WO2007064115A1

WO2007064115A1 - Display cosisting of socket type oleds and method for manufacturing of the same

Info

Publication number: WO2007064115A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/005015
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jang Hwan Hwang; Jung Ju Kim; Jung Woon Park; Young Kawn Kim
Original assignee: Namotek Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-11-30
Filing date: 2006-11-27
Publication date: 2007-06-07
Also published as: KR100674212B1

Abstract

Disclosed are a display consisting of socket-type organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), and a method for manufacturing the same. More specifically, the display is capable of improving work efficiency when applied to a product and luminous efficiency even through a large-area display, by configuring the display in a manner that plural LEDs having predetermined size are arranged and removably mounted onto a substrate in a socket form. Additionally, the display is capable of enabling more convenient maintenance and management thereof by partly replacing the LEDs. The display according to the present invention comprises a substrate including a driving circuit for performing display and socket connection parts arranged in n number of columns and m number of rows on a front surface thereof; a socket unit having the OLED functioning as a light source inserted therein, and removably connected to each of the socket connection parts so that the OLED is electrically connected with the substrate; and a display filter connected to the front surface of the substrate where the socket unit is connected, to output light radiated from the OLED as a desired image.

Description

DISPLAY COSISTING OF SOCKET TYPE OLEDS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING OF THE SAME

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a display consisting of light emitting diodes (LEDs) having a socket-type connection structure and a method for manufacturing the same. More particularly, the present invention intends to achieve excellent luminous efficiency even through a large-area display and work efficiency of the product, by configuring the display in a manner that plural LEDs in predetermined size are arranged and removably mounted onto a substrate in a socket form. Additionally, the present invention intends to achieve more convenient maintenance and management of the display by enabling the LEDs to be partly replaced. Background Art

[2] Nowadays, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) is spotlighted as the most ideal technology for realizing a display. The OLED is a light source spontaneously radiating light by organic matters upon supply of electricity.

[3] The OLED is capable of embodying a display thinner than a liquid crystal display

(LCD) due to its self-luminous property. The OLED has approximately 1000 times faster response time than the LCD. As generally known, additionally, the OLED radiates the light by a wider view angle with less electricity than the LCD.

[4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of the OLED. FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the structure of the OLED.

[5] Referring to the drawings, the OLED comprises a glass substrate 1, an anode electrode 2, an organic film layer 8, and a cathode electrode 3. The anode electrode 2 is usually implemented by a transparent indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrode. The organic film layer 8 is formed on an upper part of the anode electrode 2. The cathode electrode 3 is formed on an upper part of the organic film layer 8. As electricity is applied to the anode electrode 2 and the cathode electrode 3, the organic film layer radiates light.

[6] The organic film layer 8 is constructed by successive lamination of a hole injection layer (HIL) 5, an emission layer (EML) 6, and an electron transfer layer (ETL) 7. As generally known in the semiconductor art, the above structure is formed through deposition and back-end process of photoresist.

[7] In the OLED, as electric current is applied to the anode electrode 2 and the cathode electrode 3, light generated from the emission layer 6 is radiated to the outside through the glass substrate 1.

[8] FIG. 3 is a plan view of an Active Matrix OLED (AMOLED) among the OLEDs. [9] While FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a Passive Matrix OLED (PMOLED) among general

OLEDs, the PMOLED having the most basic structure, FIG. 3 shows the AMOLED highly advanced from the PMOLED.

[10] The AMOLED comprises gate lines 10, data lines 11, and common power lines 12.

The gate lines 10 are arranged on a substrate unidirectionally and insulated from one another. The data lines are arranged across the gate lines. The common power lines are arranged across the gate lines 10 while parallel with the data lines 11.

[11] A pixel area 13 is formed inside the AMOLED. Each pixel area 13 includes a pixel electrode 14 having red (R), green (G) and blue (B) pixels.

[12] The R, G and B pixel units are arranged in the respective pixel area in the

AMOLED. Each pixel unit includes a transistor, a thin film transistor (TFT) circuit implemented by a capacitor, and the pixel electrode 14. As generally known, the above- structured AMOLED actively performs functions of the OLED by amplifying voltage and switching using electric current supplied from the outside.

[13] A conventional display applying the above OLED (hereinafter, referred to merely as display ) is able to have a slim and light appearance and output high-quality color, by applying the OLED having fast responsiveness and a wide angle of view, the display is able to have.

