Display device and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

The present application relates to a display device and a manufacturing method thereof. The display device includes: a substrate including a display front portion, a display bending portion, a non-display bending portion, and a non-display rear portion; a display layer attached to the display front portion and the display bending portion; a member attached to the inner side of the substrate and including a connecting portion attached to the inner side of the non-display bending portion; and a window attached to the outer side of the display layer; wherein: the display layer is attached to the outer side of the substrate; at least a portion of the display bending portion forms a first substantially bending surface; at least a portion of the non-display bending portion forms a second substantially bending surface; the non-display rear portion forms a substantially flat surface; at least one of the connecting portions has a cross-sectional width that decreases in a direction away from the substrate; and at least two of the connecting portions contact each other to form a second substantially bending surface of the non-display bending portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary implementations of the present invention generally relate to a display device and a method of manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to a display device having a bent shape and a method of manufacturing the same. Background Art

[0002] Recently, a display device having a bent edge (i.e., a curved display device) has been widely used. Since the curved display device has a curved edge, the display area can be set on the front part (hereinafter referred to as the display front part) and a part of the bent part (hereinafter referred to as the display bent part), and the non-display area can be set on another part of the bent part (hereinafter referred to as the non-display bent part) and the rear part (hereinafter referred to as the non-display rear part). Therefore, the curved display device can provide different interfaces to the user by driving the display front part and the display bent part separately. In addition, the non-display bent part and the non-display rear part on which no image is displayed may be invisible from the user's perspective, so that the user can be more immersed in the information on the display screen.

[0003] Typically, a bent edge of a curved display device can be achieved by attaching a supporting member having a curved shape to a lower end of a substrate, and then bending a non-display bent portion of the substrate according to the shape of the supporting member, and then attaching the non-display bent portion to the supporting member.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for understanding the background of the present inventive concept and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the invention

[0005] The applicant has recognized that, during the manufacture of a display device having a bent edge, an unbalanced pressure may be applied to the bent shape of the display bent portion in the process of attaching the support member to the lower end of the substrate, and the unbalanced pressure may generate cracks in the substrate. In addition, since the non-display bent portion must be attached to the support member when the non-display bent portion is bent according to the bent support member, the non-display bent portion may be unevenly adhered to the support member, and thus the non-display bent portion may be easily detached from the support member.

[0006] The display device with a bent edge constructed according to the principles, methods and exemplary implementations of the present invention minimizes or eliminates the formation of cracks on the substrate. In addition, the non-display bent portion of the substrate can be uniformly adhered to the supporting member. According to some exemplary implementations, since no pressure is applied to the bent surface of the display bent portion, cracks may not be generated on the substrate, and the non-display bent portion may be uniformly adhered to the supporting member, so that the non-display bent portion is not easily detached from the supporting member.

[0007] Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a display device includes: a substrate, which includes a display front portion, a display bending portion, a non-display bending portion and a non-display rear portion; a display layer, which is attached to the display front portion and the display bending portion; a member, which is attached to the inner side of the substrate and includes a connecting portion attached to the inner side of the non-display bending portion; and a window, which is attached to the outer side of the display layer; wherein: the display layer is attached to the outer side of the substrate; at least a portion of the display bending portion forms a first roughly bending surface; at least a portion of the non-display bending portion forms a second roughly bending surface; the non-display rear portion forms a substantially flat surface; at least one of the connecting portions has a cross-sectional width that decreases in a direction away from the substrate; and at least two of the connecting portions contact each other to form a second roughly bending surface of the non-display bending portion.

[0009] At least one of the engagement portions may have a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.

[0010] At least one of the engagement portions may have a generally triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0011] The engaging portion may include coupling units having substantially the same cross-sectional shape.

[0012] At least one of the cross-sectional shapes of the engaging portion may be individually matched to a location in the second generally bent surface.

[0013] The member may include a support member including an adhesive disposed between the engagement portions.

[0014] When the second substantially bent surface of the non-display bent portion may be formed by external pressure, at least two of the engaging portions may be adhered to each other by an adhesive.

[0015] A printed circuit board may be disposed adjacent to the non-display rear portion of the substrate; wherein the support member may have a recessed portion corresponding to the shape of the printed circuit board.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a display device includes the following steps: preparing a substrate, the substrate including a display front portion, a display bending portion, a non-display bending portion and a non-display rear portion, wherein the display bending portion includes at least a portion forming a first roughly bending surface, the non-display bending portion is configured to bend by external pressure, and the non-display rear portion has a roughly flat surface; preparing a component including a connecting portion; attaching the component to the inner side of the substrate so that the connecting portion is attached to the inner side of the non-display bending portion, and at least one of the connecting portions has a cross-sectional width that decreases in a direction away from the substrate, thereby forming at least one gap between the connecting portions; and applying external pressure to the component to close at least one gap, so that at least two of the connecting portions contact each other, and so that at least a portion of the non-display bending portion forms a second roughly bending surface.

[0017] When the member is attached to the inner side of the substrate, the plate may be disposed on the outer side of the substrate.

[0018] At least one of the engagement portions may have a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.

[0019] At least one of the engagement portions may have a generally triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0020] The connecting portion may have coupling units having substantially the same cross-sectional shape.

