_second dummy line being spaced from each other by a
gap, the gap between the first_first dummy line and the
first_second dummy line overlapping the edge of the base substrate,
the second dummy line comprises a second_first dummy line and a
second_second dummy line, the second_second dummy line extends in a
same direction and along a same line as the second_first dummy
line, the second_first dummy line and the second_second dummy line
being spaced from each other by a gap, the gap between the
second_first dummy line and the second_second dummy line
overlapping the edge of the base substrate, and the first wiring
layer overlaps the edge of the base substrate in the plan view.
13. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base substrate
comprises polyimide.
14. The display apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a
covering part which covers a side surface of the display panel.
15. The display apparatus of claim 14, wherein the flexible
substrate further comprises a third film layer on the second wiring
layer.
16. The display apparatus of claim 15, wherein the covering part
contacts the third film layer.
17. The display apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible
substrate further comprises a first power line to which a first
power voltage is applied, and the first power line overlaps the
edge of the base substrate in the plan view.
18. The display apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a gate
line on the base substrate; a first insulation layer on the gate
line; a first SD layer comprising a first lower pad electrode, the
first SD layer being on the first insulation layer; and a second
insulation layer on the first SD layer and having an opening
exposing the first lower pad electrode, wherein the first lower pad
electrode is electrically connected to the gate line through a
contact opening formed through the first insulation layer.
19. The display apparatus of claim 18, further comprising: a second
SD layer comprising a first upper pad electrode on the first lower
pad electrode; and a third insulation layer on the second SD layer
and having an opening exposing the first upper pad electrode.
20. A display apparatus comprising: a display panel comprising a
base substrate and a first pad electrode on a first pad portion of
the base substrate; a flexible substrate connected to the first pad
portion, the flexible substrate comprising: a first film layer; a
first wiring layer on the first film layer and comprising a
plurality of wirings; a second film layer on the first wiring
layer; and a second wiring layer on the second film layer and
comprising a plurality of wirings, at least one of the wirings of
the second wiring layer comprising a first wiring and a second
wiring, the second wiring extending in a same direction and along a
same line as the first wiring, an edge of the base substrate being
between the first wiring and the second wiring in a plan view; and
a driving chip electrically connected to the flexible substrate.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of
Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0000952, filed on Jan. 3,
2018 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of
which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0002] Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a
display apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Recently, display apparatuses having relatively light weight
and small size have been developed. A cathode ray tube (CRT)
display apparatus has been used previously due to its performance
and having a competitive price. However, the CRT display apparatus
has a relatively large size and low portability. Therefore, more
recent display apparatuses, such as a plasma display apparatus, a
liquid crystal display apparatus, and an organic light emitting
display apparatus, have been highly regarded due to their
relatively small size, light weight, and low power consumption.
[0004] The display apparatus may include a display panel on which a
pad portion is formed and a flexible substrate connected to the pad
portion. However, a connection between the flexible substrate and
the pad portion may be relatively poor and the flexible substrate
may be damaged, resulting in relatively poor quality and/or poor
display quality.
SUMMARY
[0005] Example embodiment of the present invention provide a
display apparatus having an improved connection between a pad
portion and a flexible substrate.
[0006] According to an example embodiment of the present invention,
a display apparatus includes a display panel including a base
substrate and a first pad electrode on a first pad portion of the
base substrate, a flexible substrate connected to the first pad
portion, and a driving chip electrically connected to the flexible
substrate. The flexible substrate includes a first film layer, a
first wiring layer on the first film layer and including a
plurality of wirings, a second film layer on the first wiring
layer, and a second wiring layer on the second film layer and
including a plurality of wirings. The wirings of the second wiring
layer include a first_first wiring and a first_second wiring. The
first_first wiring and the first_second wiring extend in a same
direction and along a same line, and the first_first wiring and the
first_second wiring are spaced from each other by a gap
therebetween. The gap is at an edge of the base substrate in a plan
view.
[0007] The display apparatus may further include a conductive
member including a plurality of conductive balls and may be between
the flexible substrate and the first pad electrode. The second
wiring layer may further include a first contacting portion
contacting at least some of the conductive balls to be electrically
connected to the first pad electrode.
[0008] The first pad portion may extend in a first direction. The
display panel may further include a second pad electrode on a
second pad portion of the base substrate. The second pad portion
may be spaced from the first pad portion in a second direction
perpendicular to the first direction, and the second pad portion
may extend in the first direction. The second wiring layer may
further include a second contacting portion contacting at least
some of the conductive balls to be electrically connected to the
second pad electrode. The first contacting portion may be
electrically connected to at least some of the wirings of the first
wiring layer through a contact opening formed through the second
film layer. The second contacting portion may be a portion of the
first_first wiring of the second wiring layer.
[0009] The wirings of the first wiring layer may overlap the edge
of the base substrate in the plan view, and the wirings of the
second wiring layer may not overlap the edge of the base substrate
in the plan view.
[0010] The second wiring layer may further include a second wiring,
and the second wiring may overlap the edge of the base substrate in
the plan view.
[0011] The display panel may further include a dummy electrode in
the second pad portion, the second wiring layer may further include
a dummy line, and the dummy line may be electrically connected to
the dummy electrode.
[0012] The second wiring layer my further include a first signal
line and a second signal line, and the dummy line may be between
the first signal line and the second signal line.
[0013] The dummy line may include a first dummy line and a second
dummy line. The second dummy line may extend in a same direction as
the first dummy line and along a same line. The first and second
dummy lines may spaced from each other by a gap therebetween, and
the gap between the first dummy line and the second dummy line may
overlap the edge of the base substrate in the plan view.
[0014] In the plan view, the dummy line may overlap the edge of the
base substrate.
