Abstract:
The present invention relates to a driving integrated circuit IC for driving a liquid crystal display LCD and, more particularly, to an LCD panel driving device and a circuit array using the same, which simplifies the circuit array and reduces its manufacturing cost. The LCD panel driving device of the invention comprises output bumps  311  for outputting driving signals to the LCD panel and at least an input bump group  312  arranged in a perpendicular direction with the output bumps  311 . The input bumps are coupled electrically with conductive patterns  32  formed on a base film  30  or a lower glass  1.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to a driving integrated circuit IC for driving a liquid crystal display LCD and, more particularly, to an LCD panel driving device and a circuit array using the same, which simplifies the circuit array and reduces its manufacturing cost.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Recently, as various multimedia services are widely provided, diverse display devices for supplying pictures or moving picture have been developed and spread. A typical display device is that using a cathode ray tube CRT, which has a drawback that its size is big and its weight is heavy. Accordingly, display devices using a liquid crystal display LCD or a plasma display panel PDP have been popularized increasingly. Particularly, the LCD device has been widely used for its merit that it is very thick and light.  
         [0005]     In general, the LCD device includes a liquid crystal panel formed by injecting a liquid crystal material between a lower glass having gate lines, data lines, thin film transistors, pixel electrodes, etc., for example, and an upper glass having black matrix, color pixels, common electrodes, etc. Here, the width and length of the lower glass are set larger than those of the upper glass, especially, the lower glass has a plurality of signal connecting members for connecting various driving signals, such as gate signal, source signals, clock signals and control signals applied from the outside, with a driving electric power source.  
         [0006]     A configuration for supplying various driving signals to the liquid crystal panel is disclosed by Korean Patent Publication No. 2001-9044 titled: Signal connecting member for liquid crystal display and drive IC mount on the same.  FIG. 1  is a layout showing a configuration disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Publication. In the figure, reference numerals  1  and  2  denote a lower glass and an upper glass, respectively, that construct a liquid crystal panel. Numeral  3  denotes a printed circuit board PCB for supplying a driving electric power source, gate driving signals, data driving signals, etc., with the liquid crystal panel. On the PCB  3 , there are established a DC-DC converter  301 , a controller  302  and a plurality of driving devices for driving the liquid crystal panel.  
         [0007]     The PCB  3  and the lower glass  1  are connected electrically and physically with each other through specific connecting members  4 . On the connecting member  4  made of malleable film, a data driving device  401  for driving the liquid crystal panel is mounted in a flip-chip bonding manner and a plurality of conductive patterns are also formed, not depicted in the figure. The conductive patterns couple data applied form the PCB  3  with the data driving devices  401  and data driving signals output from the data driving devices  401  with data lines, not depicted, formed on the lower glass  1  electrically.  
         [0008]     Meanwhile, gate driving signals applied from the PCB  3  are sent to the lower glass  1  through at least one connecting member among the plural connecting members  4  and coupled with base films  5  electrically through conductive patterns  11  for gate signals formed on the lower glass  1 .  
         [0009]     On the base film  5  made of a malleable material as same with the connecting member  4 , a device for gate drive of the liquid crystal panel is mounted in the flip-chip manner and conductive patterns  52  are formed to connect the conductive patterns  11  on the lower glass  1  with the gate drive device  51  electrically.  
         [0010]     Gate driving signals of the liquid crystal panel include electric power sources such as VDD (2.5˜5V), VSS (0V), VGH (+15˜+30V), etc., and signals such as CLK, DIO 1 , DIO 2 , OE, DIR, etc. Since the gate driving signals are used commonly by the respective gate drive devices  51 , the gate drive device  51  re-outputs the gate driving signals input to a subsequent gate drive device  51 .  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is a layout illustrating a configuration of the gate drive device  51  and the conductive patterns  52  established on the base film  5 . The gate drive device  51  includes a plurality of output bumps  511 , arranged in a row on one end, for outputting gate driving signals to the liquid crystal panel and a plurality of input bumps  512 , formed in a row on the opposite end to the output bumps  511 , for receiving gate driving signals. The input bumps  512  are divided into two groups  512   a  and  512   b . The input bumps  512   a  of the first group are to receive the gate driving signals from the conductive patterns  52  on the base film  5  and the input bumps  512   b  of the second group are to output the gate driving signals input from the input bumps  512   a  through the conductive patterns  52  on the base film  5  to the subsequent base film  5 . The input bumps  512   a  and  512   b  are coupled with each other electrically through predetermined metal lines  513 .  