[0021] At least one of the cross-sectional shapes of the engaging portion may be individually positioned to mate with the second generally bent surface.

[0022] The member may include a support member having an adhesive disposed between the engagement portions.

[0023] When the second substantially bent surface of the non-display bent portion is formed by external pressure, at least two of the engaging portions may be adhered to each other by an adhesive.

[0024] The member includes a support member, and the method may further include the steps of: forming a recessed portion corresponding to the shape of a printed circuit board in the support member; and disposing the printed circuit board adjacent to the non-display rear portion of the substrate in the recessed portion.

[0025] The method may further include the step of attaching a display layer to an outer surface of the display front portion and an outer side of the display bending portion.

[0026] The method may further comprise the step of attaching a window to the outside of the display layer.

[0027] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. They illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the inventive concept.

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of region A.

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of an unbent substrate and support member.

[0033] Figure 5 and Figure 6 They are respectively constructed according to the principle of the present invention Figure 1 sectional views of another exemplary embodiment of a curved substrate and support member and a non-curved substrate and support member of a display device.

[0034] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing another exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0036] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged cross-sectional view of region B.

[0037] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 Cross-sectional view of an unbent substrate and support member.

[0038] Fig.11 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of manufacturing a display device according to the principles of the present invention.

[0039] Figures 12 to 15 It is shown Fig.11 sectional views of specific steps in an exemplary method of manufacturing a display device.

[0040] Fig.16 , Fig.17 as well as 18A to 18C It is shown Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary method of manufacturing a display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In the following description, for the purpose of illustration, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the present invention. As used herein, "implementation" or "implementation" is an interchangeable term, which is a non-limiting example of a device or method using one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. However, it is apparent that various exemplary embodiments can be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other examples, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessary confusion of various exemplary embodiments. In addition, various exemplary embodiments may be different, but need not be exclusive. For example, without departing from the inventive concept, the specific shape, configuration and characteristics of the exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment.

[0042] Unless otherwise specified, the exemplary embodiments shown should be understood as providing exemplary features of different details of some ways in which the inventive concept can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions and / or aspects of various embodiments (hereinafter, individually or collectively referred to as "elements") may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged without departing from the inventive concept.

[0043] The use of cross hatching and / or shading in the drawings is generally to make the boundaries between adjacent elements clear. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the presence or absence of cross hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material property, size, ratio, commonality between the illustrated elements and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements. In addition, in the drawings, the size and relative size of the elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of clarity and / or description. When the exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently, the specific processing sequence can be performed differently from the described sequence. For example, two processes described in succession can be performed substantially simultaneously, or in an order opposite to the described order. In addition, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0044] 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 located on, directly connected to or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be an intervening element or layer. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly located" on, "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there is no intervening element or layer. For this reason, the term "connection" may represent a physical connection, electrical connection and / or fluid connection in the presence or absence of an intervening element. In addition, the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis are not limited to the 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 X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purpose 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 interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, 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.

[0045] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. can be used in this article 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 element. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure, the first element discussed below can be referred to as the second element.

[0046] Spatially relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "under," "lower," "above," "upper," "over," "higher," "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall"), and the like may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and thereby to describe the relationship of one element to another element(s) as shown in the accompanying 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 accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, elements described as being "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" may encompass both the above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0047] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing a particular embodiment, rather than being intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms. In addition, when used in this specification, the terms "comprising", "comprising", "including" and / or "including" represent the existence of stated features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their sets, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their sets. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially", "about" and other similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as degree terms, and are therefore used to allow for the inherent deviations in the measured values, calculated values ​​and / or provided values ​​that will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0048] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views and / or exploded views that are schematic diagrams of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Therefore, deviations from the illustrated shapes due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are expected. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be interpreted as limited to the specific illustrated regional shapes, but include deviations in shapes caused by, for example, manufacturing. In this way, the regions shown in the drawings may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of the regions of the device, and therefore, are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0050] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line II'.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the display device 10 may include a substrate 100-1, a display layer 200, a member in the form of a support member 300-1, and a window 400. The display device 10 may include a plurality of edges 11, and each of the edges 11 may be at least partially curved. In some exemplary embodiments, as Figure 1As shown in , the display device 10 may have four edges 11 , and each of the edges 11 may be bent from the front surface of the display device 10 toward the rear surface of the display device 10 .

[0052] Based on the substrate 100-1, both sides of the substrate 100-1 can be divided into an outer OTR and an inner INR. For example, the display layer 200 is disposed on the outer OTR of the substrate 100-1, and the support member 300-1 is disposed on the inner INR of the substrate 100-1. The substrate 100-1 may include: a display front portion 110, which is attached to a portion 204 of the display layer 200 on the outer surface 104 of the substrate 100-1; a display bending portion 120, which is attached to another portion 206 of the display layer 200 on the outer OTR; a non-display bending portion 130, which is not attached to the display layer 200; and a non-display rear portion 140, which is not attached to the display layer 200. For example, at least a portion 122 of the display bending portion 120 may form a first substantially bending surface 124, substantially the entire portion of the non-display bending portion 130 may form a second substantially bending surface 132, and substantially the entire non-display rear portion 140 may form a substantially flat surface 142. Figure 2 As shown in , the substantially flat surface 142 and the outer surface 104 may be parallel to a plane defined by a first direction X and a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X. In addition, a driving element (e.g., a transistor, an integrated circuit, etc.) for driving the display layer 200 may be further disposed on the substrate 100-1. The substrate 100-1 may include a plastic material having flexibility. For example, the substrate 100-1 may include a polyimide material.