[0015] The dummy electrode may include a first dummy electrode and
a second dummy electrode. The dummy line may include a first dummy
line electrically connected to the first dummy electrode and a
second dummy line electrically connected to the second dummy
electrode. The first_first wiring and the first_second wiring of
the second wiring layer may be between the first dummy line and the
second dummy line.
[0016] The first dummy electrode may include a first_first dummy
electrode and a first_second dummy electrode. The first_second
dummy electrode may extend in a same direction and along a same
line as the first_first dummy electrode. The second dummy electrode
may include a second_first dummy electrode and a second_second
dummy electrode. The second_second dummy electrode may extend in a
same direction and along a same line as the second_first dummy
electrode.
[0017] The first dummy line may include a first_first dummy line
and a first_second dummy line. The first_second dummy line may
extend in a same direction and along a same line as the first_first
dummy line. The first_first dummy line and the first_second dummy
line may be spaced from each other by a gap, and the gap between
the first_first dummy line and the first_second dummy line may
overlap the edge of the base substrate. The second dummy line may
include a second_first dummy line and a second_second dummy line.
The second_second dummy line may extend in a same direction and
along a same line as the second_first dummy line. The second_first
dummy line and the second_second dummy line may be spaced from each
other by a gap, and the gap between the second_first dummy line and
the second_second dummy line may overlap the edge of the base
substrate. The first wiring layer may overlap the edge of the base
substrate in the plan view.
[0018] The base substrate may include polyimide.
[0019] The display apparatus may further include a covering part
which covers a side surface of the display panel.
[0020] The flexible substrate may further include a third film
layer on the second wiring layer.
[0021] The covering part may contact the third film layer.
[0022] The flexible substrate may further include a first power
line to which a first power voltage is applied, and the first power
line may overlap the edge of the base substrate in the plan
view.
[0023] The display apparatus may further include a gate line on the
base substrate, a first insulation layer on the gate line, a first
SD layer on the first insulation layer, and a second insulation
layer on the first SD layer and having an opening exposing the
first lower pad electrode. The first SD lay may include a first
lower pad electrode, and the second insulation layer may have an
opening exposing the first lower pad electrode. The first lower pad
electrode may be electrically connected to the gate line through a
contact opening formed through the first insulation layer.
[0024] The display apparatus may further include a second SD layer
and a third insulation layer on the second SD layer. The second SD
layer may include a first upper pad electrode on the first lower
pad electrode, and the third insulation layer may have an opening
exposing the first upper pad electrode.
[0025] According to an example embodiment of the present invention,
a display apparatus includes a display panel including a base
substrate and a first pad electrode on a first pad portion of the
base substrate, a flexible substrate connected to the first pad
portion, and a driving chip electrically connected to the flexible
substrate. The flexible substrate includes a first film layer, a
first wiring layer on the first film layer and including a
plurality of wirings, a second film layer on the first wiring
layer, and a second wiring layer on the second film layer and
including a plurality of wirings. At least one of the wirings of
the second wiring layer includes a first wiring and a second
wiring. The second wiring extends in a same direction and along a
same line as the first wiring, and an edge of the base substrate is
between the first wiring and the second wiring in a plan view.
[0026] According to example embodiments of the present invention,
signal wirings and/or dummy lines of the second wiring layer
adjacent to a side surface of the base substrate are cut at an area
corresponding to the edge of the base substrate. Therefore, a short
circuit between the signal wirings caused by, for example, damage
to an insulation structure between the signal wirings due to a
material, for example, a conductive material, flowing out from the
side surface of the base substrate under high temperature and high
humidity conditions can be prevented or mitigated.
[0027] In addition, the material (e.g., the conductive material)
may be blocked from flowing by the dummy line. Accordingly, the
above-described defects may be prevented or further mitigated.
[0028] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary in
nature and are not intended to limit the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The above and other aspects and features of the present
invention will become more apparent by describing, in detail,
example embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a display apparatus
according to an example embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I'
of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II'
of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship
of a first wiring layer of a flexible substrate at the area `A` of
FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship
of a second wiring layer of the flexible substrate at the area `A`
of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship
of a first wiring layer of a flexible substrate of a display
apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship
of a second wiring layer of the flexible substrate of the display
apparatus shown in FIG. 5A;
[0037] FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship
of a first wiring layer of a flexible substrate of a display
apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present
invention;
[0038] FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship
of a second wiring layer of the flexible substrate of the display
apparatus shown in FIG. 6A; and
[0039] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display apparatus
according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0041] It will be understood that when an element or layer is
referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another
element or layer, it may be directly on, connected, or coupled to
the other element or layer or one or more intervening elements or
layers may also be present. When an element or layer is referred to
as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly
coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening
elements or layers present. For example, when a first element is
described as being "coupled" or "connected" to a second element,
the first element may be directly coupled or connected to the
second element or the first element may be indirectly coupled or
connected to the second element via one or more intervening
elements. The same reference numerals designate the same elements.
As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations
of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, the use of
"may" when describing embodiments of the present invention relates
to "one or more embodiments of the present invention." Expressions,
such as "at least one of," when preceding a list of elements,
modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual
elements of the list. Also, the term "exemplary" is intended to
refer to an example or illustration. As used herein, the terms
"use," "using," and "used" may be considered synonymous with the
terms "utilize," "utilizing," and "utilized," respectively.
[0042] It will be understood that, although the terms first,
second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various
elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these
elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not
be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one
element, component, region, layer, or section from another element,
component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element,
component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be
termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section
without departing from the teachings of example embodiments. In the
figures, dimensions of the various elements, layers, etc. may be
exaggerated for clarity of illustration.
