Display apparatus, and apparatus and method of manufacturing display apparatus

Abstract

A display device, and an apparatus and method of manufacturing the same are provided. The display device includes a cover member that is at least partially curved, a panel member disposed along a surface of the cover member, wherein the panel member displays an image, and a support member disposed on another surface of the panel member, which is different from the surface of the panel member on which the cover member is disposed.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority and all benefits from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0070066, filed on June 13, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] One or more embodiments relate to an apparatus and a method, and more specifically, to a display device, an apparatus for manufacturing the display device, and a method for manufacturing the display device. Background Technology

[0003] Mobile electronic devices (e.g., tablet PCs and small electronic devices such as mobile phones) have been widely used.

[0004] Mobile electronic devices typically include a display device for providing visual information, such as images, to the user to support various functions. Recently, due to the reduction in the size of the components used to drive the display device, the size of the display device in mobile electronic devices has gradually increased, and the display device can have a structure that can be bent at a predetermined angle from a flat state. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One or more embodiments include a partially curved display device, an apparatus for manufacturing a display device, and a method for manufacturing a display device with reduced defects.

[0006] According to an embodiment, a display device includes: a cover member, at least partially bent; a panel member disposed along a surface of the cover member, wherein the panel member displays an image; and a support member disposed on another surface of the panel member, the other surface being different from the surface of the panel member on which the cover member is disposed.

[0007] In one embodiment, the image displayed on the panel component can be seen through the cover component.

[0008] In one embodiment, the display device may include: a flat first region; and a second region connected to an end of the first region, wherein the second region may be curved.

[0009] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a third region connected to the first region and disposed opposite to the second region relative to the first region.

[0010] In an embodiment, the shape of the second region may be different from the shape of the third region.

[0011] In an embodiment, the distance from the surface of the first region to the end of the second region may be different from the distance from the surface of the first region to the end of the third region.

[0012] In this embodiment, the positions of the ends of the cover member, the panel member, and the support member can be different from each other.

[0013] In this embodiment, the panel component may be flexible.

[0014] In an embodiment, the display device may have a long side and a short side in a plan view.

[0015] In one embodiment, the curved portion of the cover member may be defined in the portion extending along the long side of the display device.

[0016] According to an embodiment, an apparatus for manufacturing a display device includes a first clamping portion, a second clamping portion, and a third clamping portion. The first clamping portion includes a first support portion and a first pressing portion disposed on the first support portion, wherein the first pressing portion presses a support member. The second clamping portion includes a linearly moving portion corresponding to the first pressing portion, wherein the linearly moving portion moves linearly, and the second clamping portion faces the first clamping portion, and the support member is placed on the second clamping portion. The third clamping portion is disposed on a side surface of the second clamping portion to press the side surface of the support member during molding. In such an embodiment, at least one of the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion moves linearly, and when at least one of the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion moves linearly, the linearly moving portion moves linearly together with the first pressing portion.

[0017] In an embodiment, the first clamp portion may further include a first protrusion, which is disposed at the first compression portion and protrudes toward the second clamp portion.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first extrusion portion may include: an extrusion body portion connected to a first support portion; and a protrusion portion protruding from the extrusion body portion toward a side surface of the extrusion body portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first clamp portion may further include a first heating portion disposed within the first support portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first clamp portion may further include a first temperature measuring portion, which is arranged inside the first support portion to measure the temperature of the first support portion.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first clamp portion may further include a first guide portion disposed at the first support portion.

[0022] In an embodiment, the second clamping portion may further include a second guide portion, which is arranged to correspond to the first guide portion to guide the movement of the first clamping portion.

[0023] In an embodiment, the second clamp portion may further include a second support portion, in which the linear moving portion moves linearly.

[0024] In an embodiment, the second clamping portion may further include a third guide portion that guides the movement of the third clamping portion.

[0025] In an embodiment, the second clamping portion may further include an elastic portion that provides a restoring force to the linearly moving portion during movement of the linearly moving portion.

