Patent Publication Number: US-2022223513-A1

Title: Display device having connection unit

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/929,039, filed Jul. 14, 2020, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/680,153, filed Aug. 17, 2017, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,734,315, which claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0114329, filed on Sep. 6, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The invention relates generally to display devices, more particularly, to display devices that may be produced at reduced manufacturing costs and can substantially prevent detachment of a connection unit on which a driving integrated circuit is mounted. 
     Discussion of the Background 
     A liquid crystal display (“LCD”) device is a type of a flat panel display (“FPD”) device, which has widely used recently. An LCD device generally includes two substrates on which electrodes are formed with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. 
     Upon applying voltage to two electrodes, liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer are rearranged such that an amount of transmitted light is controlled in the LCD device. 
     It is to be understood that this background of the technology section is intended to provide useful background for understanding the technology and as such disclosed herein, the technology background section may include ideas, concepts or recognitions that were not part of what was known or appreciated by those skilled in the pertinent art prior to a corresponding effective filing date of subject matter disclosed herein. 
     SUMMARY 
     Display devices constructed according to the principles of the invention provide connection units that reduce manufacturing costs, improve the attachment between the connection unit on which a driving integrated circuit is mounted and a substrate of a display panel, and substantially prevent detachment of the connection unit. For example, dummy lines may be provided in the connection unit to enhance the spreading of an adhesive film to securely attach the connection unit to the substrate of the display. 
     Additional aspects will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and, in part, will be apparent from the disclosure, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concepts. 
     According to one aspect of the invention, a display device includes: a substrate; a pixel connected to a gate line and a data line on the substrate; a connection unit connected to one of the gate line and the data line of the substrate; and a driving integrated circuit mounted on the connection unit. The connection unit includes: a lead line connected to the driving integrated circuit; and at least one first dummy line adjacent to a first side of the connection unit intersecting a side of the substrate, the first dummy line not connected to any line of the connection unit including the driving integrated circuit and the lead line. 
     The first dummy line may have an end portion at the first side of the connection unit. 
     The first dummy line may extend from the first side of the connection unit toward another side of the connection unit. 
     An angle between the first dummy line and the first side of the connection unit may be about 90 degrees. 
     A less angle of respective angles among the first dummy lines and the first side of the connection unit may be greater than about 0 degree and less than about 90 degrees. 
     The first dummy line may be between the substrate and a base layer of the connection unit. 
     An entire surface of the first dummy line facing the substrate may not be covered by a cover layer of the connection unit. 
     The display device may further include an anisotropic conductive film between at least a portion of the first dummy line and the substrate. 
     The first dummy lines may not be connected to one another. 
     The first dummy lines may be parallel to one another. 
     Each of the first dummy lines may have a substantially same length. 
     The first dummy lines may have a less length, as more adjacent to a third side of the connection unit, and the third side of the connection unit may overlap the substrate and may not intersect a side of the substrate. 
     Two adjacent ones of the first dummy lines may have a greater distance therebetween, as more adjacent to a third side of the connection unit, and the third side of the connection unit may overlap the substrate and may not intersect a side of the substrate. 
     The first dummy line may have a gradually decreasing width, as further away from the first side. 
     Respective distances among adjacent ones of the first dummy lines may be uniform. 
     The distance among adjacent ones of the first dummy lines may be in a range of about 15 μm to about 30 μm. 
     At least a portion of the end portion of the first dummy line may include a carbonized area. 
     An end portion of the first dummy line may be spaced apart from the first side at a predetermined distance. 
     The display device may further include at least one second dummy line adjacent to a second side of the connection unit facing the first side, the second dummy line not connected to any line of the connection unit including the driving integrated circuit and the lead line. 
     The second dummy line and the first dummy line may be symmectric to one another in shape. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a display device includes: a substrate; a pixel connected to a gate line and a data line on the substrate; a connection unit connected to one of the gate line and the data line of the substrate; and a driving integrated circuit mounted on the connection unit. The connection unit includes: a lead line connected to the driving integrated circuit; and a first dummy line adjacent to a first side of the connection unit, the first side intersecting a side of the substrate, the first side extending in a first direction, the first dummy line extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The side of the substrate overlaps the connection unit, and a third side of the connection unit overlaps the substrate without intersecting the side of the substrate, the third side extending in the second direction. The first dummy line is disposed between the side of the substrate and the third side of the connection unit. 
     The first dummy line may have an end portion at the first side of the connection unit. 
     The first dummy line may extend from the first side of the connection unit toward another side of the connection unit. 
     An angle between the first dummy line and the first side of the connection unit may be about 90 degrees. 
     The smallest angle of respective angles among the first dummy lines and the first side of the connection unit may be greater than about 0 degree and less than about 90 degrees. 
     The first dummy line may be between the substrate and a base layer of the connection unit. 
     An entire surface of the first dummy line facing the substrate may be not covered by a cover layer of the connection unit. 
     The display device may further include an anisotropic conductive film between at least a portion of the first dummy line and the substrate. 
     The first dummy line may include a plurality of first lines, the plurality of first lines not being connected to one another. 
     The first dummy line may include a plurality of first lines, the plurality of first lines being substantially parallel to one another. 
     The first dummy line may include a plurality of first lines, each of the first lines having substantially the same length. 
     The first dummy line may include a plurality of first lines, the plurality of first lines having a reduced length, as the first lines become closer to the third side of the connection unit. 
     The first dummy line may include a plurality of first lines, two adjacent ones of the first lines having a greater distance therebetween, as the first lines become closer to the third side of the connection unit. 
     The first dummy line may include a plurality of first lines, the plurality of first lines having a gradually decreasing width, as the first lines become further away from the first side. 
     The first dummy line may include a plurality of first lines, with respective distances among adjacent ones of the first lines being substantially uniform. 
     The first dummy line may be not connected to the driving integrated circuit nor the lead line. 
     At least a portion of the end portion of the first dummy line may include a carbonized area. 
