Display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same

A display apparatus includes a display panel, a driver, a controller and a first flexible substrate. The display panel includes first and second substrates facing each other. The first substrate includes a switching element connected to a pixel electrode. The driver provides a driving signal to the display panel. The controller provides a control signal to the driver. The controller includes first and second printed circuit boards spaced apart from each other. The first flexible substrate electrically connects the first and second printed circuit boards to each other. The first flexible substrate defines a first contact portion at which the first flexible substrate is connected to the first printed circuit board, a second contact portion at which the first flexible substrate is connected to the second printed circuit board, and an overlap portion overlapping the display panel and at which the first flexible substrate is attached to the display panel.

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0145559, filed on Oct. 19, 2015, and all the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. §119, the content of which in its entirety is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a display apparatus. More particularly, exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a display apparatus including a driver which outputs a driving signal and a method of manufacturing the display apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

A display apparatus includes a display panel, a driver and a controller. The display panel includes an active area and a peripheral area which is disposed adjacent to the active area. In addition, the driver includes a gate driver and a data driver. The driver applies a driving signal to the display panel. The controller includes a plurality of printed circuit boards which are spaced apart from each other. The controller applies a control signal to the driver.

The display apparatus includes a flexible substrate electrically connecting the printed circuit boards to the display panel and a flexible flat cable (“FFC”) or a flexible printed circuit (“FPC”) electrically connecting the printed circuit boards.

SUMMARY

One or more exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a display apparatus manufactured by a simplified method.

One or more exemplary embodiment of the invention also provides a method of manufacturing the display apparatus capable of simplifying manufacturing of the display apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment of a display apparatus according to the invention, the display apparatus includes a display panel which displays an image, a driver connected to the display panel, a controller connected to the driver and a first flexible substrate. The display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate facing the first substrate. The first substrate includes a switching element and a pixel electrode which is electrically connected to the switching element. The driver is configured to provide a driving signal to the display panel. The controller is configured to provide a control signal to the driver. The controller includes a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board which are spaced apart from each other. The first flexible substrate electrically connects the first printed circuit board to the second printed circuit board. The first flexible substrate defines a first contact portion thereof at which the first flexible substrate is connected to the first printed circuit board, a second contact portion thereof at which the first flexible substrate is connected to the second printed circuit board and an overlap portion thereof overlapping a portion of the display panel and at which the first flexible substrate is attached to the display panel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second printed circuit boards may be spaced apart from each other in a first direction. The first flexible substrate may further define: a first connecting portion thereof extending in a second direction crossing the first direction to connect the first contact portion and the overlap portion to each other; a second connecting portion thereof extending in the second direction to connect the second contact portion and the overlap portion to each other; and a third connecting portion extending in the first direction to connect the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion to each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate may include a dummy line which is disposed on the first to third connecting portions of the first flexible substrate.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate may include polyimide.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel may include an active area which displays the image, and a peripheral area which is disposed adjacent to the active area and which does not display the image. The overlap portion may overlap the peripheral area of the display panel and the first flexible substrate may be attached to the peripheral area of the display panel at the overlap portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the overlap portion may overlap the first substrate of the display panel and the first flexible substrate may be attached to the first substrate of the display panel at the overlap portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the overlap portion may overlap the second substrate of the display panel and the first flexible substrate may be attached to the second substrate of the display panel at the overlap portion.

In an exemplary embodiment, the driver may include a data driver. The data driver may include a second flexible substrate provided in plurality respectively electrically connecting the first and second printed circuit boards to the display panel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may further include a data driving chip provided in plurality respectively mounted on the second flexible substrates by a chip on film (“COF”) method.

In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver may further include a data driving chip provided in plurality respectively mounted on the first substrate by a chip on glass (“COG”) method.

In an exemplary embodiment, the driver may include a gate driver. The gate driver may include a gate driving chip provided in plurality directly mounted on the first substrate.

In an exemplary embodiment, in the top plan view, the first flexible substrate may have a rectangular shape.

In an exemplary embodiment, in the top plan view, the first flexible substrate may have a U-shape.

In an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display apparatus according to the invention, the method includes providing a display panel which displays a image and includes a first substrate and a second substrate which faces the first substrate, attaching a first flexible substrate to the display panel by thermo-compression bonding such that a first portion of the first flexible substrate overlaps a portion of the display panel and attaching a second flexible substrate provided in plurality to the display panel by thermo-compression bonding, providing a first printed circuit board and a second printed circuit board, and attaching the first flexible substrate to the first and second printed circuit boards by thermo-compression bonding such that a second portion of the first flexible substrate different from the first portion respectively overlaps the first and second printed circuit boards and attaching the second flexible substrates to the first and second printed circuit boards by thermo-compression bonding. The first substrate comprising a switching element and a pixel electrode which is electrically connected to the switching element.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate and the second flexible substrates may be simultaneously attached to the display panel in a same thermo-compression bonding operation.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate and the second flexible substrates may be simultaneously attached to the first and second printed circuit boards in a same thermo-compression bonding operation.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel may include an active area which displays the image and a peripheral area which is disposed adjacent to the active area and which does not display the image. The first flexible substrate may be attached to the display panel at the peripheral area of the display panel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate may be attached to the display panel at the first substrate of the display panel.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate may be attached to the display panel at the second substrate of the display panel.

