Lamination apparatus, method for manufacturing display device and electronic device manufactured using lamination apparatus
Patent Information
- Application Number
- KR1020250031157
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-21
Smart Images
Figure PAT00004_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a lamination device, a method for manufacturing a display device, and an electronic device manufactured using a lamination device. Background Technology
[0002] The importance of display devices is increasing with the development of multimedia. In response to this, various types of display devices, such as Organic Light Emitting Displays (OLEDs) and Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs), are being used. The applications of these display devices are becoming increasingly diverse, centering on various mobile electronic devices, such as portable electronic devices like smartphones, smartwatches, and tablet PCs.
[0003] The display device includes a display panel that displays an image and a cover window that is bonded to the display panel and protects the display panel. The cover window is bonded to the display panel by an adhesive member placed between the display panel and the cover window.
[0004] The lamination of the display panel and the cover window can be performed by a pressure method using a lamination device. The problem to be solved
[0005] The present invention aims to provide a lamination device capable of preventing defects in the bonding of a cover window and a display panel, a method for manufacturing a display device, and an electronic device manufactured using the lamination device.
[0006] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem
[0007] A lamination device according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises a fixed stage supporting a cover window, a movable stage supporting a display panel and moving along the fixed stage, a main roller connected to the movable stage and rotating according to the movement of the movable stage and pressing the display panel against the cover window, and a guide roller in contact with at least a part of the main roller, rotating according to the rotation of the main roller and moving in the longitudinal direction of the main roller.
[0008] A lamination device of one embodiment may further include a support member connected to the moving stage and supporting the rotation axis of the main roller and the rotation axis of the guide roller so as to be rotatable, and a driving member for moving the guide roller.
[0009] The rotation axis of the main roller and the rotation axis of the guide roller can be arranged to be parallel to each other.
[0010] The above driving member can move the guide roller along the rotation axis of the guide roller.
[0011] The movement speed of the above guide roller may be the same as the movement speed of the above moving stage.
[0012] When the display panel is rotated horizontally while supported by the moving stage, all areas of the display panel can be placed on the moving stage.
[0013] The length of the guide roller may be shorter than the length of the main roller.
[0014] The diameter of the main roller may be smaller than the diameter of the guide roller.
[0015] The guide roller can be moved along the longitudinal direction of the main roller so as to overlap with the display panel that is pressed against the cover window by the main roller.
[0016] The top of the outer circumference of the main roller and the upper surface of the moving stage can be located on the same virtual plane.
[0017] The rotational speed of the main roller above may be faster than the rotational speed of the guide roller above.
[0018] A method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: placing a cover window on a fixed stage; placing a display panel on the upper surface of a moving stage such that a portion of the display panel is positioned on a main roller; placing the moving stage such that a portion of the display panel positioned on the main roller is in contact with the cover window; rotating the main roller to press the cover window and the display panel as the moving stage moves along the fixed stage; and moving a guide roller in the longitudinal direction of the main roller.
[0019] In the step where the display panel is placed on the upper surface of the moving stage such that the display panel includes a plurality of sides and a part of the display panel is positioned on the main roller, the part of the display panel positioned on the main roller may be one of the plurality of sides of the display panel.
[0020] One side of the display panel located on the main roller may be positioned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main roller.
[0021] The movement speed of the above guide roller may be the same as the movement speed of the above moving stage.
[0022] The guide roller is in contact with at least a part of the main roller and rotates according to the rotation of the main roller, and the rotational speed of the main roller may be faster than the rotational speed of the guide roller.
[0023] The diameter of the main roller may be smaller than the diameter of the guide roller.
[0024] In the step where the guide roller is moved along the longitudinal direction of the main roller, the guide roller may be moved along the longitudinal direction of the main roller so as to overlap with the display panel that is pressed against the cover window by the main roller.
[0025] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a display device manufactured by a lamination device, wherein the lamination device comprises a fixed stage supporting a cover window, a movable stage supporting a display panel and moving along the fixed stage, a main roller connected to the movable stage and rotating according to the movement of the movable stage and pressing the display panel against the cover window, and a guide roller in contact with at least a part of the main roller, rotating according to the rotation of the main roller and moving in the longitudinal direction of the main roller.
[0026] An electronic device of one embodiment may further include a processor, a memory in which data of one or more of the display device and the processor is stored, and at least one of a power module that supplies power to the display device, the processor and the memory.
[0027] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. Effects of the invention
[0028] According to the lamination device, the method for manufacturing a display device, and the electronic device manufactured using the lamination device of the present invention, the guide roller in contact with the main roller that presses the cover window and the display panel moves along the longitudinal direction of the main roller so as to overlap with the display panel, thereby having the effect of preventing defects in the lamination of the cover window and the display panel.
