阅读说明：本技术 显示装置及用于制造该显示装置的设备 (Display device and apparatus for manufacturing the same ) 是由 李政玟 金东祐 于 2021-04-22 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请涉及一种显示装置以及用于制造该显示装置的设备。显示装置包括：显示面板,包括主部分、从主部分的一侧延伸的弯折部分、以及从弯折部分的一侧延伸的子部分；驱动板,连接到子部分的一侧并且在厚度方向上与显示面板的主部分重叠；以及保护构件,设置在显示面板和驱动板之间,其中,子部分相对于弯折部分折叠并附接到主部分的后表面。(The present application relates to a display device and an apparatus for manufacturing the same. The display device includes: a display panel including a main portion, a bent portion extending from one side of the main portion, and a sub portion extending from one side of the bent portion; a driving board connected to one side of the sub part and overlapping the main part of the display panel in a thickness direction; and a protection member disposed between the display panel and the driving board, wherein the sub part is folded with respect to the bending part and attached to a rear surface of the main part.)

1. A display device, comprising:

a display panel including a main portion, a bent portion extending from one side of the main portion, and a sub portion extending from one side of the bent portion;

a driving board connected to one side of the sub-portion and overlapping the main portion of the display panel in a thickness direction; and

a protective member disposed between the display panel and the driving board,

wherein the sub-portion is folded with respect to the bent portion and attached to the rear surface of the main portion.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the main portion includes a flat main portion and a curved main portion extending from one side of the flat main portion, and the protective member is provided on the flat main portion and the curved main portion.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the sub-portion includes a flat sub-portion and a curved sub-portion extending from one side of the flat sub-portion, and the protective member is disposed between the flat main portion and the flat sub-portion and between the curved main portion and the curved sub-portion.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the protective member is bent such that a part of the protective member overlaps another part of the protective member in the thickness direction.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein the protective member forms a double layer on the curved main portion.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the protective member includes a protective film, a first adhesive member provided on a first surface of the protective film, and a second adhesive member provided on a second surface of the protective film.

7. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a main display surface; and

a sub display surface inclined with respect to the main display surface,

wherein a flat main portion of the main portion is disposed on the main display surface and a curved main portion of the main portion is disposed on the sub display surface.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display panel comprises a base substrate, an active element layer, and a thin film encapsulation layer.

9. An apparatus for manufacturing a display device, the apparatus comprising:

a table including an upper surface on which a portion of the target object is mounted;

a support unit disposed on one side of the table at an angle to the table and including a side surface on which another portion of the target object is mounted; and

a pressing unit on which a protection member is mounted, the pressing unit being configured to move toward the target object and press the protection member against the target object.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the support unit includes a first suction unit configured to move into close contact with the other part of the target object, and a second suction unit provided between the first suction unit and the stage.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first suction unit comprises a vacuum chuck.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second suction unit is configured to be extended or shortened to change a distance to the target object.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the second suction unit comprises a link portion configured to be extended or shortened in one direction and a suction cup portion provided at one end of the link portion.

14. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the pressing unit includes a first flat surface provided on a side facing the target object, a second flat surface inclined with respect to the first flat surface, and a curved surface connecting the first flat surface and the second flat surface.

15. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a controller configured to control at least one of the table, the supporting unit, and the pressing unit, wherein the controller is configured to control movement and rotation of the pressing unit based on pre-stored size information of the target object.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a camera configured to photograph the target object, wherein the controller is configured to calculate a height difference between one side and the other side of the target object based on information acquired from the camera and determine whether the protective member has been attached in a correct position.

17. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the angle between the table and the support unit is 45 to 135 degrees.

18. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein a side of the target object is bent such that the target object has an "L" shaped cross section.

19. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the target object comprises a target substrate and a flexible membrane, at least a portion of the target substrate being mounted on the stage and at least a portion of the flexible membrane being mounted on the support unit.

20. An apparatus for manufacturing a display device, the apparatus comprising:

a table including an upper surface on which a portion of the target object is mounted;

a support unit disposed on one side of the table at an angle to the table and including a side surface on which another portion of the target object is mounted; and

a coating unit configured to move toward the target object and coat the target object with a coating agent.

Technical Field

Exemplary implementations of the present invention relate generally to a display device and an apparatus and method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a display device having a curved display panel and an apparatus and method for manufacturing a display device having a curved display panel.

Background

The display apparatus is an apparatus that displays an image, and includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic light emitting display panel including an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) or a quantum dot electroluminescent (QD-EL) device.

Since display devices are applied to various electronic devices, display devices having various designs are required. For example, research is being conducted on a display device in which an edge portion of a display panel is bent to display an image not only on a front portion but also on a side portion extending from the front portion.

A flexible printed circuit board on which an electronic part for controlling, for example, a touch panel is mounted may be attached to the display panel of such a display device.

The above information disclosed in this background section is only for background understanding of the inventive concept and, therefore, may contain information that does not constitute prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

The applicant has found that when a curved display panel including a display device is manufactured, a distance between a bent portion of the display panel and another portion of the display panel may not be constant, and the bent portion of the display panel may be easily damaged or deformed.

The display device having the curved display panel, the apparatus and the method for manufacturing the display device having the curved display panel according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can maintain a constant distance between the bent portion of the curved display panel and another portion of the curved display panel.

The display device having the curved display panel, the apparatus and the method for manufacturing the display device having the curved display panel according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can reduce stress applied to a flexible circuit board attached with the curved display panel.

Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the inventive concept.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a display device includes: a display panel including a main portion, a bent portion extending from one side of the main portion, and a sub portion extending from one side of the bent portion; a driving board connected to one side of the sub part and overlapping the main part of the display panel in a thickness direction; and a protection member disposed between the display panel and the driving board, wherein the sub part is folded with respect to the bending part and attached to a rear surface of the main part.

The main portion may include a flat main portion and a curved main portion extending from one side of the flat main portion, and the protective member may be disposed on the flat main portion and the curved main portion.

The sub-portion may include a flat sub-portion and a curved sub-portion extending from one side of the flat sub-portion, and the protective member may be disposed between the flat main portion and the flat sub-portion and between the curved main portion and the curved sub-portion.

The protective member may be bent such that a portion of the protective member overlaps another portion of the protective member in the thickness direction.

The protective member may form a double layer on the bent main portion.

The protective member may include a protective film, a first adhesive member disposed on a surface of the protective film, and a second adhesive member disposed on another surface of the protective film.

The display device may include: a main display surface; and a sub display surface inclined with respect to the main display surface, wherein the flat main portion of the main portion may be disposed on the main display surface, and the curved main portion of the main portion is disposed on the sub display surface.

The display panel may include a base substrate, an active element layer, and a thin film encapsulation layer.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for manufacturing a display device includes: a table including an upper surface on which a portion of the target object is mounted; a support unit disposed on one side of the table at an angle to the table and including a side surface on which another portion of the target object is mounted; and a pressing unit on which the protection member is mounted, the pressing unit being configured to move toward the target object and press the protection member against the target object.

The support unit may include a first suction unit configured to move into close contact with another portion of the target object, and a second suction unit disposed between the first suction unit and the stage.

The first suction unit may include a vacuum chuck.

The second suction unit may be configured to be extended or shortened to change a distance to the target object.

The second suction unit may include a link portion configured to be extended or shortened in one direction and a suction cup portion provided at one end of the link portion.

The pressing unit may include a first flat surface disposed on a side facing the target object, a second flat surface inclined with respect to the first flat surface, and a curved surface connecting the first flat surface and the second flat surface.