According to one or more exemplary embodiment of the display apparatus and the method of manufacturing the display apparatus, a plurality of second flexible substrates to electrically connect the first and second printed circuit boards to the display panel, and a first flexible substrate to connect the first and second printed circuit boards to each other, are simultaneously attached thereto by the thermo-compression bonding.

Thus, according to one or more exemplary embodiment of the display apparatus and the method of manufacturing the display apparatus, an additional process of connecting a flexible flat cable (“FFC”) or a flexible printed circuit (“FPC”) to connect the first and second printed circuit boards to each other in a conventional method of manufacturing a display apparatus is obviated such that a method of manufacturing a display apparatus may be simplified. In addition, according to one or more exemplary embodiment of the display apparatus and the method of manufacturing the display apparatus, the manufacturing time and the manufacturing cost of the display apparatus may be reduced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In manufacturing a conventional display apparatus including a display panel, a driver, a controller including a plurality of printed circuit boards, a flexible substrate electrically connecting the printed circuit boards to the display panel, and a flexible flat cable (“FFC”) or a flexible printed circuit (“FPC”) electrically connecting the printed circuit boards to each other and/or to the display panel, a thermos-compression bonding to connect the flexible substrate to the display panel and/or to the printed circuit boards is utilized. In addition, in manufacturing the conventional display apparatus, an additional process to connect the FFC or the FPC to the printed circuit boards is employed. Accordingly, the processes of manufacturing the conventional display apparatus may be relatively complex and the manufacturing time and the manufacturing cost of the display apparatus may undesirably increase.

Hereinafter, one or more exemplary embodiment of the invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1is a top plan view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a display apparatus according to the invention.FIG. 2is a perspective view illustrating the display apparatus ofFIG. 1.FIG. 3is a top plan view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a first flexible substrate of the display apparatus ofFIG. 1.FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display apparatus along line I-I′ ofFIG. 2.

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 4, the display apparatus includes a display panel100, a driver, a controller and a first flexible substrate500.

The display panel100includes or defines an active area AA displaying an image and a peripheral area PA which is disposed adjacent to the active area AA and not displaying an image. The active area AA may be a display area of the display panel100and/or the display apparatus.

The display panel100includes a gate line GL provided in plural lengthwise extending in a first direction D1and a data line DL provided in plural lengthwise extending in a second direction D2crossing the first direction D1. Each of the gate line GL and the data line DL define a length thereof which is larger than a width thereof, where the width is taken perpendicular to the length. In the top plan view, for example, the length of the gate line GL extends in the first direction D1, while the width extends in the second direction D2. The display panel100includes a pixel provided in plural and electrically connected to a gate line GL among the gate lines GL and a data line DL among the data lines DL. The gate lines GL, the data lines DL and the pixels are disposed in the active area AA. The pixels may otherwise be referred to as display pixels.

Each pixel includes a switching element TR, and a liquid crystal capacitor (not shown) and a storage capacitor (not shown) which are electrically connected to the switching element TR. The pixels may be disposed in a matrix form in the active area AA.

The display panel100includes a first (display) substrate110, and a second (display) substrate150which faces the first substrate110.

In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the first substrate110may be an array substrate. The gate lines GL and the data lines DL may be disposed on a base substrate (not shown) of the first substrate110and within the first substrate110. In addition, the switching elements TR respectively connected to the gate lines GL and the data lines DL may be disposed on the first base substrate and within the first substrate110. In addition, a pixel electrode may be disposed on the first base substrate and within the first substrate110.

The second substrate150may be opposite to the first substrate110. A common electrode of the second substrate150which faces the pixel electrode PE of the first substrate110may be disposed on a base substrate (not shown) of the second substrate150and within the second substrate150. In an exemplary embodiment, in a cross-sectional view or thickness direction of the display panel100, the common electrode may be disposed on a lower surface of the base substrate of the second substrate150to face an upper surface of the base substrate of the first substrate110. In addition, a color filter (not shown) defining a color of the pixel may be disposed on the base substrate of the second substrate150and within the second substrate150, such as under (e.g., on a lower surface of) the base substrate of the second substrate150.

