Method for peeling off protective film and method for manufacturing display device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for stripping a protective film and a method for manufacturing a display device, the method for stripping a protective film comprising: providing a panel lower sheet, wherein a protective film is provided on one surface of the panel lower sheet, and the protective film has a bending line extending in a first direction parallel to an opposite side of the protective film; clamping a portion of the protective film; moving the clamped portion of the protective film in a second direction; and moving the panel lower sheet in a third direction perpendicular to the bending line, wherein the second direction intersects with the first direction and the third direction.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and all benefits arising from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0028518, filed on Mar. 13, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a method of peeling off a protective film and a method of manufacturing a display device including the method of peeling off a protective film. Background Art

[0004] The display device is a device that displays an image, and generally includes a display panel such as an organic light-emitting display panel or a liquid crystal display panel. The panel lower sheet is generally attached to the lower portion of the display panel. The panel lower sheet may include various functional sheets for protecting the display panel from heat and external impact, etc. In addition, the panel lower sheet may also include an input auxiliary device such as a digital converter or a driving device that is difficult to be disposed on the upper portion of the display panel.

[0005] The panel lower sheet may include a panel lower sheet substrate and a protective film. The protective film protects the panel lower sheet substrate during manufacturing and transportation of the panel lower sheet. In the case where the panel lower sheet is attached to the display panel during the manufacturing process, the protective film may be peeled off to be removed. Summary of the invention

[0006] In a display device in which a panel lower sheet is attached to a display panel including a curved portion during a manufacturing process, preforming may be performed to precisely align the display panel and the panel lower sheet before the panel lower sheet is attached to the display panel. When preforming is performed in a state in which a protective film is attached to one surface of the panel lower sheet, a curved portion is also formed on the protective film. When the protective film includes the curved portion, it may be difficult to peel the protective film from the panel lower sheet.

[0007] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a panel lower sheet including a protective film, which reduces a peeling force when peeling the protective film.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a method of peeling a protective film which reduces peeling force when peeling the protective film including a bent portion, and a method of manufacturing a display device.

[0009] An embodiment of a method for peeling off a protective film includes: providing a panel lower sheet, wherein a protective film is provided on one surface of the panel lower sheet and the protective film has a bending line extending in a first direction parallel to an opposite side of the protective film; clamping a portion of the protective film; moving the clamped portion of the protective film in a second direction; and moving the panel lower sheet in a third direction perpendicular to the bending line, wherein the second direction intersects with the first direction and the third direction.

[0010] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, providing the panel lower piece includes: preforming the panel lower piece in a set shape so as to form the bending line.

[0011] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, clamping the protective film includes: clamping the protective film using the clamping device in such a manner that one side of the clamping device is parallel to the bending line.

[0012] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the protection film includes a covering portion overlapping the panel lower sheet in the second direction.

[0013] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a drawstring portion is defined at one end of the covering portion; and the clamping device clamps the drawstring portion.

[0014] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the protection film further includes a clamping portion that does not overlap with the panel lower sheet in the second direction and extends outward from the panel lower sheet.

[0015] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a boundary line between the covering portion and the clamping portion is parallel to the bending line.

[0016] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a length of one side of the clamping device in the first direction is greater than a length of one side of the clamping portion in the first direction.

[0017] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the clamping device is rotatable about an axis.

[0018] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, moving the panel lower sheet includes: supporting and fixing the one surface of the panel lower sheet by a vacuum suction device.

[0019] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, moving the panel lower sheet further comprises: moving the vacuum suction device in the third direction.

[0020] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the protective film includes a film layer and an adhesive layer.

[0021] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the film layer is attached to the one surface of the panel lower sheet via the adhesive layer, and the bonding force between the adhesive layer and the one surface of the panel lower sheet is smaller than the bonding force between the adhesive layer and the film layer.

[0022] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the panel lower piece includes a flat portion and a curved portion.

[0023] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an angle formed between one surface of the flat portion and one surface of the curved portion is in a range of about 90° to about 120°.

[0024] A method for manufacturing a display device includes: providing a panel lower sheet substrate, wherein a protective film is provided on one surface of the panel lower sheet substrate, and the protective film is preformed to have a bending line extending in a first direction parallel to an opposite side of the protective film; peeling off the protective film; and after peeling off the protective film, attaching a display panel to the one surface of the panel lower sheet substrate. In such an embodiment, peeling off the protective film includes: clamping a portion of the protective film using a clamping device in such a manner that one side of the clamping device is parallel to the bending line; moving the clamped portion of the protective film in a second direction; and moving the panel lower sheet in a third direction perpendicular to the bending line, wherein the second direction intersects the first direction and the third direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of a display device;

[0028] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III';

[0029] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a lower sheet of a panel according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0030] Figure 5A is a plan view showing a digitizer according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A An enlarged view of the circled portion A in FIG.

[0032] Figure 5C yes Figure 5A An enlarged view of the circled portion B in FIG.

[0033] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5A A cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI';

[0034] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0035] Figure 8 is a side view showing a state in which a protective film is attached to a lower sheet of a panel;

[0036] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B is a view showing an operation of preforming a panel lower sheet and a protective film;

[0037] Fig.10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a panel lower sheet and a protective film are preformed;

[0038] Fig.11 is a plan view showing a state in which the clamping device clamps the protective film;

[0039] Fig.12 and Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of peeling off the protective film, wherein Fig.12 It is along Fig.11 A cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII';

[0040] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B is a view showing a side cutting process according to an alternative exemplary embodiment;

[0041] Fig.15 is a perspective view showing a state in which a panel lower sheet and a protective film are preformed according to an alternative exemplary embodiment;

[0042] Fig.16 is a plan view showing a state in which a clamping device clamps a protective film according to an alternative exemplary embodiment; and

[0043] Fig.17 and Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of peeling off a protective film according to an alternative exemplary embodiment, wherein Fig.17 It is along Fig.16A cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII'. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which various embodiments are shown. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be sufficient and complete and will fully convey the concepts of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art, and the inventive concept will be limited only by the appended claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0045] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the inventive concept. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "a kind of" and "the" are also intended to include plural forms. "Or" means "and / or". "At least one (kind) of A and B" means "A and / or B". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more related listed items. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "include" and / or "comprise" or "contain" and / or "have" illustrate the presence of stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups.

[0046] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0047] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Thus, without departing from the teachings herein, the "first element", "component", "region", "layer" or "part" discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0048] As used herein, "about" or "substantially" are inclusive of the stated value and mean within an acceptable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the measurements in question and errors associated with measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., limitations of the measurement system).