[0053] The display front portion 110 may be disposed on the front surface of the display device 10, and a portion 204 of the display layer 200 may be attached to the outer side OTR of the display front portion 110. For example, the display front portion 110 may have a substantially flat shape in a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners, but the shape of the display front portion 110 is not limited thereto. The display front portion 110 may have various shapes.

[0054] The display bending portion 120 may extend from the display front portion 110, and at least a portion 122 of the display bending portion 120 may form a first substantially bending surface 124. The first substantially bending surface 124 may have a shape in which a plane is bent. Figure 2As shown in , the first substantially bent surface 124 may have a substantially bent shape, which gradually connects a plane formed by the display front portion 110 and a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the display front portion 110, wherein the plane substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the display front portion 110 may be a plane extending along a third direction Z, wherein the third direction Z is perpendicular to a plane defined by the first direction X and the second direction Y. Thus, a substantially bent surface may be formed on a portion 122 of the display bending portion 120, and a substantially flat surface may be formed on another portion 126 of the display bending portion 120. In some exemplary embodiments, substantially the entire display bending portion 120 may form a substantially bent surface. In order to bend the non-display bending portion 130, a conventional supporting member also needs to be attached to the first substantially bent surface of the display bending portion. As a result, an unbalanced pressure may be applied to the first substantially bent surface of the display bending portion, and cracks may be generated in the substrate.

[0055] The non-display bending portion 130 may extend from the display bending portion 120 and may be disposed between the display bending portion 120 and the non-display rear portion 140. Substantially the entire portion of the non-display bending portion 130 may form a second substantially bent surface 132. The second substantially bent surface 132 may have a shape in which a plane is bent. For example, Figure 2 As shown in , the second substantially bent surface 132 may be bent toward the inner side INR of the substrate 100-1, and may have a substantially bent shape that gradually connects a plane formed by the display bent portion 120 and a plane formed by the non-display rear portion 140. For example, Figure 2As shown in , when the display bending portion 120 is bent at a right angle relative to the display front portion 110, the non-display bending portion 130 is bent at a right angle relative to the display bending portion 120, so that the non-display rear portion 140 can face the display front portion 110 and can be spaced apart from the display front portion 110. When the display bending portion 120 is bent at an acute angle (e.g., about 80 degrees) relative to the display front portion 110, the non-display bending portion 130 is bent at an obtuse angle (e.g., about 100 degrees) relative to the display bending portion 120, so that the non-display rear portion 140 can face the display front portion 110 and can be spaced apart from the display front portion 110. Thus, the curvature of the second substantially bent surface 132 formed on the non-display bending portion 130 can be adjusted so that when observed from the front surface, the substrate 100-1 can minimize the exposure of the non-display area (i.e., the area where the display layer 200 is not provided) and can maximize the exposure of the display area (i.e., the area where the display layer 200 is provided). The structure of the display device 10 is not limited to the above structure in which the display front portion 110 and the non-display rear portion 140 are substantially parallel, and the approximate curvature of the second substantially bent surface 132 formed on the non-display bent portion 130 may be changed as needed.

[0056] In a conventional support member, both the support member and the non-display bent portion need to be attached to each other in a bent state to form a second substantially bent surface of the non-display bent portion. Therefore, the non-display bent portion may be unevenly adhered to the support member, and thus, the non-display bent portion may be easily detached from the support member.

[0057] The non-display rear portion 140 may not be attached to the display layer 200, and substantially the entire portion of the non-display rear portion 140 may form a substantially flat surface 142. In addition, the non-display rear portion 140 may have a substantially rectangular flat shape with substantially rounded corners corresponding to the shape of the display front portion 110. The non-display rear portion 140 may extend from the non-display bending portion 130 to face the display front portion 110, and may be spaced apart from the display front portion 110. In addition, one or more components such as a printed circuit board PCB (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board) may be disposed (or connected) in the non-display area of ​​the display device 10. For example, as Figure 2 As shown in , the display device 10 may further include a printed circuit board PCB disposed adjacent to the non-display rear portion 140. A timing controller for controlling a data driver, a scan driver, a light emitting driver, etc., a touch driver for sensing a user's touch, and a power supply may be mounted on the printed circuit board PCB. The power supply and the timing controller may apply power signals and control signals to the data driver, the scan driver, and the light emitting driver so that the display layer 200 displays an image. The touch driver may drive the touch screen to detect a user's touch on the window 400.