[0043] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below,"
"lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for
ease of description to describe one element or feature's
relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in
the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative
terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the
device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted
in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned
over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or
features would then be oriented "above" or "over" the other
elements or features. Thus, the term "below" may encompass both an
orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise
oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the
spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted
accordingly.
[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular example embodiments of the present invention and is not
intended to be limiting of the described example embodiments of the
present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "an"
are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "includes," "including," "comprises," and/or
"comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence
of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or
components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or
more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,
components, and/or groups thereof.
[0045] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a display apparatus
according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, the display apparatus may include a
display panel 10, a flexible substrate FPC, and a driving chip DR
disposed on the flexible substrate FPC.
[0047] The display panel 10 may include a display area DA in which
an image is displayed and a peripheral area NDA, which is a
non-display area and is disposed adjacent to the display area DA.
The peripheral area NDA may be disposed adjacent to the display
area DA and may surround (e.g., surround a periphery of) the
display area DA.
[0048] A plurality of pixels, ones of which are electrically
connected to a scan line extending in a first direction D1 and a
data line extending in a second direction D2 crossing the first
direction D1, may be disposed in the display area DA. Each of the
pixels may emit red, green, blue, or white light and may include,
for example, organic light emitting diodes.
[0049] A driving circuit and wirings for driving the pixels may be
disposed in the peripheral area NDA.
[0050] A pad portion PAD at where the flexible substrate FPC
connects to the display panel 10 may be formed at a side of the
peripheral area NDA. The pad portion PAD may include a plurality of
electrodes. The electrodes of the pad portion PAD are not covered
by an insulation layer to be exposed (e.g., the electrodes of the
pad portion PAD are exposed through the insulation layer) so that
the electrodes of the pad portion PAD may be electrically connected
to the flexible substrate FPC. A power source, such as a first
power voltage ELVDD and a second power voltage ELVSS, a vertical
synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, a
mission control signal, a clock signal, a data signal, etc. may be
provided through the flexible substrate FPC to the electrodes and
to the driving circuit and the pixels.
[0051] The flexible substrate FPC may be a flexible printed circuit
board. The driving chip DR may be an IC chip mounted on the
flexible substrate FPC. In some example embodiments, the driving
chip may be an IC chip mounted on a printed circuit board connected
to the flexible substrate FPC.
[0052] The display panel 10 may be a flexible display panel. The
peripheral area NDA where the pad portion PAD is disposed may be
folded along the first direction D1 and disposed on a back surface
of the display panel 10. Therefore, the peripheral area (e.g., the
bezel) NDA, which is the non-display area of the display apparatus,
is reduced. Here, the display panel 10 may include a flexible base
substrate.
[0053] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I'
of FIG. 1.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the display panel 10 of the
display apparatus may include a base substrate (e.g., a flexible
base substrate) 100, a buffer layer 110, a first insulation layer
120, a first gate layer including a gate line G1, a second
insulation layer 130, a third insulation layer 140, a first SD
layer including a first_a pad electrode P1a and a second_a pad
electrode P2a, a fourth insulation layer 150, a second SD layer
including a first_b pad electrode P1b and a second_b pad electrode
P2b, and a sixth insulation layer 170.
[0055] The buffer layer 110 may be disposed on the base substrate
100. The first insulation layer 120 may be disposed on the buffer
layer 110. The first gate layer including the gate line G1 may be
disposed on the first insulation layer 120. The second insulation
layer 130 may be disposed on the first insulation layer 120 on
which the first gate layer is disposed (e.g., the second insulation
layer 130 may be disposed over the first gate layer). The third
insulation layer 140 may be disposed on the second insulation layer
130.
[0056] The first SD layer including the first_a pad electrode P1a
and the second_a pad electrode P2a may be disposed on the third
insulation layer 140. The first_a pad electrode P1a and the
second_a pad electrode P2a may be electrically connected to the
155818 gate line G1 through a contact opening (e.g., a contact
hole) formed through the second and third insulation layers 130 and
140.
[0057] The fourth insulation layer 150 may be disposed on the first
SD layer. The second SD layer including the first_b pad electrode
P1b and the second_b pad electrode
[0058] P2b may be disposed on the fourth insulation layer 150. The
first_b pad electrode P1b and the second_b pad electrode P2b may be
electrically connected to the first_a pad electrode P1a and the
second_a pad electrode P2a, respectively, through contact openings
(e.g., contact holes) formed through the fourth insulation layer
150. The sixth insulation layer 170 may be disposed on the second
SD layer. The sixth insulation layer 170 may have openings exposing
the first_b pad electrode P1b and the second_b pad electrode P2b,
respectively.
[0059] The flexible substrate FPC may include a first film layer
200, a first wiring layer W1, a second film layer 210, a second
wiring layer W2, and a third film layer 220.
[0060] The first film layer 200 may be a base film of the flexible
substrate FPC. The first film layer 200 may include an insulation
material, such as a resin.
[0061] The first wiring layer W1 may be disposed on the first film
layer 200. The first wiring layer W1 may be a conductive layer and
may have a plurality of wirings.
[0062] The second film layer 210 may be disposed on the first film
layer 200 on which the first wiring layer W1 is disposed (e.g., the
second film layer 210 may cover the first wiring layer W1). The
second film layer 210 may include an insulation material, such as a
resin or the like.
[0063] The second wiring layer W2 may be a conductive layer and may
have a plurality of wirings, a first contacting portion C1, and a
second contacting portion C2. wiring layer W2 may be disposed on
the second film layer 210.