[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. It will also be understood that, unless explicitly defined as such herein, terms such as those defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0050] In this article, exemplary embodiments are described with reference to cross-sectional views as schematic diagrams of idealized embodiments. Thus, variations in the shapes of the diagrams, for example due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are expected. Thus, the embodiments described herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific shapes of the regions as shown herein, but rather include deviations in shapes, for example, caused by manufacturing. For example, a region shown or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. In addition, the sharp corners shown may be rounded. Thus, the regions shown in the accompanying drawings are schematic in nature, and the shapes of the regions are not intended to illustrate the precise shapes of the regions, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0051] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of a display device. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'.

[0053] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , an exemplary embodiment of a display device 70 includes a display panel 20 and a panel lower sheet 10 disposed below the display panel 20. The display device 70 may further include a window 40 disposed on the display panel 20. In such an embodiment, the display device 70 may further include a bracket 60 disposed below the panel lower sheet 10.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms “upper,” “top,” and “upper surface” refer to the display surface side of the display panel 20 , and the terms “lower,” “bottom,” and “lower surface” refer to the side of the display panel 20 opposite to the display surface.

[0055] The display device 70 may have a rectangular shape in a plan view. The display device 70 may have two long sides and two short sides. The angle at which the long side intersects the short side may be a right angle, or may have a rectangular shape as shown in FIG. Figure 1 However, the plan view shape of the display device 70 is not limited to the shape shown, but the display device 70 may have a circular shape or other shapes in plan view.

[0056] The display panel 20 is a panel that displays an image, and may be, for example, an organic light-emitting display panel. Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of description, an exemplary embodiment in which the display panel 20 is an organic light-emitting display panel will be described in detail, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display panel 20 may be one of other types of display panels such as a liquid crystal display device and an electrophoretic display device.

[0057] The display panel 20 includes a plurality of organic light emitting elements disposed on a substrate. The substrate may be a rigid substrate including or made of glass or the like, or may be a flexible substrate including or made of polyimide or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, in the case where the substrate is a polyimide substrate, the display panel 20 may be bendable, foldable, or rollable.

[0058] The window 40 is disposed on the display panel 20. The window 40 is disposed on the display panel 20 to protect the display panel 20 and transmit light emitted from the display panel 20. The window 40 may include or be made of glass or the like.

[0059] The window 40 may be arranged to overlap the display panel 20 and cover the front surface of the display panel 20. The window 40 may be larger than the display panel 20. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the window 40 may further protrude outward from the display panel 20 at two short sides of the display device 70. In such an embodiment, Figure 3 As shown in , the window 40 may even protrude outward from the display panel 20 at both long sides of the display device 70 , but the protruding distance at the two short sides may be greater than the protruding distance at the two long sides.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, a touch member 30 may be provided between the display panel 20 and the window 40. The touch member 30 may be a rigid panel type, a flexible panel type, or a film type. The touch member 30 may have substantially the same size as the display panel 20 and may be provided to overlap the display panel 20, and the side surface of the touch member 30 and the side surface of the display panel 20 may be aligned with each other, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The display panel 20 and the touch member 30 and the touch member 30 and the window 40 may be coupled by transparent coupling layers 52 and 53, the transparent coupling layers 52 and 53 including an optically clear adhesive ("OCA") or an optically clear resin ("OCR"), etc. or made of an optically clear adhesive ("OCA") or an optically clear resin ("OCR"), etc. In an optional exemplary embodiment, the touch member 30 may be omitted. In such an embodiment, the display panel 20 and the window 40 may be coupled by a transparent coupling layer including an OCA or an OCR, etc. or made of an OCA or an OCR, etc. In an optional exemplary embodiment, the display panel 20 may include a touch electrode portion therein.

[0061] The panel lower sheet 10 is disposed under the display panel 20. The panel lower sheet 10 may be attached to the lower surface of the display panel 20 by OCA, OCR, or a pressure sensitive adhesive ("PSA"), or the like.

[0062] The panel lower sheet 10 may have substantially the same size as the display panel 20 and be arranged to overlap the display panel 20, and the side surface of the panel lower sheet 10 and the side surface of the display panel 20 may be aligned with each other, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The panel lower sheet 10 may perform a heat dissipation function, an electromagnetic wave shielding function, a pattern visibility prevention function, a grounding function, a buffering function, a strength reinforcement function, and / or a digitization function. The panel lower sheet 10 may include a functional layer having at least one of the above functions. The functional layer may be provided in any form such as a layer, a diaphragm, a film, a sheet, a plate, or a panel.

[0063] The panel lower sheet 10 may include one or more functional layers. In an exemplary embodiment, when the panel lower sheet 10 includes a plurality of functional layers, the functional layers may be stacked to overlap each other. A functional layer may be directly stacked on another functional layer, or may be disposed on another functional layer through a coupling layer.

[0064] Next, other optional exemplary embodiments of the panel lower sheet 10 will be described in more detail.

[0065] The bracket 60 is disposed below the panel lower sheet 10. The bracket 60 accommodates the window 40, the touch member 30, the display panel 20, and the panel lower sheet 10. The bracket 60 may have a bottom surface and a side wall. The bottom surface of the bracket 60 faces the lower surface of the panel lower sheet 10, and the side wall of the bracket 60 faces the side surface of the window 40, the side surface of the touch member 30, the side surface of the display panel 20, and the side surface of the panel lower sheet 10.

[0066] Although not shown in the drawings, waterproof tape may be provided at the edge of the bottom surface of the bracket 60. The waterproof tape provided adjacent to the long side may be attached to the lower surface of the panel lower sheet 10, and the waterproof tape provided adjacent to the short side may be attached to the lower surface of the window 40.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device 70 may include a flat portion FA and a curved (bent or bent) portion BA connected to the flat portion FA and disposed at the periphery of the flat portion FA. The flat portion FA is generally flat and disposed on a plane. The curved portion BA is not disposed coplanar with the flat portion FA. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the curved portion BA may be bent or bent in a downward direction from the plane on which the flat portion FA is disposed.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, the bent portion BA may include a bent surface convexly bent in its outward direction. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the bent portion BA may include a flat surface, and the flat surface of the bent portion BA may be disposed on a plane forming an angle with a plane of the flat portion FA.

[0069] The bent portion BA may be provided at both long sides or one long side of the display device 70 having a rectangular shape. Alternatively, although not shown in the drawings, short sides of the display device 70 may also be bent.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, as described above, the display panel 20 , the touch member 30 , the window 40 , the panel lower sheet 10 , and the bracket 60 may all be disposed in the flat portion FA and the bent portion BA.

[0071] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the panel lower sheet will be described in more detail.

[0072] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a lower panel sheet according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4The entire flat panel lower sheet is shown in FIG. It will be understood that when the panel lower sheet having a flat shape is attached to a display panel having a flat shape, the flat shape is maintained, but when the panel lower sheet is attached to a curved display panel, the panel lower sheet is curved together with the curved display panel and thus, is divided into a flat portion and a curved portion.