         [0012]     However, the device having the above-described configuration has a following drawback: That is, in case of the conventional gate drive device  51 , the input bumps  512   a  of the first group and the input bumps  512   b  of the second group are arranged in a row on one end of the device  51  and these input bumps  512  are positioned far from the liquid crystal panel. Accordingly, in forming the conductive patterns  52  on the base film  5  so as to connect the input bumps  512  with the conductive patterns  11  on the lower glass  1  electrically, the conductive patterns  52  are designed necessarily to go round the circumference of the device  51 . In such a manner, if the conductive patterns  52  go round the device  51 , further areas for accommodating the detour patterns are needed on the base film  50 , which requires lots of expensive base films unnecessarily.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a LCD panel driving device that can minimize the use of the base film by modifying the mounting structure of bumps on the LCD panel driving device.  
         [0014]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a circuit array that can simplify the conductive patterns arranged on the base film or the lower glass using the LCD panel driving device.  
         [0015]     To accomplish an object in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an LCD panel driving device that receives driving signals from an outside and outputs driving signals for driving the LCD panel, the LCD panel driving device comprising: first input bumps, established on one end of a gate drive device, for receiving driving signals from the outside; second input bumps, formed on the other end of the gate drive device, for outputting the driving signals to the outside; signal connecting members for coupling the first input bumps with the second input bumps electrically; and output bumps for outputting the driving signals to the LCD panel, the first and second input bumps being arranged in a perpendicular direction with the output bumps.  
         [0016]     To accomplish another object in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an LCD panel driving device that receives driving signals from an outside and outputs driving signals for driving the LCD panel, the LCD panel driving device comprising: input bumps, established on one end of a gate drive device, for receiving driving signals from the outside; and output bumps for outputting the driving signals to the LCD panel, the input bumps being arranged in a perpendicular direction with the output bumps.  
         [0017]     Besides, the LCD panel driving device of the present invention further comprises dummy bumps provided on an opposite end of the output bumps.  
         [0018]     To accomplish an additional object in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a circuit array for driving an LCD panel that includes a printed circuit board PCB having a device for generating driving signals for driving the LCD panel and connecting members for connecting the PCB with a lower glass of the LCD panel electrically and physically to supply the driving signals with the LCD panel, the circuit array comprising: a plurality of base films, connected with the lower glass of the LCD panel, having the LCD panel driving device and first conductive patterns; and second conductive patterns, formed on the lower glass of the LCD panel, for coupling with the first conductive patterns electrically, the LCD panel driving device including output bumps for outputting the driving signals to the LCD panel and at least a row of input bumps arranged in a perpendicular direction with the output bumps.  
         [0019]     To accomplish a further object in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a circuit array for driving an LCD panel that includes a printed circuit board PCB having a device for generating driving signals for driving the LCD panel and connecting members connecting the PCB with a lower glass of the LCD panel electrically and physically to supply the driving signals with the LCD panel, the circuit array comprising: conductive patterns that are formed on the lower glass and coupled with the driving signals input through the connecting members; output bumps, mounted on the conductive patterns, for outputting the driving signals to the LCD panel; and at least a row of input bumps arranged in a perpendicular direction with the output bumps.  
         [0020]     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]     The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention:  
         [0022]     In the drawings:  
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a layout showing a configuration of a conventional device and circuit array for supplying driving signals to a liquid crystal panel;  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a layout illustrating a configuration of a gate drive device  51  and conductive patterns  52  established on a base film  5  in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is a layout explaining a configuration of a gate drive device  31  and a circuit array in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is a layout showing how the concept of  FIG. 3  is applied to the liquid crystal panel;  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  is a layout illustrating a configuration of a gate drive device  51  and a circuit array in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is a layout explaining how the gate drive devices  31  and the circuit array in  FIG. 3  are embodied on a lower glass  1  in the liquid crystal panel.;  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  is a layout depicted how the gate drive devices  51  and the circuit array in  FIG. 5  are embodied on a lower glass  1  in the liquid crystal panel.;  
         [0030]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing the exterior of the gate drive device  31  in  FIG. 3 ; and  
         [0031]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating the exterior of the gate drive device  31  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0032]     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.  
         [0033]      FIG. 3  is a layout for explaining a gate drive device  31  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device  31  of the invention is mounted on a base film  30 . Besides,  FIG. 4  is a layout showing how the base film  30  in  FIG. 3  is applied to a lower glass  1  of the liquid crystal panel, which corresponds to  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 4 , the same elements with those described in  FIG. 1  have the same reference numerals and detailed explanation will be omitted.  