[0064] The third film layer 220 may be disposed on the second
wiring layer W2. The first film layer 200 may include an insulation
material, such as a resin or the like. The third film layer 220 may
expose a portion of the second wiring layer W2 so that the pad
portion PAD of the display panel 10 may be electrically connected
to the first contacting portion C1 and the second contacting
portion C2 of the second wiring layer W2.
[0065] A conductive member 250 may be disposed between the pad
portion PAD of the display panel 10 and the flexible substrate FPC.
The conductive member 250 may attach the flexible substrate FPC to
the display panel 10 and may electrically connect the electrodes of
the pad portion PAD to circuits of the flexible substrate FPC. The
conductive member 250 may be an anisotropic conductive film (ACF)
having a plurality of conductive balls 252.
[0066] A covering part CRD may be disposed on a side surface of the
display panel 10. The side surface of the display panel 10 is an
edge EDGE. The covering part CRD may cover the side surface and may
cover a portion of the exposed conductive member 250. Thus, the
covering part CRD may contact a side surface and a portion of a
lower surface of the display panel 10, the conductive member 250,
and the third film layer 220 of the flexible substrate FPC. The
covering part CRD may include a resin.
[0067] The driving chip DR may be mounted on the flexible substrate
FPC. For example, the driving chip DR may be electrically connected
to the second wiring layer W2 through an opening of the third film
layer 220. In addition, the driving chip DR may be electrically
connected to the first wiring layer W1 through an opening in the
first film layer 200.
[0068] In some example embodiments, the wirings of the second
wiring layer W2 are cut at an area corresponding to the edge EDGE,
but the wirings of the second wiring layer W2 may be electrically
connected to the wirings of the first wiring layer W1 through a
contact opening (e.g., a contact hole) formed through the second
film layer 210.
[0069] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II'
of FIG. 1.
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, in the display area DA, the
display apparatus may include the base substrate 100, the buffer
layer 110, the first insulation layer 120, the second insulation
layer 130, the third insulation layer 140, the fourth insulation
layer 150, the fifth insulation layer 160, the sixth insulation
layer 170, a pixel defining layer PDL, a light emitting structure
180, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFE. The light emitting
structure 180 may include a first electrode 181, an emission layer
(e.g., a light emitting layer) 182, and a second electrode 183.
[0071] The base substrate 100 may include (e.g., may be formed of)
a flexible material. For example, the base substrate 100 may be
formed of a flexible plastic material, such as polyimide. However,
exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited
thereto. According to other exemplary embodiments, the flexible
plastic material may include polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate
(PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN),
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS),
polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate (PC), TAC, cellulose acetate
propionate (CAP), cyclic olefin polymer, cyclic olefin copolymer,
etc.
[0072] The buffer layer 110 may prevent (or substantially reduce)
diffusion of metal atoms and/or impurities from the base substrate
100 to an active pattern ACT and the light emitting structure 180.
The buffer layer 110 may also adjust a heat transfer rate of a
successive crystallization process to form the active pattern ACT
to thereby obtain a substantially uniform active pattern ACT.
Because the base substrate 100 may have a relatively irregular
surface, the buffer layer 110 may improve flatness of the surface
of the base substrate 100 (e.g., the buffer layer 110 may be a
planarization layer). According to a type of the base substrate
100, a plurality of buffer layers may be provided on the base
substrate 100, or the buffer layer may be omitted. For example, the
buffer layer 110 may include an organic material or an inorganic
material.
[0073] The active pattern ACT may be disposed on the buffer layer
110. The active pattern ACT may include amorphous silicon or
polycrystalline silicon. In some example embodiments, the active
pattern ACT may include an oxide of at least one substance selected
from the group consisting of indium (In), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn),
zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium
(Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and zinc (Zn). The active
pattern ACT may include a channel region, a source region, and a
drain region doped with an impurity.
[0074] The first insulation layer 120 may be disposed on the buffer
layer 110. The first insulation layer 120 may be uniformly (or
substantially uniformly) formed on the buffer layer 110 along a
profile of the active pattern ACT. The first insulation layer 120
may include a silicon compound, metal oxide, etc.
[0075] The first gate layer including a gate electrode GE may be
disposed on the first insulation layer 120. The gate electrode GE
may overlap the active pattern ACT. The first gate layer may be
formed using metal, an alloy, a metal nitride, a conductive metal
oxide, a transparent conductive material, etc.
[0076] The second insulation layer 130 may be disposed on the first
insulation layer 120 on which the first gate layer is disposed. For
example, the second insulation layer 130 may be uniformly (or
substantially uniformly) formed on the first insulation layer 120
along a profile of the first gate layer. In some embodiments, the
second insulation layer 130 may have a substantially small
thickness such that a stepped portion may be formed at a portion of
the second insulation layer 130 adjacent to the first gate layer.
In some example embodiments, the second insulation layer 130 may
have a relatively large thickness to sufficiently cover the active
pattern so that the second insulation layer 130 may have a
substantially level surface. The second insulating layer 130 may
include a silicon compound, a metal oxide, or the like. The second
insulating layer 130 may be formed of a plurality of layers.
[0077] A second gate layer including a storage electrode CE may be
disposed on the second insulation layer 130. The storage electrode
CE may form a storage capacitor with (e.g., may extend from) the
gate electrode GE. The second gate layer may be formed using metal,
an alloy, a metal nitride, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent
conductive material, etc.
[0078] The third insulation layer 140 may be disposed on the second
insulation layer 130 on which the second gate layer is disposed.
For example, the third insulation layer 140 may sufficiently cover
the second gate layer on the second insulation layer 130 and may
have a substantially planar top surface without creating a step
portion adjacent to the gate electrode GE. In some example
embodiments, the third insulation layer 140 may cover the second
gate layer on the second insulation layer 130 and may have
substantially uniform thickness along a profile of the second gate
layer. The third insulation layer 140 may include a silicon
compound, a metal oxide, or the like. The third insulation layer
140 may be formed of a plurality of layers.