     An end portion of the first dummy line may be spaced apart from the first side at a predetermined distance. 
     The display device may further include a second dummy line adjacent to a second side of the connection unit facing the first side, the second dummy line not being connected to any line of the connection unit comprising the driving integrated circuit and the lead line. 
     The second dummy line and the first dummy line may be substantially symmetrical to one another in shape. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a display device includes a substrate; a pixel connected to a gate line and a data line on the substrate; a connection unit connected to one of the gate line and the data line of the substrate; and a driving integrated circuit mounted on the connection unit. The connection unit includes an output lead line, an auxiliary lead line and a first pattern, and the output lead line, auxiliary lead line and first pattern are sequentially disposed along a first direction on an output portion of the connection unit, an end portion of the first pattern is disposed on a first side of the connection unit, at least a portion of the auxiliary lead line is disposed on an input portion of the connection unit. 
     The first pattern may be not connected to the driving integrated circuit, output lead line and auxiliary lead line. 
     The first pattern may extend in the first direction. 
     The first side of the connection unit may extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction. 
     The first side of the connection unit may intersect a side of the substrate, the side of the substrate may overlap the connection unit, a third side of the connection unit may overlap the substrate and does not intersect the side of the substrate, and the first pattern may be disposed between the side of the substrate and the third side of the connection unit. 
     The first pattern may extend from the first side of the connection unit toward another side of the connection unit. 
     An angle between the first pattern and the first side of the connection unit may be about substantially 90 degrees. 
     The first pattern may include a plurality of first lines, and a less angle of respective angles among the plurality of first patterns and the first side of the connection unit may be greater than about substantially 0 degree and less than about substantially 90 degrees. 
     The first pattern may be between the substrate and a base layer of the connection unit. 
     An entire surface of the first pattern facing the substrate may be not covered by a cover layer of the connection unit. 
     The display device may further include an anisotropic conductive film between at least a portion of the first pattern and the substrate. 
     The first pattern may include a plurality of first lines, the plurality of first lines being not connected to one another. 
     The first pattern may include a plurality of first lines, the plurality of first lines being substantially parallel to one another. 
     The first pattern may include a plurality of first lines, each of the first lines having a substantially same length. 
     The first pattern may include a plurality of first lines, the plurality of first lines having a less length, as more adjacent to a third side of the connection unit, and the third side of the connection unit may overlap the substrate and does not intersect a side of the substrate. 
     The first pattern may include a plurality of first lines, two adjacent ones of the first lines having a greater distance therebetween, as more adjacent to a third side of the connection unit, and the third side of the connection unit overlaps the substrate and may not intersect a side of the substrate. 
     The first pattern may include a plurality of first lines, the plurality of first lines having a gradually decreasing width, as further away from the first side of the connection unit. 
     The first pattern may include a plurality of first lines, respective distances among adjacent ones of the first lines being uniform. 
     The distance among adjacent ones of the first lines may be in a range of about substantially 15 μm to about substantially 30 μm. 
     At least a portion of the end portion of the first pattern may include a carbonized area. 
     The display may further include a second pattern adjacent to a second side of the connection unit facing the first side, the second pattern not being connected to the driving integrated circuit, output lead line, auxiliary lead line and first pattern. 
     The second pattern and the first pattern may be symmetric to one another in shape. 
     The auxiliary lead line may be not connected to the driving integrated circuit. 
     The auxiliary lead line may connect between the input portion and the output portion. 
     The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concepts, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts, and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of the inventive concepts. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of a first substrate of the display device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed plan view of the rear surface of an embodiment of a data connection unit of the first substrate of  FIG. 2  illustrating wire configurations. 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed plan view of the data connection unit of  FIG. 3  showing the configuration of a cover layer of the data connection unit. 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed plan view of the data connection unit of  FIG. 4  showing an anisotropic conductive film (“ACF”) bonded to the data connection unit. 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged schematic plan view of portion A of the data connection unit of  FIG. 4  illustrating a first embodiment of dummy lines. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the data connection unit of  FIG. 6  taken along sectional line I-I′ of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8A  is an enlarged schematic plan view of portion A of the data connection unit of  FIG. 4  showing a flow of an anisotropic conductive film in the presence of a dummy line. 
         FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional view of the data connection unit of  FIG. 8A  taken along sectional line I-I′ of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIGS. 9A to 9H  are schematic perspective views of a data connection unit, a support, a pressing apparatus, a first laser irradiator, a second laser irradiator, and a first substrate illustrating an exemplary method of connecting the data connection unit and the first substrate according to the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged schematic plan view of portion A of the data connection unit of  FIG. 4  illustrating a second embodiment of dummy lines. 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged schematic plan view of portion A of the data connection unit of  FIG. 4  illustrating a third embodiment of dummy lines. 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged schematic plan view of portion A of the data connection unit of  FIG. 4  illustrating a fourth embodiment of dummy lines. 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged schematic plan view of portion A of the data connection unit of  FIG. 4  illustrating a fifth embodiment of dummy lines. 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged schematic plan view of portion A of the data connection unit of  FIG. 4  illustrating a first embodiment of dummy lines. 
         FIG. 15  is a detailed configuration view of another embodiment of a data connection unit of the first substrate of  FIG. 2 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments. It is apparent, however, that various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various exemplary embodiments. 
     In the accompanying figures, the size and relative sizes of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity and descriptive purposes. Also, like reference numerals denote like elements. 