An overlap area (in the top plan view) between the first substrate110and the second substrate150may be substantially the same as the active area AA of the display panel100, such as an entirety of the overlap area between the first substrate110and the second substrate150. That is, the peripheral area PA may include only the non-overlapping area of the first substrate110relative to the second substrate150. Alternatively, the active area AA may be defined by reducing the entirety of the overlap area by an area (in the top plan view) where a sealing element (not shown) is disposed. That is, the peripheral area PA may include the non-overlapping area of the first substrate110relative to the second substrate150in addition to a portion of both the first and second substrates110and150taken from outer edges thereof to and/or including an area of the sealing element.

The display panel100may further include an optical medium layer170which changes orientation of light passing therethrough. In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel100may include a liquid crystal layer170disposed between the first substrate110and the second substrate150. Alternatively, the display panel100may further include an organic light emitting layer as the optical medium layer170disposed between the first substrate110and the second substrate150.

The driver collectively includes a gate driver300and a data driver400. The driver may provide a driving signal to the display panel100to drive the display panel100. The controller includes first and second printed circuit boards200and210which are spaced apart from each other. The controller may provide a control signal to the driver to control the driver.

A timing controller (not shown) and a power voltage generator (not shown) may be disposed on the first and/or second printed circuit boards200and210.

In an exemplary embodiment, the timing controller receives input image data and an input control signal from an external apparatus (not shown) which is external to the timing controller. In an exemplary embodiment, the input image data may include red image data, green image data and blue image data. In an exemplary embodiment, the input control signal may include a master clock signal and a data enable signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the input control signal may further include a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the timing controller generates a first control signal, a second control signal and a data signal based on the input image data and the input control signal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the timing controller generates the first control signal for controlling an operation of the gate driver300based on the input control signal and outputs the first control signal to the gate driver300.

In an exemplary embodiment, the timing controller generates the second control signal for controlling an operation of the data driver400based on the input control signal and outputs the second control signal to the data driver400.

In an exemplary embodiment, the timing controller generates the data signal based on the input image data and outputs the data signal to the data driver400.

In an exemplary embodiment, the gate driver300generates gate signals to drive the gate lines GL in response to the first control signal received from the timing controller. In an exemplary embodiment, the gate driver300sequentially outputs the gate signals to the gate lines GL.

In an exemplary embodiment, the gate driver300may include a gate driving chip (not shown) provided in plural integrated on the peripheral area PA of the display panel100. The gate driver300may include the gate driving chips directly mounted (e.g., integrated) on the first substrate110, but the invention is not limited thereto.

Alternatively, the gate driver300may include a flexible substrate provided in plural attached to the peripheral area PA of the display panel100and a gate driving chip provided in plural respectively integrated on the flexible substrates.

In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver400receives the second control signal and the data signal from the timing controller. In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver400converts the data signal to a data voltage having an analog type. In an exemplary embodiment, the data driver400outputs the data voltage to the data line DL.

When the display panel100includes the liquid crystal layer170, the display apparatus may further include a backlight assembly (not shown) disposed under the first substrate110and generating and providing light to the display panel100.

Alternatively, when the display panel100includes the organic light emitting layer which generates and provides light for the display panel100(e.g., self-emissive), the display apparatus may not include the backlight assembly.

In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the control signal provided to the driver from the controller may include the first and second control signals and the data signal.

In addition, for example, the driving signal provided to the display panel100from the driver may include the gate signal and the data voltage.

The data driver400may collectively include a second flexible substrate410provided in plural respectively electrically connecting the first and second printed circuit boards200and210to the display panel100, and a data driving chip420provided in plural respectively on the second flexible substrates410.

In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the data driving chips420may be respectively mounted on the second flexible substrates410by a chip on film (“COF”) method. Alternatively, the data driving chips420may be respectively mounted on the peripheral area PA of the first substrate110by a chip on glass (“COG”) method.

The first flexible substrate500may electrically connect the first printed circuit board200to the second printed circuit board210. The first flexible substrate500includes a first contact portion512, a second contact portion522and an overlap portion532. The first contact portion512overlaps a portion of the first printed circuit board200. The first contact portion512electrically connects the first flexible substrate500to the first printed circuit board200. The first flexible substrate500is attached to the first printed circuit board200at the first contact portion512. The second contact portion522overlaps a portion of the second printed circuit board210. The second contact portion522electrically connects the first flexible substrate500to the second printed circuit board210. The first flexible substrate500is attached to the second printed circuit board210at the second contact portion514. The overlap portion532overlaps a portion of the display panel100. The overlap portion532attaches the first flexible substrate500to the display panel100. The first flexible substrate500is attached to the display panel100at the overlap portion532. The overlap portion532common to both the first and second contact portions512and522via connecting portions supports the first flexible substrate500.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate500may further include a first connecting portion510, a second connecting portion520and a third connecting portion530. The first connecting portion510connects the first contact portion512and the overlap portion532to each other. The first connecting portion510defines a length thereof which extends in the second direction D2. The second connecting portion520connects the second contact portion522and the overlap portion532to each other. The second connecting portion520defines a length thereof which extends in the second direction D2. The third connecting portion530connects the first connecting portion510and the second connecting portion520to each other. The third connecting portion530defines a length thereof which extends in the first direction D1. The third connecting portion530may be defined by an area of the first flexible substrate500which does not overlap any of the display panel100, the first printed circuit board200or the second printed circuit board210.