[0029] Meanwhile, the effects obtainable from the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0030] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a display device of one embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A' of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the display panel of Figure 2. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a lamination device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side view of the moving stage, main roller, guide roller, support member, and driving member of FIG. 4. Figure 6 is a plan view of Figure 5. Fig. 7 is a front view of Fig. 5. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a lamination device according to one embodiment of the present invention in a state where the cover window and the display panel begin to be pressed. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the moving stage, main roller, guide roller, support member, and driving member of FIG. 8. Fig. 10 is a front view of Fig. 9. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a lamination device according to one embodiment of the present invention in a state where the cover window and the display panel are pressed. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the moving stage, main roller, guide roller, support member, and driving member of FIG. 11. Fig. 13 is a front view of Fig. 12. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a lamination device according to one embodiment of the present invention in a state where the pressure of the cover window and the display panel is terminated. FIG. 15 is a plan view of the moving stage, main roller, guide roller, support member, and driving member of FIG. 14. Fig. 16 is a front view of Fig. 15. FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0031] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.
[0032] When elements or layers are referred to as being "on" another element or layer, this includes cases where another layer or element is interposed directly on or in the middle of another element. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. Shapes, sizes, ratios, angles, numbers, etc., disclosed in the drawings for describing embodiments are exemplary and therefore the invention is not limited to the depicted details.
[0033] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, it goes without saying that the first component mentioned below may also be the second component within the technical scope of the present invention.
[0034] The features of each of the various embodiments of the present invention may be combined or combined with one another, either partially or wholly, and may technically enable various interlocking and operation. Each embodiment may be implemented independently of one another or may be implemented together in an associated relationship.
[0035] Specific embodiments will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.
[0036] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a display device of one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A' of FIG. 1.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a display device (10) of one embodiment may include a cover window (11), a display panel (12), a panel lower member (13), a connecting member (14), and a driving circuit board (15).
[0038] The cover window (11) may include a material with high light transmittance. The cover window (11) may include a polymer resin such as polyimide or glass. The cover window (11) may be attached to the polarizing film (PF) described later on the display panel (12) by an adhesive member such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA) film.
[0039] The display panel (12) may be positioned at the bottom of the cover window (11). The display panel (12) may have a rectangular planar shape having a long side in the first direction (D1) and a short side in the second direction (D2). The corner where the long side in the first direction (D1) and the short side in the second direction (D2) meet in the display panel (12) may be formed at a right angle or rounded to have a predetermined curvature. The display panel (12) may have a planar shape other than a rectangle, a polygon other than a rectangle, a circle, an ellipse, or an irregular shape.
[0040] The display panel (12) may include a display area in which a plurality of light-emitting regions are arranged and a non-display area arranged around the display area. The non-display area may be arranged to surround the display area. A plurality of display pads may be arranged in the non-display area at one edge of the display panel (12).
[0041] The display panel (12) may include a substrate (SUB), a display unit (PAL), a sensor unit (SENL), and a polarizing film (PF).
[0042] The substrate (SUB) may be made of insulating materials such as glass, quartz, or polymer resin. The substrate (SUB) may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate capable of bending, folding, rolling, etc.
[0043] A display unit (PAL) may be disposed on a substrate (SUB). The display unit (PAL) may be a layer comprising a plurality of light-emitting regions that emit light. The display unit (PAL) may include a buffer film, a thin-film transistor layer on which thin-film transistors are disposed, a light-emitting element layer that emits light, and an encapsulation layer for encapsulating the light-emitting element layer.
[0044] The sensor unit (SENL) may be placed on the display unit (PAL). The sensor unit (SENL) includes sensor electrodes and may be a layer for detecting whether a user touches it.
[0045] A polarizing film (PF) may be placed on a sensor unit (SENL). The polarizing film (PF) may serve to prevent a decrease in image visibility of the display panel (12) due to external light reflection. The polarizing film (PF) may include a phase delay film such as a linear polarizer and a λ / 4 plate (quarter-wave plate). The phase delay film may be placed on the sensor unit (SENL), and the linear polarizer may be placed on the phase delay film. A cover window (11) may be placed on the upper side of the polarizing film (PF).
[0046] The panel lower member (13) may be positioned on the lower surface of the substrate (SUB). The panel lower member (13) may be attached to the lower surface of the substrate (SUB) through an adhesive member. The adhesive member may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). The panel lower member (13) may include at least one of a light-absorbing member for absorbing light incident from the outside, a buffering member for absorbing shock from the outside, and a heat dissipation member for efficiently dissipating heat from the display panel (12).
[0047] A light-absorbing member may be placed on the lower part of a substrate (SUB). The light-absorbing member prevents the transmission of light, thereby preventing components placed on the lower part of the light-absorbing member, such as a driving circuit board (15), from being visible from the upper part of the display panel (12). The light-absorbing member may include a light-absorbing material such as a black pigment or a black dye.
[0048] A cushioning member may be placed below the light-absorbing member. The cushioning member absorbs external shocks to prevent the display panel (12) from being damaged. The cushioning member may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers. For example, the cushioning member may be formed from a polymer resin such as polyurethane, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or polyethylene, or may be made of an elastic material such as a sponge formed by foam molding rubber, a urethane-based material, or an acrylic-based material.