[0079] The first SD layer including a source electrode SE and a
drain electrode DE may be disposed on the third insulation layer
140. The first SD layer may include (or may be formed of) metal, an
alloy, a metal nitride, a conductive metal oxide, a transparent
conductive material, etc. The source electrode SE may be
electrically connected to the source region of the active pattern
ACT through a contact opening (e.g., a contact hole) formed through
the first-third insulation layers 120, 130, and 140. The drain
electrode DE may be electrically connected to the drain region of
the active pattern ACT through a contact opening (e.g., a contact
hole) formed through the first-third insulating layers 120, 130,
and 140.
[0080] A thin film transistor TFT may include the active pattern
ACT, the gate electrode GE, the source electrode SE, and the drain
electrode DE.
[0081] The fourth insulation layer 150 may be disposed on the third
insulation layer 140 on which the thin film transistor TFT is
disposed. The fourth insulation layer 150 may include (or may be
formed of) an inorganic material, such as a silicon compound,
metal, a metal oxide, etc.
[0082] The fifth insulation layer 160 may be disposed on the fourth
insulation layer 150. The fifth insulation layer 160 may have a
single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure including a
plurality of insulation films. The fifth insulation layer 160 may
include (or may be formed of) an organic material. For example, the
fifth insulation layer 160 may include a photoresist, an
acryl-based resin, a polyimide-based resin, a polyamide-based
resin, a siloxane-based resin, etc. These may be used alone or in a
combination.
[0083] The second SD layer including a contact pad CP may be
disposed on the fifth insulation layer 160. The contact pad CP may
be electrically connected to the drain electrode DE through a
contact opening (e.g., a contact hole) formed through the fourth
and fifth insulation layers 150 and 160. The second SD layer may
include (or may be formed of) metal, an alloy, a metal nitride, a
conductive metal oxide, a transparent conductive material, etc.
[0084] The sixth insulation layer 170 may be disposed on the fifth
insulation layer 160 on which the contact pad CP is disposed. The
sixth insulation layer 170 may have a single-layer structure or a
multi-layer structure including a plurality of insulation films.
The sixth insulation layer 170 may include (or may be formed of) an
organic material. For example, the sixth insulation layer 170 may
include a photoresist, an acryl-based resin, a polyimide-based
resin, a polyamide-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, etc. In
some example embodiments, the sixth insulation layer 170 may be
formed using an inorganic material, such as a silicon compound,
metal, or a metal oxide.
[0085] The light emitting structure 180 may include the first
electrode 181, the emission layer 182, and the second electrode
183.
[0086] The first electrode 181 may be disposed on the sixth
insulation layer 170. The first electrode 181 may be electrically
connected to the contact pad CP through a contact opening (e.g., a
contact hole) formed through the sixth insulation layer 170.
[0087] The first electrode 181 may include a reflective material or
a transmissive material in accordance with the emission type of the
display apparatus. For example, the first electrode 181 may include
(or may be formed of) aluminum, an alloy containing aluminum,
aluminum nitride, silver, an alloy containing silver, tungsten,
tungsten nitride, copper, an alloy containing copper, nickel, an
alloy containing nickel, chrome, chrome nitride, molybdenum, an
alloy containing molybdenum, titanium, titanium nitride, platinum,
tantalum, tantalum nitride, neodymium, scandium, strontium
ruthenium oxide, zinc oxide, indium tin oxide, tin oxide, indium
oxide, gallium oxide, indium zinc oxide, etc.
[0088] These may be used alone or in a combination. In example
embodiments, the first electrode 181 may have a single-layer
structure or a multi-layer structure, which may include a metal
film, an alloy film, a metal nitride film, a conductive metal oxide
film, and/or a transparent conductive film.
[0089] The pixel defining layer PDL may be disposed on the sixth
insulation layer 170 on which the first electrode 181 is disposed.
The pixel defining layer PDL may include (or may be formed of) an
organic material. For example, the pixel defining layer PDL may
include a photoresist, an acryl-based resin, a polyimide-based
resin, a polyamide-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, etc. In
some example embodiments, an opening which exposes the first
electrode 181 may be formed by etching the pixel defining layer
PDL.
[0090] The light emitting layer 182 may be disposed on the first
electrode 181 exposed through the opening in the pixel defining
layer PDL. In addition, the light emitting layer 182 may extend
onto a sidewall of the opening in the pixel defining layer PDL. In
some example embodiments, the light emitting layer 182 may include
an organic light emitting layer (EL), a hole injection layer (HIL),
a hole transfer layer (HTL), an electron transfer layer (ETL), an
electron injection layer (EIL), etc. In some example embodiments,
the hole injection layer, the hole transport layer, the electron
transport layer, and the electron injection layer may be formed in
common to correspond to a plurality of pixels, while the organic
emission layer may be separately formed for each of the pixels. In
some example embodiments, a plurality of organic light emitting
layers may be formed of light emitting materials for generating
different colors of light, such as a red color of light, a green
color of light, and a blue color of light in accordance with color
pixels of the display device. In some example embodiments, the
organic light emitting layer of the light emitting layer 182 may
include a plurality of stacked light emitting materials for
generating a red color of light, a green color of light, and a blue
color of light to thereby emit a white color light. In this
embodiment, elements of the light emitting layer 182 are commonly
formed so as to correspond to a plurality of pixels, and each pixel
can be divided by a color filter layer.