[0026] In an embodiment, the third clamping portion may include a second pressing portion that moves linearly within the second clamping portion to press against the side surface of the supporting member.

[0027] In one embodiment, the second compression portion may include a bending portion that bends at least a portion of the support member.

[0028] In one embodiment, the third clamping portion may further include a driver connected to the second pressing portion to cause the second pressing portion to move linearly.

[0029] In one embodiment, the third clamp portion may further include a heat insulation member disposed between the driver and the second extrusion portion.

[0030] In one embodiment, the third clamp portion may further include a second heating portion disposed within the second pressing portion.

[0031] In one embodiment, the third clamp portion may further include a second temperature measuring portion disposed inside the second extrusion portion.

[0032] In an embodiment, the third clamping portion may further include a second protrusion disposed at the second pressing portion to maintain the distance between the third clamping portion and the linear moving portion.

[0033] According to an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a display device includes: placing a support member on a second clamping portion; pressing the support member by a pressing portion of a first clamping portion; bending a portion of an end of the support member by linearly moving the support member together with a linearly moving portion of the second clamping portion; and pressing the bent portion of the end of the support member by a third clamping portion to bend the portion of the end of the support member again.

[0034] In an embodiment, the method may further include heating the bent portion at the end of the support member.

[0035] In one embodiment, at least one of the upper surface of the support member and the side surface of the support member can be heated.

[0036] In an embodiment, when the first clamp portion presses against the support member, the lower surface of the pressing portion and the upper surface of the linearly moving portion can be kept separated from each other by a certain gap.

[0037] In an embodiment, when the third clamp portion presses against the side surface of the support member, the side surface of the third clamp portion and the side surface of the linear moving portion can be kept separated from each other by a gap.

[0038] In one embodiment, the compression portion can bend a portion of the end of the support member at a first angle, and the third clamp portion can bend a portion of the end of the support member at a second angle different from the first angle.

[0039] In an embodiment, the second angle may be greater than the first angle.

[0040] In one embodiment, the second clamp portion can pneumatically adsorb the support member.

[0041] In an embodiment, the method may further include attaching a support member to a cover member and a panel member of the display device.

[0042] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the cover member may be curved.

[0043] In one embodiment, the cover member may include a flat portion and a curved portion, wherein a support member may be sequentially attached to the panel member from the flat portion to the curved portion of the cover member.

[0044] In an embodiment, the method may further include removing the membrane component from the support member.

[0045] Other features of the embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description.

[0046] Such features can be achieved by using systems, methods, computer programs, or a combination of systems, methods, and computer programs. Attached Figure Description

[0047] The above and other features of the disclosed embodiments will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] Figure 1A This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0049] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Enlarged view of circled part A;

[0050] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A A floor plan of the display panel shown;

[0051] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view taken by line A-A';

[0052] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0053] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the first clamp portion shown;

[0054] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the first clamp portion shown in the diagram;

[0055] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 4 Perspective views of the second and third clamping portions shown;

[0056] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Exploded perspective view of the second clamp portion shown;

[0057] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of the third clamping section shown;

[0058] Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 A sectional view taken by line B-B';

[0059] Figures 11 to 15 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method for manufacturing a support member of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0060] Figure 16 and Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0061] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an optional embodiment; and

[0062] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to an optional embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0063] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments are illustrated. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will be detailed and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals throughout denote the same elements, and therefore any repeated detailed descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0064] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, the element may be directly on the other element, or there may be an intermediate element between them. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there is no intermediate element.

[0065] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used here to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms, but are used only to distinguish one component from another. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another element, component, region, layer, or part. Therefore, the first “element,” “component,” “region,” “layer,” or “part” discussed below may be named a second element, component, region, layer, or part without departing from the teaching herein.

[0066] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms. “Or” means “and / or.” “At least one of A and B” means “selected from at least one of A and B.” As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will also be understood that when the terms “comprising,” “including,” and / or variations thereof are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, regions, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0067] Furthermore, relative terms such as “below” or “bottom” and “above” or “top” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another (or more) elements as shown in the figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device other than those depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is flipped, an element described as being “below” the other element will subsequently be positioned on the “above” side of said other element. Thus, depending on the specific orientation of the figure, the exemplary term “below” can include both “below” and “above” orientations. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is flipped, an element described as being “below” or “under” the other element will subsequently be positioned “above” the other element. Thus, the exemplary terms “below” or “under” can include both “above” and “below” orientations.