The apparatus for manufacturing a display device may include a controller configured to control at least one of the console, the supporting unit, and the pressing unit, wherein the controller may be configured to control movement and rotation of the pressing unit based on previously stored size information of the target object.

The apparatus for manufacturing a display device may include a camera configured to photograph a target object, wherein the controller may be configured to calculate a height difference between one side and the other side of the target object based on information acquired from the camera, and determine whether the protective member has been attached in a correct position.

The angle between the table and the supporting unit may be about 45 to 135 degrees.

One side of the target object may be bent such that the target object has an "L" -shaped cross-section.

The target object may include a target substrate, at least a portion of which may be mounted on the stage, and a flexible film, at least a portion of which may be mounted on the support unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for manufacturing a display device includes: a table including an upper surface on which a portion of the target object is mounted; a support unit disposed on one side of the table at an angle to the table and including a side surface on which another portion of the target object is mounted; and a coating unit configured to move toward the target object and coat the target object with a coating agent.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the inventive concept.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a display device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a display panel and a driving board of the display device of fig. 1 in an unfolded state.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along a-a' of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion "B" of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth sub-display region of another embodiment of a display device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth sub-display region of another embodiment of a display device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth sub-display region of another embodiment of a display device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a side view of the display device manufacturing apparatus of fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a side view of another embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing the display device of fig. 8.

Fig. 11, 12, 13 and 14 illustrate embodiments of a method of manufacturing a display device according to the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 15 illustrates another embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display device according to the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 16, 17 and 18 illustrate another embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display device according to the principles of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments or implementations of the present invention. As used herein, "embodiments" and "implementations" are interchangeable words, which are non-limiting examples of apparatuses or methods that employ one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. It may be evident, however, that the various 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 the various embodiments. Furthermore, the various embodiments may be different, but are not necessarily exclusive. For example, particular shapes, configurations and characteristics of embodiments may be used or implemented in another embodiment without departing from the inventive concept.

The embodiments shown, unless otherwise indicated, are to be understood as providing features of varying detail of some ways in which the inventive concept may be practiced in practice. Thus, unless otherwise indicated, features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions, and/or aspects and the like (hereinafter, referred to individually or collectively as "elements") of the various embodiments may be otherwise combined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged without departing from the inventive concepts.

Cross-hatching and/or shading is often used in the drawings to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, unless otherwise indicated, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonality between illustrated elements, and/or any other characteristic, attribute, property, etc., of an element. Further, in the drawings, the size and relative sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and/or description. When the embodiments may be implemented differently, the specific processing order may be performed differently from the described order. For example, two processes described in succession may be executed substantially concurrently or in the reverse order to that described. Further, like reference numerals denote like elements.

When an element such as a layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. To this end, the term "connected" may mean physically, electrically, and/or fluidically connected with or without intervening elements. Further, the DR1 axis, DR2 axis, and DR3 axis are not limited to three axes (such as x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis) of a rectangular coordinate system, and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the DR1 axis, DR2 axis, and DR3 axis may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For 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 XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ, for example. 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 types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Spatially relative terms such as "below", "under", "lower", "above", "over", "upper", "side", etc. (e.g. as in "side wall") may be used herein for descriptive purposes and thus to describe the relationship of one element to another element(s) as shown in the drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and/or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Further, the devices may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and 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. Furthermore, 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. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and other similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as degree terms, and thus are used to leave a margin for inherent variations in measured, calculated, and/or provided values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional and/or exploded views as illustrations of idealized embodiments and/or intermediate structures. As such, deviations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily to be construed as limited to the particular illustrated shapes of regions but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. In this manner, the regions illustrated in the figures may be schematic in nature and the shapes of the regions may not reflect the actual shape of a region of a device and, thus, are not necessarily 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 belongs. 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.

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the specification. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a display device 1 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the display panel 100 and the driving board FPCB of the display device 1 of fig. 1 in an unfolded state.

In the following description, the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 intersect each other in different directions. The first direction DR1 may be a length direction, the second direction DR2 may be a width direction, and the third direction DR3 may be a thickness direction. The third direction DR3 may include an upward direction toward the upper side in the drawing and a downward direction toward the lower side in the drawing. Thus, a surface of a member disposed to face in an upward direction may be referred to as an upper surface, and another surface of the member disposed to face in a downward direction may be referred to as a lower surface. However, the above directions should be understood as relative directions, and the embodiments are not limited to the above examples.

Examples of the display device 1 according to the embodiment may include various devices that display images. For example, examples of the display device 1 may include, but are not limited to, smart phones, mobile phones, tablet Personal Computers (PCs), Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), Portable Multimedia Players (PMPs), televisions, game machines, watch-type electronic devices, head-mounted displays, display screens of PCs, notebook computers, car navigation systems, car dashboards, digital cameras, video cameras, external billboards, electronic boards, various medical devices, various inspection devices, various home appliances including a display portion, such as refrigerators and washing machines, and internet of things (IoT) devices.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the display device 1 may have a rectangular shape in a plan view. In the embodiment, the display apparatus 1 may have two long sides extending in the second direction DR2 and two short sides extending in the first direction DR1 intersecting the second direction DR2 in a plan view, and corners of the display apparatus 1 may have a curvature convex outward. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the display device 1 may also have a different shape.

The display device 1 includes a main display surface 10 and a plurality of sub display surfaces 11 (e.g., 11_1, 11_2, 11_3, and 11_ 4).

The main display surface 10 may be provided on a surface of the display device 1. The surface of the display device 1 may be an upper surface of the display device 1. The main display surface 10 may have a rectangular shape in plan view. The size of the main display surface 10 may be larger than the size of each of the sub display surfaces 11. The main display surface 10 may be a flat surface. In some embodiments, the main display surface 10 may comprise a curved surface.

The sub display surface 11 is arranged in a plane different from the plane of the main display surface 10. The size of each of the sub display surfaces 11 may be smaller than the size of the main display surface 10. In an embodiment, the sub display surface 11 may be disposed on a side surface between the upper surface and the lower surface of the display device 1. For example, the display device 1 may be a multi-face display device or a three-dimensional display device that displays images in at least two directions. The sub display surface 11 may be connected to the main display surface 10. In detail, the sub display surface 11 may be connected to an edge of the main display surface 10 such that the main display surface 10 and the sub display surface 11 form one display surface having a curved portion. For example, the sub display surface 11 may correspond to a curved portion. The width of each of the sub display surfaces 11 (e.g., 11_1, 11_2, 11_3, and 11_4) may decrease toward the corners of the main display surface 10. The edge of each of the sub display surfaces 11 may include a straight edge portion and a curved edge portion. For example, straight edge portions may be provided or interposed between curved edge portions. In the embodiment, each of the sub display surfaces 11 may be bent to have a curvature convex upward, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

The sub display surface 11 may include a first sub display surface 11_1, a second sub display surface 11_2, a third sub display surface 11_3, and a fourth sub display surface 11_ 4.