The first flexible substrate500may define the first contact portion512, the second contact portion522, the overlap portion532, the first connecting portion510, the second connecting portion520and the third connecting portion530. The first flexible substrate500may be a single, unitary member. Any one of the first contact portion512, the second contact portion522, the overlap portion532, the first connecting portion510, the second connecting portion520and the third connecting portion530may be considered as extended to define another one of the first contact portion512, the second contact portion522, the overlap portion532, the first connecting portion510, the second connecting portion520and the third connecting portion530.

The first flexible substrate500may further include a connecting line (not shown) provided in plural extending along the first contact portion512, the first connecting portion510, the third connecting portion530, the second connecting portion520and the second contact portion522. The connecting lines may not be provided on the overlap portion532which overlaps the first substrate110. The first printed circuit board200connected to the first flexible substrate500may be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board210connected to the first flexible substrate500, through the connecting lines of the first flexible substrate500.

In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the second control signal and the data signal outputted from the timing controller may be transmitted between the first and second printed circuit boards200and210through the connecting lines of the first flexible substrate500commonly connected to both the first and second printed circuit boards200and210.

In addition, a power voltage generated by the power voltage generator (not shown) may be transmitted between the first and second printed circuit boards200and210through the connecting lines of the first flexible substrate500commonly connected to both the first and second printed circuit boards200and210.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate500may include a material such as polyimide. The first flexible substrate500may have a U-shape in the top plan view.

The overlap portion532of the first flexible substrate500may overlap the first substrate110and may be attached to the first substrate110. The overlap portion532of the first flexible substrate500may overlap the peripheral area PA of the display panel100and may be attached to the peripheral area PA. The overlap portion532of the first flexible substrate500may overlap only the first substrate110, but the invention is not limited thereto.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate500and the second flexible substrates410may include substantially the same material. In an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display apparatus, the first flexible substrate500and the second flexible substrates410may be respectively attached to the display panel100and the first and second printed circuit boards200and210in a same operation or process.

In one or more exemplary embodiment of the invention, since the first flexible substrate500and the second flexible substrates410may each be respectively attached to the display panel100and the first and second printed circuit boards200and210in a same operation or process, the method of manufacturing the display apparatus may be simplified and the manufacturing cost of the display apparatus may be reduced.

In addition, the overlap portion532of the first flexible substrate500may be defined by an entire length (in the first direction D1) of the first flexible substrate500, and such length may be larger than a width of the flexible substrate500(in the second direction D2). The overlap portion532of the first flexible substrate500as a relatively large dimension of the first flexible substrate500, is attached to the first substrate110so that the first flexible substrate500may be supported relative to the display panel100by the overlap portion532. Thus, by common connection to the first flexible substrate500, reliability of the connection between the first and second printed circuit boards200and210may be improved.

FIG. 5is a top plan view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a display apparatus according to the invention.FIG. 6is a perspective view illustrating the display apparatus ofFIG. 5.FIG. 7is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display apparatus along line II-II′ ofFIG. 6. The display apparatus ofFIGS. 5-7is substantially the same as the display apparatus of the previous exemplary embodiment explained referring toFIGS. 1 to 4except that the overlap portion overlaps the second substrate. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts as those described in the previous exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 4and any repetitive explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted.

Referring toFIGS. 5 to 7, the display apparatus includes a display panel100, a driver, a controller and a first flexible substrate502.

The display panel100includes an active area AA displaying an image and a peripheral area PA which is disposed adjacent to the active area AA and not displaying an image. The active area AA may be a display area.

The display panel100includes a plurality of gate lines lengthwise extending in a first direction D1and a plurality of data lines lengthwise extending in a second direction D2crossing the first direction D1. The display panel100includes a plurality of pixels respectively electrically connected to the gate lines GL and the data lines DL. The gate lines GL, the data lines DL and the pixels are disposed in the active area AA.

The display panel100includes a first substrate110, and a second substrate150which faces the first substrate110.

In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the first substrate110may be an array substrate. The gate lines GL and the data lines DL may be disposed within the first substrate110. In addition, the switching elements TR respectively connected to the gate lines GL and the data lines DL may be disposed within the first substrate110. In addition, a pixel electrode may be disposed within the first substrate110.