     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 to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. When, however, 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 the purposes of this disclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z” may be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for instance, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     Although the terms first, second, 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, and/or section from another element, component, region, layer, and/or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, and/or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, and/or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and, thereby, to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of an apparatus in use, operation, and/or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the apparatus in the drawings is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Furthermore, the apparatus may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and, as such, the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms, “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Moreover, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to sectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments and/or intermediate structures. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the particular illustrated shapes of regions, but are to include deviations in shapes that result from, for instance, manufacturing. For example, an implanted region illustrated as a rectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and/or a gradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binary change from implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried region formed by implantation may result in some implantation in the region between the buried region and the surface through which the implantation takes place. Thus, the regions illustrated in the drawings are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to be limiting. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the invention, and  FIG. 2  is a plan view of a first substrate of the display device of  FIG. 1 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the display device according to an exemplary embodiment includes a display panel  300 , a plurality of gate connection units GC, a plurality of gate driving integrated circuits (“ICs”) GIC, a plurality of data connection units DC, a plurality of data driving ICs DIC, a plurality of gate lines GL 1  to GLi, a plurality of data lines DL 1  to DLj, and a printed circuit board (“PCB”)  168 . 
     The display panel  300  displays an image. The display panel  300 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , includes a first substrate  301  and a second substrate  302 . 
     A liquid crystal layer or an organic light emitting layer may be further disposed between the first substrate  301  and the second substrate  302 . 
     The first substrate  301  has a display area  301   a  and a non-display area  301   b . A plurality of pixels PXs is disposed in the display area  301   a . Each of the pixels is connected to the gate line and the data line. 
     The pixel PX may include a switching element, a pixel electrode, and a common electrode. The switching element includes a gate electrode connected to the gate line, a source electrode connected to the data line, and a drain electrode connected to the pixel electrode. The switching element is also referred to as a thin film transistor (“TFT”). 
     The common electrode may be disposed on the first substrate  301  or the second substrate  302 , and the liquid crystal layer or the organic light emitting layer may be disposed between the common electrode and the pixel electrode. In an exemplary embodiment, the common electrode may be disposed on the first substrate  301 . 
     In addition, the pixel PX may further include a color filter and a light blocking layer, and the color filter and the light blocking layer may be disposed on the first substrate  301  or the second substrate  302 . The light blocking layer is also commonly referred to as a black matrix. 
     The plurality of gate lines GL 1  to GLi are disposed in the display area  301   a  of the first substrate  301 . Each of the gate lines GL 1  to GLi extends to the non-display area  301   b  and is connected to corresponding one of the gate driving ICs GIC. In such an exemplary embodiment, the gate lines GL 1  to GLi are connected to the gate driving ICs GIC through the gate connection units GC. 
     The plurality of data lines DL 1  to DLj are disposed in the display area  301   a  of the first substrate  301 . The data lines DL 1  to DLj intersect the gate lines GL 1  to GLi. Each of the data lines DL 1  to DLj extends to the non-display area  301   b  and is connected to corresponding one of the data driving ICs DIC. In such an exemplary embodiment, the data lines DL 1  to DLj are connected to the data driving ICs DIC through the data connection units DC. 
     The gate driving ICs GIC generate gate signals and apply the gate signals to the first to i-th gate lines GL 1  to GLi sequentially. 
     The gate driving ICs GIC are mounted on the gate connection units GC. For example, the gate driving IC GIC may be mounted on the gate connection unit GC in a chip-on-film manner and may be electrically connected to the gate connection unit GC. 
     The gate connection units GC are electrically connected to the first substrate  301 . For example, an input portion and an output portion of each gate connection unit GC may be electrically connected to a gate pad terminal of the first substrate  301 . The gate pad terminal is disposed in the non-display area  301   b  of the first substrate  301 . The gate connection unit GC may be a tape carrier package or other type of circuit package known in the art. 
     Each of the gate connection units GC may be physically and electrically connected to the first substrate  301  through an anisotropic conductive film (“ACF”). 
     The data driving ICs DIC receive digital image data signals and a data control signal from a timing controller as is known in the art. The data driving ICs DIC sample the digital image data signals according to the data control signal, latch the sampled image data signals corresponding to one horizontal line in each horizontal period, and apply the latched image data signals to the data lines DL 1  to DLj. That is, the data driving ICs DIC convert the digital image data signals applied from the timing controller into analog image signals using a gamma voltage input from a power supply, and apply the analog image signals to the data lines DL 1  to DLj. 
     The data driving ICs DIC are mounted on the data connection units DC. The data driving IC DIC may be mounted on the data connection unit DC in a chip-on-film manner and may be electrically connected to the data connection unit DC. 
     The data connection units DC are connected between the PCB  168  and the first substrate  301 . For example, an input portion of each data connection unit DC is electrically connected to a data pad terminal of the PCB  168 , and an output portion of each data connection unit DC is electrically connected to a data pad terminal of the first substrate  301 . The data pad terminal of the first substrate  301  is disposed in the non-display area  301   b  of the first substrate  301 . The data connection unit DC may be a tape carrier package or other type of circuit package known in the art. 
     Each of the data connection units DC may be physically and electrically connected to the first substrate  301  through an ACF. 
     The timing controller and the power supply may be disposed on the PCB  168 . The data connection unit DC includes input lead lines transmitting various signals applied from the timing controller and the power supply to the data driving IC DIC and output lead lines transmitting the image data signals output from the data driving IC DIC to the data lines DL 1  to DLj. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, at least one data connection unit DC may further include auxiliary lead lines for transmitting various signals applied from the timing controller and the power supply to the gate driving ICs GIC, and the auxiliary lead lines are connected to panel lines  166  at the first substrate  301 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . These panel lines  166  connect the auxiliary lead lines to the gate driving ICs GIC. The panel lines  166  may be disposed in the non-display area  301   b  of the first substrate  301  in a line-on-glass manner. 
       FIG. 3  is a detailed plan view of the rear surface of an embodiment of a data connection unit of the first substrate of  FIG. 2  illustrating wire configurations. Herein,  FIG. 3  is a view illustrating a rear surface of the data connection unit DC illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In addition, the data driving IC DIC is not illustrated in  FIG. 3  for clarity. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the data connection unit DC includes a plurality of input lead lines  31 , a plurality of output lead lines  32 , a plurality of auxiliary lead lines  33 , a mounting portion  10 , an input portion  11 , and an output portion  12 . 