[0058] The display layer 200 may be attached to the outer OTR of the substrate 100-1 and may define a display area of ​​the display device 10. The display layer 200 may include a plurality of pixels so that the display layer 200 displays an image. Each of the plurality of pixels may include a display element. For example, the display element may be an organic light emitting diode. In some exemplary embodiments, the display layer 200 may include an encapsulation layer. The encapsulation layer may be formed on the organic light emitting diode to protect the organic light emitting diode from the penetration of moisture or oxygen. In order to realize a curved display device, the encapsulation layer may be formed of an inorganic layer, or may have a structure in which an inorganic layer and an organic layer are alternately stacked.

[0059] The support member 300-1 may be attached to the inner side INR of the substrate 100-1 and may support the substrate 100-1. In addition, the support member 300-1 may include a coupling unit 311 (see Figure 3 ) in the form of an engagement portion, which is attached to the inner side INR of the non-display bending portion 130 so that the support member 300-1 bends the non-display bending portion 130 of the substrate 100-1. The support member 300-1 may include a step difference 304 (see Figure 3 ) in the form of a recessed portion, which corresponds to the approximate shape of a printed circuit board PCB disposed (or connected) adjacent to the non-display rear portion 140. Figures 3 to 6 The structure of the supporting member 300 - 1 is described in detail.

[0060] The support member 300-1 may be attached to the inner side INR of the substrate 100-1. For example, the display device 10 may further include an adhesive layer disposed between the support member 300-1 and the substrate 100-1 so that the support member 300-1 may be attached to the inner side INR of the substrate 100-1. The adhesive layer may be formed in a film form so that the adhesive layer is attached to the support member 300-1, or the adhesive layer may be formed in a particle form so that the adhesive layer is applied to the support member 300-1. The adhesive layer may include an optically transparent adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0061] The window 400 may be disposed in the display area of ​​the substrate 100-1, and may protect the display layer 200 from external impacts and scratches that may be applied during use of the display device 10. The edge of the window 400 may be bent by processing (e.g., a thermoforming process) to correspond to the display bending portion 120 of the substrate 100-1. The window 400 may include glass or plastic, but is not limited thereto. The window 400 may include any material capable of forming a portion to be bent. The window 400 may be attached to the display layer 200. For example, the display device 10 may further include an adhesive layer disposed between the window 400 and the display layer 200 so that the window 400 may be attached to the display layer 200. The adhesive layer may include an optically transparent adhesive and / or a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0062] The display device 10 may further include a cover 500 and / or a functional layer. The cover 500 may be provided in a non-display area below the substrate 100-1, and may protect the substrate 100-1 from external impacts and scratches that may be applied during use of the display device 10. The functional layer may be provided between the display layer 200 and the window 400. The functional layer may include at least one of an optical film and a touch screen. The optical film may reflect external light to improve the brightness of the display device 10, or may diffuse light to make the brightness of an image displayed on the display device 10 uniform. The touch screen may include a touch sensor including a first touch electrode and a second touch electrode arranged crosswise to recognize a user's touch on the window 400.

[0063] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of region A. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of an unbent substrate and support member.

[0064] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4, the support member 300-1 may be attached to the inner side INR of the substrate 100-1, and may support the substrate 100-1. In addition, the support member 300-1 may include a coupling unit 311 attached to the non-display bending portion 130. In addition, the width 314 of each of the coupling units 311 may decrease as the distance 316 from the substrate 100-1 increases in the cross-sectional view. For example, the width 314 of each of the coupling units 311 may decrease toward the inner side INR of the substrate 100-1. Specifically, each of the coupling units 311 may include a first end 311a directly attached to the non-display bending portion 130 and a second end 311b opposite to the first end 311a. The first ends 311a may be connected to each other, and the second ends 311b may be separated from each other by a gap 318, the width of which increases in the direction toward the second end 311b. As a result, the sum of the lengths of the first ends 311a may be longer than the sum of the lengths of the second ends 311b.

[0065] In some exemplary embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of each of the coupling units 311 may be a substantially trapezoidal shape. In other exemplary embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of each of the coupling units 311 may be a substantially triangular shape. However, this is merely an example, and the cross-sectional shape of each of the coupling units 311 is not limited thereto. In some exemplary embodiments, the cross-sectional shapes of the coupling units 311 are identical to each other. In other exemplary embodiments, at least two or more of the cross-sectional shapes of the coupling units 311 may be different. In these exemplary embodiments, the cross-sectional shapes of the coupling units 311 may be individually determined according to the corresponding positions in the second substantially bent surface 132. For example, the second substantially bent surface 132 formed on the non-display bent portion 130 may be suddenly bent at the center of the second substantially bent surface 132, and may be gently bent at a position away from the center of the second substantially bent surface 132. In some exemplary embodiments, each of the cross-sectional shapes of the coupling units 311 corresponding to the suddenly bent, central position may have a relatively small size and / or a substantially triangular shape. On the other hand, each of the cross-sectional shapes of the coupling units 311 corresponding to gently bent positions away from the center may have a relatively large size and / or a substantially trapezoidal shape.

[0066] The coupling units 311 may contact each other in different ways. In some exemplary embodiments, the coupling units 311 may contact each other when external pressure is applied to bend the support member 300-1 inwardly. In other exemplary embodiments, the support member 300-1 may further include an adhesive 312 disposed between the coupling units 311, and the coupling units 311 may be adhered to each other by the adhesive 312.