[14] In spite of such advantages, the conventional display has a problem in that the electrode is considerably elongated when being implemented as a large-area display. In this case, resistance (R) of the electrode is increased, accordingly increasing a range of voltage drop. Simultaneously, the organic film layer (C) operates as a capacitor and accordingly, the responding time according to the RC circuit property is deteriorated.

[15] Furthermore, when implementing the large-area display, the organic film layer hardly has uniform thickness since it is hard to deposit the photoresist uniformly throughout the whole area. As a result, uniformity of color of the light developed from each section may be deteriorated.

[16] A high-molecular- weight OLED has been suggested to solve above conventional problems. However, the high-molecular- weight OLED is hard to pixelate and form multiple thin layers since being weak against organic solution. Moreover, when using an inorganic luminous material, a high driving voltage is required, thereby increasing the price. Additionally, a blue light would not be implemented well.

[17] On the other hand, a low-molecular- weight OLED has excellent luminous efficiency and is capable of implementing full color and the multiple layers. However, the low-molecular- weight OLED is restricted in size and is uneconomic because the whole display should be replaced when having a defect even in only one pixel. As the display has a larger area, the above problems grow. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[18] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a display structured by arranging and removably mounting plural organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) of a predetermined size on a substrate, thereby being capable of guaranteeing excellent luminous efficiency even in a large-area display, implementing a multilayer structure, and conveniently pixelating and replacing the OLED.

[19] It is another object of the present invention to provide an optimal method for manufacturing the display. Technical Solution

[20] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display consisting of a light emitting diode (LED) having a socket-type connection structure, comprising a substrate including socket connection parts arranged in n number of columns and m number of rows on a front surface thereof; a socket unit connected to each of the socket connection parts to electrically connect an organic LED (OLED) as a light source with the substrate; and a display filter formed on the front surface of the substrate where the socket unit is connected.

[21] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display consisting of an LED having a socket-type connection structure, comprising a substrate including a driving circuit for performing display and socket connection parts arranged in n number of columns and m number of rows on a front surface thereof; a socket unit having the OLED functioning as a light source inserted therein, and removably connected to each of the socket connection parts so that the OLED is electrically connected with the substrate; and a display filter connected to the front surface of the substrate where the socket unit is connected, to output light radiated from the OLED as a desired image.

[22] In order to achieve yet another object of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a display consisting of a light emitting diode (LED) having a socket-type connection structure, comprising steps of manufacturing a socket for connection with an OLED and unitizing the socket and the OLED by inserting the OLED in the socket; depositing an insulating material on a substrate for mounting the socket with the OLED and optionally patterning the deposited insulating material into n number of rows and m number of columns by photolithography processing, thereby etching a recess for connection of the socket; optionally forming a pattern on the substrate including the patterned insulating material, the pattern for transmitting power and an electric signal to the OLED, and connecting the socket to the respective recess; and connecting a display filter for displaying an image to a front surface of the OLED of the socket, which radiates light, and mounting a driving circuit on the substrate.

Advantageous Effects

[23] As described above, the present invention enables uniform output of high- luminance light throughout a large-area display. Furthermore, since organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) are mounted removably in a socket form, manufacturing efficiency of the product can be enhanced.

[24] In addition, maintenance of the display can be facilitated by replacing only part of the OLEDs. The socket-type structure of the OLEDs can be applied not only to general substrates but also to a structure comprising a thin film transistor (TFT) due to the convenience in manufacturing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[25] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: [26] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a structure of an organic light emitting diode

(OLED);

[27] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the OLED of FIG. 1 ;

[28] FIG. 3 is a plane view of an Active Matrix OLED (AMOLED);

[29] FIG. 4 is a front view of a display according to an embodiment of the present invention; [30] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the display according to the embodiment of the present invention; [31] FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of a mounting structure for the OLED of the display according to the embodiment of the present invention; [32] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a socket of the display according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[33] FIG. 8 is a front view of the socket of FIG. 7;

[34] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the socket of FIG. 7 ;

[35] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a socket connection part of the display according to the embodiment of the present invention; [36] FIG. 11 is a schematic view for restricting size of the socket in the display according to the embodiment of the present invention; [37] FIG. 12 through FIG. 15 are sectional views illustrating the manufacturing process of the display according to the embodiment of the present invention; [38] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a state in which a thin film transistor (TFT) circuit is applied to the display according to the embodiment of the present invention; [39] FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[40] Reference will now be made in detail to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[41] FIG. 4 is a front view of a display according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the display, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view showing a mounting structure of a light emitting diode (LED) of the display.