The first, second, third, and fourth sub display surfaces 11_1, 11_2, 11_3, and 11_4 may be disposed on four sides of the main display surface 10, respectively. The first sub display surface 11_1, the second sub display surface 11_2, the third sub display surface 11_3, and the fourth sub display surface 11_4 may surround at least a portion of the main display surface 10. The first, second, third and fourth sub display surfaces 11_1, 11_2, 11_3 and 11_4 may be symmetrically disposed with respect to the main display surface 10. For example, the first and second sub display surfaces 11_1 and 11_2 may be disposed symmetrically to each other (e.g., with respect to the second axis in the second direction DR2), and the third and fourth sub display surfaces 11_3 and 11_4 may be disposed symmetrically to each other (e.g., with respect to the first axis in the first direction DR 1). The shape and arrangement of the first sub display surface 11_1, the second sub display surface 11_2, the third sub display surface 11_3 and the fourth sub display surface 11_4 may be substantially the same or similar. The first, second, third, and fourth sub display surfaces 11_1, 11_2, 11_3, and 11_4 may be sub display surfaces 11 disposed in left, right, upper, and lower portions of the display device 1 of fig. 1, respectively. In some embodiments, the sub display surface 11 may include only some of the first sub display surface 11_1, the second sub display surface 11_2, the third sub display surface 11_3, and the fourth sub display surface 11_ 4.

The display device 1 includes a display area DA and a non-display area NDA.

The display area DA displays an image. The pixels PX are disposed in the display area DA. The display area DA may include a main display area DA0 and a plurality of sub display areas DA1 (e.g., DA1_1, DA1_2, DA1_3, and DA1_ 4).

The main display area DA0 is disposed on the main display surface 10. The sub display regions DA1 (e.g., DA1_1, DA1_2, DA1_3, and DA1_4) are disposed on the sub display surface 11 (e.g., 11_1, 11_2, 11_3, and 11_4), respectively. The main display area DA0 and the sub display area DA1 may be connected to form one area. In the embodiment, the main display area DA0 may be disposed only on the main display surface 10, and the sub display area DA1 may be disposed only on the sub display surface 11, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

The sub display area DA1 may include a first sub display area DA1_1, a second sub display area DA1_2, a third sub display area DA1_3, and a fourth sub display area DA1_ 4.

The first, second, third and fourth sub display regions DA1_1, DA1_2, DA1_3 and DA1_4 may be disposed on the first, second, third and fourth sub display surfaces 11_1, 11_2, 11_3 and 11_4, respectively. The first, second, third and fourth sub display regions DA1_1, DA1_2, DA1_3 and DA1_4 may be separated from each other, or two or more of them may be connected to each other. In an embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth sub display regions DA1_1, DA1_2, DA1_3 and DA1_4 may be separated from each other and may be individually connected to the main display region DA 0. For example, the first sub display area DA1_1, the second sub display area DA1_2, the third sub display area DA1_3, the fourth sub display area DA1_4, and the main display area DA0 may form one area, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

The non-display area NDA is disposed around the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may not display an image. The non-display area NDA may be an area other than the display area DA. In an embodiment, the non-display area NDA may have a band shape extending along outermost edges of the main display surface 10 and the sub display surface 11. Signal wirings or driving circuits for transmitting signals to the display area DA may be provided in the non-display area NDA.

The display device 1 may include a display panel 100 and a driving board FPCB.

The display panel 100 provides a display screen. Examples of the display panel 100 include an organic light emitting display panel, a micro Light Emitting Diode (LED) display panel, a nano LED display panel, a quantum dot light emitting display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, a plasma display panel, a field emission display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, an electrowetting display panel, and the like. An organic light emitting display panel will be described hereinafter as an example of the display panel 100. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and other display panels are also applicable.

The display panel 100 may include a main portion MR, a bent portion BR, and a sub portion SR.

In plan view, the main portion MR may have a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The main portion MR may have two short sides extending in the first direction DR1 and two long sides extending in the second direction DR2, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The display area DA may be located in the main portion MR. The size of the main portion MR may be larger than the size of the bent portion BR and the sub portion SR.

The main portion MR may include a first rounded portion DRD1, a second rounded portion DRD2, a third rounded portion DRD3 and a fourth rounded portion DRD 4.

The first rounded portion DRD1, the second rounded portion DRD2, the third rounded portion DRD3 and the fourth rounded portion DRD4 may be disposed at four corners of the main portion MR, respectively. In an embodiment, the first rounded portion DRD1, the second rounded portion DRD2, the third rounded portion DRD3, and the fourth rounded portion DRD4 may be disposed at four corners of the main display surface 10, respectively.

Each of the first rounded portion DRD1, the second rounded portion DRD2, the third rounded portion DRD3, and the fourth rounded portion DRD4 may be disposed between adjacent sub-display surfaces 11 (e.g., between adjacent sub-display areas DA 1). For example, the first rounded portion DRD1 may be disposed between the first sub display surface 11_1 and the fourth sub display surface 11_4 (e.g., disposed between the first sub display area DA1_1 and the fourth sub display area DA1_ 4). One side of the first rounded portion DRD1 may be connected to an edge of the first sub display surface 11_1, and the other side of the first rounded portion DRD1 may be connected to an edge of the fourth sub display surface 11_ 4. In some embodiments, for example, the first rounded portion DRD1 may be disposed on the first, main, and fourth sub display surfaces 11_1, 10, and 11_4 (e.g., disposed on the first, main, and fourth sub display areas DA1_1, DA0, and DA1_ 4). For example, an edge of the main display surface 10 and an edge of the sub display surface 11 disposed adjacent to each other at a corner of the main portion MR may form a rounded portion of the main portion MR.

The first rounded portion DRD1, second rounded portion DRD2, third rounded portion DRD3 and fourth rounded portion DRD4 may have substantially the same curvature or have different curvatures. Optionally, at least two of the first rounded portion DRD1, the second rounded portion DRD2, the third rounded portion DRD3, and the fourth rounded portion DRD4 may have substantially the same curvature. Further, each of the first rounded portion DRD1, the second rounded portion DRD2, the third rounded portion DRD3, and the fourth rounded portion DRD4 can have a substantially constant curvature or a varying curvature.

The bent portion BR may be connected to one side of the main portion MR. In an embodiment, the bent portion BR may be connected to one side of the main portion MR in the second direction DR 2. In detail, the bending portion BR may be connected to a portion of the main portion MR disposed on the fourth sub display surface 11_ 4. The bent portion BR may be bent in a "U" shape or a "C" shape as shown in fig. 3 such that the sub portion SR is inverted or folded with respect to the bent portion BR and thus overlaps the main portion MR in a thickness direction (e.g., the third direction DR 3).

The sub-portion SR extends from the bent portion BR. The pad region may be disposed in the sub-portion SR on the display panel 100. The driving chip IC may be mounted on (or attached to) the pad area. The driving chip IC may include an integrated circuit that drives the display panel 100. In an embodiment, the integrated circuit may be a data driving integrated circuit that generates and provides a data signal. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. In addition, the pad region may further include a signal wiring pad and a touch signal wiring pad for the display panel 100. As shown in fig. 3, the sub portion SR may be inverted or folded with respect to the bent portion BR, and thus overlap with the main portion MR in the thickness direction.

At least a portion of the sub-portion SR may be bent according to the shape of the sub-display surface 11 bent to have a predetermined curvature.

The driving board FPCB may have a rectangular shape in a plan view. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The driving board FPCB may be connected to one end of the subsection SR. In an embodiment, the driving board FPCB may be connected to one end of the subsection SR in the second direction DR 2. The driving board FPCB may include a flexible printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit film. In some embodiments, the driving board FPCB may be connected to the base substrate SUB at a plurality of points (see fig. 4).

A cross-sectional configuration of the display device 1 according to the embodiment will now be described with reference to fig. 3 and 4.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along a-a' of fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion "B" of fig. 3.

Referring to fig. 1, 2, 3, and 4, in cross-sectional views, an edge portion of the display panel 100 may be bent to have an outwardly convex curvature.

The main portion MR of the display panel 100 may include a flat portion MR _ F and a curved portion MR _ C.