[0067] When external pressure is applied to the coupling units 311, the coupling units 311 may contact each other, and the supporting member 300-1 may change from the expanded form to the bent form. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 3 , when the second ends 311 b are separated from each other and a gap 318 is formed between the coupling units 311 , the support member 300 - 1 may have an expanded form. Figure 3 As shown in , when the second ends 311b are in contact with each other, the coupling units 311 may be in contact with each other, and the support member 300-1 may have a bent form. Therefore, the support member 300-1 may be attached to the substrate 100-1 including the non-display bent portion 130 having a substantially flat shape in an unfolded form, and the second ends 311b may be brought into contact with each other so that the non-display bent portion 130 is bent. The coupling units 311 may be brought into contact with each other, so that the support member 300-1 changes from the unfolded form to the bent form, and a second substantially bent surface 132 of the non-display bent portion 130 is formed. In other words, after the non-display bent portion 130 having a substantially flat shape is attached to the support member 300-1 having a substantially flat shape, the second substantially bent surface 132 of the non-display bent portion 130 may be formed by bending the support member 300-1. Therefore, since no pressure is applied to the first substantially bent surface 124 of the display bent portion 120, cracks may not be generated on the substrate 100-1, and the non-display bent portion 130 may be uniformly adhered to the supporting member 300-1 so that the non-display bent portion 130 does not detach from the supporting member 300-1.

[0068] Figure 5 and Figure 6 They are respectively constructed according to the principle of the present invention Figure 1 sectional views of another exemplary embodiment of a curved substrate and support member and a non-curved substrate and support member of a display device.

[0069] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the support member 300-2 may be attached to the inner side INR of the substrate 100-1, and may support the substrate 100-1. In addition, the support member 300-2 may include a plurality of coupling units 321 attached to the non-display bending portion 130. However, since the support member 300-2 is the same as the support member 300-1 except for the cross-sectional shape of each of the coupling units 321, the support member 300-2 will be described in a simplified form based on the cross-sectional shape of each of the coupling units 321 to avoid redundancy.

[0070] The width 324 of each of the coupling units 321 may decrease as the distance 326 from the substrate 100-1 increases in the cross-sectional view. For example, the width 324 of each of the coupling units 321 may decrease toward the inner side INR of the substrate 100-1. Specifically, each of the coupling units 321 may include a first end 321a directly attached to the non-display bending portion 130 and a second end 321b opposite to the first end 321a. The first ends 321a may be connected to each other, and the second ends 321b may be separated from each other. As a result, the sum of the lengths of the first ends 321a may be longer than the sum of the lengths of the second ends 321b. Therefore, a gap 328 may be formed between the coupling units 321.

[0071] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in , the cross-sectional shape of each of the coupling units 321 can be roughly triangular. However, this is only an example, and the cross-sectional shape of each of the coupling units 321 is not limited thereto. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the cross-sectional shapes of the coupling units 321 are the same as each other. In other exemplary embodiments, at least two or more of the cross-sectional shapes of the coupling units 321 can be different. In some exemplary embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the coupling unit 321 can be determined separately according to the corresponding position in the second roughly bent surface 132.

[0072] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing another exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed according to the principles of the present invention. Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0073] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the display device 20 may include a substrate 100-2, a display layer 200, a support member 300-3, and a window 400. The display device 20 may also include a plurality of edges 21, and each of the edges 21 may be at least partially curved. However, since the display device 20 is the same as the display device 10 except for the substrate 100-2 and the support member 300-3, the display device 20 will be described in a simplified form based on the substrate 100-2 and the support member 300-3 to avoid redundancy.

[0074] The substrate 100-2 may include: a display front portion 110, which is attached to a portion 204 of the display layer 200 on the outer OTR of the substrate 100-2; a display bending portion 120, which is attached to another portion 206 of the display layer 200 on the outer OTR of the substrate 100-2; a first non-display bending portion 150, a second non-display bending portion 160, and a third non-display bending portion 170, which are not attached to the display layer 200; and a non-display rear portion 140, which is not attached to the display layer 200. For example, at least a portion 122 of the display bending portion 120 may form a first substantially bending surface 124, and substantially the entire first non-display bending portion 150, substantially the entire second non-display bending portion 160, and substantially the entire third non-display bending portion 170 may form corresponding bending surfaces 152, 162, and 172 (see Fig. 9 ). However, since the display front portion 110, the display bending portion 120, and the non-display rear portion 140 are the same as those described above, only the first non-display bending portion 150, the second non-display bending portion 160, and the third non-display bending portion 170 will be described below to avoid redundancy.

[0075] The substrate 100-2 may include a first non-display bending portion 150, a second non-display bending portion 160, and a third non-display bending portion 170. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the substrate 100 - 2 may include a first non-display bending portion 150 , a second non-display bending portion 160 , and a third non-display bending portion 170 . Figure 2 In addition to the first non-display bending portion 150 which is the same as the non-display bending portion 130 of the substrate 100-1 shown in FIG. Figure 8 The substrate 100 - 2 shown in the figure also includes a second non-display bending portion 160 and a third non-display bending portion 170 , so that the non-display rear portion 140 of the display device 20 is closer to the display front portion 110 , and the display device 20 is implemented to have a thin thickness and a stable structure.