[0049] A heat dissipation member may be placed at the bottom of a buffer member. The heat dissipation member may include a first heat dissipation layer comprising graphite or carbon nanotubes, and a second heat dissipation layer formed of a metal thin film such as copper, nickel, ferrite, or silver, which can shield electromagnetic waves and has excellent thermal conductivity.
[0050] The connecting member (14) can be connected to a plurality of display pads of the display panel (12) through a conductive adhesive member such as an anisotropic conductive film. As a result, the display panel (12) and the connecting member (14) can be electrically connected.
[0051] Additionally, the connecting member (14) can be connected to a plurality of circuit pads of the driving circuit board (15) through a conductive adhesive member such as an anisotropic conductive film, so that the connecting member (14) and the driving circuit board (15) can be electrically connected.
[0052] The connecting member (14) may be a flexible printed circuit board or a chip on film.
[0053] The driving circuit board (15) can be placed on the lower part of the panel lower member (13) when the connecting member (14) is bent. The driving circuit board (15) may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that can be bent, a rigid printed circuit board (PCB) that is hard and does not bend well, or a composite printed circuit board that includes both a rigid printed circuit board and a flexible printed circuit board.
[0054] The driving circuit board (15) can process the signal converted by the control circuit board (not shown) and transmit it to the display panel (12). The driving circuit board (15) can be electrically connected to the display panel (12) by a connecting member (14).
[0055] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the display panel of Figure 2.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 3, the display unit (PAL) may include a buffer film (202), a thin film transistor layer (203), a light-emitting element layer (204), and an encapsulation layer (205).
[0057] A buffer film (202) may be formed on the substrate (SUB). The buffer film (202) may be formed on the substrate (SUB) to protect thin-film transistors (235) and light-emitting elements from moisture penetrating through the substrate (SUB), which is vulnerable to moisture permeability. The buffer film (202) may be composed of a plurality of inorganic films that are alternately stacked. For example, the buffer film (202) may be formed as a multilayer film in which one or more inorganic films selected from silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiNx), and SiON are alternately stacked. The buffer film (202) may be omitted.
[0058] A thin-film transistor layer (203) is formed on the buffer film (202). The thin-film transistor layer (203) includes thin-film transistors (235), a gate insulating film (236), an interlayer insulating film (237), a protective film (238), and an organic film (239).
[0059] Each of the thin-film transistors (235) includes an active layer (231), a gate electrode (232), a source electrode (233), and a drain electrode (234). In FIG. 3, the thin-film transistor (235) is illustrated as being formed in a top gate configuration where the gate electrode (232) is located above the active layer (231), but it should be noted that this is not limited thereto. That is, the thin-film transistors (235) may be formed in a bottom gate configuration where the gate electrode (232) is located below the active layer (231), or in a double gate configuration where the gate electrode (232) is located above and below the active layer (231).
[0060] An active layer (231) is formed on the buffer film (202). The active layer (231) may be formed from a silicon-based semiconductor material or an oxide-based semiconductor material. For example, the active layer (231) may be formed from polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, or an oxide semiconductor. A light-blocking layer may be formed between the buffer film (202) and the active layer (231) to block external light incident on the active layer (231).
[0061] A gate insulating film (236) may be formed on the active layer (231). The gate insulating film (236) may be formed from an inorganic film, for example, a silicon oxide film (SiOx), a silicon nitride film (SiNx), or a combination thereof.
[0062] A gate electrode (232) may be formed on the gate insulating film (236). The gate electrode (232) and the gate wiring may be formed as a single layer or multiple layers made of any one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or an alloy thereof.
[0063] An interlayer insulating film (237) may be formed on the gate electrode (232) and the gate wiring. The interlayer insulating film (237) may be formed from an inorganic film, for example, a silicon oxide film (SiOx), a silicon nitride film (SiNx), or a combination thereof.
[0064] A source electrode (233) and a drain electrode (234) may be formed on the interlayer insulating film (237). Each of the source electrode (233) and the drain electrode (234) may be connected to the active layer (231) through a contact hole penetrating the gate insulating film (236) and the interlayer insulating film (237). The source electrode (233) and the drain electrode (234) may be formed as a single layer or a multilayer made of any one of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), and copper (Cu), or an alloy thereof.
[0065] A protective film (238) for insulating a thin-film transistor (235) may be formed on the source electrode (233) and the drain electrode (234). The protective film (238) may be formed of an inorganic film, for example, a silicon oxide film (SiOx), a silicon nitride film (SiNx), or a combination thereof.
[0066] An organic film (239) may be formed on the protective film (238) to flatten the step caused by the thin-film transistor (235). The organic film (239) may be formed from an organic film such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin.
[0067] A light-emitting element layer (204) is formed on the thin-film transistor layer (203). The light-emitting element layer (204) includes light-emitting elements and a bank.