The second substrate150may be disposed opposite to the first substrate110. A common electrode facing the pixel electrode PE may be disposed within the second substrate150. In addition, a color filter defining a color of the pixel may be disposed within the second substrate150.

The driver collectively includes a gate driver300and a data driver400. The driver may provide a driving signal to the display panel100. The controller collectively includes first and second printed circuit boards200and210which are spaced apart from each other. The controller may provide a control signal to the driver.

In an exemplary embodiment, a timing controller (not shown) and a power voltage generator (not shown) may be disposed on the first and/or second printed circuit boards200and210.

In an exemplary embodiment, the gate driver300may include a plurality of gate driving chips (not shown) integrated on the peripheral area PA of the display panel100.

The data driver400may include a plurality of second flexible substrates410respectively electrically connecting the first and second printed circuit boards200and210to the display panel100, and a plurality of data driving chips420.

The first flexible substrate502may electrically connect the first printed circuit board200to the second printed circuit board210. The first flexible substrate502includes a first contact portion512, a second contact portion522and an overlap portion536. The first contact portion512overlaps a portion of the first printed circuit board200. The first contact portion512electrically connects the first flexible substrate502to the first printed circuit board200. The second contact portion522overlaps a portion of the second printed circuit board210. The second contact portion522electrically connects the first flexible substrate502to the second printed circuit board210. The overlap portion536overlaps a portion of the display panel100. The overlap portion536attaches the first flexible substrate502to the display panel100. The overlap portion536common to both the first and second contact portions512and522via connecting portions supports the first flexible substrate502.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate502may further include a first connecting portion510, a second connecting portion520and a third connecting portion534. The first connecting portion510connects the first contact portion512and the overlap portion536. The first connecting portion510defines a length thereof which extends in the second direction D2. The second connecting portion520connects the second contact portion522and the overlap portion536. The second connecting portion520defines a length thereof which extends in the second direction D2. The third connecting portion534connects the first connecting portion510and the second connecting portion520to each other. The third connecting portion534defines a length thereof which extends in the first direction D1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the overlap portion536of the first flexible substrate502may overlap the second substrate150and may be attached to the second substrate150.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate502and the second flexible substrates410may include substantially the same material. In an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display apparatus, the first flexible substrate502and the second flexible substrates410may be respectively attached to the display panel100and the first and second printed circuit boards200and210in a same operation or process.

In one or more exemplary embodiment of the invention, since the first flexible substrate500and the second flexible substrates410may be respectively attached to the display panel100and the first and second printed circuit boards200and210in a same operation or process, the method of manufacturing the display apparatus may be simplified and the manufacturing cost of the display apparatus may be reduced.

In addition, the overlap portion536of the first flexible substrate502may be defined by an entire length (in the first direction D1) of the first flexible substrate502, and such length may be larger than a width of the flexible substrate502(in the second direction D2). The overlap portion536of the first flexible substrate502, as a relatively large dimension of the first flexible substrate502, is attached to the second substrate150so that the first flexible substrate502may be supported relative to the display panel100by the overlap portion536. Thus, by common connection to the first flexible substrate502, reliability of the connection between the first and second printed circuit boards200and210may be improved.

FIG. 8is a top plan view illustrating still another exemplary embodiment of a display apparatus according to the invention. The display apparatus ofFIG. 8is substantially the same as the display apparatus of the previous exemplary embodiment explained referring toFIGS. 1 to 4except for the shape of the first flexible substrate. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts as those described in the previous exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 4and any repetitive explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 8, the display apparatus includes a display panel100, a driver, a controller and a first flexible substrate504.

The display panel100includes an active area AA displaying an image and a peripheral area PA which is disposed adjacent to the active area AA and not displaying an image. The active area AA may be a display area.

The display panel100includes a plurality of gate lines lengthwise extending in a first direction D1and a plurality of data lines lengthwise extending in a second direction D2crossing the first direction D1. The display panel100includes a plurality of pixels respectively electrically connected to the gate lines GL and the data lines DL. The gate lines GL, the data lines DL and the pixels are disposed in the active area AA.

The display panel100includes a first substrate110, and a second substrate150which faces the first substrate110.

The driver collectively includes a gate driver300and a data driver400. The driver may provide a driving signal to the display panel100. The controller collectively includes first and/or second printed circuit boards200and210which are spaced apart from each other to define a gap therebetween. The controller may provide a control signal to the driver.

In an exemplary embodiment, a timing controller (not shown) and a power voltage generator (not shown) may be disposed on the first and second printed circuit boards200and210.

In an exemplary embodiment, the gate driver300may include a plurality of gate driving chips (not shown) integrated on the peripheral area PA of the display panel100.