[0073] refer to Figure 4 , an exemplary embodiment of the panel lower sheet 10 includes a cover panel portion 100 and a wiring pattern portion 200 disposed under the cover panel portion 100 .

[0074] The cover panel portion 100 includes a cover substrate 110 , a first light absorbing layer 120 disposed on an upper surface of the cover substrate 110 , and a first interlayer coupling layer 140 disposed on a lower surface of the cover substrate 110 .

[0075] The covering substrate 110 may include at least one selected from polyethylene terephthalate ("PET"), polyimide ("PI"), polycarbonate ("PC"), polyethylene ("PE"), polypropylene ("PP"), polysulfone ("PSF"), polymethyl methacrylate ("PMMA"), triacetyl cellulose ("TAC"), cycloolefin polymer ("COP"), and the like.

[0076] The first light absorbing layer 120 is disposed on the upper surface of the cover substrate 110. The first light absorbing layer 120 may be directly disposed on the upper surface of the cover substrate 110. The first light absorbing layer 120 is disposed to completely cover the wiring pattern 200a thereunder. The first light absorbing layer 120 may be disposed on the entire upper surface of the cover substrate 110.

[0077] The first light absorbing layer 120 prevents transmission of light to prevent the wiring pattern 200a of the wiring pattern portion 200 below the first light absorbing layer 120 from being seen from above. The first light absorbing layer 120 may include a light absorbing material such as a black pigment or dye. The first light absorbing layer 120 may include black ink. The first light absorbing layer 120 may be provided or formed on the upper surface of the cover substrate 110 by a coating method or a printing method. Below, the first light absorbing layer 120 will be described in more detail.

[0078] The first interlayer coupling layer 140 is disposed on the lower surface of the cover substrate 110. The first interlayer coupling layer 140 couples the cover substrate 110 and the wiring pattern portion 200 to each other. In such an embodiment, the first interlayer coupling layer 140 is used to couple the cover panel portion 100 with the wiring pattern portion 200. In such an embodiment, the first interlayer coupling layer 140 is included in the cover panel portion 100, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the first interlayer coupling layer 140 may be included in the wiring pattern portion 200, or may be defined as a separate member.

[0079] The first interlayer coupling layer 140 may include a polymer material such as a silicone polymer, a urethane polymer, a silicone-urethane ("SU") hybrid polymer, an acrylic polymer, an isocyanate polymer, a polyvinyl alcohol polymer, a gelatin polymer, a vinyl polymer, a latex polymer, a polyester polymer, an aqueous polyester polymer, etc. The wiring pattern portion 200 may include a wiring pattern 200a and insulating layers 200b and 200c surrounding the lower and upper portions of the wiring pattern 200a. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in , the wiring pattern portion 200 may include a first insulating layer 200b, a wiring pattern 200a disposed on the upper surface of the first insulating layer 200b, and a second insulating layer 200c covering the upper surface of the wiring pattern 200a. The wiring pattern 200a covers a portion of the upper surface of the first insulating layer 200b and exposes the rest of the upper surface of the first insulating layer 200b. The second insulating layer 200c may be disposed not only on the upper surface and side surface of each wiring pattern 200a, but also on the exposed upper surface of the first insulating layer 200b.

[0080] The wiring pattern 200a may include a metal material such as copper, silver, nickel or tungsten. The wiring pattern 200a may be composed of a single layer or a plurality of stacked layers. In an exemplary embodiment, the wiring pattern 200a may be a double layer including a lower copper layer and an upper copper layer. The wiring pattern 200a may be configured to be at least one of a wire, an electrode, a floating wire and a floating electrode for transmitting a signal.

[0081] Each of the first insulating layer 200b and the second insulating layer 200c may include or be made of an organic insulating material, an inorganic insulating material, or a binder such as an adhesive material or a glue material.

[0082] In an exemplary embodiment, the wiring pattern portion 200 may be a digitizer. Unlike an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse, a digitizer is an input device that receives position information indicated by a user on a screen. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the digitizer detects movement of a stylus pen and converts the movement into a digital signal. The digitizer may be provided in the form of a film or a panel. Figure 6 Describing the wiring pattern portion 200 in more detail is an exemplary embodiment of the digitizer. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and alternatively, various members including wiring patterns such as a printed circuit board and a flexible printed circuit board may be defined by the wiring pattern portion 200.

[0083] The cover substrate 110, the first light absorbing layer 120 and the first interlayer coupling layer 140 of the cover panel portion 100, and the first insulating layer 200b and the second insulating layer 200c of the wiring pattern portion 200 may all overlap each other, and their side surfaces may be aligned with each other. Each side surface may be a cutting surface. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, in the case where a mother panel lower sheet is formed and then the mother panel lower sheet is cut to obtain a plurality of individual panel lower sheets 10, all of the above side surfaces correspond to cutting surfaces.

[0084] In the case where the wiring pattern 200a includes a material such as metal or is made of a material such as metal, the wiring pattern 200a reflects light incident from above well due to its high reflectivity. When the reflected light is emitted toward the display screen, the user may perceive the shape of the wiring pattern 200a. Thus, the reflected light may adversely affect the image quality of the display device 70. The first light absorbing layer 120 prevents the reflected light from being emitted toward the screen. The first light absorbing layer 120 prevents light from being primarily transmitted downward, and prevents the reflected light from being secondarily transmitted upward.

[0085] The first light absorbing layer 120 may have a sufficient or effective thickness to prevent the pattern of the wiring pattern 200a from being visible. When the thickness of the first light absorbing layer 120 is greater than or equal to about 2 micrometers (μm), the first light absorbing layer 120 may have an optical density ("OD") of about 3.4 or more. Therefore, the reflectivity of the wiring pattern 200a in the screen direction may be sufficiently reduced, thereby preventing the reflection phenomenon of the wiring pattern 200a. When the thickness of the first light absorbing layer 120 is greater than or equal to about 4 μm, the first light absorbing layer 120 may have an OD of about 5 or more. Therefore, even when the stepped portion of the wiring pattern 200a causes the surface of its upper layer to be uneven to some extent, the reflection phenomenon of the wiring pattern 200a may be prevented.

[0086] As the thickness of the first light absorbing layer 120 increases, the optical density further increases. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the first light absorbing layer 120 may be less than or equal to 10 μm in consideration of efficiency of coating and printing processes, durability, and thinning of a display device, etc.

[0087] Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment in which the wiring pattern portion 200 is a digitizer will be described in detail.

[0088] Figure 5A is a plan view illustrating a digitizer according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5B yes Figure 5A An enlarged view of the circled portion A in FIG. Figure 5C yes Figure 5A An enlarged view of the circled portion B in FIG. Figure 6 It is along Figure 5A A cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI'.