[0068] The light-emitting elements and banks are formed on the organic film (239). The light-emitting element is exemplified as an organic light-emitting device comprising an anode electrode (241), light-emitting layers (242), and a cathode electrode (243).
[0069] The anode electrode (241) can be formed on the organic film (239). The anode electrode (241) can be connected to the source electrode (233) of the thin-film transistor (235) through a contact hole penetrating the protective film (238) and the organic film (239).
[0070] A bank may be formed to cover the edge of an anode electrode (241) on an organic film (239) to partition the light-emitting regions (EA) of the pixels. That is, the bank serves to define the light-emitting regions (EA) of the pixels. Each pixel represents a region in which an anode electrode (241), a light-emitting layer (242), and a cathode electrode (243) are sequentially stacked so that holes from the anode electrode (241) and electrons from the cathode electrode (243) combine with each other in the light-emitting layer (242) to emit light.
[0071] Light-emitting layers (242) are formed on the anode electrode (241) and the bank. The light-emitting layer (242) may be an organic light-emitting layer. The light-emitting layer (242) may emit one of red light, green light, and blue light. Alternatively, the light-emitting layer (242) may be a white light-emitting layer that emits white light, in which case it may have a stacked form of a red light-emitting layer, a green light-emitting layer, and a blue light-emitting layer, and may be a common layer formed in common with the pixels. In this case, the display panel (12) may further include separate color filters for displaying red, green, and blue.
[0072] The light-emitting layer (242) may include a hole transporting layer, a light-emitting layer, and an electron transporting layer. Additionally, the light-emitting layer (242) may be formed in a tandem structure of two or more stacks, in which case a charge-generating layer may be formed between the stacks.
[0073] A cathode electrode (243) is formed on the light-emitting layer (242). The cathode electrode (243) may be formed to cover the light-emitting layer (242). The cathode electrode (243) may be a common layer formed in common across the pixels.
[0074] When the light-emitting element layer (204) is formed in a top emission manner that emits light in an upward direction, the anode electrode (241) may be formed from a highly reflective metallic material such as a stacked structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti / Al / Ti), a stacked structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO / Al / ITO), an APC alloy, and a stacked structure of APC alloy and ITO (ITO / APC / ITO). The APC alloy is an alloy of silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), and copper (Cu). Additionally, the cathode electrode (243) may be formed from a transparent metallic material (TCO, Transparent Conductive Material) such as ITO or IZO that can transmit light, or a semi-transmissive metallic material (Semi-transmissive Conductive Material) such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy of magnesium (Mg) and silver (Ag). When the cathode electrode (243) is formed of a semi-transparent metal material, the light emission efficiency can be increased by micro-cavity.
[0075] When the light-emitting element layer (204) is formed in a bottom emission manner that emits light in a downward direction, the anode electrode (241) may be formed from a transparent conductive material (TCO) such as ITO or IZO, or a semi-transmissive conductive material such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy of magnesium (Mg) and silver (Ag). The cathode electrode (243) may be formed from a highly reflective conductive material such as a stacked structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti / Al / Ti), a stacked structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO / Al / ITO), an APC alloy, and a stacked structure of APC alloy and ITO (ITO / APC / ITO). When the anode electrode (241) is formed from a semi-transmissive conductive material, the light emission efficiency may be increased by micro-cavity.
[0076] An encapsulation layer (205) is formed on the light-emitting element layer (204). The encapsulation layer (205) serves to prevent oxygen or moisture from penetrating into the light-emitting layer (242) and the cathode electrode (243). To this end, the encapsulation layer (205) may include at least one inorganic film. The inorganic film may be formed of silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, hafnium nitride, tantalum nitride, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, or titanium oxide. Additionally, the encapsulation layer (205) may further include at least one organic film. The organic film may be formed with a sufficient thickness to prevent foreign particles from penetrating the encapsulation layer (205) and entering the light-emitting layer (242) and the cathode electrode (243). The organic film may include any one of epoxy, acrylate, or urethane acrylate.
[0077] A sensor unit (SENL) may be formed on the encapsulation layer (205). When the sensor unit (SENL) is formed directly on the encapsulation layer (205), there is an advantage in that the thickness of the display device (10) can be reduced compared to when a separate touch panel is attached to the encapsulation layer (205).
[0078] The sensor unit (SENL) may include sensor electrodes for detecting a user's touch in a capacitive manner and touch wiring connecting the pads and the sensor electrodes. For example, the sensor unit (SENL) may detect a user's touch in a self-capacitance manner or a mutual capacitance manner. FIG. 3 describes the sensor unit (SENL) as being formed in a two-layer mutual capacitance manner, comprising driving electrodes (TE), sensing electrodes (RE), and connecting portions (BE) connecting the driving electrodes (TE).