     The data driving IC DIC may be mounted in the mounting portion  10 . The mounting portion  10  is disposed between the input portion  11  and the output portion  12 . 
     The input portion  11  of the data connection unit DC is connected to the PCB  168  and the output portion  12  of the data connection unit DC is connected to the first substrate  301 . 
     The input lead lines  31  of the data connection unit DC are connected to input terminals of the data driving IC DIC mounted on the mounting portion  10 , respectively. Further, the input lead lines  31  are connected to data pad terminals of the PCB  168 , respectively. For example, an end portion of the input lead line  31  is connected to the input terminal of the data driving IC DIC, and another end portion of the input lead line  31  is connected to the data pad terminal of the PCB  168 . 
     The output lead lines  32  of the data connection unit DC are connected to output terminals (of the data driving IC DIC respectively mounted on the mounting portion  10 . Further, the output lead lines  32  are connected to data pad terminals of the first substrate  301 , respectively. For example, an end portion of the output lead line  32  is connected to the output terminal of the data driving IC DIC, and another end portion of the output lead line  32  is connected to the data pad terminal of the first substrate  301 . The data pad terminal of the first substrate  301  is connected to the data line. 
     The auxiliary lead lines  33  of the data connection unit DC are connected to auxiliary pad terminals of the PCB  168 . Further, the auxiliary lead lines  33  of the data connection unit DC are connected to auxiliary pad terminals of the first substrate  301 . For example, an end portion of the auxiliary lead line  33  is connected to the auxiliary pad terminal of the PCB  168 , and another end portion of the auxiliary lead line  33  is connected to the auxiliary pad terminal of the first substrate  301 . The auxiliary pad terminal of the first substrate  301  may be connected to the panel line  166  described above. 
       FIG. 4  is a detailed plan view of the data connection unit of  FIG. 3  showing the configuration of a cover layer of the data connection unit. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the data connection unit DC may include a cover layer  802 . The cover layer  802  may be disposed on the entire surface of the data connection unit DC except for the mounting portion  10 , the input portion  11 , and the output portion  12 . In other words, boundaries of the cover layer  802  may define each of the mounting portion  10 , the input portion  11 , and the output portion  12 . The cover layer  802  may be a solder resist. 
     An end portion of the input lead line  31  is connected to the input terminal of the data driving IC DIC through the mounting portion  10  defined by the cover layer  802 , and another end portion of the input lead line  31  is connected to the data pad terminal of the PCB  168  through the input portion  11  defined by the cover layer  802 . 
     An end portion of the output lead line  32  is connected to the output terminal of the data driving IC DIC through the mounting portion  10  defined by the cover layer  802 , and another end portion of the output lead line  32  is connected to the data pad terminal of the first substrate  301  through the output portion  12  defined by the cover layer  802 . 
     An end portion of the auxiliary lead line  33  is connected to the auxiliary pad terminal of the PCB  168  through the input portion  11  defined by the cover layer  802 , and another end portion of the auxiliary lead line  33  is connected to the auxiliary pad terminal of the first substrate  301  through the output portion  12  defined by the cover layer  802 . 
       FIG. 5  is a detailed plan view of the data connection unit of  FIG. 4  showing an anisotropic conductive film (“ASF”) bonded to the data connection unit. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the ACF may be disposed on the output portion  12  of the data connection unit DC. From a vertical perspective, the ACF may be disposed on the data connection unit DC between the output portion  12  of the data connection unit DC and the first substrate  301 . In other words, the ACF may be disposed in an area overlapping the data connection unit DC and the first substrate  301 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , each of two opposing sides S 1  and S 2  of the four sides of the data connection unit DC intersects one side S of the first substrate  301 . Herein, one of the two opposing sides S 1  and S 2  of the data connection unit DC is defined as a first side S 1 , and the other thereof is defined as a second side S 2 . In such an exemplary embodiment, another side of the data connection unit DC disposed between the first side S 1  and the second side S 2  and overlapping the first substrate  301  is defined as a third side S 3 . The third side S 3  does not intersect said one side S of the first substrate  301 . 
     The first side S 1  and the second side S 2  of the data connection unit DC also intersect one side S′ of the PCB  168 . The one side S′ of the PCB  168  and the one side S of the first substrate  301  face each other, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The data connection unit DC includes at least one dummy line. As used herein a dummy line is any unconnected conductive portion disposed on, in, over or under a layer that serves some other purpose than conducting electrons to connect electrical components. As described in more detail below, the dummy lines herein serve to distribute the ACF to ensure a secure connection between the components. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the data connection unit DC includes at least one dummy line A-DML (hereinafter, “A-dummy line”) adjacent to the first side S 1  thereof and at least one dummy line B-DML (hereinafter, “B-dummy line”) adjacent to the second side S 2  thereof. 
     The A-dummy lines A-DML and the B-dummy lines B-DML are disposed at the output portion  12  of the data connection unit DC. The A-dummy lines A-DML and the B-dummy lines B-DML are exposed outwardly of the data connection unit DC through the output portion  12 . 
     Five A-dummy lines A-DML and five B-dummy lines B-DML are illustrated in  FIG. 4 , however, the number of the A-dummy lines A-DML and the number of the B-dummy lines are not limited thereto. In addition, the number of the A-dummy lines A-DML and the number of the B-dummy lines B-DML may be substantially the same or different from one another. 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged schematic plan view of portion A of the data connection unit of  FIG. 4  illustrating a first embodiment of dummy lines. 
     Each of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  has an end portion disposed at the first side S 1  of the data connection unit DC, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  have end portions  61 ,  62 ,  63 ,  64 , and  65  disposed at different positions of the first side S 1 , respectively. For example, the end portion  61  of the first A-dummy line A-DML 1  is disposed at the first side S 1 . 
     Each of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  extends from the first side S 1  of the data connection unit DC toward another side of the data connection unit DC. For example, each of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  may extend from the first side S 1  of the data connection unit DC toward the second side S 2  thereof. 