The data driver400may include a plurality of second flexible substrates410respectively electrically connecting the first and second printed circuit boards200and210to the display panel100, and a plurality of data driving chips420.

The first flexible substrate504may electrically connect the first printed circuit board200to the second printed circuit board210. The first flexible substrate504includes a first contact portion542, a second contact portion544and an overlap portion546. A connecting portion540may be commonly disposed to the first and second contact portions542and544, and the overlap portion546, to connect the first and second contact portions542and544to the overlap portion546. The connecting portion540may be defined by an area of the first flexible substrate504which does not overlap any of the display panel100, the first printed circuit board200or the second printed circuit board210. The first contact portion542overlaps a portion of the first printed circuit board200. The first contact portion542electrically connects the first flexible substrate504to the first printed circuit board200. The second contact portion544overlaps a portion of the second printed circuit board210. The second contact portion544electrically connects the first flexible substrate504to the second printed circuit board210. The overlap portion546overlaps a portion of the display panel100. The overlap portion546attaches the first flexible substrate504to the display panel100. The overlap portion546common to both the first and second contact portions512and522supports the first flexible substrate504.

In an exemplary embodiment, the overlap portion546of the first flexible substrate504may overlap the first substrate110and may be attached to the first substrate110. The overlap portion546of the first flexible substrate504may overlap only the first substrate110and may not overlap the second substrate150, but the invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the first flexible substrate504may have an overall rectangular shape in the top plan view. A width of the first flexible substrate504in the second direction D2may be uniform across an entirety of the length of the first flexible substrate504in the first direction D1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate504and the second flexible substrates410may include substantially the same material. In an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display apparatus, the first flexible substrate504and the second flexible substrates410may be attached to the display panel100and the first and second printed circuit boards200and210in a same operation or process.

In one or more exemplary embodiment of the invention, since the first flexible substrate505and the second flexible substrates410may be respectively attached to the display panel100and the first and second printed circuit boards200and210in a same operation or process, the method of manufacturing the display apparatus may be simplified and the manufacturing cost of the display apparatus may be reduced.

In addition, overlap portion546of the first flexible substrate504may be defined by an entire length (in the first direction D1) of the first flexible substrate504, and such length may be larger than a width of the flexible substrate504(in the second direction D2). The overlap portion546of the first flexible substrate504, as a relatively large dimension of the first flexible substrate504, is attached to the first substrate110so that the first flexible substrate504may be supported by the overlap portion546. Thus, by common connection to the first flexible substrate504, reliability of the connection between the first and second printed circuit boards200and210may be improved.

FIG. 9is a top plan view illustrating yet another exemplary embodiment of a display apparatus according to the invention. The display apparatus according toFIG. 9is substantially the same as the display apparatus of the previous exemplary embodiment explained referring toFIGS. 1 to 4except that the first flexible substrate further includes a dummy line. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts as those described in the previous exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 4and any repetitive explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 9, the display apparatus includes a display panel100, a driver, a controller and a first flexible substrate506.

The display panel100includes an active area AA displaying an image and a peripheral area PA which is disposed adjacent to the active area AA and not displaying an image. The active area AA may be a display area.

The display panel100includes a plurality of gate lines lengthwise extending in a first direction D1and a plurality of data lines lengthwise extending in a second direction D2crossing the first direction D1. The display panel100includes a plurality of pixels respectively electrically connected to the gate lines GL and the data lines DL. The gate lines GL, the data lines DL and the pixels are disposed in the active area AA.

The display panel100includes a first substrate110, and a second substrate150which faces the first substrate110.

The driver collectively includes a gate driver300and a data driver400. The driver may provide a driving signal to the display panel100. The controller collectively includes first and second printed circuit boards200and210which are spaced apart from each other. The controller may provide a control signal to the driver.

In an exemplary embodiment, a timing controller (not shown) and a power voltage generator (not shown) may be disposed on the first and/or second printed circuit boards200and210.

In an exemplary embodiment, the gate driver300may include a plurality of gate driving chips (not shown) integrated on the peripheral area PA of the display panel100.

The data driver400may include a plurality of second flexible substrates410respectively electrically connecting the first and second printed circuit boards200and210to the display panel100and a plurality of data driving chips420.