[0089] refer to FIG. 5A to FIG. 6 , the digital converter 201 includes a base layer 210, a first wiring layer 220 disposed on the upper surface of the base layer 210, and a second wiring layer 230 disposed on the lower surface of the base layer 210. The digital converter 201 may further include: a first coverlay 240 configured to cover the upper side of the first wiring layer 220, a second coverlay 250 configured to cover the lower side of the second wiring layer 230, a signal shielding sheet 260, and a fifth interlayer coupling layer 261 between the signal shielding sheet 260 and the second coverlay 250. In an exemplary embodiment, the first coverlay 240 may include a first layer 241 and a second layer 242, and the second coverlay 250 may include a first layer 251 and a second layer 252. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper surface of the first coverlay 240 may be coupled to Figure 4 The lower surface of the first interlayer coupling layer 140 shown in FIG. 1 and the lower surface of the signal shielding sheet 260 may be coupled to Figure 8 The membrane coupling layer 320 is shown in FIG.

[0090] The base layer 210 may be a base on which the wiring layers 220 and 230 may be provided or formed. The base layer 210 may include an insulating material or be made of an insulating material. The base layer 210 may include an inorganic material such as glass or be made of an inorganic material such as glass, or the base layer 210 may include an organic material or be made of an organic material to achieve flexible characteristics. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the base layer 210 may include at least one selected from PI, PET, PC, PE, PP, PSF, PMMA, TAC, and COP, etc., or may be made of at least one selected from PI, PET, PC, PE, PP, PSF, PMMA, TAC, and COP, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the base layer 210 may include PI.

[0091] The first wiring layer 220 and the second wiring layer 230 are respectively disposed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the base layer 210. The first wiring layer 220 and the second wiring layer 230 may be directly disposed or formed directly on the surface of the base layer 210. The first wiring layer 220 and the second wiring layer 230 may include a metal material such as copper, silver, nickel, or tungsten, or be made of a metal material such as copper, silver, nickel, or tungsten. In an embodiment, as Figure 6 As shown in , the first wiring layer 220 and the second wiring layer 230 may be formed as a single film, but are not limited thereto. Alternatively, the first wiring layer 220 and the second wiring layer 230 may be formed as a plurality of stacked films. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the first wiring layer 220 and the second wiring layer 230 may include a first copper film and a second copper film stacked on each other.

[0092] The first wiring layer 220 includes a plurality of first wiring patterns 221 and a first ground wiring 222. The second wiring layer 230 includes a plurality of second wiring patterns 231 and a second ground wiring 232.

[0093] A plurality of first wiring patterns 221 may extend in a first direction (e.g., a long side direction). A plurality of second wiring patterns 231 may extend in a second direction (e.g., a short side direction intersecting the first direction). In an exemplary embodiment, the first wiring patterns 221 and the second wiring patterns 231 may be mostly disposed on the flat portion FA and may not be disposed on the bent portion BA. Alternatively, some of the first wiring patterns 221 and the second wiring patterns 231 may be disposed in the bent portion BA.

[0094] The plurality of first wiring patterns 221 and the plurality of second wiring patterns 231 may collectively define a wiring pattern group. Figure 5BAs shown in FIG. 2 , five wiring patterns of the first wiring pattern 221 and five wiring patterns of the second wiring pattern 231 may form one wiring pattern group. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various numbers of wiring patterns may collectively define or collectively form a wiring pattern group.

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, if Figure 5A As shown in , the separation distance between the wiring pattern group and the wiring pattern group may be greater than the separation distance between the wiring patterns 221 and 231 in the wiring pattern group. In an exemplary embodiment, as described above, when the separation distance in a specific area is large, the step portion of the corresponding area may be greatly reflected on its upper portion, and thus, the pattern may be visible. In such an embodiment, the first light absorbing layer and / or the second light absorbing layer are provided on the first wiring pattern 221 and the second wiring pattern 231 so that the pattern can be prevented from being visible as described above.

[0096] A region where the wiring pattern group of the first wiring patterns 221 and the wiring pattern group of the second wiring patterns 231 intersect each other may become a coordinate electrode portion CE which is a basic unit for position recognition.

[0097] Each of the first ground wiring 222 and the second ground wiring 232 is disposed in the bent portion BA. The first ground wiring 222 and the second ground wiring 232 may extend in the long side direction in the same manner as the first wiring pattern 221. The first ground wiring 222 and the second ground wiring 232 substantially overlap each other. The first ground wiring 222 and the second ground wiring 232 are illustrated in the drawings as completely overlapping each other, and appear to completely overlap when viewed from above, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0098] Each of the first ground wiring 222 and the second ground wiring 232 has a slit SL. The slit SL may extend in the same direction as the bending direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the first ground wiring 222 and the second ground wiring 232 are divided into sub-wirings with the slit SL between the sub-wirings, but the first ground wiring 222 and the second ground wiring 232 may be connected at their ends. In such an embodiment, the slit SL may be surrounded by the first ground wiring 222 and the second ground wiring 232. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and optionally, the slit SL may extend to the ends of the first ground wiring 222 and the second ground wiring 232 to divide the first ground wiring 222 and the second ground wiring 232 into sub-wirings at the ends. In an exemplary embodiment, as Figure 5CAs shown in FIG. 2 , two slits SL are defined in the first and second ground wirings 222 and 232 to divide the first and second ground wirings 222 and 232 into three sub-wirings, but the number of the slits SL may be variously modified to, for example, one or three or more. The slits SL may be used to reduce bending stress.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the first ground wiring 222 and the second ground wiring 232 have a relatively wide width. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the width of the first ground wiring 222 and the second ground wiring 232 may be greater than the width of the first wiring pattern 221 and the second wiring pattern 231. When the first ground wiring 222 and the second ground wiring 232 disposed in the bending portion BA are wide, the first ground wiring 222 and the second ground wiring 232 receive a large stress at their respective portions when attached to the display panel 20 to be bent together with the display panel 20. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, when the first ground wiring 222 and the second ground wiring 232 include copper or are made of copper, since the bending resistance is large, the panel lower sheet may not be properly attached, or the bonding force may be weakened even after the panel lower sheet is attached.

[0100] In the exemplary embodiment, as described above, the slits SL are formed in the first ground wiring 222 and the second ground wiring 232, and the effect of reducing the width of the first ground wiring 222 and the width of the second ground wiring 232 in terms of bending stress can be obtained. Figure 6 As shown in , flexibility is ensured at the slit SL where there is no wiring material, and thus, bending can be appropriately performed.

[0101] In such an embodiment, the slit SL may also play an active role in preventing the pattern from being visible. If the first ground wiring 222 and the second ground wiring 232 are formed as box-shaped wirings not including the slit SL, due to their wide areas, reflection of light may further occur, and thus, the corresponding area may be easily seen from the outside. In an exemplary embodiment, the box-shaped wiring is divided by the slit SL, so that the reflectivity can be reduced, so that the pattern can be less visible from the outside.