     The angle between each of the A-dummy lines A-DML and the first side S 1  of the data connection unit DC may be about 90 degrees. For example, an angle θ 1  between the first A-dummy line A-DML 1  and the first side S 1  is about 90 degrees. 
     The A-dummy lines A-DML are substantially parallel to one another. 
     Respective widths of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  may be substantially the same or different from one another. In an exemplary embodiment, the first A-dummy line A-DML 1  may have a width w ranging from about 15 μm to about 30 μm, and other A-dummy lines A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  may have a width ranging from about 15 μm to about 30 μm. For example, a width w of each of the A-dummy lines may be about 25 μm. 
     The distance between adjacent ones of the A-dummy lines may be substantially the same or different from one another. In an exemplary embodiment, the distance d between the first A-dummy line A-DML 1  and the second A-dummy line A-DML 2  adjacent to the first A-dummy line A-DML 1  may be in a range of between about 15 μm and 30 μm, and a distance between another adjacent ones of the A-dummy lines may be in a range of between about 15 μm and 30 μm. For example, the distance d between adjacent ones of the A-dummy lines may be about 25 μm. 
     The width w of the A-dummy line and the distance d between adjacent ones of the A-dummy lines may be substantially the same or different from one another as described hereinabove. 
     Each of the A-dummy lines A-DML has an shape that is isolated from and is not connected to any of terminals of the data driving IC DIC nor to any of lines of the data connection unit DC. In other words, each of the A-dummy lines A-DML is not physically nor directly connected to any signal line of the display device. Herein, the signal line includes all of the following lines: a line directly receiving a signal from a signal source, a line indirectly receiving a signal from the signal source through at least one other line, a line indirectly receiving a signal from the signal source through at least one capacitor, or a line indirectly receiving a signal from the signal source through at least one switch. 
     As an example, the first A-dummy line A-DML 1  is not physically nor directly connected to the input terminals of the data driving IC DIC, the output terminals of the data driving IC DIC, the input lead lines  31  of the data connection unit DC, the output lead lines  32  of the data connection unit DC, the auxiliary lead lines  33  of the data connection unit DC, signal lines of the PCB  168 , signal lines of the first substrate  301 , and signal lines of the second substrate  302 . 
     As described above, each of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  is physically separated from other signal lines and has a floating state electrically. 
     The B-dummy lines may have substantially the same shape as the shape of the A-dummy lines described above. For example, the B-dummy lines B-DML have end portions disposed at the second side S 2  of the data connection unit DC, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     Each of the B-dummy lines B-DML extends from the second side S 2  of the data connection unit DC toward another side of the data connection unit DC. For example, each of the B-dummy lines B-DML may extend from the second side S 2  of the data connection unit DC toward the first side S 1  thereof. 
     The angle between each of the B-dummy lines B-DML and the second side S 2  of the data connection unit DC may be about 90 degrees. 
     The B-dummy lines B-DML are substantially parallel to one another. 
     Respective widths of the B-dummy lines B-DML may be substantially the same or different from one another. For example, a width w of at least one of the B-dummy lines B-DML may be about 25 μm. 
     A distance between adjacent ones of the B-dummy lines B-DML may be substantially the same or different from one another. For example, a distance between adjacent ones of the B-dummy lines B-DML may be about 25 μm, and a distance between another adjacent ones of the B-dummy lines B-DML may be about 25 μm. 
     The width w of the B-dummy line and the distance between adjacent ones of the B-dummy lines may be substantially the same or different from one another as described hereinabove. 
     Each of the B-dummy lines B-DML has a shape that is isolated from and is not connected to any of the terminals of the data driving IC DIC nor to any of the lines of the data connection unit DC. In other words, each of the B-dummy lines B-DML is not physically nor directly connected to any signal line of the display device. That is, similar to the aforementioned A-dummy lines, each B-dummy line B-DML is physically separated from another signal line and has a floating state electrically. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the data connection unit of  FIG. 6  taken along sectional line I-I′ of  FIG. 6 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the data connection unit DC further includes a base layer  801 . The base layer  801  may include polyimide. 
     The A-dummy lines A-DML and the auxiliary lead lines  33  are disposed on the base layer  801  of the data connection unit DC. Although not illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the input lead lines  31 , the output lead lines  32 , and the B-dummy lines B-DML are also disposed on the base layer  801 . 
     The A dummy lines A-DML lines, the auxiliary lead lines  33 , the input lead lines  31 , the output lead lines  32 , and the B-dummy lines B-DML may be formed from substantially the same material. For example, The A dummy lines A-DML lines, the auxiliary lead lines  33 , the input lead lines  31 , the output lead lines  32 , and the B-dummy lines B-DML may include copper (Cu). 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the cover layer  802  is disposed on the base layer  801 . In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the cover layer  802  is disposed on the input lead lines  31 , the output lead lines  32 , and the auxiliary lead lines  33  except for areas corresponding to the input portion  11 , the output portion  12 , and the mounting portion  10  of the data connection unit DC. 
       FIG. 8A  is an enlarged schematic plan view of portion A of the data connection unit of  FIG. 4  showing a flow of an anisotropic conductive film in the presence of a dummy line.  FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional view of the data connection unit of  FIG. 8A  taken along sectional line I-I′ of  FIG. 8A . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , when pressure is applied to the ACF bonded to the data connection unit DC, the viscosity of the ACF decreases. Accordingly, the fluidity of the ACF increases. The ACF may smoothly move to one edge, i.e., the first side S 1 , of the data connection unit DC through the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5 . That is, since the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  have line shapes extending from the first side S 1 , the ACF is induced by the A-Dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  to flow and spreads (diffuses) to the first side S 1  along an outward direction shown by the arrows in  FIG. 8A . 