         [0034]     In  FIG. 3 , the device  31  according to the present invention has a plurality of output bumps  311 , formed in a row on one end of the device  31  adjacent to the liquid crystal panel in the same manner with conventional device, for outputting gate driving signals. That is, the output bumps  311  are arranged in the same direction with the liquid crystal panel or the lower glass  1 .  
         [0035]     Meanwhile, according to the present invention distinctively from the conventional device, input bumps  312   a  of a first group for receiving the gate driving signals from conductive patterns  32  on the base film  30  and input bumps  312   b  of a second group for outputting the gate driving signals input from the first input bumps  312   a  to the conductive patterns  32  on the base film  30  are arranged in a perpendicular direction with the liquid crystal panel or the lower glass  1 , not in the opposite direction with the output bumps  311 . That is, the first and second input bumps  312   a  and  312   b  are disposed perpendicularly with the array direction of the output bumps  311 . And the first and second input bumps  312   a  and  312   b  are coupled with each other through metal lines  313  electrically.  
         [0036]     In the above-described configuration, the first and second input bumps  312   a  and  312   b  are arranged on right and left ends of the device  31 , respectively, on the basis of the output bumps  311 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the right and left ends of the output bumps  311  on the device  31  are directly connected with the conductive patterns  11  on the lower glass  1  and positioned very adjacent to the lower glass  1 . Accordingly, in forming the conductive patterns  32 , for electrically coupling the conductive patterns  11  of the lower glass  1  with the first and second input bumps  312   a  and  312   b  of the device  31 , on the base film  30 , it is possible to design the conductive patterns  32  along with straight lines between the conductive patterns  11  and the device  31 , needless to go round the circumference of the device  31 , differently from the conventional one. That is, it is possible to retrench the length of the base film  30  to the extent of the area for accommodating the detour patterns since it is unnecessary to prepare for detour patterns arranged on the opposite end to the output bumps  311  of the device  31 .  
         [0037]     Besides, according to the above-described configuration, it is possible to reduce the width of the device  31  to the extent of the length that the input bumps  312   a  and  312   b  need to position.  
         [0038]      FIG. 5  is a layout illustrating a configuration of a gate drive device  51  and a base film  50  applying the device  51  in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. In the device  51  of  FIG. 5  according to this embodiment, a plurality of output bumps  511  are established on one end adjacent to the liquid crystal panel in a parallel direction and a plurality of input bumps  512  for inputting the gate driving signals from conductive patterns  52  on the base film  50  are formed in a perpendicular direction with the output bumps  511  of the device  51 . And the conductive patterns  52  on the base film  50  are extended from an upper end of the base film  50  to a lower end of the base film  50  under the device  51 .  
         [0039]     In the embodiment of the invention depicted in  FIG. 3 , the driving signals input from the lower glass  1  are coupled with the first input bumps  312   a  of the device  31  through the conductive patterns  32  on the base film  30  and, then, the signals coupled with the first input bumps  312   a  of the device  31  are sent to the second input bumps  312   b  through the metal lines  313  in the device  31 . Subsequently, the signals are applied again to the conductive patterns  32  on the base film  30  through the second input bumps  312   b . Whereas, according to the embodiment of the invention depicted in  FIG. 5 , the driving signals input from the lower glass  1  are transmitted repeatedly to the lower glass  1  through the conductive patterns  52  on the base film  50  and, the driving signals travel like this are supplied to the internal circuitry of the device  51  through the input bumps  512  of the device  51  coupled with the conductive patterns  52  electrically.  
         [0040]     Meanwhile,  FIG. 6  shows another example of the circuit array configured by using the gate drive devices  31  in  FIG. 3 . In  FIG. 6 , the same elements with those described in  FIG. 4  have the same reference numerals and detailed explanation will be omitted.  
         [0041]     According to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6 , the devices  31  are mounted direct onto the lower glass  1  of the liquid crystal panel, not using the base film  30  in  FIG. 4 . The devices  31  are positioned in places corresponding to gate electrodes, not depicted, formed on the lower glass  1 . The gate driving signals input from the PCB  3  to the lower glass  1  through the connecting members  4  are coupled electrically with the first input bumps  312   a  of the device  31  through conductive patterns  61  arranged on the lower glass  1  and the signals output from the second input bumps  312   b  are connected electrically to the first input bumps  312   a  of the subsequent device  31  through the conductive patterns  61  of the lower glass  1 .  