[0102] The pad portion PAD is provided near one side of the base layer 210. An external device such as a printed circuit board ("PCB") or a flexible printed circuit board ("FPC") is connected to the pad portion PAD. The first wiring pattern 221 and the second wiring pattern 231 may be connected to the pad portion PAD to transfer a signal with the external device.

[0103] The pad portion PAD may include the first wiring layer 220 and / or the second wiring layer 230. In an exemplary embodiment, in the case where the pad portion PAD includes both the first wiring layer 220 and the second wiring layer 230, the PCB or FPC may be connected to each pad portion PAD, and the first wiring pattern 221 and the first ground wiring 222 may be connected to the pad portion PAD corresponding to the first wiring layer 220, and the second wiring pattern 231 and the second ground wiring 232 may be connected to the pad portion PAD corresponding to the second wiring layer 230.

[0104] Hereinafter, an exemplary method of manufacturing a display device including a panel lower sheet substrate using the panel lower sheet 10 will be described.

[0105] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8 is a side view showing a state in which a protective film is attached to the panel lower sheet. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B : is a view showing the operation of preforming the panel lower sheet and the protective film. Fig.10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a panel lower sheet and a protective film are preformed. Fig.11 is a plan view showing a state in which the clamping device clamps the protective film. Fig.12 and Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of peeling off the protective film, wherein Fig.12 It is along Fig.11 A cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII'.

[0106] refer to Figures 7 to 13 , in an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display device, a preformed panel lower sheet 10 is provided ( S100 ).

[0107] refer to Figure 8 , Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of operation S100, and a panel lower sheet 10 and a protective film 300 may be provided. The protective film 300 includes a film layer 310 and a film coupling layer 320. The film layer 310 covers one surface of the panel lower sheet 10. The film layer 310 may include: a covering portion CV overlapping the panel lower sheet 10 and at least one grip portion GR protruding outward from the covering portion CV.

[0108] The covering portion CV of the film layer 310 may have a shape substantially the same as or similar to the panel lower sheet 10, and may be arranged to overlap with and substantially cover the panel lower sheet 10. The covering portion CV may have the same shape as the panel lower sheet 10, so that the covering portion CV completely covers one surface of the panel lower sheet 10, or the size of the covering portion CV may be slightly smaller, so that a portion of the edge of the panel lower sheet 10 may be exposed.

[0109] The clamping portion GR of the film layer 310 is connected to the two side surfaces of the covering portion CV and extends outward from the two side surfaces. When viewed from above, the clamping portion GR may protrude outward relative to the panel lower sheet 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the clamping portion GR does not overlap with the panel lower sheet 10 when viewed from above or in a top plan view. Because the clamping portion GR protrudes from the panel lower sheet 10, the protective film 300 can be easily clamped by the clamping portion GR when the film layer 310 is peeled off. Therefore, the process of peeling off the protective film 300 can be performed efficiently or quickly. Optionally, the clamping portion GR may be provided only on one side relative to the covering portion CV, and the length of the clamping portion GR extending from the covering portion CV may be modified differently according to the clamp to be described below.

[0110] The film layer 310 may include at least one selected from PET, PI, PC, PE, PP, PSF, PMMA, TAC, COP, etc., or may be made of at least one selected from PET, PI, PC, PE, PP, PSF, PMMA, TAC, COP, etc.

[0111] The film coupling layer 320 is disposed on one surface of the cover portion CV of the film layer 310 so that the film layer 310 is coupled to one surface of the panel lower sheet 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the film layer 310 is attached to one surface of the panel lower sheet 10 through the film coupling layer 320. The film coupling layer 320 may be disposed on the entire surface of the cover portion CV, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The film coupling layer 320 may be partially disposed to a degree sufficient to couple the film layer 310 to the panel lower sheet 10. The film coupling layer 320 may not be disposed on the clamping portion GR, and it is desired that the clamping portion GR is not coupled to the panel lower sheet 10.

[0112] The bonding force of the film coupling layer 320 with the panel lower sheet 10 may be sufficient or effective as long as the film layer 310 is attached to the panel lower sheet 10 and is not separated from the panel lower sheet 10 during storage or transportation. When the protective film 300 is peeled off, the film coupling layer 320 may be separated from the panel lower sheet 10 in a state of being attached to the film layer 310, and may not remain on the surface of the panel lower sheet 10. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the bonding force of the film coupling layer 320 with the panel lower sheet 10 may be smaller than the bonding force of the film coupling layer 320 with the film layer 310.

[0113] The film coupling layer 320 may be formed as or used as a low adhesive layer. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the film coupling layer 320 may include or be made of an acrylic material, a silicon material, or a urethane material.

[0114] refer to Fig.9A and Fig. 9B , the panel lower sheet 10 to which the protective film 300 is attached may be preformed to have a set shape. Here, the "set shape" refers to a shape corresponding to the shape of the product to be delivered, that is, the internal shape of the display panel 20 (see Figure 2 ).

[0115] refer to Fig.9A In an exemplary embodiment, a preforming device 400 may be used in the operation of preforming the panel lower sheet 10 to which the protective film 300 is attached, and the preforming device 400 is driven to vertically press the panel lower sheet 10 to which the protective film 300 is attached. Here, the preforming device 400 may include a preformed upper body 410 and a preformed lower body 420. The upper body 410 and the lower body 420 include heating devices capable of applying heat to the panel lower sheet 10 to which the protective film 300 is attached.

[0116] In an exemplary embodiment, the preformed lower body 420 may be disposed below the panel lower sheet 10 to which the protective film 300 is attached, and may have a groove corresponding to the inner cross-sectional shape of the panel lower sheet 10 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 ). In such an embodiment, the preformed upper body 410 may be disposed on the panel lower sheet 10 to which the protective film 300 is attached, and may include a protrusion protruding toward the groove.

[0117] In such an embodiment, Fig. 9B As shown in the figure, the preformed upper body 410 presses the upper surface of the panel lower sheet 10 to which the protective film 300 is attached, and thus, the panel lower sheet 10 to which the protective film 300 is attached can be preformed to have a set shape between the preformed upper body 410 and the preformed lower body 420.

[0118] When such a preforming operation is performed, a separate guide pin (not shown) or the like may be used to fix the position of the panel lower sheet 10 to which the protective film 300 is attached.