[0079] Connections (BE) may be formed on the encapsulation layer (205). The connection (BE) may be formed from a laminated structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti / Al / Ti), a laminated structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO / Al / ITO), an APC alloy, and a laminated structure of APC alloy and ITO (ITO / APC / ITO), but is not limited thereto. For example, the connection (BE) may be formed from a single layer of molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), or ITO.
[0080] A first sensing insulating film (TINS1) is formed on the connection portions (BE). The first sensing insulating film (TINS1) may be formed of an inorganic film, for example, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer.
[0081] Driving electrodes (TE) and sensing electrodes (RE) may be formed on the first sensing insulating film (TINS1). The driving electrodes (TE) and sensing electrodes (RE) may be formed from a stacked structure of aluminum and titanium (Ti / Al / Ti), a stacked structure of aluminum and ITO (ITO / Al / ITO), an APC alloy, and a stacked structure of APC alloy and ITO (ITO / APC / ITO), but are not limited thereto. For example, the driving electrodes (TE) and sensing electrodes (RE) may be formed from a single layer of molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), or ITO.
[0082] Contact holes may be formed in the first sensing insulating film (TINS1) to penetrate the first sensing insulating film (TINS1) and expose connection portions (BE). Driving electrodes (TE) may be connected to the connection portions (BE) through the contact holes.
[0083] A second sensing insulating film (TINS2) is formed on the driving electrodes (TE) and the sensing electrodes (RE). The second sensing insulating film (TINS2) can serve to flatten the step difference caused by the driving electrodes (TE), the sensing electrodes (RE), and the connection portions (BE). The second sensing insulating film (TINS2) can be formed from an organic film such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin.
[0084] Connection portions (BE) connecting adjacent driving electrodes (TE) are disposed on the encapsulation layer (205), and the driving electrodes (TE) and sensing electrodes (RE) can be disposed on the first sensing insulating film (TINS1). Thus, the driving electrodes (TE) and sensing electrodes (RE) are electrically separated at their intersections, the sensing electrodes (RE) are electrically connected in one direction, and the driving electrodes (TE) can be electrically connected in the other direction.
[0085] A polarizing film (PF) is placed on the second sensing insulating film (TINS2) and can serve to prevent the deterioration of image visibility of the display panel (12) due to external light reflection.
[0086] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a lamination device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 4, a lamination device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can laminate a cover window (11) and a display panel (12) of a display device (10). The lamination device (100) may include a fixed stage (110), a moving stage (120), a main roller (130), a guide roller (140), a support member (150), and a driving member (160).
[0088] A fixed stage (110) can support a cover window (11). One side of the fixed stage (110) may be formed in a streamlined shape, and a cover window (11) may be placed on the streamlined side of the fixed stage (110) and supported by the fixed stage (110). The streamlined side of the fixed stage (110) may be formed in the lower region of the fixed stage (110). When one side of the fixed stage (110) is formed in a streamlined shape, the fixed stage (110) can support the cover window (11) of a curved display device. When one side of the fixed stage (110) is formed as a flat surface, the fixed stage (110) can support the cover window (11) of a flat display device.
[0089] FIG. 5 is a side view of the moving stage, main roller, guide roller, support member, and driving member of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a top view of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a front view of FIG. 5.
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 5 through 7, the movable stage (120) can support the display panel (12). The movable stage (120) can be positioned below the fixed stage (110), and the display panel (12) can be seated on the upper surface of the movable stage (120). The upper surface of the movable stage (120) can be positioned to face the streamlined surface of the fixed stage (110). The movable stage (110) can move along the streamlined surface of the fixed stage (110) while the cover window (11) and the display panel (12) are in contact.
[0091] The moving stage (120) can be formed with a width such that all areas of the display panel (12) can be located inside the moving stage (120). For example, the moving stage (120) can be formed with a width such that all areas of the display panel (12) can be placed on the moving stage (120) when the display panel (12) is rotated horizontally while resting on the upper surface of the moving stage (120).
[0092] The main roller (130) is connected to the moving stage (120) and can be rotated according to the movement of the moving stage (120). The main roller (130) can be rotated around a rotation axis (131) extending in a second direction (D2) from the center of the main roller (130). The main roller (130) can be connected to the moving stage (120) by a support member (150). The main roller (130) can be connected to the moving stage (120) on the side opposite to the direction in which the moving stage (120) is moved.
[0093] The main roller (130) may come into contact with the display panel (12). The main roller (130) may be positioned at the bottom of the fixed stage (110) so that the display panel (12) in contact with the main roller (130) comes into contact with the cover window (11). While the cover window (11) and the display panel (12) are in contact, the main roller (130) may be rotated according to the movement of the moving stage (120) to press the cover window (11) and the display panel (12). The cover window (11) and the display panel (12) may be bonded together by the pressure of the main roller (130).
[0094] The top of the outer circumference of the main roller (130) and the upper surface of the moving stage (120) may be located on the same virtual plane. In other words, the virtual horizontal line extending from the top of the main roller (130) to the upper surface of the moving stage (120) may be a straight line.