[42] Referring to the drawings, the display comprises a substrate 20, a socket unit 30, and a display filter 40.

[43] A driving circuit 21 for performing display is mounted on the substrate 20. The driving circuit 21 includes a gate circuit for switching power supply to an organic LED (OLED) 50, and a data circuit for supplying required data during driving of the OLED 50.

[44] Additionally, plural socket connection parts 22 are arranged on a front surface of the substrate 20, the front surface whereon the OLED 50 is mounted, in plural columns and plural rows, for example, in n number of columns and m number of rows. The socket connection part 22 is formed in a square. In the drawing of the present embodiment, especially, the socket connection part 22 has an exact square form.

[45] The socket unit 30 is structured to be removably connected and mounted with respect to each socket connection part 22 of the substrate 20. The OLED 50 as a light source is inserted in the socket unit 30, thereby being electrically connected to the substrate. The socket unit 30 is provided in the corresponding number to the socket connection part 22.

[46] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the socket, FIG. 8 is a front view of the socket of

FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the socket of FIG. 7.

[47] Referring to FIG. 7, the socket unit 30 comprises a socket housing 31 and an electric connection part 32. The socket housing 31 has a casing form for receiving the OLED 50 therein. The electric connection part 32, having a corresponding form to the socket connection part 22 of the substrate 20, is disposed on a side surface of the substrate 20 of the socket housing 31 and removably connected to the socket connection part 22.

[48] A first pattern 33 is provided to the socket housing 31 and the electric connection part 32. The first pattern 33 is electrically connected to the OLED 50 inside the socket housing 31 so that the driving circuit 21 of the substrate 20 can be connected with the OLED 50.

[49] The first pattern 33 is formed corresponding to gate lines 51 and data lines 52 in plural columns and rows intersecting each other. The electric connection part 32 is formed as a protrusion to be removably connected with the socket connection part 22, by having the first patterns 33 of the gate lines 51 and the data lines 52 formed on the outer surface thereof.

[50] The socket housing 31 and the electric connection part 32 in the socket unit 30 are sure made of an insulating material to prevent interference between plural the gate lines 51 and the data lines 52. According to an exemplary embodiment, the OLED 50 has an optimal size for radiating light omnidirectionally, that is, 5 mm- 100mm in both length and width.

[51] The electric connection part 32 is greater than the OLED 50 by 0.1 mm- 10mm at each side. Distance between the respective OLEDs 50 is set to 1D-500D in order to effectively prevent electric and electronic interference between the OLEDs 50 considering a radiation angle of the light.

[52] Since the OLED 50 has the same structure as a Passive Matrix OLED (PMOLED) and an Active Matrix OLED (AMOLED) already explained with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, detailed description about the structure will not be repeated here.

[53] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the socket connection part 22.

[54] Referring to FIG. 10, according to the structure of the socket unit 30, the socket connection part 22 has a recess 23 of an exact square or square form corresponding to the electric connection part 32 of the socket unit 30.

[55] As plural the recesses 23 are formed, the recesses 23 are separated by a partition made of an insulating material 60, respectively. The process of forming the partition will be described later with reference to FIG. 12.

[56] A second pattern 24 is additionally formed on a surface of the recess 23 and on the substrate 20. The second pattern 24 is connected corresponding to the first pattern 33, thereby connecting the OLED 50 with the driving circuit 21 electrically.

[57] Although only a single second pattern 24 is shown in the drawing for concise illustration, it will be sure understood that the second pattern 24 is provided corresponding to the first pattern 33 in number.

[58] The display filter 40 is connected to a front surface of the substrate 20 where the socket unit 30 is connected, that is, a front surface of the OLED 50 to output the light radiated from the OLED as a desired image.

[59] The display filter 40 is structured to output a white light by receiving light from every pixel of the OLED 50, or display an image colorized by R, G, and B filters arranged at a sub pixel in the display filter.

[60] FIG. 11 is a schematic view regarding restriction of size of the OLED 50 with respect to the display filter 40.

[61] Referring to FIG. 11, the display filter 40 includes a unit section 41 for receiving light radiated from one OLED 50 and displaying an image. The OLED 50 and the socket unit 30 mounting the OLED 50 therein are formed smaller than the unit section 41.

[62] Considering the size restriction, general displays currently produced include approximately 10-7000 OLEDs 50 in a display section.