[0119] refer to Fig.10 , the protective film 300 preformed with the panel lower sheet 10 may include a plurality of curved areas. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, when viewed from above, the panel lower sheet 10 may have a rectangular shape. The panel lower sheet 10 may have two long sides and two short sides. The panel lower sheet 10 may include curved portions BA at its two long sides. Fig.10 As shown in , the bending angle θ of the bent portion BA may be about 90°, but is not limited thereto. The bending angle θ may be an obtuse angle such as about 120°. In an exemplary embodiment, the bending angle θ may be in the range of about 90° to about 120°. The protective film 300 may form a first bending area BA1 along the shape of the bent portion BA of the panel lower sheet 10, and may also form a second bending area BA2 near the boundary line L between the cover portion CV and the clamping portion GR.

[0120] Then, the protective film 300 of the preformed panel lower sheet 10 is peeled off to expose one surface of the panel lower sheet 10 ( S200 ). Figures 11 to 13 1 is a schematic diagram showing a process of peeling the protective film 300 from the preformed panel lower sheet 10 .

[0121] refer to Figures 11 to 13 When a peeling robot 500 clamps the clamping portion GR to peel off the protective film 300 , the protective film 300 is separated from one surface of the panel lower sheet 10 .

[0122] In an exemplary embodiment, the preformed panel lower sheet 10 is placed on a stage (not shown). The preformed panel lower sheet 10 may be placed on the stage using a peeling robot 500 or the like.

[0123] According to an exemplary embodiment, a vacuum suction device 520 may be placed on the upper surface of the preformed panel lower sheet 10. The vacuum suction device 520 may support and fix the preformed panel lower sheet 10. The vacuum suction device 520 may maintain a certain degree of vacuum (or suction pressure) so that the shape of the preformed panel lower sheet 10 is not deformed. In such an embodiment, the vacuum suction device 520 may transfer the adsorbed panel lower sheet 10 from one point to another.

[0124] Then, the clamping device 510 may clamp the clamping portion GR of the preformed panel lower sheet 10 fixed by the vacuum suction device 520. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown in , the clamping device 510 may include an upper plate 511, a lower plate 512 opposite to the upper plate 511, and a transmission member 513 configured to adjust the distance between the upper plate 511 and the lower plate 512. In such an embodiment, the clamping device 510 can move the clamped protective film 300 from one point to another point.

[0125] One side of the clamping device 510 may be disposed parallel to the cover portion CV of the protective film 300 and the boundary line L between the cover portion CV and the clamping portion GR. The length of the clamping device 510 in the Y-axis direction may be greater than the length of the long side of the protective film 300 extending in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the clamping device 510 clamps the protective film 300, the clamping device 510 may have a clamping force uniformly applied to the entire area of ​​the protective film 300.

[0126] The clamping device 510 may move in a direction opposite to the Z-axis direction in a state in which the clamping device 510 clamps the clamping portion GR of the protective film 300. In an exemplary embodiment, as described above, the bonding force of the film coupling layer 320 with the panel lower sheet 10 may be smaller than the bonding force of the film coupling layer 320 with the film layer 310. Therefore, when the clamping device 510 moves in a direction opposite to the Z-axis direction, the protective film 300 may start to be peeled off from the panel lower sheet 10. The moving distance of the clamping device 510 in the Z-axis direction is sufficient as long as the clamping device 510 does not hinder the moving path of the vacuum suction device 520 in the X-axis direction.

[0127] Then, the vacuum suction device 520 may move in the X-axis direction while supporting and fixing the panel lower sheet 10. In such an embodiment, the X-axis direction may be a direction orthogonal to the boundary line L between the cover portion CV and the clamping portion GR of the protective film 300. Because one end of the protective film 300 is fixed by the clamping device 510, the protective film 300 may be continuously peeled off from the panel lower sheet 10 while the vacuum suction device 520 moves in the X-axis direction. The moving distance of the vacuum suction device 520 in the X-axis direction is sufficient as long as the protective film 300 is completely peeled off from the panel lower sheet 10.

[0128] A release force generated when the protective film 300 is peeled off from the panel lower sheet 10 includes a normal stress acting in a direction perpendicular to the surface and a shear stress acting parallel to the surface as if pushing the surface.

[0129] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method of peeling off the protective film, the phenomenon that the protective film 300 is not peeled off from the preformed panel lower sheet 10 can be reduced, thereby reducing the possibility of the panel lower sheet 10 being damaged. When the clamping device 510 clamps the long side of the protective film 300, one side of the clamping device 510 can be parallel to the boundary line L between the covering part CV and the clamping part GR, and the moving direction of the vacuum suction device 520 can be perpendicular to the boundary line L between the covering part CV and the clamping part GR. Therefore, most of the force generated when the protective film 300 is peeled off from the panel lower sheet 10 is normal stress, and shear stress is almost not generated. Therefore, in such an embodiment, because the peeling direction is perpendicular to the bending line BL of the protective film 300, normal stress can be generated in all areas of the flat part FA and the curved part BA of the protective film 300.

[0130] Although not shown, when the clamping portion GR is formed or defined at one side of the preformed panel lower sheet 10 extending in the X-axis direction, one side of the clamping device 510 may be perpendicular to the boundary line L between the covering portion CV of the protective film 300 and the clamping portion GR. In this case, the moving direction of the vacuum suction device 520 may be parallel to the boundary line L between the covering portion CV of the protective film 300 and the clamping portion GR. Therefore, when the protective film 300 is peeled off from the panel lower sheet 10, a considerable amount of shear stress and vertical stress may be generated. That is, because the peeling direction is parallel to the bending line BL of the protective film 300, vertical stress may be generated in the flat portion FA of the protective film 300, and vertical stress and shear stress may be generated in the bending portion BA of the protective film 300. When the protective film 300 is broken during the peeling of the protective film 300, the automated process stops, and thus, the yield rate may be reduced. In addition, even if the protective film 300 is not broken during peeling of the protective film 300 , when the peeling force generated in the bent portion BA of the protective film 300 is strong, the protective film 300 may not be peeled and the panel lower sheet 10 may be bent and damaged.

[0131] Then, the display panel 20 is attached to one surface of the panel lower sheet 10 (S300). The display panel 20 may be an organic light emitting display panel or a liquid crystal display panel, etc. The display panel 20 may be attached to one surface of the panel lower sheet 10 by OCA or OCR.

[0132] Hereinafter, an alternative exemplary embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, descriptions of configurations of such alternative exemplary embodiments that are the same as or similar to those of the above-described exemplary embodiments will be omitted or simplified, and differences will be mainly described.

[0133] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B is a view illustrating a side cutting process according to an alternative exemplary embodiment. Fig.15 is a perspective view showing a state in which a panel lower sheet and a protective film are preformed according to an alternative exemplary embodiment. Fig.16 is a plan view showing a state in which a clamping device clamps a protective film according to an alternative exemplary embodiment. Fig.17 and Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view showing a process of peeling off a protective film according to an alternative exemplary embodiment, wherein Fig.17 It is along Fig.16 A cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII'.