[0091] The second electrode 183 may be disposed on the pixel
defining layer PDL and the light emitting layer 182. The second
electrode 183 may include a transmissive material or a reflective
material in accordance with the emission type of the display
device. For example, the second electrode 183 may include (or may
be formed of) aluminum, an alloy containing aluminum, aluminum
nitride, silver, an alloy containing silver, tungsten, tungsten
nitride, copper, an alloy containing copper, nickel, an alloy
containing nickel, chrome, chrome nitride, molybdenum, an alloy
containing molybdenum, titanium, titanium nitride, platinum,
tantalum, tantalum nitride, neodymium, scandium, strontium
ruthenium oxide, zinc oxide, indium tin oxide, tin oxide, indium
oxide, gallium oxide, indium zinc oxide, etc. These may be used
alone or in a combination. In example embodiments, the second
electrode 183 may also have a single-layer structure or a
multi-layer structure, which may include a metal film, an alloy
film, a metal nitride film, a conductive metal oxide film, and/or a
transparent conductive film.
[0092] The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the
second electrode 183. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may
prevent (or substantially prevent) penetration of moisture and
oxygen from outside. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE may
include at least one organic layer and at least one inorganic
layer. The at least one organic layer and the at least one
inorganic layer may be alternately stacked with each other. For
example, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may include a
plurality of (e.g., two) inorganic layers with one organic layer
therebetween but is not limited thereto. In some example
embodiments, a sealing substrate may be provided for shielding
outside air and moisture from penetrating into the display
apparatus instead of the thin film encapsulation layer TFE.
[0093] FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship
of the first wiring layer W1 on the flexible substrate FPC at the
area `A` of FIG. 1. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a connection
relationship of the second wiring layer W2 on the flexible
substrate FPC at the area `A` of FIG. 1.
[0094] Referring to FIGS. 2, 4A, and 4B, the pad portion PAD may
include a first pad portion PAD1 and a second pad portion PAD2. The
first pad portion PAD1 may include a plurality of dummy electrodes
DP, a first_first power electrode ELVDD_1, a first_first pad
electrode 51_1, a second_first pad electrode S2_1, a third_first
pad electrode S3_1, and a fourth_first pad electrode S4_1. The
second pad portion PAD2 may include a plurality of dummy electrodes
DP, a first_second power electrode ELVDD_2, a first_second pad
electrode S1_2, a second_second pad electrode S2_2, a third_second
pad electrode S3_2, and a fourth_second pad electrode S4_2.
[0095] Each of the dummy electrodes DP may be a dummy electrode to
which no signal (e.g., no special signal) or voltage is
applied.
[0096] The first power voltage ELVDD may be applied to the
first_first power electrode ELVDD_1 and the first_second power
electrode ELVDD_2.
[0097] A signal, such as a vertical synchronizing signal, a
horizontal synchronizing signal, a light emission control signal, a
clock signal, and the like, may be applied to the first_first pad
electrode S1_1, the second_first pad electrode S2_1, the
third_first pad electrode S3_1, and the fourth_first pad electrode
S4_1. The signals may have a negative (-) or positive (+)
voltage.
[0098] A signal or voltage identical to (or substantially similar
to) the signal or voltage applied to the first_first pad electrode
S1_1, the second_first pad electrode S2_1, the third_first pad
electrode S3_1, and the fourth_first pad electrode S4_1 may be
applied to the first_second pad electrode S1_2, the second_second
pad electrode S2_2, the third_second pad electrode S3_2, and the
fourth_second pad electrode S4_2, respectively.
[0099] The electrodes of the first pad portion PAD1 may be arranged
in (e.g., arranged adjacent each other in) the first direction D1.
One or a plurality of the dummy electrodes DP may be disposed
between the electrodes to which the same voltage or signal as the
first_first power electrode ELVDD_1, the first_first pad electrode
S1_1, the second_first pad electrode S2_1, the third_first pad
electrode S3_1, or the fourth first pad electrode S4_1 is applied.
In some embodiments, the electrodes to which the same voltage or
signal are applied may be disposed adjacent to (e.g., directly
adjacent to) each other.
[0100] The second pad portion PAD2 may be spaced from (e.g., spaced
apart from) the first pad portion PAD1 in the second direction D2,
which is perpendicular to the first direction D1, and may extend in
the first direction D1. The electrodes of the second pad portion
PAD2 may be arranged in (e.g., arranged adjacent each other in) the
first direction D1. One or a plurality of the dummy electrodes DP
may be disposed between the electrodes to which the same voltage or
signal as the first_second power electrode ELVDD_2, the
first_second pad electrode S1_2, the second_second pad electrode
S2_2, the third_second pad electrode S3_2, or the fourth_second pad
electrode S4_2 is applied. In some embodiments, the electrodes to
which the same voltage or signal is applied may be disposed
adjacent to (e.g., directly adjacent to) each other.
[0101] In FIG. 4A, wirings of the second wiring layer W2 of the
flexible substrate FPC are described. For example, the second
wiring layer W2 may include a first_second power line VL2, a
plurality of dummy lines DL, a first_second wiring 211, a
second_second wiring 212, a third_second wiring 213, and a
fourth_second wiring 214.
[0102] The first_second power line VL2 may contact the conductive
ball 252 of the conductive member 250 and may be electrically
connected to the first power electrode ELVDD_2 (see, e.g., FIG.
2).
[0103] The dummy lines DL may include a first dummy line (e.g., the
top portion of the dummy lines in FIG. 4A in the second direction
D2) and a second dummy line (e.g., the bottom portion of the dummy
lines in FIG. 4A in the second direction D2), which is spaced from
the first dummy line and extends in a same direction so that the
first and second dummy lines are formed along a same line. The
first dummy line of the dummy lines DL may contact the conductive
ball 252 of the conductive member 250 and may be electrically
connected to the dummy electrode DP.