[63] FIG. 12 through FIG. 15 are sectional views showing the process for manufacturing the display using the above- structured socket.

[64] Referring to the drawings, the socket unit 30 is first manufactured and the OLED 50 is inserted in the socket unit 30. Thus, the socket unit 30 and the OELD 50 are unitized.

[65] As shown in FIG. 12, the insulating material is deposited on the substrate 20. In

FIG. 13, the deposited insulating material is patterned into n number of rows and m number of columns, by photolithography processing.

[66] As shown in FIG. 14, the second pattern 24 for transmitting power and electric signals to the OLED 50 is optionally formed on the substrate 20 including the patterned insulating material. The socket unit 30 is connected to the respective recesses 23.

[67] As shown in FIG. 15, next, the display filter 40 for displaying the image is connected to a front surface of the OLED 50 of the connected socket unit 30, the front surface from which the light is radiated. The driving circuit 12 is mounted on the substrate 20, thus completing the manufacture of the display.

[68] In the above process, the AMOLED is applied for the OLED 50 so that a TFT circuit 70 (FIG. 16) can be connected to the OLED 50 before being connected to the socket unit 30. Alternatively, in order to enhance the work efficiency of the display, the TFT circuit 70 may be mounted on the substrate 20 after deposition of the second pattern 24, so as to be electrically connected with the OLED 50 as the socket unit 30 is connected.

[69] FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a display adopting the TFT circuit 70.

[70] Referring to FIG. 16, when the AMOLED is applied for the OLED 50 in the above structure, the AMOLED is electrically connected to the TFT circuit 70.

[71] The TFT circuit 70 enhances luminance of the OLED 50 by controlling current and voltage being supplied to the OLED 50, in connection with a pixel device 53 disconnected at intersection points between the gate lines 51 and the data lines 52 in a pixel section of the AMOLED.

[72] As generally known, the AMOLED comprises plural pixels of R, G and B colors and radiates the light in a desired color through the pixels.

[73] The TFT circuit 70 will not be described in greater detail because being generally known in the art.

[74] In the display structured as the above, when current is applied to the OLED 50 according to driving of the driving circuit 21, an emission layer 6 (FIG. 1) of the OLED 50 radiates predetermined light. The radiated light is output as an image in the desired color, passing through the display filter 40.

[75] The OLEDs 50, when being arranged in plural rows and columns, improve uniformity of the displayed image and luminance of the light, thereby enabling large- area display of high quality.

[76] Therefore, when implementing the large-area display, the low-molecular- weight

OLEDs 50 can be formed in multiple layers. As a result, the whole large-area can be implemented in full colors and easily pixilated.

[77] Especially, in case that any one of the plurality of OLEDs 50 gets damaged or has an electric or electronic defect, the whole display can be simply fixed by extracting only the defective OLED 50 from the socket connection part 23 and replacing the defective OLED 50 with a new one.

[78] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a display according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[79] Referring to FIG. 17, in the display of the another embodiment, the OLED 50 is removably mounted in a structure where the TFT circuit 70 is mounted on the substrate 20.

[80] More specifically, a socket member 80 is insulatedly connected to a cathode electrode of the OELD 50. In addition, a connection recess 71 is formed on the TFT circuit 70 corresponding to the socket member 80 for connection with the OLED 50.

[81] As well as in the previous embodiment, the present embodiment comprises plural the OLEDs 50 arranged in plural columns and rows, thereby implementing a large-area display. The operation of the display of the present embodiment is also the same as in the previous embodiment. That is, the light is generated from the emission layer 6 of the OLED 50 upon supply of current from the outside, and the light is output as a desired image by passing through the display filter 40.

[82] Especially, in comparison with the previous embodiment, the display of the present embodiment is capable of outputting a high-quality image by a pixel control function of the TFT circuit 70. Furthermore, the simplified structure of the present embodiment helps save the manufacturing cost.

[83] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Industrial Applicability

[84] The present invention relates to a display having a socket-type connection structure and a method for manufacturing the same. More particularly, the display is structured in a manner that plural light emitting diodes (LEDs) having predetermined size are arranged and mounted on a substrate removably in a socket form. Accordingly, work efficiency and luminous efficiency can be improved in a large-area display. Also, maintenance and management of the display become more convenient since partial replacement of the LEDs is possible.