     In addition, although not illustrated in  FIG. 8A , the ACF may smoothly flow to another edge, i.e., the second side S 2 , of the data connection unit DC through the B-dummy lines B-DML. That is, since the B-dummy lines B-DML have line shapes extending from the second side S 2 , the ACF is induced by the B-dummy lines B-DML to flow and spreads (diffuses) to the second side S 2 . 
       FIGS. 9A to 9H  are schematic perspective views of a data connection unit, a support, a pressing apparatus, a first laser irradiator, a second laser irradiator, and a first substrate illustrating an exemplary method of connecting the data connection unit and the first substrate according to the principles of the invention. 
     First, as illustrated in  FIG. 9A , the data connection unit DC including the data driving IC DIC is prepared. The data connection unit DC includes sprocket holes  90  on the opposing short side edges thereof. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9B , the data connection unit DC is disposed on a support  950 . For example, an output portion  12  of the data connection unit DC is disposed on the support  950 . In such an exemplary embodiment, a opposite surface of the output portion  12  contacts the support  950 . 
     Subsequently, the ACF is placed on the output portion  12  of the data connection unit DC. The ACF has a length and a width suitable to overlap output lead lines exposed through the output portion  12 . That is, in order to substantially minimize an amount of the ACF being used, the ACF has such a size as to overlap the output lead lines. In the case where the ACF has an area large enough to cover the entire surface of the output portion  12  of the data connection unit DC, an edge of the ACF may contact the support  950  and may contaminate the support  950 . 
     Contamination of the support  950  may cause various problems including damage to the data connection unit DC. For example, the support  950  is used again in a main pressing process, which will be described subsequently. In such a case, in the case where the ACF remains on the support  950 , the first substrate  301  on the support  950  may be bonded to the support  950  by the ACF. Then, a crack may occur in the first substrate  301  when the first substrate  301  is separated from the support  950 . 
     For such various reasons, the ACF on the data connection unit DC has a smaller area than the area of the output portion  12  of the data connection unit DC. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9C , a pressing apparatus  980  is disposed above the ACF. Subsequently, the pressing apparatus  980  descends in the direction of an arrow toward the ACF to contact the ACF. In such a state, the pressing apparatus  980  exerts pressure on the ACF. The process illustrated in  FIG. 9C  is a preliminary pressing process, in which the ACF is weakly bonded to the data connection unit DC by the pressure applied in this process. 
       FIG. 9D  is a perspective view illustrating the ACF bonded to the data connection unit DC by the preliminary pressing process of  FIG. 9C . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9E , a cutting process of the data connection unit DC is performed. This cutting process may be performed by a laser irradiator. For example, a laser beam  441   a  irradiated from a first laser irradiator  441  moves in a direction (an arrow direction) substantially perpendicular to the A-dummy lines A-DML to cut the data connection unit DC. A laser beam  442   a  irradiated from a second laser irradiator  442  moves in a direction (the arrow direction) substantially perpendicular to the B-dummy lines B-DML to cut the data connection unit DC. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9F , the both opposing short end portions of the data connection unit DC having the sprocket holes  90  are removed such that the data connection unit DC having the first side S 1  and the second side S 2  may be provided. In addition, as a portion of the A-dummy lines A-DML and a portion of the B-dummy lines B-DML are removed together by the cutting process, respective end portions of the A-dummy lines A-DML are positioned along the first side S 1  and respective end portions of the B-dummy lines B-DML are positioned along the second side S 2 . 
     In such an exemplary embodiment, by the laser beams  441   a  and  442   a , at least a portion of the end portion of the A-dummy line A-DML and at least a portion of the end portion of the B-dummy line B-DML are carbonized. Accordingly, the end portions of the A-dummy lines A-DML and the end portions of the B-dummy lines B-DML have a carbonized area. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9G , a connecting process between the data connection unit DC and the first substrate  301  is performed. To this end, the data connection unit DC of  FIG. 9F  is disposed above the first substrate  301 , turned upside down as illustrated in  FIG. 9G . Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIG. 9G , the ACF on the data connection unit DC faces the first substrate  301 . In such an exemplary embodiment, the ACF faces pad terminals  77  of the first substrate  301 . The pad terminals  77  may include the data pad terminal of the first substrate  301  described above with reference to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 4 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9H , the data connection unit DC is electrically connected to the pad terminal  77  of the first substrate  301 . In such an exemplary embodiment, the data connection unit DC is bonded to the first substrate  301  by the ACF. 
     Consequently, a bonded portion of the first substrate  301  and the data connection unit DC is disposed between the support  950  and the pressing apparatus  980 . In such an exemplary embodiment, the support  950  is disposed below the first substrate  301  to face the first substrate  301 , and the pressing apparatus  980  is disposed above the data connecting unit DC to face the data connecting unit DC. 
     Next, the pressing apparatus  980  descends toward the data connection unit DC to contact the data connection unit DC. In such a state, the pressing apparatus  980  applies pressure to the data connection unit DC. This process is the main pressing process, and the pressure applied in this main pressing process is higher than a pressure applied in the preliminary pressing process described above. 
     The ACF is firmly bonded to the data connection unit DC and the first substrate  301  by the pressure applied in the main pressing process. In an exemplary embodiment, heat may be further applied to the ACF during the main pressing process. 
     The viscosity of the ACF decreases in the main pressing process. Accordingly, the fluidity of the ACF increases. The ACF may smoothly move to one edge, i.e., the first side S 1 , of the data connection unit DC through the A-dummy lines A-DML and may smoothly move to another edge, i.e., the second side S 2 , of the data connection unit DC through the B-dummy lines B-DML. In such an exemplary embodiment, the ACF may be further spread and diffused through the first side S 1 , the second side S 2 , and the third side S 3  of the data connection unit DC. 