The first flexible substrate506may electrically connect the first printed circuit board200to the second printed circuit board210. The first flexible substrate506includes a first contact portion512, a second contact portion522and an overlap portion532. The first contact portion512overlaps a portion of the first printed circuit board200. The first contact portion512electrically connects the first flexible substrate506to the first printed circuit board200. The second contact portion522overlaps a portion of the second printed circuit board210. The second contact portion522electrically connects the first flexible substrate506to the second printed circuit board210. The overlap portion532overlaps a portion of the display panel100. The overlap portion532attaches the first flexible substrate506to the display panel100. The overlap portion532common to both the first and second contact portions512and522via connecting portions supports the first flexible substrate506.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate506may further include the first connecting portion510, the second connecting portion520and the third connecting portion530. The first connecting portion510connects the first contact portion512and the overlap portion532to each other. The first connecting portion510lengthwise extends in the second direction D2. The second connecting portion520connects the second contact portion522and the overlap portion532to each other. The second connecting portion520lengthwise extends in the second direction D2. The third connecting portion530connects the first connecting portion510and the second connecting portion520to each other. The third connecting portion530lengthwise extends in the first direction D1.

In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate506may further include a plurality of dummy lines550and552disposed on the first to third connecting portions510,520and530. The dummy lines550and552may improve rigidity of the first flexible substrate506. Within the first flexible substrate506, the dummy lines550and552may be disposed on a base substrate (not shown) of the first flexible substrate506.

In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the dummy lines550and552may not be electrically connected to other elements of the display apparatus. The dummy lines550and552may be electrically floated. The dummy lines550and552may include a metal material which has rigidity. The dummy lines550and552may have a U-shape in the top plan view, but the invention is not limited thereto.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate506and the second flexible substrates410may include substantially the same material. In an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display apparatus, the first flexible substrate506and the second flexible substrates410may be attached to the display panel100and the first and second printed circuit boards200and210in a same operation or process.

In one or more exemplary embodiment of the invention, since the first flexible substrate506and the second flexible substrates410may be respectively attached to the display panel100and the first and second printed circuit boards200and210in a same operation or process, the method of manufacturing the display apparatus may be simplified and the manufacturing cost of the display apparatus may be reduced.

In addition, the overlap portion532of the first flexible substrate506may be defined by an entire length (in the first direction D1) of the first flexible substrate506, and such length may be larger than a width of the flexible substrate506(in the second direction D2). The first flexible substrate506further includes the dummy lines550and552so that the rigidity of the first flexible substrate506may be improved and the reliability of the connection between the first and second printed circuit boards200and210may be improved.

FIG. 10is a top plan view illustrating yet another exemplary embodiment of a display apparatus according to the invention. The display apparatus according toFIG. 10is substantially the same as the display apparatus of the previous exemplary embodiment explained referring toFIG. 8except that the overlap portion of the first flexible substrate is omitted. Thus, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts as those described in the previous exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 8and any repetitive explanation concerning the above elements will be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 10, the display apparatus includes a display panel100, a driver, a controller and a first flexible substrate508.

The display panel100includes an active area AA displaying an image and a peripheral area PA which is disposed adjacent to the active area AA and not displaying an image. The active area AA may be a display area.

The display panel100includes a plurality of gate lines lengthwise extending in a first direction D1and a plurality of data lines lengthwise extending in a second direction D2crossing the first direction D1. The display panel100includes a plurality of pixels respectively electrically connected to the gate lines GL and the data lines DL. The gate lines GL, the data lines DL and the pixels are disposed in the active area AA.

The display panel100includes a first substrate110, and a second substrate150which faces the first substrate110.

The driver collectively includes a gate driver300and a data driver400. The driver may provide a driving signal to the display panel100. The controller collectively includes first and second printed circuit boards200and210which are spaced apart from each other. The controller may provide a control signal to the driver.

In an exemplary embodiment, a timing controller (not shown) and a power voltage generator (not shown) may be disposed on the first and/or second printed circuit boards200and210.

In an exemplary embodiment, the gate driver300may include a plurality of gate driving chips (not shown) integrated on the peripheral area PA of the display panel100.

The data driver400may include a plurality of second flexible substrates410respectively electrically connecting the first and second printed circuit boards200and210to the display panel100and a plurality of data driving chips420.

The first flexible substrate508may electrically connect the first printed circuit board200to the second printed circuit board210. The first flexible substrate508includes a first contact portion562and a second contact portion564. The first contact portion562overlaps a portion of the first printed circuit board200. The first contact portion562electrically connects the first flexible substrate508to the first printed circuit board200. The second contact portion564overlaps a portion of the second printed circuit board210. The second contact portion564electrically connects the first flexible substrate508to the second printed circuit board210.

The first flexible substrate508may further include a connecting portion560connecting the first contact portion562and the second contact portion564. The first flexible substrate508may have a rectangular shape. A width of the first flexible substrate508in the second direction D2may be uniform across an entirety of the length of the first flexible substrate508in the first direction D1. The connecting portion560may be defined by an area of the first flexible substrate508which does not overlap any of the display panel100, the first printed circuit board200or the second printed circuit board210.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first flexible substrate508and the second flexible substrates410may include substantially the same material. In an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display apparatus, the first flexible substrate508and the second flexible substrates410may be attached to the display panel100and the first and second printed circuit substrates200and210in a same operation or process.