[0095] The guide roller (140) may be in contact with at least a portion of the main roller (130) and rotate according to the rotation of the main roller (130). The guide roller (140) may be rotated around a rotation axis (141) extending in a second direction (D2) from the center of the guide roller (140). The rotation axis (141) of the guide roller (140) may be positioned parallel to the rotation axis (131) of the main roller (140). The guide roller (140) may be connected to the moving stage (120) by a support member (150). The guide roller (140) may be positioned to be in contact with at least a portion of the main roller (130) at the bottom of the main roller (130).
[0096] The guide roller (140) can be moved along the longitudinal direction of the main roller (130). In other words, the guide roller (140) can be moved in a second direction (D2) along the rotation axis (141) of the guide roller (140). The guide roller (140) can be moved by a driving member (160) disposed on a support member (150). The movement speed of the guide roller (140) can be the same as the movement speed of the moving stage (120).
[0097] The length of the guide roller (140) in the second direction (D2) may be formed to be shorter than the length of the main roller (130) in the second direction (D2). Additionally, the diameter of the guide roller (140) may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the main roller (130). Since the guide roller (140) is in contact with the main roller (130) and rotates by the rotation of the main roller (130), if the diameter of the guide roller (140) is formed to be larger than the diameter of the main roller (130), the rotational speed of the guide roller (140) may be slower than the rotational speed of the main roller (130). If the rotational speed of the guide roller (140) is slower than the rotational speed of the main roller (130), the movement of the guide roller (140) is easier, and the guide roller (140) can be moved more stably.
[0098] The guide roller (140) can be moved along the longitudinal direction of the main roller (130) so as to always overlap with the display panel (12) that is pressed against the cover window (11) by the main roller (130). During the process of the main roller (130) pressing the display panel (12) against the cover window (11), the main roller (130) may sag downward due to the weight of the main roller (130). If the main roller (130) sags downward, the pressure pressing the display panel (12) is reduced, the pressure between the cover window (11) and the display panel (12) weakens, and consequently, a defect in bonding between the cover window (11) and the display panel (12) may occur. The guide roller (140) moves along the longitudinal direction of the main roller (130) so as to overlap with the display panel (12) that is pressed against the cover window (11), thereby preventing the main roller (130) that presses the display panel (12) from sagging and preventing defects in bonding between the cover window (11) and the display panel (12).
[0099] The support member (150) is connected to the moving stage (120) and can rotatably support the rotation axis (131) of the main roller (130) and the rotation axis (141) of the guide roller (140). The support member (150) can extend from one side of the moving stage (120) (left side of FIG. 5) to the side opposite to the direction in which the moving stage (120) moves (right side of FIG. 5) (left side of FIG. 5).
[0100] Support members (150) are provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple support members (150) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction (D2). Both sides of the rotation axis (131) of the main roller (130) and both sides of the rotation axis (141) of the guide roller (140) are rotatably connected to the support members (150) spaced apart in the second direction (D2), so that the main roller (130) and the guide roller (140) can be rotated.
[0101] The driving member (160) can move the guide roller (140). The driving member (160) may be provided as a step motor or a linear motor, etc., placed on the support member (150). The driving member (160) can move the guide roller (140) in the longitudinal direction of the main roller (130). In other words, the driving member (160) can move the guide roller (140) in a second direction (D2) along the rotation axis (141) of the guide roller (140).
[0102] The driving member (160) can move the guide roller (140) so that the guide roller (140) overlaps with the display panel (12) that is pressed against the cover window (11) by the main roller (130). The driving member (160) can move the guide roller (140) so that the moving speed of the moving stage (120) and the moving speed of the guide roller (140) are the same.
[0103] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a method for manufacturing a display device (10) using a lamination device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0104] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a lamination device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state where the cover window and the display panel begin to be pressed. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the moving stage, main roller, guide roller, support member, and driving member of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a front view of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a lamination device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state where the cover window and the display panel are being pressed. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the moving stage, main roller, guide roller, support member, and driving member of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a front view of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a lamination device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state where the pressing of the cover window and the display panel ends. FIG. 15 is a plan view of the moving stage, main roller, guide roller, support member, and driving member of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a front view of FIG. 15.
[0105] A method for manufacturing a display device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the steps of: placing a cover window (11) on a fixed stage (110); placing a display panel (12) on the upper surface of a moving stage (120) such that a part of the display panel (12) is positioned on a main roller (130); placing a moving stage (120) such that a part of the display panel (12) positioned on the main roller (130) contacts the cover window (11); rotating the main roller (130) by moving the moving stage (120) along the fixed stage (110) to press the cover window (11) and the display panel (12); and moving a guide roller (140) in the longitudinal direction of the main roller (130).
[0106] In the step where a cover window (11) is placed on a fixed stage (110), the cover window (11) may be placed on a streamlined surface of the fixed stage (110). The streamlined surface of the fixed stage (110) may be formed in the lower region of the fixed stage (110).