The flat portion MR _ F of the main portion MR is disposed in the main display area DA 0.

The bent portion MR _ C of the main portion MR is disposed in the sub display area DA 1. For example, the bent portion MR _ C of the main portion MR may be disposed in the fourth sub display area DA1_ 4. The curved portion MR _ C of the main portion MR may extend from one side of the flat portion MR _ F. The curved portion MR _ C of the main portion MR may be bent in the third direction DR3 to have an upwardly convex curvature.

The display area DA of the display device 1 may be disposed on the flat portion MR _ F and the curved portion MR _ C of the main portion MR. The display area DA of the display device 1 may be disposed on at least a portion of the flat portion MR _ F and at least a portion of the curved portion MR _ C of the main portion MR.

The sub-portion SR may be attached to at least a portion of the main portion MR. In the cross-sectional view, the sub portion SR may have a shape corresponding to that of the main portion MR.

The sub portion SR of the display panel 100 may include a flat portion SR _ F and a curved portion SR _ C.

The flat portion SR _ F of the sub portion SR is disposed in the main display region DA 0. At least a part of the flat portion SR _ F of the sub portion SR may be attached to a lower surface of the flat portion MR _ F of the main portion MR by a protection member PM (which will be described later).

The bent portion SR _ C of the sub portion SR is disposed in the fourth sub display region DA1_ 4. The curved portion SR _ C of the sub-portion SR may extend from one side of the flat portion SR _ F of the sub-portion SR. The curved portion SR _ C of the sub portion SR may be bent in the thickness direction to have an upwardly convex curvature. At least a part of the bent portion SR _ C of the sub portion SR may be attached to a lower surface of the bent portion MR _ C of the main portion MR by a protection member PM (which will be described later).

The sectional shapes of the bent portion MR _ C of the main portion MR and the bent portion SR _ C of the sub portion SR may correspond to the shape of the bent portion W _2 of the window substrate W (which will be described later). For example, the sectional shapes of the bent portion MR _ C of the main portion MR and the bent portion SR _ C of the sub portion SR may be bent according to the shape of the bent portion W _2 of the window substrate W.

Referring to fig. 4, a thickness TH1 of the base substrate SUB in the bent portion BR may be greater than a thickness TH2 of the base substrate SUB in other portions. In other words, the thickness TH1 of the base substrate SUB in the bent portion BR may be larger than the thickness TH2 of the base substrate SUB in the main portion MR and the SUB portion SR. The thickness TH1 of the base substrate SUB in the bent portion BR may be about 1.5 to 4 times or more the thickness TH2 of the base substrate SUB in the other portion. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, the display panel 100 may include a base substrate SUB, an active element layer ATL, and a thin film encapsulation layer ENP.

The base substrate SUB may be disposed in the main portion MR, the bent portion BR, and the SUB portion SR. The base substrate SUB may comprise a flexible polymer material, such as polyimide. Thus, the base substrate SUB can be bent, folded, and curled. For example, the base substrate SUB may comprise a flexible substrate. As shown in fig. 3, the portion of the base substrate SUB disposed in the SUB portion SR may be inverted or folded with respect to the bent portion BR, and thus overlap another portion of the base substrate SUB disposed in the main portion MR in the thickness direction. The driving board FPCB may be connected to one side of the base substrate SUB disposed in the SUB portion SR.

The active element layer ATL is provided on a surface of the base substrate SUB facing the window substrate W. The active element layer ATL may emit light that enables the display device 1 to display an image. The active element layer ATL may include a light emitting element that emits light and a thin film transistor that drives the light emitting element. The active element layer ATL may be provided in the main portion MR. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the active element layer ATL may be disposed in the bent portion BR and/or the sub portion SR.

The thin film encapsulation layer ENP may be disposed on the active element layer ATL. The thin film encapsulation layer ENP may cover the active element layer ATL to prevent the active element layer ATL from being exposed to moisture or air.

Referring to fig. 1, 3 and 4, the display device 1 may further include a window member 200.

The window member 200 may be disposed on the display panel 100. The window member 200 covers and protects the display panel 100.

The window member 200 may include a window substrate W and a printed layer PL disposed on the window substrate W.

The window substrate W may be made of a transparent material. The window substrate W may comprise, for example, glass or plastic. When the window substrate W includes plastic, the window substrate W may have a flexible characteristic. The window substrate W may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the display panel 100. For example, the window substrate W may be bent or curved according to the shape of the display panel 100.

The window substrate W may include a flat portion W _1 and a curved portion W _ 2. The flat portion W _1 is a substantially flat area, and the planar shape of the flat portion W _1 corresponds to the planar shape of the display device 1 to which the window substrate W is applied. The bent portion W _2 may protrude outward from all sides (e.g., four sides in the drawing) of the display panel 100. In other words, the window substrate W may be larger than the display panel 100 in a plan view, and the curved portion W _2 may extend from the flat portion W _1 and protrude from a side surface of the display panel 100. The curved portion W _2 may be bent in the third direction DR 3.

The printing layer PL may be provided on the window substrate W. The printed layer PL may be provided on a surface of the window substrate W and/or on another surface. The printing layer PL may be disposed on an edge portion of the window substrate W and may be disposed in the non-display area NDA. The printed layer PL may be a light blocking layer or a decorative layer providing an aesthetic effect.

The display device 1 may further comprise a transparent bonding layer OCR.

The transparent bonding layer OCR attaches the window substrate W to the surface of the display panel 100. The transparent bonding layer OCR may include an optically transparent adhesive or an optically transparent resin.

For example, the display device 1 may further include a touch layer and a polarizing member. The touch layer may be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer ENP. The touch layer may include a plurality of touch electrodes. The touch electrode may have a mesh shape. The touch layer may be omitted.

The polarizing member may be disposed on the display panel 100. The polarizing member polarizes light passing therethrough. The polarizing member may reduce reflection of external light.

For example, a cover panel may be provided on the other surface of the base substrate SUB. The cover panel may include a heat dissipation layer, a buffer layer, and the like. In this case, the driving board FPCB located at one end of the base substrate SUB may be bonded or attached to the cover panel and fixed to the cover panel.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, the display device 1 may further include a protection member PM.

The protection member PM may be disposed on the display panel 100 and the driving board FPCB. In detail, the protection member PM may be disposed on at least one of the main portion MR, the bent portion BR, and the sub portion SR of the display panel 100 and the driving board FPCB.

The protective member PM may be disposed in a space formed between the display panel 100 and the driving board FPCB connected to the display panel 100. For example, the display panel 100 may be bent to have a "C" shape or a "U" shape in a sectional view, and the protection member PM may be received in a space formed between the display panel 100 and the driving board FPCB. In an embodiment, the protection member PM may be disposed between the main portion MR of the display panel 100 and the sub portion SR of the display panel 100, and/or between the main portion MR of the display panel 100 and the driving board FPCB. In detail, the protection member PM may be disposed between the flat portion MR _ F of the main portion MR and the flat portion SR _ F of the sub portion SR, between the curved portion MR _ C of the main portion MR and the curved portion SR _ C of the sub portion SR, and/or between the main portion MR and the driving board FPCB.

The protection member PM may be bent or folded such that one portion of the protection member PM overlaps another portion in the third direction DR 3. For example, the protection member PM may be bent or folded such that at least a portion of the protection member PM forms a double layer. In an embodiment, the protection member PM may be bent or folded such that at least a portion disposed between the main portion MR of the display panel 100 and the sub portion SR of the display panel 100 and/or disposed between the main portion MR of the display panel 100 and the driving board FPCB forms a double layer. One end and the other end of the protection member PM may be aligned in a thickness direction (e.g., the third direction DR 3). For example, one end and the other end of the protection member PM may overlap each other in the thickness direction.