Claims

[1] A display consisting of a light emitting diode (LED) having a socket- type connection structure, comprising: a substrate including socket connection parts arranged in n number of columns and m number of rows on a front surface thereof; a socket unit connected to each of the socket connection parts to electrically connect an organic LED (OLED) as a light source with the substrate; and a display filter formed on the front surface of the substrate where the socket unit is connected.

[2] The display of claim 1, wherein the socket unit comprises: a socket housing receiving the OLED; and an electric connection part formed on a side surface of the socket housing to be removably connected with the socket connection part, and having a first pattern formed at a connection part between the electric connection part and the socket connection part and electrically connected with the OLED in the socket housing.

[3] The display of claim 2, wherein the electric connection part has a protrusion form to be removably connected with the socket connection part, and includes patterns formed on an outer surface thereof, the patterns of a gate line and a data line functioning as connection wires between the OLED and a driving circuit.

[4] The display of claim 1, wherein the display filter outputs a white light by receiving light from every pixel of the OLED, or displays an image colorized by R, G, and B filters arranged at a sub pixel therein.

[5] A display consisting of an LED having a socket-type connection structure, comprising: a substrate including a driving circuit for performing display and socket connection parts arranged in n number of columns and m number of rows on a front surface thereof; a socket unit having the OLED functioning as a light source inserted therein, and removably connected to the respective socket connection part so that the OLED is electrically connected with the substrate; and a display filter connected to the front surface of the substrate where the socket unit is connected, to output light radiated from the OLED as a desired image.

[6] The display of claim 5, wherein the socket unit comprises: a socket housing receiving the OLED therein; and an electric connection part formed on a side surface of the socket housing to be removably connected with the socket connection part, and having a first pattern formed at a connecting part between the electric connection part and the socket connection part, being electrically connected to the OLED in the socket housing and thereby connected to the substrate.

[7] The display of claim 5, wherein the electric connection part has a protrusion form to be removably connected with the socket connection part, and includes patterns formed on an outer surface thereof, the patterns of a gate line and a data line functioning as connection wires between the OLED and a driving circuit.

[8] The display of claim 7, wherein the socket connection part is recessed in a form corresponding to the electric connection part and includes a second pattern formed on an inner surface thereof contacting with the first pattern of the electric connection part to electrically connect the OLED with the driving circuit.

[9] The display of claim 5, wherein the display filter outputs a white light by receiving light from every pixel of the OLED, or displays an image colorized by R, G, and B filters arranged at a sub pixel therein.

[10] The display of claim 5, wherein, in the socket unit, a socket member is connected to an electrode of the OLED and removably fixed to a corresponding position of the substrate, and a connection recess is formed for electric connection with the electrode.

[11] The display of any of claim 5 through claim 10, wherein an Active Matrix OLED

(AMOLED) is applied for the OLED, and a Thin Film Transistor (TFT) circuit is mounted on the substrate corresponding to the AMOLED in number.

[12] The display of any of claim 5 through claim 10, wherein a Passive Matrix OLED

(PMOLED) is applied for the OLED, and an electrode circuit is mounted on the substrate corresponding to the AMOLED in number.

[13] A method for manufacturing a display consisting of a light emitting diode (LED) having a socket-type connection structure, comprising steps of: manufacturing a socket for connection with an OLED and unitizing the socket and the OLED by inserting the OLED in the socket; depositing an insulating material on a substrate for mounting the socket with the OLED and optionally patterning the deposited insulating material into n number of rows and m number of columns by photolithography processing, thereby etching a recess for connection of the socket; optionally forming a pattern on the substrate including the patterned insulating material, the pattern for transmitting power and an electric signal to the OLED, and connecting the socket to the respective recess; and connecting a display filter for displaying an image to a front surface of the OLED of the socket, which radiates light, and mounting a driving circuit on the substrate.

[14] The method of claim 13, wherein an AMOLED is applied for the OLED, and a TFT circuit is connected to the OLED before the OLED is connected to the socket. [15] The method of claim 13, wherein a PMOLED is applied for the OLED, and an electrode circuit is connected to the OLED before the OLED is connected to the socket. [16] The method of claim 13, wherein an AMOLED is applied for the OLED, and a

TFT circuit is mounted to the substrate after deposition of the pattern, so as to be electrically connected to the OLED as connecting the socket. [17] The method of claim 13, wherein a PMOLED is applied for the OLED, and an electrode circuit is mounted to the substrate after deposition of the pattern, so as to be electrically connected to the OLED as connecting the socket.