[0107] In the step where a display panel (12) is positioned on the upper surface of a moving stage (120) such that a part of the display panel (12) is positioned on the main roller (130), a part of the display panel (12) may be positioned on the main roller (130), and the remaining part of the display panel (12) may be positioned on the upper surface of the moving stage (120). For example, if the display panel (12) has a polygonal planar shape including multiple sides, the part of the display panel (12) positioned on the main roller (130) may be one of the multiple sides of the display panel (12). One side of the display panel (12) positioned on the main roller (130) may be positioned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main roller (130). (See FIG. 9) If part of the display panel (12) located on the main roller (130) is an edge portion of the display panel (12), the initial area where the cover window (11) and the display panel (12) are pressed is small, so a defect in bonding between the cover window (11) and the display panel (12) may occur.
[0108] Referring to FIGS. 8 through 10, in the step where a moving stage (120) is positioned so that a part of the display panel (12) located on the main roller (130) contacts the cover window (11), the moving stage (120) may be positioned below the fixed stage (110). The moving stage (120) may be positioned below the fixed stage (110) so that a part of the display panel (12) located on the main roller (130) contacts one side (left side of FIG. 8) of the cover window (11) seated on the fixed stage (110). Since a part of the display panel (12) located on the main roller (130) is positioned on one side (left side of FIG. 10) of the main roller (130), the guide roller (140) may be positioned below one side (left side of FIG. 10) of the main roller (130) to support the main roller (130).
[0109] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, in the step where the main roller (130) is rotated by moving the movable stage (120) along the fixed stage (110) to press the cover window (11) and the display panel (12), the movable stage (120) can be moved along one side formed in a streamlined shape of the fixed stage (110). Accordingly, the main roller (130) can be moved and rotated along one side formed in a streamlined shape of the fixed stage (110). The main roller (130), which is rotated by the movement of the movable stage (120), can press the display panel (12) against the cover window (11) to bond the cover window (11) and the display panel (12). Since the display panel (12) located on the main roller (130) is positioned at the center of the main roller (130), the guide roller (140) can be positioned at the lower part of the center of the main roller (130) to support the main roller (130). (See Fig. 13)
[0110] In the step where the guide roller (140) is moved along the longitudinal direction of the main roller (130), the guide roller (140) may be moved along the longitudinal direction of the main roller (130) so as to always overlap with the cover window (11) and the display panel (12) that is pressed by the main roller (130). The guide roller (140) may be moved by the operation of a driving member (160), and the driving member (160) may move the guide roller (140) at the same speed as the moving speed of the moving stage (120).
[0111] The diameter of the guide roller (140) may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the main roller (130). Since the guide roller (140) is in contact with the main roller (130) and rotates by the rotation of the main roller (130), if the diameter of the guide roller (140) is formed to be larger than the diameter of the main roller (130), the rotational speed of the guide roller (140) may be slower than the rotational speed of the main roller (130). If the rotational speed of the guide roller (140) is slower than the rotational speed of the main roller (130), the movement of the guide roller (140) is easier, and the guide roller (140) can be moved more stably.
[0112] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, the moving stage (120) is continuously moved along a streamlined surface of the fixed stage (110) so that the main roller (130) can be positioned on the other side of the cover window (11) (right side of FIG. 14). During the process of moving the main roller (130) to the other side of the cover window (11) (right side of FIG. 14), the cover window (11) and the display panel (12) are pressed by the rotation of the main roller (130), so that the entire cover window (11) and the entire display panel (12) can be bonded together. Since the display panel (12) positioned on the main roller (130) is placed on the other side of the main roller (130) (right side of FIG. 16), the guide roller (140) can be positioned below the other side of the main roller (130) (right side of FIG. 16) to support the main roller (130).
[0113] A display device manufactured using a lamination device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various electronic devices. An electronic device according to one embodiment includes the display device described above and may further include a module or device having additional functions other than the display device.
[0114] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to one embodiment.
[0115] Referring to FIG. 17, an electronic device (10000) according to one embodiment may include a display module (10001), a processor (10002), a memory (10003), and a power module (10004).
[0116] The processor (10002) may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a communication processor (CP), an image signal processor (ISP), and a controller.
[0117] The memory (10003) may store data information necessary for the operation of the processor (10002) or the display module (10001). When the processor (10002) executes an application stored in the memory (10003), a video data signal and / or an input control signal is transmitted to the display module (10001), and the display module (10001) can process the received signal and output video information through a display screen.
[0118] The power module (10004) may include a power supply module, such as a power adapter or battery device, and a power conversion module that converts the power supplied by the power supply module to generate power necessary for the operation of the electronic device (10000).