[0104] In a plan view, the edge EDGE of the base substrate 100 may
be disposed between the first dummy line and the second dummy line
of the dummy line DL. For example, the dummy line DL is cut at
where it overlaps the edge EDGE of the base substrate 100 so that
the dummy line DL does not overlap the edge EDGE.
[0105] A gap may be formed between the first dummy line and the
second dummy line, and the gap between the first dummy line and the
second dummy line may overlap the edge EDGE of the base substrate
100.
[0106] The first_second wiring 211 may include a first_second_first
wiring (e.g., the top portion in FIG. 4A) and a first_second_second
wiring (e.g., the bottom portion in FIG.
[0107] 4A) which is spaced from the first_second_first wiring and
extends in a same direction so that the first_second_first wiring
and the first_second_second wiring are formed along a same line.
The first_second_first wiring of the first_second wiring 211 may
contact the conductive ball 252 of the conductive member 250 to be
electrically connected to the first_second pad electrode S1_2.
[0108] In a plan view, the edge EDGE of the base substrate 100 may
be disposed between the first_second_first wiring and
first_second_second wiring of the first_second wiring 211. For
example, the first_second wiring 211 is cut at where it overlaps
the edge EDGE of the base substrate 100 so that the edge EDGE and
the first_second wiring 211 do not overlap each other.
[0109] A gap may be formed between the first_second_first wiring
and the first_second_second wiring, and the gap between the
first_second_first wiring and the first_second_second wiring may
overlap the edge EDGE of the base substrate 100.
[0110] The second_second wiring 212 may include a
second_second_first wiring (e.g., the top portion in FIG. 4A) and a
second_second_second wiring (e.g., the bottom portion in FIG. 4A)
which is spaced from the second_second_first wiring and extends in
a same direction so that the second_second_first wiring and the
second_second_second wiring are formed along a same line. The
second_second_first wiring of the second_second wiring 212 may
contact the conductive ball 252 of the conductive member 250 to be
electrically connected to the second_second pad electrode S2_2.
[0111] In a plan view, the edge EDGE of the base substrate 100 may
be disposed between the second_second_first wiring and
second_second_second wiring of the second_second wiring 212. For
example, the second_second wiring 212 is cut at where it overlaps
the edge EDGE of the base substrate 100 so that the edge EDGE and
the second_second wiring 212 do not overlap each other. A gap may
be formed between the second_second_first wiring and the
second_second_second wiring, and the gap between the
second_second_first wiring and the second_second_second wiring may
overlap the edge EDGE of the base substrate 100.
[0112] The third_second wiring 213 may include a third_second_first
wiring (e.g., the top portion in FIG. 4A) and a third_second_second
wiring (e.g., the bottom portion in FIG. 4A) which is spaced from
the third_second_first wiring and extends in a same direction so
that the third_second_first wiring and the third_second_second
wiring are formed along a same line. The third_second_first wiring
of the third_second wiring 213 may contact the conductive ball 252
of the conductive member 250 to be electrically connected to the
third_second pad electrode S3_2.
[0113] In a plan view, the edge EDGE of the base substrate 100 may
be disposed between the third_second_first wiring and
third_second_second wiring of the third_second wiring 213. For
example, the third_second wiring 213 is cut at where it overlaps
the edge EDGE of the base substrate 100 so that the edge EDGE and
the third_second wiring 213 do not overlap each other. A gap may be
formed between the third_second_first wiring and the
third_second_second wiring, and the gap between the
third_second_first wiring and the third_second_second wiring may
overlap the edge EDGE of the base substrate 100.
[0114] The fourth_second wiring 214 may include a
fourth_second_first wiring (e.g., the top portion in FIG. 4A) and a
fourth_second_second wiring (e.g., the bottom portion in FIG. 4A)
which is spaced from the fourth_second_first wiring and extends in
a same direction so that the fourth_second_first wiring and the
fourth_second_second wiring are formed along a same line. The
fourth_second_first wiring of the fourth_second wiring 214 may
contact the conductive ball 252 of the conductive member 250 to be
electrically connected to the fourth_second pad electrode S4_2.
[0115] In a plan view, the edge EDGE of the base substrate 100 may
be disposed between the fourth_second_first wiring and
fourth_second_second wiring of the fourth_second wiring 214. For
example, the fourth_second wiring 214 is cut at where it overlaps
the edge EDGE of the base substrate 100 so that the edge EDGE and
the fourth_second wiring 214 do not overlap each other. A gap may
be formed between the fourth_second_first wiring and the
fourth_second_second wiring, and the gap between the
fourth_second_first wiring and the fourth_second_second wiring may
overlap the edge EDGE of the base substrate 100.
[0116] Wirings of the first wiring layer W1 of the flexible
substrate FPC are described in FIG. 4B. For example, the first
wiring layer W1 may include a first first power line VL1, a
plurality of dummy lines DL, a first_first wiring 201, a second
first wiring 202, a third_first wiring 203, and a fourth_first
wiring 204.
[0117] The wirings of the first wiring layer W1 are electrically
connected to a first contacting portion C1 (see, e.g., FIG. 2) of
the second wiring layer W2 and may be electrically connected
through the first contacting portion C1 and the conductive ball 252
of the conductive member 250 to a corresponding pad electrode.
[0118] According to example embodiments of the present invention,
signal wirings of the second wiring layer W2 adjacent to the side
surface of the base substrate 100 are cut at an area corresponding
to the edge EDGE of the base substrate 100. Therefore, a short
circuit between the signal wirings due to, for example, damage to
an insulation structure between the signal wirings caused by a
material, for example, a conductive material, flowing out from the
side surface of the base substrate 100 under high temperature and
high humidity conditions can be prevented or mitigated.