     As the ACF is diffused by the A-dummy lines A-DML and the B-dummy lines B-DML in such a manner, the cured ACF may have a larger area than an area of the output portion  12  of the data connection unit DC as illustrated in  FIG. 9H . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9H and 7 , the A-dummy lines A-DML are disposed between the first substrate  301  and the base layer  801  of the data connection unit DC. In such an exemplary embodiment, when the ACF is sufficiently diffused, the A-dummy lines A-DML may be disposed between the ACF and the base layer  801  of the data connection unit DC. Similarly, the B-dummy lines B-DML are disposed between the first substrate  301  and the base layer  801  of the data connection unit DC. In such an exemplary embodiment, when the ACF is sufficiently diffused, the B-dummy lines B-DML may be disposed between the ACF and the base layer  801  of the data connection unit DC. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9H , the ACF may be disposed between the first substrate  301  and at least a portion of each A-dummy line A-DML. Similarly, the ACF may be disposed between the first substrate  301  and at least a portion of each B-dummy line B-DML. 
     As the ACF having a substantially minimum area may be smoothly moved to the edge of the data connection unit DC by the A-dummy lines A-DML and B-dummy lines B-DML, manufacturing costs may be reduced and the adhesion between the data connection unit DC and the first substrate  301  may be improved. In addition, since the ACF is formed onto both ends of the data connection unit DC, detachment of the data connection unit DC may be substantially prevented. 
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged schematic plan view of portion A of the data connection unit of  FIG. 4  illustrating a second embodiment of dummy lines. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  have end portions  61 ,  62 ,  63 ,  64 , and  65  disposed in different positions of the first side S 1 . The A-dummy lines A-DML have a shape extending upwardly from the first side S 1  toward a second side S 2 . 
     The angle between each of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  and the first side S 1  may be greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 90 degrees. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , an acute angle θ 2  between the first A-dummy line A-DML 1  and the first side S 1  may be greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 90 degrees. 
     At least two of the A-dummy lines may have different slopes. For example, an angle between the first A-dummy line A-DML 1  and the first side S 1  may be different from an angle between the second A-dummy line A-DML 2  and the first side S 1 . 
     The B-dummy lines B-DML may have substantially the same shape as the shape of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  in  FIG. 10 . For example, an acute angle of angle between each of the B-dummy linen B-DML and the second side S 2  may be greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 90 degrees. 
     The B-dummy lines B-DML and the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  of  FIG. 10  may be symmetrically arranged to one another. For example, assuming an imaginary line passing through the center of a third side S 3  of the data connection unit DC and perpendicularly intersecting the third side S 3 , the B-dummy lines B-DML and the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  may be axially symmetric with respect to the imaginary line. 
     At least one of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  and at least one of the B-dummy lines B-DML may have different slopes. 
     Based on the structure of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the ACF may be smoothly diffused in directions toward the first side S 1 , the second side S 2 , and the third side S 3 . 
     Based on the structure of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  illustrated in  FIG. 10 , diffusion force of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  exerted on the ACF in the direction of the first side S 1  is reduced from that in the structure illustrated in  FIG. 6 , such that the ACF may be smoothly diffused in directions toward the first side S 1 , the second side S 2 , and the third side S 3 . 
       FIG. 11  is an enlarged schematic plan view of portion A of the data connection unit of  FIG. 4  illustrating a third embodiment of dummy lines. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  have end portions  61 ,  62 ,  63 ,  64 , and  65  disposed at different portions of a first side S 1 . In addition, the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  have a shape extending from the first side S 1  toward a second side S 2 . 
     An angle θ 3  between each of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  and the first side S 1  may be about 90 degrees. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  may have a decreasing length, as they approach third side S 3 . For example, among the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5 , the first A-dummy line A-DML 1  disposed farthest from the third side S 3  has a longest length, and the fifth A-dummy line A-DML 5  disposed closest to the third side S 3  has a shortest length. In addition, the second A-dummy line A-DML 2  has a length less than that of the first A-dummy line A-DML 1  and longer than that of the third A-dummy line A-DML 3 , the third A-dummy line A-DML 3  has a length less than that of the second A-dummy line A-DML 2  and longer than that of the fourth A-dummy line A-DML 4 , and the fourth A-dummy line A-DML 4  has a length less than that of the third A-dummy line A-DML 3  and longer than that of the fifth A-dummy line A-DML 5 . 
     The B-dummy lines B-DML may have substantially the same shape as the shape of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  illustrated in  FIG. 11 . For example, the B-dummy lines B-DML may have a decreasing length, as they approach the third side S 3 . 
     The B-dummy lines B-DML and the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  of  FIG. 11  may be symmetrically arranged to one another. For example, the B-dummy lines B-DML and the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  may be axially symmetric with respect to the imaginary line described above with reference to  FIG. 10 . 
     Based on the structure of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the diffusion force of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  exerted to the ACF in the direction of the first side S 1  is gradually reduced as they approach the third side S 3 . Thus, the ACF may be smoothly diffused in directions toward the first side S 1 , the second side S 2 , and the third side S 3 . [ 0203 ] The A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  may have a greater length, as they approach the third side S 3 . Similarly, the B-dummy lines B-DML may have a greater length, as they approach the third side S 3 . 
       FIG. 12  is an enlarged schematic plan view of portion A of the data connection unit of  FIG. 4  illustrating a fourth embodiment of dummy lines. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  have end portions  61 ,  62 ,  63 ,  64 , and  65  disposed at different portions of a first side S 1 . The A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  have a shape extending from the first side S 1  toward a second side S 2 . 
     Similar to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 10 , respective angles among the first side S 1  and the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  of  FIG. 12  may be greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 90 degrees. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , an acute angle θ 4  between the first A-dummy line A-DML 1  and the first side S 1  may be greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 90 degrees. 
     In addition, similar to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  of  FIG. 12  may decrease in length, as they approach third side S 3 . For example, among the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5 , the first A-dummy line A-DML 1  disposed farthest from the third side S 3  has the longest length, and the fifth A-dummy line A-DML 5  disposed closest to the third side S 3  has the shortest length. 