[0076] The support member 300-3 may be attached to the inner side INR of the substrate 100-2 and may support the substrate 100-2. In addition, the support member 300-3 may bend the non-display bending portions 150, 160, and 170 of the substrate 100-2 when an external force is applied. The support member 300-3 may include a step difference 304 corresponding to the shape of a printed circuit board PCB disposed (or connected) adjacent to the non-display rear portion 140. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The structure of the supporting member 300 - 3 is described in detail.

[0077] The support member 300-3 may be attached to the inner side INR of the substrate 100-2. For example, the display device 20 may further include an adhesive layer disposed between the support member 300-3 and the substrate 100-2, so that the support member 300-3 is attached to the inner side INR of the substrate 100-2. The adhesive layer may be formed in a film form so that the adhesive layer is attached to the support member 300-3, or may be formed in a particle form so that the adhesive layer is applied to the support member 300-3. The adhesive layer may include an optically transparent adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0078] The display device 20 may further include a cover 500 and / or a functional layer. However, since details of the cover 500 and the functional layer are the same as those described above, description thereof will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0079] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged cross-sectional view of region B. Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 Cross-sectional view of an unbent substrate and support member.

[0080] Reference Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The support member 300-3 may be attached to the inner side INR of the substrate 100-2 and may support the substrate 100-2. In addition, the support member 300-3 may include a first coupling unit 351, a second coupling unit 361, and a third coupling unit 371 respectively attached to the non-display bending portions 150, 160, and 170.

[0081] The width 354 of each of the first coupling units 351 can decrease as the distance 356 from the substrate 100-2 increases in the cross-sectional view. For example, the width 354 of each of the first coupling units 351 can decrease toward the inner side INR of the substrate 100-2. Specifically, each of the first coupling units 351 can include a first end 351a directly attached to the substrate 100-2 and a second end 351b opposite to the first end 351a. The first end 351a can be connected to each other, and the second end 351b can be separated from each other. As a result, the sum of the lengths of the first end 351a can be longer than the sum of the lengths of the second end 351b. A gap 358 can be formed between the first coupling units 351.

[0082] The width 364 of each of the second coupling units 361 can decrease with the increase of the distance 356 from the substrate 100-2 in the cross-sectional view. For example, the width 364 of each of the second coupling units 361 can decrease toward the inner side INR of the substrate 100-2. Specifically, each of the second coupling units 361 can include a first end 361a directly attached to the substrate 100-2 and a second end 361b opposite to the first end 361a. The first end 361a can be connected to each other, and the second end 361b can be separated from each other. As a result, the sum of the lengths of the first end 361a can be longer than the sum of the lengths of the second end 361b. A gap 368 can be formed between the second coupling units 361.

[0083] The width 374 of each of the third coupling units 371 can increase with the increase of the distance 356 from the substrate 100-2 in the cross-sectional view. For example, the width 374 of each of the third coupling units 371 can increase toward the inner side INR of the substrate 100-2. Specifically, each of the third coupling units 371 can include a first end 371a directly attached to the substrate 100-2 and a second end 371b opposite to the first end 371a. The first end 371a can be separated from each other, and the second end 371b can be connected to each other. As a result, the sum of the lengths of the first end 371a can be shorter than the sum of the lengths of the second end 371b. A gap 378 can be formed between the presented third coupling units 371.

[0084] In some exemplary embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of each of the first coupling units 351, each of the second coupling units 361, and each of the third coupling units 371 may be approximately trapezoidal. In other exemplary embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of each of the first coupling units 351, each of the second coupling units 361, and each of the third coupling units 371 may be approximately triangular. However, this is only an example, and the cross-sectional shape of each of the first coupling units 351, each of the second coupling units 361, and each of the third coupling units 371 is not limited thereto. Each of the first coupling units 351, each of the second coupling units 361, and each of the third coupling units 371 may contact each other in different ways.

[0085] When external pressure is applied to the first coupling unit 351, the second coupling unit 361, and the third coupling unit 371, each of the first coupling unit 351, each of the second coupling unit 361, and each of the third coupling unit 371 may contact each other, and the supporting member 300-3 may change from the expanded form to the bent form. Fig.10As shown in , when each of the second ends 351b of the first coupling unit 351, each of the second ends 361b of the second coupling unit 361, and each of the first ends 371a of the third coupling unit 371 are separated from each other, the supporting member 300-3 may have an expanded form. Fig. 9 As shown in , when each of the second ends 351b of the first coupling unit 351, each of the second ends 361b of the second coupling unit 361, and each of the first ends 371a of the third coupling unit 371 are in contact with each other, the support member 300-3 may have a bent form. Therefore, the support member 300-3 may be attached to the substrate 100-2 including the first non-display bending portion 150, the second non-display bending portion 160, and the third non-display bending portion 170 having a substantially flat shape in an unfolded form, and the first non-display bending portion 150, the second non-display bending portion 160, and the third non-display bending portion 170 may be bent by bending the support member 300-3.