[0134] refer to Fig.14A and FIG. 14B to FIG. 18 , Fig.14A and FIG. 14B to FIG. 18 The exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. Figures 10 to 13 The described exemplary embodiments are substantially the same except that the preformed panel lower sheet and the protective film have a configuration in which a side cutting operation is further performed and a pull tab portion is further provided.

[0135] In an exemplary embodiment, reference Figure 7 , Fig.9A , Fig. 9B Figures 14 to Fig.18 , a preformed panel lower sheet 10 is provided (S100).

[0136] refer to Fig.9A and Fig. 9B , the panel lower sheet 10 to which the protective film 300 is attached may be preformed to have a set shape. Here, the "set shape" refers to a shape corresponding to the shape of the product to be delivered, that is, the internal shape of the display panel 20 (see Figure 2 ).

[0137] Return to reference Fig.9A In such an embodiment, a preforming device 400 may be used in the operation of preforming the panel lower sheet 10 to which the protective film 300 is attached, and the preforming device 400 is driven to vertically press the panel lower sheet 10 to which the protective film 300 is attached. Here, the preforming device 400 may include a preformed upper body 410 and a preformed lower body 420. The upper body 410 and the lower body 420 include heating devices capable of applying heat to the panel lower sheet 10 to which the protective film 300 is attached.

[0138] In such an embodiment, the preformed lower body 420 may be disposed below the panel lower sheet 10 to which the protective film 300 is attached, and may have a groove corresponding to the inner cross-sectional shape of the panel lower sheet 10 (see FIG. Figure 2). In such an embodiment, the preformed upper body 410 may be disposed on the panel lower sheet 10 to which the protective film 300 is attached, and may be formed to have a protrusion protruding toward the groove.

[0139] As mentioned above Fig. 9B As described, the preformed upper body 410 presses the upper surface of the panel lower sheet 10 to which the protective film 300 is attached, and thus, the panel lower sheet 10 to which the protective film 300 is attached can be preformed to have a set shape between the preformed upper body 410 and the preformed lower body 420.

[0140] refer to Fig.14A and Fig. 14B , the protective film 300_1 attached to the preformed panel lower sheet 10 in the previous operation can be side-cut to have a set size. Here, the term "side-cut" refers to a process of cutting and removing the side ends (i.e., both side ends) of the preformed protective film 300_1 to correspond to both ends of the panel lower sheet 10. That is, the redundant parts on both sides of the protective film 300_1 further extending from both ends of the panel lower sheet 10 can be removed.

[0141] In an exemplary embodiment, if Fig.14A As shown in FIG, a side cutter 430 may be used. The side cutter 430 is a cutting tool configured to horizontally move from one side to the other side toward the side ends 300' of the protective film 300_1 and remove unnecessary two side ends 300' except for a portion corresponding only to the range of the two side ends of the panel lower sheet 10.

[0142] refer to Fig. 14B , it can be confirmed that the cross-sectional shape of the protective film 300_1 is removed from the side ends 300 ′ of the protective film 300_1 , and the protective film 300_1 is side-cut to a size corresponding to both side ends of the panel lower sheet 10 .

[0143] refer to Fig.15 and Fig.16 , the protective film 300_1 preformed together with the panel lower sheet 10 may include a draw tape portion PT at one of its long sides extending in the Y-axis direction. The draw tape portion PT may be coupled to the film layer 310_1 of the protective film 300_1 through the coupling layer PSA. The bonding force of the film coupling layer 320 with the panel lower sheet 10 may be less than the bonding strength of the film coupling layer 320 with the coupling layer PSA.

[0144] When viewed from above, the pull-tape portion PT protrudes outward from the covering portion CV of the protective film 300_1. That is, when viewed from above, the pull-tape portion PT does not overlap with the covering portion CV. Because the pull-tape portion PT protrudes from the protective film 300_1, when the protective film 300_1 is peeled off from the lower panel sheet 10, the stress applied to the protective film 300_1 may dissipate. Because the pull-tape portion PT is formed separately in a partial area of ​​the protective film 300_1, the peeling force of the area where the pull-tape portion PT is provided may be different from the peeling force of the area where the pull-tape portion PT is not provided. Therefore, the initial peeling force can be reduced.

[0145] The number and position of the pull-belt portion PT are not particularly limited. Fig.16 As shown in FIG. 1 , two tape portions PT may be provided at one long side of the preformed protection film 300_1 extending in the Y-axis direction, but the number and positions of the tape portions PT may be variously modified in consideration of convenience and stability of a peeling process.

[0146] The protective film 300_1 preformed with the panel lower sheet 10 may include a plurality of curved areas. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, when viewed from above, the panel lower sheet 10 may have a rectangular shape. The panel lower sheet 10 may have two long sides and two short sides. The panel lower sheet 10 may include curved portions BA at its two long sides. Fig.15 As shown in , the bending angle θ of the bending portion BA may be about 90°, but is not limited thereto. The bending angle θ may be an obtuse angle such as about 120°. The protective film 300_1 may form a first bending area BA1 along the shape of the bending portion BA of the panel lower sheet 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the pull tape portion PT may form a third bending area BA3 that is bent in an outward direction of the protective film 300_1.

[0147] Then, the protective film 300_1 of the preformed panel lower sheet 10 is peeled off to expose one surface of the panel lower sheet 10 ( S200 ). Figures 16 to 18 1 is a schematic diagram showing a process of peeling the protective film 300_1 from the preformed panel lower sheet 10 .

[0148] refer to Figures 16 to 18 When the peeling robot 500 clamps the pull tape portion PT to peel off the protective film 300_1 , the protective film 300_1 is separated from one surface of the panel lower sheet 10 .

[0149] In such an embodiment, the preformed panel lower sheet 10 is placed on a stage (not shown). The preformed panel lower sheet 10 may be placed on the stage using a peeling robot 500 or the like.

[0150] According to an exemplary embodiment, a vacuum suction device 520 may be placed on the upper surface of the preformed panel lower sheet 10. The vacuum suction device 520 may support and fix the preformed panel lower sheet 10. The vacuum suction device 520 may maintain a certain degree of vacuum so that the shape of the preformed panel lower sheet 10 is not deformed. In such an embodiment, the vacuum suction device 520 may transfer the sucked panel lower sheet 10 from one point to another.

[0151] Then, the clamping device 510 can clamp the draw tape portion PT of the preformed panel lower sheet 10 fixed by the vacuum suction device 520. The clamping device 510 may include an upper plate 511, a lower plate 512 opposite to the upper plate 511, and a transmission member 513 configured to adjust the distance between the upper plate 511 and the lower plate 512. In such an embodiment, the clamping device 510 can move the clamped protective film 300_1 from one point to another point.