In one or more exemplary embodiment of the invention, since the first flexible substrate508and the second flexible substrates410may be respectively attached to the display panel100and the first and second printed circuit substrates200and210in a same operation or process, the method of manufacturing the display apparatus may be simplified and the manufacturing cost of the display apparatus may be reduced.

In addition, the overlap portion inFIG. 8is omitted and the first flexible substrate508is attached only to the first and second printed circuit boards200and210so that the structure of the first flexible substrate508may be simplified.

FIGS. 11 to 14are cross-sectional views and top plan views illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display apparatus according to the invention.FIGS. 11 and 13are cross-sectional views illustrating the method of manufacturing the display apparatus.FIGS. 12 and 14are top plan views illustrating the method of manufacturing the display apparatus. While the first flexible substrate500ofFIGS. 1 to 4is illustrated inFIGS. 11-14for convenience of explanation, any one of the previously described exemplary embodiments of the first flexible substrates502to506may be used in the exemplary embodiment of the method of manufacturing a display apparatus according to the invention.

Referring toFIGS. 1, 2, 11 and 12, a display panel100including a first substrate110including a switching element TR and a pixel electrode which is electrically connected to the switching element, and a second substrate150facing the first substrate110are provided. A first flexible substrate500is also prepared.

The first flexible substrate500and the display panel100are attached to each other such as by thermo-compression bonding such that an overlap portion532of the first flexible substrate500overlaps an edge portion of the display panel100. The first flexible substrate500may be attached to the display panel100as indicated by the arrow inFIG. 11, but the invention is not limited thereto. A second flexible substrate410is provided in plural and attached to the edge portion of the display panel100such as by thermo-compression bonding.

The second flexible substrates410and the first flexible substrate500may be sequentially attached to the display panel100such as by thermo-compression bonding in a same process of the method of manufacturing the display apparatus according to the invention, but the invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the second flexible substrates410and the first flexible substrate500may be simultaneously attached to the display panel100such as by thermo-compression bonding, in a same process of the method of manufacturing the display apparatus according to the invention.

The display panel100includes or defines an active area AA displaying an image and a peripheral area PA which is disposed adjacent to the active area AA and not displaying an image. The first flexible substrate500may be attached to the peripheral area PA of the display panel100. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the first flexible substrate500may be attached to the first substrate110in the peripheral area PA of the display panel100.

Alternatively, the first flexible substrate500may be attached to the second substrate150in the peripheral area PA of the display panel100.

Referring toFIGS. 13 and 14, first and second printed circuit boards200and210are provided. With the first flexible substrate500and the second flexible substrates410attached to the peripheral area PA of the display panel100, the first flexible substrate500and the first and second printed circuit boards200and210are connected to each other such as by thermo-compression bonding, such that the first contact portion512of the first flexible substrate500overlaps the first printed circuit board200and the second contact portion522of the first flexible substrate500overlaps the second printed circuit board210. The first flexible substrate500may be attached to the first and second printed circuit boards200and210as indicated by the arrow inFIG. 13, but the invention is not limited thereto.

In addition, with the first flexible substrate500and the second flexible substrates410attached to the peripheral area PA of the display panel100, the second flexible substrates410are respectively connected to the first and second printed circuit boards200and210such as by thermo-compression bonding.

The second flexible substrates410and the first flexible substrate500may be sequentially attached to the first and second printed circuit boards200and210such as by thermo-compression bonding in a same process of the method of manufacturing the display apparatus according to the invention, but the invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the second flexible substrates410and the first flexible substrate500may be simultaneously attached to the first and second printed circuit boards200and210such as by thermo-compression bonding in a same process of the method of manufacturing the display apparatus according to the invention.

According to one or more of the exemplary embodiments according to the invention, the first flexible substrate500may be attached to the first and second printed circuit boards200and210in a same operation or process in which the second flexible substrates410are respectively attached to the first and second printed circuit boards200and210.

Thus, an additional process of connecting the FFC or the FPC to connect the first and second printed circuit boards to each other of the conventional method of manufacturing a display apparatus is obviated so that the operations or processes of manufacturing the display apparatus may be simplified.

In addition, for the first flexible substrate500which connects the first and second printed circuit boards200and210to each other, the overlap portion532of the first flexible substrate500is additionally attached to the display panel (such as at the first substrate110) so that the first flexible substrate500is supported. In other exemplary embodiments, for the first flexible substrate500which connects the first and second printed circuit boards200and210to each other, dummy lines may be disposed in the first flexible substrate to as to increase rigidity of the first flexible substrate. Accordingly, in one or more exemplary embodiment according to the invention, the reliability of the connection between the first and second printed circuit boards200and210may be improved.