The protective member PM may attach a portion of the display panel 100 to another portion of the display panel 100 and/or attach the display panel 100 to the driving board FPCB. The protection member PM may adjust a distance between a portion of the display panel 100 and another portion of the display panel 100 and/or between the display panel 100 and the driving board FPCB. In an embodiment, the protection member PM may attach the main portion MR of the display panel 100 to the sub portion SR of the display panel 100 and adjust a distance between the main portion MR and the sub portion SR.

The protection member PM may include a flat portion PM _ F, a bent portion PM _ C, and a bent portion PM _ B.

The flat portion PM _ F of the protective member PM may be disposed in the main display area DA 0. The flat portion PM _ F of the protection member PM may be disposed between the flat portion MR _ F of the main portion MR and the flat portion SR _ F of the sub portion SR, and/or between the driving board FPCB and the flat portion MR _ F of the main portion MR.

The bent portion PM _ C of the protective member PM may be disposed in the fourth sub display area DA1_ 4. The bent portion PM _ C of the protection member PM may be disposed between the bent portion MR _ C of the main portion MR and the bent portion SR _ C of the sub portion SR.

The bent portion PM _ B of the protection member PM may be disposed on the bent portion BR of the display panel 100. In detail, the bent portion PM _ B of the protection member PM may be received within the "C" -shaped bent portion BR of the display panel 100.

Referring to fig. 4, the protection member PM may include a protection film PF and adhesive members TP1 and TP 2.

The protection film PF protects the display panel 100 and/or the driving board FPCB by covering at least a portion of the display panel 100 and/or the driving board FPCB. The protective film PF may include a material having flexibility and durability, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polycarbonate (PC), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), or polystyrene latex (PSL).

The adhesive members TP1 and TP2 cover at least a portion of the protective film PF. The adhesive members TP1 and TP2 attach the protection film PF to the display panel 100 and attach the protection film PF to the driving board FPCB. The adhesive members TP1 and TP2 may be double-sided adhesive tapes, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

The adhesive members TP1 and TP2 may include a first adhesive member TP1 disposed on a surface of the protection film PF facing the display panel 100 and a second adhesive member TP2 disposed on the other surface of the protection film PF opposite to the above surface of the protection film PF.

The protection member PM may be attached to the display panel 100 and the driving board FPCB by the apparatus 2 for manufacturing a display device. The apparatus 2 for manufacturing a display device and the method for manufacturing a display device will be described in detail later with reference to fig. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth sub-display area DA1_4 of another embodiment of a display device 1a constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

The display device 1a of fig. 5 differs from the display device 1 of fig. 1 to 4 in the placement of the protective member PM.

Referring to fig. 5, the display device 1a may include a display panel 100, a driving board FPCB, and a protection member PM. The display device 1a may further include a window substrate W.

Unlike in the embodiments of fig. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the protection member PM may be provided as a single layer on the flat portion MR _ F of the main portion MR, but provided as a double layer on the curved portion MR _ C. In detail, the protection member PM is disposed only on the flat portion SR _ F of the sub portion SR, the curved portion SR _ C of the sub portion SR, the bent portion BR, and the curved portion MR _ C of the main portion MR. Accordingly, when the display panel 100 is bent at the bent portion BR, the protective member PM may be disposed as a double layer in the fourth sub display area DA1_4, for example, but may be disposed as a single layer in the main display area DA 0. For example, the protection member PM may be folded or bent such that only a portion disposed on the bent portion MR _ C of the main portion MR forms a double layer.

A length of a portion of the protective member PM disposed on the curved portion MR _ C of the main portion MR of the display panel 100 may be shorter than a length of another portion of the protective member PM disposed on the curved portion SR _ C of the sub portion SR, the flat portion SR _ F of the sub portion SR, and the driving board FPCB of the display panel 100.

A portion of the protective member PM disposed at the boundary between the main display area DA0 and the fourth sub display area DA1_4 may be bent due to a step formed by one end of the protective member PM disposed on the surface of the display panel 100.

In some embodiments, the region in which the protective member PM is disposed as a double layer may not necessarily coincide with the boundary of the sub display region DA1 or the main display region DA0, and the protective member PM may be disposed in a different manner.

The display apparatus 1a of fig. 5 is substantially the same as or similar to the display apparatus 1 of fig. 1, 2, 3, and 4 except for the placement of the protective member PM, and thus redundant description thereof will be omitted for convenience of description.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth sub-display area DA1_4 of another embodiment of a display device 1b constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

The display device 1b of fig. 6 differs from the display device 1a of fig. 5 in the placement of the protective member PM.

Referring to fig. 6, the display device 1b may include a display panel 100, a driving board FPCB, and a protection member PM. The display device 1b may further include a window substrate W.

Unlike in the embodiment of fig. 5, the length of a portion of the protection member PM disposed on the curved portion MR _ C and the flat portion MR _ F of the main portion MR of the display panel 100 may be longer than the length of another portion of the protection member PM disposed on the curved portion SR _ C of the sub portion SR of the display panel 100.

One end and the other end of the protection member PM may be misaligned in the thickness direction. For example, one end and the other end of the protection member PM may not overlap each other in the thickness direction. In detail, one end of the protection member PM may be disposed between the flat portion MR _ F of the main portion MR of the display panel 100 and the driving board FPCB, and the other end of the protection member PM may be disposed between the bent portion MR _ C of the main portion MR and the bent portion SR _ C of the sub portion SR of the display panel 100. One end of the protection member PM disposed between the flat portion MR _ F of the main portion MR of the display panel 100 and the driving board FPCB may be an end portion located above the other end.

A portion of the display panel 100 disposed at a boundary between the main display area DA0 and the fourth sub display area DA1_4 may be bent due to a step formed by one end of the protective member PM disposed on the surface of the display panel 100.

The display apparatus 1b of fig. 6 is substantially the same as or similar to the display apparatus 1a of fig. 5 except for the placement of the protective member PM, and thus redundant description thereof will be omitted for convenience of description.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth sub-display area DA1_4 of another embodiment of a display device 1c constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

The display device 1c of fig. 7 differs from the display device 1 of fig. 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the placement of the protective member PM.

Referring to fig. 7, the display device 1c may include a display panel 100, a driving board FPCB, and a protection member PM. The display device 1c may further include a window substrate W.

Unlike in the embodiments of fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, the protection member PM may be provided as a single layer. Specifically, the protective member PM may be disposed as a single layer between the curved portion MR _ C of the main portion MR of the display panel 100 and the curved portion SR _ C of the sub portion SR, between the flat portion MR _ F of the main portion MR of the display panel 100 and the flat portion SR _ F of the sub portion SR, and/or between the flat portion MR _ F of the main portion MR of the display panel 100 and the driving board FPCB.

A gap EM may be formed between the bent portion BR of the display panel 100 and the protective member PM. In detail, the gap EM may be formed between the "C" -shaped inner surface formed by the bent portion BR of the display panel 100 and one end of the protection member PM.

The display apparatus 1c of fig. 7 is substantially the same as or similar to the display apparatus 1 of fig. 1, 2, 3, and 4 except for the placement of the protective member PM, and thus redundant description thereof will be omitted for convenience of description.

An apparatus 2 for manufacturing a display device (also referred to as a display device manufacturing apparatus 2) according to an embodiment will now be described.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus 2 for manufacturing a display device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a side view of the display device manufacturing apparatus 2 of fig. 8.