[0152] One side of the clamping device 510 may be arranged to be parallel to the bending line BL of the protective film 300_1. The length of the clamping device 510 in the Y-axis direction may be greater than the length of the long side of the protective film 300_1 extending in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the clamping device 510 clamps the pull tape portion PT, the clamping device 510 may have a clamping force uniformly applied to the entire area of ​​the protective film 300_1.

[0153] The clamping device 510 can rotate in the clockwise direction while clamping the pull tape portion PT. In such an embodiment, as described above, the bonding force of the film coupling layer 320 with the panel lower sheet 10 can be less than the bonding force of the film coupling layer 320 with the film layer 310. Therefore, as the clamping device 510 rotates in the clockwise direction, the protective film 300_1 can be peeled off from the panel lower sheet 10. When the clamping device 510 rotates in the clockwise direction, the peeling of the protective film 300_1 from the panel lower sheet 10 can be easily performed.

[0154] Then, the vacuum suction device 520 may move in the X-axis direction while supporting and fixing the panel lower sheet 10. In such an embodiment, the X-axis direction may be a direction orthogonal to the bending line BL of the protective film 300_1. Because one end of the protective film 300_1 is fixed by the clamping device 510, the protective film 300_1 may be continuously peeled off from the panel lower sheet 10 while the vacuum suction device 520 moves in the X-axis direction. The moving distance of the vacuum suction device 520 in the X-axis direction is sufficient as long as the protective film 300_1 is completely peeled off from the panel lower sheet 10.

[0155] The peeling force generated when the protective film 300_1 is peeled off from the panel lower sheet 10 includes a normal stress acting in a direction perpendicular to the surface and a shear stress acting in a direction parallel to the surface as if pushing the surface.

[0156] According to an exemplary embodiment of the method of peeling off the protective film, the phenomenon that the protective film 300_1 is not peeled off from the preformed panel lower sheet 10 can be reduced, thereby reducing the possibility of the panel lower sheet 10 being damaged. When the clamping device 510 clamps the pull tape portion PT, one side of the clamping device 510 can be parallel to the bending line BL of the protective film 300_1, and the moving direction of the vacuum suction device 520 can be perpendicular to the bending line BL of the protective film 300_1. Therefore, most of the force generated when the protective film 300_1 is peeled off from the panel lower sheet 10 is normal stress, and shear stress is almost not generated. That is, because the peeling direction is perpendicular to the bending line BL of the protective film 300_1, normal stress can be generated in all areas of the flat portion FA and the curved portion BA of the protective film 300.

[0157] Although not shown, if the pull tape portion PT is formed at one side of the preformed panel lower sheet 10 extending in the X-axis direction, one side of the clamping device 510 may be perpendicular to the bending line BL of the protective film 300_1. In this case, the moving direction of the vacuum suction device 520 may be parallel to the bending line BL of the protective film 300_1. Therefore, when the protective film 300_1 is peeled off from the panel lower sheet 10, a considerable amount of shear stress and vertical stress may be generated. That is, because the peeling direction is parallel to the bending line BL of the protective film 300_1, vertical stress may be generated in the flat portion FA of the protective film 300_1, and vertical stress and shear stress may be generated in the bent portion BA of the protective film 300_1. When the protective film 300_1 is broken during the peeling of the protective film 300_1, the automated process stops, and thus, the yield rate is reduced. Even if the protective film 300_1 is not broken during peeling of the protective film 300_1, when the peeling force generated in the bent portion BA of the protective film 300_1 is strong, the protective film 300_1 may not be peeled, and the panel lower sheet 10 may be bent and damaged.

[0158] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel 20 is attached to one surface of the panel lower sheet 10 (S300). The display panel 20 may be an organic light emitting display panel or a liquid crystal display panel, etc. The display panel 20 may be attached to one surface of the panel lower sheet 10 by OCA or OCR.

[0159] According to an exemplary embodiment of the panel lower sheet including the protective film, a peeling force is reduced when the protective film is peeled off.

[0160] In an exemplary embodiment, according to a method of peeling a protective film, when peeling the protective film, a peeling force is reduced.

[0161] The present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0162] While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to some embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for peeling off a protective film, wherein: The method comprises: providing a panel lower sheet including a flat portion and a curved portion, wherein a protective film is provided on one surface of the panel lower sheet, and the protective film forms a first curved region along the shape of the curved portion of the panel lower sheet to have a curved line extending in a first direction parallel to opposite sides of the protective film in the first curved region; clamping a portion of the protective film; moving the clamping portion of the protective film in a second direction; and moving the panel lower piece in a third direction perpendicular to the bending line toward the clamping portion of the protective film, The second direction intersects with the first direction and the third direction.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The providing the panel lower piece includes: preforming the panel lower piece in a set shape so as to form the bending line.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The clamping of the protective film includes: clamping the protective film using the clamping device in such a manner that one side of the clamping device is parallel to the bending line.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The protection film includes a covering portion overlapping the panel lower sheet in the second direction.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: defining a drawstring portion at one end of the cover portion; and The clamping device clamps the drawstring portion.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The protection film further includes a clamping portion that does not overlap the panel lower sheet in the second direction and extends outward from the panel lower sheet.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: A boundary line between the covering portion and the clamping portion is parallel to the bending line.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein: A length of one side of the clamping device in the first direction is greater than a length of one side of the clamping portion in the first direction.

9. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The clamping device is rotatable about an axis.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The moving the panel lower sheet includes supporting and fixing the one surface of the panel lower sheet by a vacuum suction device.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The moving the panel lower sheet further includes moving the vacuum suction device in the third direction.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The protective film includes a film layer and an adhesive layer.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The film layer is attached to the one surface of the panel lower sheet via the adhesive layer, and The bonding force between the adhesive layer and the one surface of the panel lower sheet is smaller than the bonding force between the adhesive layer and the film layer.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein: An angle formed between one surface of the flat portion and one surface of the curved portion is in the range of 90° to 120°.

15. A method for manufacturing a display device, wherein: The method comprises: Providing a panel lower sheet substrate including a flat portion and a curved portion, wherein a protective film is provided on one surface of the panel lower sheet substrate, and the protective film forms a first curved region along the shape of the curved portion of the panel lower sheet substrate to be preformed to have a curved line extending in a first direction parallel to opposite sides of the protective film in the first curved region; peeling off the protective film; and After peeling off the protective film, attaching a display panel to the one surface of the panel lower sheet substrate; Wherein, the peeling off the protective film comprises: clamping a portion of the protective film using the clamping device in such a manner that one side of the clamping device is parallel to the bending line; moving the clamping portion of the protective film in a second direction; and moving the panel lower piece in a third direction perpendicular to the bending line toward the clamping portion of the protective film, The second direction intersects with the first direction and the third direction.

Images