         [0042]     In case of the device  51  described in  FIG. 2 , detour patterns are needed to couple the gate driving signals with the input bumps  512  as described above. Accordingly, in case that the conventional devices  51  are mounted on the lower glass  1 , there arises a drawback that further area for accommodating the detour patterns are needed on the lower glass  1 .  
         [0043]     However, according to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the area for forming the detour patterns on the lower glass  1  since the driving signals can be coupled with the device  31  without separate detour patterns. That is, it can reduce the size of the lower glass  1  to the extent of 1 mm, for example.  
         [0044]     In addition,  FIG. 7  illustrates another example of the circuit array configured by using the gate drive devices  51  in  FIG. 5 . In  FIG. 7 , the same elements with those described in  FIG. 4  have the same reference numerals and detailed explanation will be omitted.  
         [0045]     According to the configuration in  FIG. 7 , conductive patterns  71  coupled with the gate driving signals input through the connecting members  4  are extended from an upper side to a lower side of the lower glass  1  without interruption. On the conductive patterns  71 , a plurality of devices  51  are mounted in places corresponding to gate electrodes, not depicted, formed on the lower glass  1 . Here, input bumps  512  connected electrically to the conductive patterns  71  input the gate driving signals from the conductive patterns  71 .  
         [0046]     In the configuration of  FIG. 7 , it is possible to reduce the size of the lower glass  1  and, at the same time, simplifies the configuration of the conductive patterns  71  and the device  51  in the same manner with the configuration described in  FIG. 6  since the conductive patterns  71  for inputting the gate driving signals from the PCB  3  are arranged linearly without interruption on the lower glass  1  and the driving signals necessary to the device  51  are only input through the input bumps  512 .  
         [0047]     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a perspective view showing the exterior of the gate drive device  31  in  FIG. 3 , the output bumps  311  and input bumps  312   a  and  312   b  are established on the side where the base film  30  or the lower glass  1  is mounted. Here, the first and second input bumps  312   a  and  312   b  are arranged symmetrically on both ends of the device  31 , whereas, the output bumps  311  are arranged on one end of the device  31 . Accordingly, when pressing the device  31  having the above-described configuration on the base film  30  or the lower glass  1 , a poor connection may happen due to disproportion of strength put to the device  31 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating the exterior of the gate drive device  31  for solving the above-described problem in accordance with the present invention. Predetermined dummy bumps  90  are provided on an opposite end to the output bumps  311  on the device  31 . The dummy bumps  90  are designed in such a manner that the height of the dummy bumps  90  is set identical with that of the output bumps  311  and the input bumps  312   a  and  312   b , and the length and the number are set to the extent that the strength, put to the device  31  when pressing the device  31  on the base film  30  or the lower glass  1 , can be dispersed.  
         [0049]     The configuration and the concept depicted in  FIG. 9  can be applied to the device  51  in  FIG. 5  as well as the device  31  in  FIGS. 3 and 8  in the same manner. That is, in the configuration of the device  51  in  FIG. 5 , it is desirable to mount the dummy bumps on both ends opposite to the output bumps  511  and the input bumps  512 , respectively.  
         [0050]     Besides, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and various modifications and variations can be made in the above-preferred embodiments of the invention.  
         [0051]     For example, it is possible to combine the two concepts depicted in  FIGS. 6 and 7  (or  FIGS. 3 and 5 ) and mount the devices  31  including the first and second input bumps  312   a  and  312   b  on the conductive patterns  71  extended linearly so that the transmission lines, from the first input bumps  312   a  to the second input bumps  312   b , have a dual structure in the area of the device  31 .  
         [0052]     In addition, in the above-described embodiments, description was made only for the LCD panel driving device and circuit array. However, it is possible to adapt the present invention in the same manner to the case that driving signals input from the outside are applied dependently to the plural devices.  
         [0053]     According to the present invention as described above, it is possible to minimize the use of the base film and simplify the conductive patterns arranged on the base film or the lower glass by modifying the mounting structure of bumps on the LCD panel driving device.  
         [0054]     Besides, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the width of the device by positioning the input bumps on right and left ends, respectively, on the basis of the output bumps, the input bumps established on the opposite end to the output bumps in the conventional configuration.  
         [0055]     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the LCD panel driving device and circuit array using the same of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.