[0119] FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship
of a first wiring layer of a flexible substrate of a display
apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a connection
relationship of a second wiring layer of the flexible substrate of
the display apparatus shown in FIG. 5A.
[0120] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the display apparatus is
substantially the same as the display apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-4
except that a first second wiring 311, a second_second wiring 312,
a third_second wiritng 313, and a fourth_second wiring 314 are not
cut. Therefore, repeated explanations of the same or substantially
similar configurations may be omitted.
[0121] A dummy line DL may include a first dummy line and a second
dummy line. The second dummy line is spaced from the first dummy
line and extends in a same direction so that the first and the
second dummy line are formed along a same line. Thus, in a plan
view, the dummy line DL may be cut at an area overlapping the edge
EDGE of the base substrate 100 so that the edge EDGE and the dummy
line DL may not overlap each other. Therefore, a gap is formed
between the first dummy line and the second dummy line, and the gap
between the first and second dummy lines may overlap the edge EDGE
of the base substrate 100 in a plan view.
[0122] The first_second wiring 311, the second_second wiring 312,
the third_second wiritng 313, and the fourth_second wiring 314 may
not be cut at the edge EDGE. Thus, in a plan view, the first_second
wirings 311, the second_second wirings 312, the third_second
wirings 313, and the fourth_second wirings 314 may overlap the edge
EDGE.
[0123] According to the above-described example embodiment of the
present invention, the dummy lines DL of the second wiring layer W2
adjacent to the side surface of the base substrate 100 are cut at
an area corresponding to the edge EDGE of the base substrate 100.
Therefore, a short circuit between the dummy line DL and signal
wirings adjacent to the dummy line DL due to, for example, a
material, such as a conductive material, flowing out from the side
surface of the base substrate 100 under high temperature and high
humidity conditions can be prevented or mitigated.
[0124] FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship
of a first wiring layer of a flexible substrate of a display
apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a connection
relationship of a second wiring layer of the flexible substrate of
the display apparatus shown in FIG. 6A.
[0125] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the display apparatus may be
substantially same as the display apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-4
except that a dummy line is not cut. Therefore, repeated
explanations of the same or substantially similar configurations
may be omitted.
[0126] Each of a first_second wiring 311, a second_second wiring
312, a third_second wiring 313, and a fourth_second wiring 314 may
include a first wiring and a second wiring spaced from the
respective first wiring. Thus, in a plan view, each of the
first_second wiring 311, the second_second wiring 312, the
third_second wiring 313, and the fourth_second wiring 314 may be
cut at an area corresponding to the edge EDGE of the base substrate
100 so that the first_second wiring 311-the fourth_second wiring
314 may not overlap the edge EDGE.
[0127] The dummy line DL may not be cut at the edge EDGE. Thus, in
a plan view, the dummy line DL may overlap (e.g., may extend over)
the edge EDGE.
[0128] According to the above-described example embodiment of the
present invention, signal wirings of the second wiring layer W2
adjacent to a side surface of the base substrate 100 are cut at an
area corresponding to the edge EDGE of the base substrate 100.
Therefore, a short circuit between adjacent signal wirings due to,
for example, damage to an insulation structure between the signal
wirings due to a material, such as a conductive material, flowing
out from the side surface of the base substrate 100 under high
temperature and high humidity conditions can be prevented or
mitigated.
[0129] In addition, any material that may flow out of the base
substrate 100 may be blocked by the dummy line DL. Accordingly, the
above-described defects may be prevented or mitigated.
[0130] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display apparatus
according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
[0131] Referring to FIG. 7, when the display apparatus is driven in
a high temperature and high humidity environment, a material
promoting corrosion of metal may flow out from the side surface of
the base substrate 100, and the material may be harmful to the
wirings of the second wiring layer W2. The material may reach the
wirings of the second wiring layer W2 from the side surface of the
base substrate 100 through the covering part CRD and the conductive
member 250 (see, e.g., the arrow in FIG. 7) Accordingly, in
conventional display apparatuses, the wirings may be corroded due
to the material flowing between adjacent wirings, and a short
circuit may occur, causing a defective or abnormal driving
phenomenon to occur.
[0132] For example, when the base substrate 100 is a flexible
substrate including polyimide, a short circuit may relatively
frequently occur between the wirings in high temperature and high
humidity environments.
[0133] According to example embodiments of the present invention,
because at least some of the wirings are cut at an area at where
the material can affect the wirings, the above-described defects
can be prevented or mitigated. In addition, the signal wiring(s)
are cut or the dummy wiring is present in at where the material may
flow so that the above-described defects may be prevented or
mitigated.
[0134] According to example embodiments of the present invention,
signal wirings and/or dummy lines of the second wiring layer
adjacent to a side surface of the base substrate are cut at an area
corresponding to the edge of the base substrate. Therefore, a short
circuit between the signal wirings due to damage to an insulation
structure caused by a material, for example, a conductive material,
flowing out from the side surface of the base substrate under high
temperature and high humidity conditions can be prevented or
mitigated.
[0135] In addition, the material may be blocked (or substantially
blocked) from further flowing by the dummy line. Accordingly,
above-described defects may be prevented or further mitigated.
[0136] The foregoing exemplary embodiments are illustrative of the
present invention and are not to be construed as limiting thereof.
Although a few example embodiments of the present invention have
been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate
that many modifications thereto are possible without materially
departing from the aspects and features of the present invention.
Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included
within the scope of the present invention. In the claims,
means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures
described herein as performing the recited function(s) and not only
structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Therefore,
it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the
present invention, and the present invention is not to be construed
as limited to the example embodiments disclosed, and modifications
to the disclosed example embodiments, as well as other example
embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended claims and their equivalents.
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