[0086] Fig.11 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method of manufacturing a display device according to the principles of the present invention. Figures 12 to 15 It is shown Fig.11 sectional views of specific steps in an exemplary method of manufacturing a display device.

[0087] Reference Figures 11 to 15 , the display device 10 may be manufactured by preparing a substrate 100 - 1 ( S120 ), preparing a support member 300 - 1 ( S140 ), attaching the support member 300 - 1 to the inner side INR of the substrate 100 - 1 ( S160 ), and applying external pressure to the support member 300 - 1 ( S180 ).

[0088] like Fig.12 As shown in , a substrate 100-1 may be prepared (S120). For example, a substrate 100-1 including a display front portion 110, a display bending portion 120, a non-display bending portion 130, and a non-display rear portion 140 may be prepared, wherein the display bending portion 120 includes at least a portion 122 forming a first substantially bending surface 124, the non-display bending portion 130 to be bent by external pressure, and the non-display rear portion 140 has a substantially flat surface 142. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the non-display bending portion 130 may have a substantially flat surface 134 before being bent. In addition, a printed circuit board PCB may be disposed adjacent to the non-display rear portion 140.

[0089] like Fig.13As shown in , a support member 300-1 may be prepared (S140). For example, the support member 300-1 may include a coupling unit 311 attached to the non-display bending portion 130. In some exemplary embodiments, the coupling unit 311 may be formed to correspond to the non-display bending portion 130. In addition, the width 314 of each of the coupling units 311 may decrease as the distance 316 from the substrate 100-1 increases in the cross-sectional view. Specifically, each of the coupling units 311 may include a first end 311a directly attached to the non-display bending portion 130 and a second end 311b opposite to the first end 311a. The first ends 311a may be connected to each other, and the second ends 311b may be separated from each other. As a result, the sum of the lengths of the first ends 311a may be longer than the sum of the lengths of the second ends 311b. A gap 318 is provided between the coupling units 311.

[0090] exist Fig.13 In the embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of each of the coupling units 311 is approximately trapezoidal, but the cross-sectional shape of each of the coupling units 311 is not limited thereto. In addition, the support member 300-1 may include a recessed portion in the form of a step difference 304 corresponding to the shape of the printed circuit board PCB disposed adjacent to the non-display rear portion 140.

[0091] like Fig.14 As shown in , the support member 300-1 can be attached to the inner side INR of the substrate 100-1 (S160). For example, the support member 300-1 can be attached to the inner side INR of the substrate 100-1 so that the coupling unit 311 is attached to the non-display bending portion 130 having a substantially flat shape. In some exemplary embodiments, the support member 300-1 can be attached to the substrate 100-1 by any suitable technology (such as mechanical technology or chemical technology). For example, an adhesive layer including an optically transparent adhesive and / or a pressure-sensitive adhesive can be formed between the support member 300-1 and the substrate 100-1, and the support member 300-1 can be attached to the substrate 100-1 by applying pressure to the support member 300-1. In some exemplary embodiments, an attachment plate PL can be provided on the outer side OTR of the substrate 100-1 to more firmly attach the support member 300-1 to the inner side INR of the substrate 100-1. Specifically, after the attachment plate PL is disposed on the outer side OTR of the substrate 100-1, the support member 300-1 may be attached to the inner side INR of the substrate 100-1 by applying pressure to the support member 300-1. Thereafter, the attachment plate PL may be removed. Fig.11 In the method, since there is no first substantially bent surface 124 (such as Figure 2) applies pressure, so cracks may not be generated on the substrate 100-1, and the non-display bent portion 130 may be uniformly adhered to the support member 300-1, so that the non-display bent portion 130 is not easily detached from the support member 300-1.

[0092] like Fig.15 As shown in , external pressure may be applied to bend the support member 300-1 (S180). For example, external pressure may be applied to the support member 300-1 so that substantially the entire portion of the non-display bending portion 130 forms the second substantially bending surface 132 by bringing the coupling units 311 into contact with each other. In some exemplary embodiments, the support member 300-1 may further include an adhesive disposed between the coupling units 311, and when substantially the entire portion of the non-display bending portion 130 forms the second substantially bending surface 132 by the external pressure, the coupling units 311 may adhere to each other by the adhesive.

[0093] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown in , the display device 10 may include the display layer 200 by attaching the display layer 200 to the outer OTRs of the display front portion 110 and the display bending portion 120 , and may include the window 400 by attaching the window 400 to the outer OTR of the display layer 200 .

[0094] Fig.16 , Fig.17 as well as 18A to 18C It is shown Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of another exemplary method of manufacturing a display device.

[0095] Reference Fig.11 , Figure 16 to Figure 17 as well as 18A to 18C , the display device 20 may be manufactured by preparing the substrate 100 - 2 ( S120 ), preparing the support member 300 - 3 ( S140 ), attaching the support member 300 - 3 to the inner side INR of the substrate 100 - 2 ( S160 ), and applying external pressure to the support member 300 - 3 ( S180 ).