     B-dummy lines B-DML may have substantially the same shape as the shape of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  of  FIG. 12 . For example, an acute angle between each of the B-dummy lines B-DML and the second side S 2  may be greater than about 0 degrees and less than about 90 degrees. In addition, the B-dummy lines B-DML may decrease in length, as they approach the third side S 3 . 
     The B-dummy lines B-DML and the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  of  FIG. 12  may be symmetrically arranged to one another. For example, the B-dummy lines B-DML and the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  may be axially symmetric with respect to the imaginary line described above with reference to  FIG. 10 . 
     Based on the structure of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the diffusion force of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  exerted to the ACF in the direction of the first side S 1  decreases as they approach the third side S 3 . Thus, the ACF may be smoothly diffused in directions toward the first side S 1 , the second side S 2 , and the third side S 3 . 
     The A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  may have a longer length, as they approach the third side S 3 . Similarly, the B-dummy lines B-DML may have a longer length, as they approach the third side S 3 . 
       FIG. 13  is an enlarged schematic plan view of portion A of the data connection unit of  FIG. 4  illustrating a fifth embodiment of dummy lines. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  have end portions  61 ,  62 ,  63 ,  64 , and  65  disposed at different portions of a first side S 1 . The A-dummy lines A-DML have a shape extending from the first side S 1  toward a second side S 2 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , two adjacent ones of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  may have a greater distance therebetween, as they are closer to third side S 3 . For example, a distance d 1  between the first A-dummy line A-DML 1  disposed farthest from the third side S 3  and the second A-dummy line A-DML 2  adjacent to the first A-dummy line A-DML 1  is the smallest, and a distance d 4  between the fifth A-dummy line A-DML 5  disposed closest to the third side S 3  and the fourth A-dummy line A-DML 4  adjacent to the fifth A-dummy line A-DML 5  is the greatest. Further, the distance d 2  between the second A-dummy line A-DML 2  and the third A-dummy line A-DML 3  adjacent to the second A-dummy line A-DML 2  is less than the distance d 3  between the third A-dummy line A-DML 3  and the fourth A-dummy line A-DML 4  adjacent to the third A-dummy line A-DML 3 . 
     B-dummy lines B-DML may have substantially the same shape as the shape of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  in  FIG. 13 . For example, two adjacent ones of the B-dummy lines B-DML may be spaced at a greater distance, as they approach the third side S 3 . 
     The B-dummy lines B-DML and the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  of  FIG. 13  may be symmetrically arranged to one another. For example, the B-dummy lines B-DML and the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  may be axially symmetric with respect to the imaginary line described above with reference to  FIG. 10 . 
     Based on the structure of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  illustrated in  FIG. 13 , respective diffusion forces of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  exerted on the ACF in the direction of the first side S 1  are different from one another. For example, as the distance between the first A-dummy line A-DML 1  and the second A-dummy line A-DML 2  is relatively narrow, the diffusion speed of the ACF passing between them is relatively high. On the other hand, as the distance between the fourth A-dummy line A-DML 4  and the fifth A-dummy line A-DML 5  is relatively wide, the diffusion speed of the ACF passing between them is relatively low. 
     Two adjacent ones of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  may have less distance therebetween, as they approach the third side S 3 . Similarly, two adjacent ones of the B-dummy lines B-DML may have less distance therebetween, as they approach the third side S 3 . 
       FIG. 14  is an enlarged schematic plan view of portion A of the data connection unit of  FIG. 4  illustrating a first embodiment of dummy lines. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  have end portions  61 ,  62 ,  63 ,  64 , and  65  disposed at different portions of a first side S 1  than the prior embodiments. In addition, the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  have a shape extending from the first side S 1  toward a second side S 2 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , each of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  may have a width that gradually decreases in a direction further away from the first side S 1 . For example, the width of the first A-dummy line A-DML 1  is greatest at the end portion  61  thereof and smallest at the other end portion opposite the end portion  61 . 
     B-dummy lines B-DML may have substantially the same shape as the shape of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  in  FIG. 14 . For example, each of the B-dummy lines B-DML may have a width that gradually decreases in a direction further away from the second side S 2 . 
     The B-dummy lines B-DML and the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  of  FIG. 14  may be symmetrically arranged to one another. For example, the B-dummy lines B-DML and the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  may be axially symmetric with respect to the imaginary line described above with reference to  FIG. 10 . 
     Based on the structure of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the diffusion force of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  exerted to the ACF in the direction of the first side S 1  gradually increases as they approach the first side S 1 . 
     Alternatively, each of the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  may have a width that gradually increases in a direction further away from the first side S 1 . Similarly, each of the B-dummy lines B-DML may have a width that gradually increases in a direction further away from the second side S 2 . 
     In addition, at least one gate connection unit GC of  FIG. 1  may further include the A-dummy lines A-DML 1 , A-DML 2 , A-DML 3 , A-DML 4 , and A-DML 5  and the B-dummy lines B-DML. 
       FIG. 15  is a detailed configuration view of another embodiment of a data connection unit of the first substrate of  FIG. 2 . Descriptions of like components are not repeated to avoid redundancy. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , each of A-dummy lines A-DML may be spaced apart from first side S 1  at a predetermined distance. For example, an end portion of at least one A-dummy line A-DML may be spaced apart at a predetermined distance from the first side S 1 . 
     In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , each of B-dummy lines B-DML may be spaced apart from second side S 2  at a predetermined distance. For example, an end portion of at least one B-dummy line B-DML may be spaced apart at a predetermined distance from the second side S 2 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the A-dummy lines A-DML and the B-dummy lines B-DML of  FIG. 15  may have any one of the shapes illustrated in  FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14  described above. 
     As set forth above, according to one or more exemplary embodiments, the display device may provide the following effects. First, since the ACF having a substantially minimum area may smoothly move to an edge of the connection unit, manufacturing costs may be reduced and the adhesiveness between the connection unit and the substrate may be improved. 
     In addition, since the ACF is normally formed onto opposite ends of the connection unit, detachment of the data connection unit may be substantially prevented. 
     While the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.