[0119] At least one of each component of the electronic device (10000) described above may be included within a display device according to the embodiments described above. Additionally, some of the individual modules functionally included within a single module may be included within the display device, while others may be provided separately from the display device. For example, the display device may include a display module (10001), and the processor (10002), memory (10003), and power module (10004) may be provided in the form of other devices within the electronic device (10000) other than the display device.
[0120] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to various embodiments.
[0121] Referring to FIG. 18, various electronic devices to which a display device according to the embodiments is applied may include not only image display electronic devices such as a smartphone (10000_1a), a tablet PC (10000_1b), a laptop (10000_1c), a TV (10000_1d), and a desk monitor (10000_1e), but also wearable electronic devices including display modules such as smart glasses (10000_2a), a head-mounted display (10000_2b), and a smart watch (10000_2c), and automotive electronic devices (10000_3) including display modules such as a CID (Center Information Display) and a room mirror display placed on the instrument panel, center fascia, and dashboard of a car.
[0122] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features thereof. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Explanation of the symbols
[0123] 100: Lamination device 110: Fixed stage 120: Movement Stage 130: Main roller 131: Rotation axis 140: Guide roller 141: Rotation axis 150: Support member 160: Driving member
Claims
Claim 1 A lamination device comprising: a fixed stage supporting a cover window; a movable stage supporting a display panel and moving along the fixed stage; a main roller connected to the movable stage and rotating according to the movement of the movable stage and pressing the display panel against the cover window; and a guide roller in contact with at least a portion of the main roller, rotating according to the rotation of the main roller and moving along the longitudinal direction of the main roller. Claim 2 A lamination device according to claim 1, further comprising: a support member connected to the moving stage and rotatably supporting the rotation axis of the main roller and the rotation axis of the guide roller; and a driving member for moving the guide roller. Claim 3 A lamination device according to paragraph 2, wherein the rotation axis of the main roller and the rotation axis of the guide roller are arranged to be parallel to each other. Claim 4 In paragraph 2, the above driving member moves the guide roller along the rotation axis of the guide roller, a lamination device. Claim 5 A lamination device according to claim 1, wherein the moving speed of the guide roller is the same as the moving speed of the moving stage. Claim 6 A lamination device according to claim 1, wherein, when the display panel is rotated horizontally while supported by the moving stage, all areas of the display panel are positioned on the moving stage. Claim 7 A lamination device according to claim 1, wherein the length of the guide roller is shorter than the length of the main roller. Claim 8 A lamination device according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the main roller is smaller than the diameter of the guide roller. Claim 9 A lamination device according to claim 1, wherein the guide roller moves along the longitudinal direction of the main roller so as to overlap with the display panel that is pressed against the cover window by the main roller. Claim 10 A lamination device according to claim 1, wherein the upper end of the outer circumference of the main roller and the upper surface of the moving stage are located on the same virtual plane. Claim 11 A lamination device according to claim 1, wherein the rotational speed of the main roller is faster than the rotational speed of the guide roller. Claim 12 A method for manufacturing a display device comprising: a step of placing a cover window on a fixed stage; a step of placing a display panel on the upper surface of a moving stage such that a part of the display panel is positioned on a main roller; a step of placing the moving stage such that the part of the display panel positioned on the main roller is in contact with the cover window; a step of rotating the main roller to press the cover window and the display panel as the moving stage moves along the fixed stage; and a step of moving a guide roller in the longitudinal direction of the main roller. Claim 13 In claim 12, the display panel comprises a plurality of sides, and in the step of placing the display panel on the upper surface of the moving stage such that a part of the display panel is positioned on the main roller, the part of the display panel positioned on the main roller is one of the plurality of sides of the display panel, a method for manufacturing a display device. Claim 14 A method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 13, wherein one side of the display panel located on the main roller is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main roller. Claim 15 A method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 12, wherein the moving speed of the guide roller is the same as the moving speed of the moving stage. Claim 16 A method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 12, wherein the guide roller is in contact with at least a part of the main roller and rotates according to the rotation of the main roller, and the rotational speed of the main roller is faster than the rotational speed of the guide roller. Claim 17 In claim 12, a method for manufacturing a display device wherein the diameter of the main roller is smaller than the diameter of the guide roller. Claim 18 A method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 12, wherein, in the step in which the guide roller is moved in the longitudinal direction of the main roller, the guide roller is moved along the longitudinal direction of the main roller so as to overlap with the display panel that is pressed against the cover window by the main roller. Claim 19 An electronic device comprising a display device manufactured by a lamination device, wherein the lamination device comprises: a fixed stage supporting a cover window; a movable stage supporting a display panel and moving along the fixed stage; a main roller connected to the movable stage and rotating according to the movement of the movable stage and pressing the display panel against the cover window; and a guide roller in contact with at least a portion of the main roller, rotating according to the rotation of the main roller and moving along the longitudinal direction of the main roller. Claim 20 An electronic device according to claim 19, further comprising at least one of: a processor; a memory in which data of one or more of the display device and the processor is stored; and a power module that supplies power to the display device, the processor and the memory.