[0096] like Fig.16 As shown in , a substrate 100-2 may be prepared (S120). For example, the substrate 100-2 may include a display front portion 110, a display bending portion 120, a first non-display bending portion 150, a second non-display bending portion 160, and a third non-display bending portion 170, and a non-display rear portion 140, wherein the display bending portion 120 includes at least a portion 122 forming a first substantially bending surface 124, and the first non-display bending portion 150, the second non-display bending portion 160, and the third non-display bending portion 170 may be bent by external pressure.

[0097] like Fig.17 As shown in, a support member 300-3 (S140) can be prepared. For example, the support member 300-3 may include a first coupling unit 351, a second coupling unit 361, and a third coupling unit 371, which are attached to the first non-display bending portion 150, the second non-display bending portion 160, and the third non-display bending portion 170, respectively. Since the descriptions of the first coupling unit 351, the second coupling unit 361, and the third coupling unit 371 are the same as those described above, their repeated descriptions will be omitted to avoid redundancy. In addition, the support member 300-3 can be attached to the inner side INR of the substrate 100-2 (S160). For example, the support member 300-3 can be attached to the inner side INR of the substrate 100-2, so that the first coupling unit 351, the second coupling unit 361, and the third coupling unit 371 are respectively attached to the first non-display bending portion 150, the second non-display bending portion 160, and the third non-display bending portion 170 having a substantially flat shape.

[0098] like 18A to 18C As shown in , external pressure may be applied to the support member 300-3 (S180). Fig.18A As shown in , external pressure may be applied to the support member 300-3 so that substantially the entire portion of the first non-display bending portion 150 forms a bending surface by bringing the first coupling units 351 into contact with each other. Fig.18B As shown in , external pressure may be applied to the support member 300-3 so that substantially the entire portion of the third non-display bending portion 170 forms a bending surface by bringing the third coupling units 371 into contact with each other. Fig.18C As shown in , external pressure may be applied to the supporting member 300 - 3 so that substantially the entire portion of the second non-display bending portion 160 forms a bending surface by bringing the second coupling units 361 into contact with each other.

[0099] When the supporting member 300-3 is bent, since both the first non-display bent portion 150 and the second non-display bent portion 160 are bent, the non-display rear portion 140 (eg, Figure 8 ) may collide with the display front portion 110. In order to prevent the collision, the first coupling unit 351, the second coupling unit 361, and the third coupling unit 371 may contact each other in a predetermined order. For example, first, the third coupling unit 371 may contact each other, and then the second coupling unit 361 may contact each other, and then the first coupling unit 351 may contact each other. However, the method for preventing the collision is not limited thereto.

[0100] The principles of the present invention can be applied to display devices and electronic devices using the display devices. For example, some exemplary embodiments include cellular phones, smart phones, video phones, smart tablets, smart watches, tablet PCs, car navigation systems, televisions, computer displays, laptop computers, etc.

[0101] Although specific exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Therefore, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but is limited to the broader scope of the appended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A substrate including a display front portion, a display bending portion, a non-display bending portion, and a non-display rear portion; a display layer attached to the display front portion and the display bend portion; a member attached to the inner side of the substrate and including an engaging portion attached to the inner side of the non-display bent portion; as well as a window attached to an outer side of the display layer; in, The display layer is attached to the outer side of the substrate, At least a portion of the display bending portion forms a first bending surface, At least a portion of the non-display bent portion forms a second bent surface, The non-display rear portion forms a flat surface, At least one of the connecting portions has a cross-sectional width that decreases in a direction away from the substrate, and At least two of the engaging portions contact each other to form the second bending surface of the non-display bending portion, and One end of each of the connecting portions is in direct contact with the inner side of the non-display bending portion, and the connecting portion does not overlap with the display layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the connecting portions has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the connecting portions has a triangular cross-sectional shape.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting portion includes coupling units having the same cross-sectional shape.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the cross-sectional shapes of the engaging portion is individually matched to a position in the second bending surface.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The member includes a support member including an adhesive disposed between the engagement portions.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: When the second bent surface of the non-display bent portion is formed by external pressure, at least two of the engaging portions are adhered to each other by the adhesive.

8. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a printed circuit board disposed adjacent to the non-display rear portion of the substrate; The component has a concave portion corresponding to the shape of the printed circuit board.

9. A method for manufacturing a display device, the method comprising the following steps: preparing a substrate, the substrate comprising a display front portion, a display bending portion, a non-display bending portion, and a non-display rear portion, wherein the display bending portion comprises at least a portion forming a first bending surface, the non-display bending portion is configured to be bent by external pressure, and the non-display rear portion has a flat surface; preparing components including joints; Attaching the member to the inner side of the substrate so that the engaging portions are attached to the inner side of the non-display bending portion, one end of each of the engaging portions is in direct contact with the inner side of the non-display bending portion, the engaging portions do not overlap with the display front portion and the display bending portion, and at least one of the engaging portions has a cross-sectional width that decreases in a direction away from the substrate, thereby forming at least one gap between the engaging portions; as well as The external pressure is applied to the member to close the at least one gap, so that at least two of the engaging portions contact each other, and so that at least a portion of the non-display bending portion forms a second bending surface.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The member comprises a support member, and the method further comprises: forming a recessed portion in the support member corresponding to the shape of the printed circuit board; and The printed circuit board is disposed adjacent the non-display rear portion of the substrate in the recess.

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