The display device manufacturing apparatus 2 may attach the protective member PM to the target object T.

The target object T may include a target substrate S and a flexible film F attached to the target substrate S. The target object T may further comprise a cover member CM.

Examples of the target substrate S may include various types of panels or substrates such as a display panel and a touch panel, and examples of the flexible film F may include various types of film members or flexible circuit boards.

The target substrate S and the flexible film F may have flexibility. In an embodiment, one side of the target substrate S may be bent upward such that the target substrate S has an "L" shaped cross-section, and the flexible film F may be attached to one side of the target substrate S at an angle to the other side of the target substrate S. For example, the flexible film F may be attached to one side of the target substrate S at right angles to the other side of the target substrate S.

The cover member CM covers at least a part of the target substrate S. For example, in fig. 8, the cover member CM may cover at least a portion of the lower surface of the target substrate S. The cover member CM may have a shape corresponding to that of the target substrate S. In an embodiment, one side of the cover member CM may be bent upward such that the cover member CM has an "L" shaped section.

The target substrate S, the flexible film F, and the cover member CM may have a rectangular shape in a plan view, but the embodiment is not limited thereto.

The protection member PM is attached to both the target substrate S and the flexible film F. The protection member PM may be mounted on a pressing unit 230 (which will be described later), and then transferred to the target substrate S and the flexible film F by the pressing of the pressing unit 230. The protection member PM may include a protection film PF and a plurality of adhesive members provided on a surface of the protection film PF pressed against the target object T and another surface opposite to the above surface, respectively. The plurality of adhesive members may be double-sided adhesive tapes to which release paper is attached.

In an embodiment, the target object T may be the display apparatus 1, 1a, 1b, 1c of fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. In detail, the target substrate S, the flexible film F, the cover member CM, and the protective member PM may be the display panel 100, the driving board FPCB, the window substrate W, and the protective member PM of fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, respectively. For example, the target object T of fig. 8 may be the display panel 100, the driving board FPCB, and the window substrate W of fig. 1, which are turned upside down. The protective film PF and the adhesive member may be the protective film PF and the adhesive members TP1 and TP2 of fig. 4, respectively. Here, the target object T may be the display panel 100, the driving board FPCB, and the window substrate W in a state where the protective member PM has not been attached and the sub portion SR and the bent portion BR of the display panel 100 have not been completely bent.

Referring to fig. 8 and 9, the display device manufacturing apparatus 2 may include a table 210, a supporting unit 220, a pressing unit 230, and a controller 250. The display device manufacturing apparatus 2 may further include a camera 240.

The table 210 provides a space in which at least a portion of the target object T may be installed. The stage 210 may extend in one direction and include a substantially flat upper surface. One direction may be a horizontal direction (e.g., first direction DR1 or second direction DR 2). At least a portion of the target object T may be mounted on an upper surface of the stage 210. At least a part of the target object T may be the cover member CM. In an embodiment, one side of the target T may be bent upward such that the target T has an "L" shaped section. One end of the target object T may be mounted on the stage 210, and the other end of the target object T may be mounted on a supporting unit 220 (which will be described later). In some embodiments, the table 210 may include a clamping member for fixing the target object T. The clamping member may use vacuum, electrostatic and/or van der waals forces to secure the target object T. In some embodiments, the stage 210 may move and/or rotate in at least one of the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR 3. Accordingly, the stage 210 may adjust the position and orientation of the target object T.

The supporting unit 220 may be disposed on one side of the stage 210. The supporting unit 220 may be spaced apart from the stage 210. At least a portion of the target object T may be mounted and supported on the support unit 220. At least a portion of the target object T may be a portion of the flexible membrane F. For example, the target object T may be mounted on the stage 210 and the support unit 220. In an embodiment, the target object T may be disposed on an upper surface of the stage 210 extending in one direction and a side surface of the support unit 220 extending in another direction. The supporting unit 220 may be inclined with respect to the stage 210. The supporting unit 220 may be disposed at a predetermined angle θ with respect to the stage 210. For example, the stage 210 may be disposed in a horizontal direction, and the support unit 220 may be disposed in a vertical direction. In an embodiment, the predetermined angle θ may be about 45 degrees to 135 degrees. In some embodiments, the predetermined angle θ may be about 60 to 120 degrees. In some embodiments, the predetermined angle θ may be about 90 degrees. The supporting unit 220 may be movable in at least one of the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR 3. In some embodiments, the display device manufacturing apparatus 2 may further include a support unit driver DR _ VP driving the support unit 220, and the support unit driver DR _ VP may adjust a distance between the support unit 220 and the stage 210 and/or a position of the support unit 220 with respect to the stage 210 by moving the support unit 220 in the second direction DR 2.

The supporting unit 220 may include a first suction unit 221 and a second suction unit 222. The support unit 220 may further include a fixing member 223.

The first suction unit 221 may be disposed on one side of the stage 210, and may be shaped like a vertically long block. A portion of the flexible film F may be mounted on a surface of the first suction unit 221 facing the stage 210. The first suction unit 221 may include a clamping member for fixing the flexible film F. For example, the first suction unit 221 may include a suction member 221_ H such as a vacuum cup (vacuum pad).

The second suction unit 222 may be disposed below the first suction unit 221. In detail, the second suction unit 222 may be disposed in a space between the bottom of the first suction unit 221 and the upper surface of the stage 210. The second suction unit 222 may be moved and/or extended or shortened in the second direction DR 2. Accordingly, the distance between the second suction unit 222 and the target object T may be adjusted such that the second suction unit 222 may be moved into close contact with the target object T or spaced apart from the target object T. When the pressing unit 230 (which will be described later) presses the surface of the target object T, the second suction unit 222 sucks and supports the other surface of the target object T to prevent the target object T from being deformed or damaged due to the pressing of the target object T.

The second suction unit 222 may include a motor 222_3, a link portion 222_2, and a suction cup portion 222_ 1.

The motor 222_3 provides power for moving and/or extending or shortening the link portion 222_ 2.

The link portion 222_2 moves and/or extends or shortens in the second direction DR 2. The link portion 222_2 may include a hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder or an articulated link mechanism whose length may be adjusted.

The suction cup portion 222_1 is disposed at one end of the link portion 222_ 2. When the length or position of the link portion 222_2 is adjusted, the distance between the suction cup portion 222_1 and the flexible film F may be adjusted. Accordingly, the suction cup portion 222_1 may be moved into close contact with the flexible film F or spaced apart from the flexible film F. For example, the suction cup portion 222_1 may include a suction member such as a vacuum suction cup.

The fixing member 223 may be disposed on the other surface of the first suction unit 221. The fixing member 223 may fix the second suction unit 222 to the first suction unit 221.

The pressing unit 230 is spaced apart from the stage 210 and the supporting unit 220. The pressing unit 230 may move and/or rotate in at least one direction of the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR 3. In an embodiment, the display device manufacturing apparatus 2 may further include a pressing unit driver DR _ P moving the pressing unit 230, and the pressing unit driver DR _ P may move the pressing unit 230 in the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3 and rotate the pressing unit 230 in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction around the first axis RX on the first direction DR 1. Accordingly, the distance between the pressing unit 230 and the stage 210, between the pressing unit 230 and the supporting unit 220, and/or between the pressing unit 230 and the target object T may be adjusted. In some embodiments, the pressing unit driver DR _ P may include a robot arm that moves and/or rotates the pressing unit 230. In some embodiments, the pressing unit driver DR _ P may further include at least one of a motor, a cylinder, and a decelerator. The pressing unit 230 may have the protection member PM mounted thereon. The pressing unit 230 may include a clamping member for fixing the protection member PM. The pressing unit 230 may include, for example, a vacuum hole or a vacuum chuck. At least one surface of the pressing unit 230 may have a shape corresponding to a shape of a portion of the target object T to be pressed.

The pressing unit 230 may include a first flat surface 230_ F1, a second flat surface 230_ F2, and a curved surface 230_ C.

The first flat surface 230_ F1, the second flat surface 230_ F2, and the curved surface 230_ C may be disposed to face the target object T. The first flat surface 230_ F1, the second flat surface 230_ F2, and the curved surface 230_ C may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the surface of the target object T. In an embodiment, the first flat surface 230_ F1 may extend in the second direction DR2, the second flat surface 230_ F2 may extend in the third direction DR3, and the curved surface 230_ C may connect a side of the first flat surface 230_ F1 and a side of the second flat surface 230_ F2. The curved surface 230_ C may have a curvature convex outward. The first flat surface 230_ F1, the second flat surface 230_ F2, and the curved surface 230_ C may include at least one vacuum hole.

The protection member PM may be mounted on at least one of the first flat surface 230_ F1, the curved surface 230_ C, and the second flat surface 230_ F2. In an embodiment, the protection member PM may be mounted on the first flat surface 230_ F1 and the curved surface 230_ C. In some embodiments, the protection member PM may be mounted on the curved surface 230_ C and the second flat surface 230_ F2.

The pressing unit 230 may be configured to be movable or rotatable according to the shape of the bent portion of the target object T, and may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the portion of the target object T to be pressed. The corresponding shape of the pressing unit 230 may minimize stress applied to the target object T, thereby reducing deformation or damage of the target object T caused by pressing.

The controller 250 controls the overall driving of the display device manufacturing apparatus 2. In an embodiment, the controller 250 may control at least one of the table 210, the supporting unit 220, the pressing unit 230, and the camera 240. In particular, the controller 250 may control the support unit driver DR _ VP to align the target object T in a correct position or target position. Further, the controller 250 may control the pressing unit driver DR _ P to press the protection member PM in a correct position on the target object T with a minimum pressure based on hardness information, size information, and curvature information of a pressed portion of the target object T stored in advance. Further, the controller 250 may acquire alignment information of the target object T from the camera 240 (which will be described later) and determine whether the target object T has been aligned and/or whether the protection member PM has been attached in a correct position. For example, the controller 250 may calculate a height difference between one side and the other side of the target object T based on the photographing information acquired from the camera 240, and determine whether the protection member PM has been attached in a correct position by comparing the acquired photographing information with a reference range stored in advance.

The camera 240 is disposed on one side of the stage 210. In an embodiment, the camera 240 may be disposed behind the support unit 220. In some embodiments, the camera 240 may be disposed between the support unit 220 and the stage 210. The camera 240 acquires alignment information related to the alignment of the target object T by photographing the target object T. The alignment information may include a height difference between one side of the target object T and the other side of the target object T. For example, the height difference may be a height difference between one side of the target substrate S and the other side of the target substrate S, or a height difference between one side of the flexible film F and the other side of the flexible film F. In some embodiments, the display device manufacturing apparatus 2 may further include a vision system using the camera 240.

Fig. 10 is a side view of an embodiment of an apparatus 2a for manufacturing a display device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

The display device manufacturing apparatus 2a of fig. 10 is different from the display device manufacturing apparatus 2 of fig. 8 in that it includes a coating unit 260 instead of the pressing unit 230.

Referring to fig. 10, the display device manufacturing apparatus 2a may include a stage 210, a supporting unit 220, a coating unit 260, and a controller 250. The display device manufacturing apparatus 2a may further include a camera 240.

The coating unit 260 is spaced apart from the stage 210 and the supporting unit 220. The coating unit 260 may move and/or rotate in at least one of the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR 3. In an embodiment, the display device manufacturing apparatus 2a may further include a coating unit driver DR _ D moving the coating unit 260, and the coating unit driver DR _ D may move the coating unit 260 in the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3 and rotate the coating unit 260 in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction about the first axis RX in the first direction DR 1. Accordingly, the distance between the coating unit 260 and the stage 210, between the coating unit 260 and the supporting unit 220, and/or between the coating unit 260 and the target object T may be adjusted. In some embodiments, the coating unit driver DR _ D may include a robot arm that moves and/or rotates the coating unit 260. In some embodiments, the coating unit driver DR _ D may further include at least one of a motor, a cylinder, and a decelerator.

The coating unit 260 may spray the coating agent to the target object T. The sprayed coating agent may be cured to form a protective layer on a portion of the target object T. The coating agent may include a binder. In an embodiment, the coating unit 260 may include, for example, a non-contact dispenser, such as a spray valve.

The display device manufacturing apparatus 2a of fig. 10 is substantially the same as or similar to the display device manufacturing apparatus 2 of fig. 8 except that it includes a coating unit 260 instead of the pressing unit 230, and thus redundant description thereof will be omitted for convenience of description.

A method of manufacturing the display device will now be described with reference to fig. 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15.

Fig. 11, 12, 13 and 14 illustrate embodiments of a method of manufacturing a display device according to the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment. Fig. 12 shows a process of mounting the target object T on the stage 210 and the support unit 220. Fig. 13 shows a process in which the pressing unit 230 moves toward the target object T. Fig. 14 shows a process in which the pressing unit 230 presses the protection member PM against the target object T.

The display device manufacturing method may be performed by the display device manufacturing apparatus 2 of fig. 8.

Referring to fig. 11 to 14, the display device manufacturing method may include: mounting the target object T on the stage 210 and the support unit 220 inclined with respect to the stage 210 (step S101); and attaching the protection member PM to the curved portion of the target object T between the stage 210 and the vacuum chuck portion 222_1 by moving the pressing unit 230 having the protection member PM mounted thereon in at least one direction (step S102).

Mounting the target object T on the stage 210 and the support unit 220 inclined with respect to the stage 210 may further include: a portion of the display panel 100 is mounted on an upper surface of the stage 210 and a portion of the flexible film F is mounted on a side surface of the support unit 220, the target object T is aligned by moving the stage 210, and an angle between the stage 210 and the support unit 220 is adjusted.

Attaching the protection member PM to the curved portion of the target object T between the stage 210 and the vacuum chuck portion 222_1 by moving the pressing unit 230 having the protection member PM mounted thereon in at least one direction may include: the pressing unit 230 is rotated according to the shape of the portion of the target object T to be pressed, and the pressing unit 230 is brought into close contact with the target object T.

The display device manufacturing method may further include: the height difference of the target object T is measured after the protection member PM is attached, and it is determined whether the height difference satisfies an error criterion.

The display device manufacturing method is not limited to the above example, and referring to fig. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, at least some of the operations may be omitted, or at least one additional operation may be further included. The display device manufactured by the display device manufacturing method includes the display devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c of fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

A display device manufacturing method will now be described in detail with reference to fig. 12, 13, and 14.

Referring to fig. 12, a target object T is mounted on a stage 210 and a support unit 220, and the support unit 220 is disposed at a predetermined angle θ with respect to the stage 210. In an embodiment, the predetermined angle θ may be about 45 degrees to 135 degrees. In some embodiments, the predetermined angle θ may be about 60 to 120 degrees. In some embodiments, the predetermined angle θ may be about 90 degrees. In an embodiment, the supporting unit 220 may be configured to be movable and/or rotatable in at least one direction to adjust the predetermined angle θ.

One side of the target object T is bent such that the target object T has an "L" -shaped cross section. In an embodiment, a first flat portion T _ F1 of the target object T extending in the first direction DR1 may be mounted on an upper surface of the table 210, and a second flat portion T _ F2 of the target object T extending in the third direction DR3 may be mounted on a side of the supporting unit 220 extending in the third direction DR 3. A curved portion T _ C between the first and second flat portions T _ F1 and T _ F2 of the target object T may be disposed in a space between the stage 210 and the support unit 220. Here, the curved portion T _ C of the target substrate S of the target object T may be supported by the curved portion T _ C of the cover member CM.

The camera 240 may acquire alignment information of the target substrate S and the flexible film F of the target object T mounted on the stage 210 and the supporting unit 220, and the stage 210 and/or the supporting unit 220 may move and/or rotate based on the alignment information to align the target substrate S and the flexible film F in a correct position or target position.

The protection member PM is mounted on the pressing unit 230. The protection member PM may be installed through a vacuum hole or a vacuum chuck of the pressing unit 230. The protective member PM may include a protective film PF, and a double-sided adhesive tape may be attached to a surface of the protective film PF facing the target object T and the other surface of the protective film PF facing the pressing unit 230. The double-sided tape may have a release paper attached thereto. Here, the release paper may be removed from the double-sided adhesive tape disposed on the surface of the protective film PF facing the target object T.

Referring to fig. 13, after the target object T is mounted, the pressing unit 230 moves and/or rotates in at least one direction. In an embodiment, the pressing unit 230 may move in the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3 and rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about the first axis RX in the first direction DR 1. The pressing unit 230 may move toward a portion of the target object T to be pressed. The portion of the target object T to be pressed may include a portion to which the protection member PM is to be attached. The pressing unit 230 may be rotated according to the shape of the region to be pressed of the target object T, for example, according to the curvature of the curved portion T _ C and the angle between the first and second flat portions T _ F1 and T _ F2, thereby adjusting the angles of the first and second flat surfaces 230_ F1 and 230_ F2 and the curved surface 230_ C of the pressing unit 230. Thus, the stress applied to the target object T by pressing may be minimized and/or optimized.

The protective member PM may be mounted on at least a portion of an outer surface of the pressing unit 230 facing the target object T. Accordingly, the protective member PM may be selectively attached to some areas of the target object T. In an embodiment, the region of the target object T may be the second flat portion T _ F2 and the curved portion T _ C of the target object T, and the protective member PM may be disposed on the second flat surface 230_ F2 and the curved surface 230_ C.

Before the pressing unit 230 is moved into close contact with the target object T, the second suction unit 222 may be stretched in the second direction DR2 to support the surface of the flexible film F. The surface of the flexible film F may be a surface opposite to the surface to be pressed by the pressing unit 230. In an embodiment, the link portion 222_2 of the second suction unit 222 may be extended toward the flexible film F by the motor 222_3, and the suction cup portion 222_1 provided at one end of the link portion 222_2 may suction the surface of the flexible film F.

Referring to fig. 14, the pressing unit 230 may press the protection member PM against the target object T. The protective member PM may be moved into close contact with the target object T and then transferred from the pressing unit 230 to the target object T. After sufficient pressing for attaching the protection member PM is performed, the pressing unit 230 may release the protection member PM so that it may be separated from a portion of the target object T to which the protection member PM has been attached.

After the protection member PM is attached, the camera 240 may photograph the target object T to measure a height difference between one side of the target object T and the other side of the target object T. The plurality of sides of the target object T include edges or corners of a portion of each of the target substrate S, the flexible film F, and the protective member PM.

When the height difference is within the reference range, the attachment process of the protection member PM may be completed. When the height difference is out of the reference range, the pressing unit 230 may press the protection member PM against the target object T again. Here, the pressing unit 230 may move and/or rotate in at least one direction to adjust the position and/or arrangement of the target object T and the protection member PM.

Fig. 15 illustrates another embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display device according to the principles of the present invention.

The display device manufacturing method of fig. 15 is different from the display device manufacturing method of fig. 14 in a portion where the protective member PM is mounted on the pressing unit 230.

Referring to fig. 15, the protective member PM may be mounted only on the curved surface 230_ C and the first flat surface 230_ F1 of the pressing unit 230. Therefore, the protection member PM may be attached only to the curved portion T _ C and the first flat portion T _ F1 of the target object T. In some embodiments, the protection member PM may be attached only to the curved portion T _ C of the target object T.

For example, the protective member PM may be attached to at least one of the first flat portion T _ F1, the curved portion T _ C, and the second flat portion T _ F2 of the target object T in various manners.

The display device manufacturing method of fig. 15 is substantially the same as or similar to the display device manufacturing method of fig. 14 except for a portion where the protective member PM is mounted on the pressing unit 230, and thus redundant description thereof will be omitted for convenience of description.

Fig. 16, 17 and 18 illustrate another embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display device according to the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 16 shows a process of mounting the target object T on the stage 210 and the support unit 220. Fig. 17 illustrates a process in which the coating unit 260 coats the target object T with the coating agent. Fig. 18 shows the target object T on which the protective layer has been formed.

The display device manufacturing method of fig. 16, 17, and 18 is different from the display device manufacturing method of fig. 11, 12, 13, and 14 in that it uses a coating unit 260 instead of the pressing unit 230.

The display device manufacturing method of fig. 16, 17, and 18 may be performed by the display device manufacturing apparatus 2a of fig. 10.

Referring to fig. 16, 17, and 18, the display device manufacturing method may include: mounting the target object T on the stage 210 and the support unit 220 inclined with respect to the stage 210; and coating the coating agent AD on the curved portion T _ C of the target object T between the stage 210 and the vacuum chuck portion 222_1 by moving the coating unit 260 in at least one direction.

Referring to fig. 16, a target object T may be mounted on a stage 210 and a support unit 220, wherein the support unit 220 is disposed at a predetermined angle θ with respect to the stage 210.

Referring to fig. 17, after the target object T is mounted, the coating unit 260 moves and/or rotates in at least one direction. The coating unit 260 may move toward a portion of the target object T to be coated with the coating agent AD.

When the coating unit 260 is located at an appropriate distance from the target object T to perform coating, the coating unit 260 sprays the coating agent AD to the target object T. Here, the coating unit 260 may spray the coating agent AD while moving and/or rotating in at least one direction. The coating unit 260 may selectively spray the coating agent AD to some regions of the target object T. In an embodiment, the coating unit 260 may spray the coating agent AD to a portion of the second flat portion T _ F2 of the target object T and the curved portion T _ C of the target object T.

Referring to fig. 18, after a sufficient amount of the coating agent AD is coated, the coating unit 260 may leave the position where the coating has been performed. The coating agent AD may be cured to form the protective member PM on the target object T. The protective member PM may be a protective layer.

The display device manufacturing method of fig. 16, 17, and 18 is substantially the same as or similar to the display device manufacturing method of fig. 11, 12, and 14 except that it uses the coating unit 260 instead of the pressing unit 230, and thus redundant description thereof will be omitted for convenience of description.

The display device according to various embodiments and the apparatus and method for manufacturing the same may prevent damage to a flexible circuit board attached to a display panel.

The display device and the apparatus and method for manufacturing the same according to various embodiments may maintain a constant distance between the bent portion of the display panel and another portion of the display panel.

The display device according to various embodiments and the apparatus and method for manufacturing the same may reduce stress applied to a flexible circuit board attached to a display panel.

Although specific embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Accordingly, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but is to be defined by the following claims and their broader scope of equivalents as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.