[0068] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in a general dictionary) shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the relevant field context and with the meaning of this disclosure, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly defined herein.

[0069] For ease of illustration, the dimensions of the elements in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated. Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views as schematic diagrams of idealized embodiments. Thus, variations in the shapes illustrated will be expected, for example, due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be construed as limited to the specific shapes of the areas shown herein, but will include, for example, deviations in shape due to manufacturing processes. For example, areas shown or described as flat may generally have rough and / or non-linear characteristics. Furthermore, sharp corners shown may be rounded. Therefore, the areas shown in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to represent the precise shapes of the areas, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0070] Here, the X, Y, and Z axes are not limited to the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system, and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the X, Y, and Z axes can be perpendicular to each other, or they can represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other.

[0071] When an embodiment can be implemented differently, a particular process sequence can be performed in a different order than that described. For example, two consecutively described processes can be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of their description.

[0072] In the following description, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] Figure 1A This is a cross-sectional view of the display device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Enlarged view of circled part A. Figure 2 yes Figure 1A The plan view of the display panel 20-1 shown is shown. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view taken by line A-A'.

[0074] Reference Figures 1A to 3 An embodiment of the display device 1 may include a cover member 10, a panel member 20, and a support member 50.

[0075] In one embodiment, the cover member 10 may include a glass and / or a resin layer. In such an embodiment, the cover member 10 may transmit external light or an image displayed on the display panel 20-1, so that the image is visible through the cover member 10.

[0076] The cover member 10 may include a flat first region 10-1 and a second region 10-2 and a third region 10-3 disposed at opposite ends of the first region 10-1. The first region 10-1, the second region 10-2, and the third region 10-3 may be along the width direction of the display panel 20-1 (e.g., Figure 2 The second region 10-2 and the third region 10-3 may be arranged in the long side portion of the display panel 20-1 (e.g., the curved region BA of the display panel 20-1). The curved region BA of the display panel 20-1, which will be described below, may be arranged on the long side of the display panel 20-1.

[0077] In one embodiment, the second region 10-2 and the third region 10-3 can be bent from the first region 10-1. The second region 10-2 and the third region 10-3 may include curved surfaces having the same radius of curvature as each other. In an alternative embodiment, the second region 10-2 and the third region 10-3 may include curved surfaces having different radii of curvature as each other. Hereinafter, for ease of description, embodiments in which the second region 10-2 and the third region 10-3 have curved surfaces having the same radius of curvature as each other will be described in detail.

[0078] In an embodiment, the length of the outer surface of the second region 10-2 may be equal to or different from the length of the outer surface of the third region 10-3. In one embodiment, for example, one of the lengths of the outer surfaces of the second region 10-2 and the third region 10-3 may be greater than the other. In such an embodiment, a first distance W1 from the upper surface of the first region 10-1 to one of the ends of the second region 10-2 and the third region 10-3 may be different from a second distance W2 from the upper surface of the first region 10-1 to the other of the ends of the second region 10-2 and the third region 10-3. Hereinafter, for ease of description, the first distance W1 represents the distance from the upper surface of the first region 10-1 to the end of the second region 10-2, and the second distance W2 represents the distance from the upper surface of the first region 10-1 to the end of the third region 10-3. In an alternative embodiment, the lengths of the outer surfaces of the second region 10-2 and the third region 10-3 may be equal to each other. In such an embodiment, the first distance W1 and the second distance W2 can be equal to each other.

[0079] The image can be displayed in the portion of panel component 20 corresponding to the second region 10-2 and the third region 10-3.

[0080] Panel member 20 may be attached to cover member 10. Panel member 20 may be flexible. Panel member 20 may display an image externally. Panel member 20 may be at least partially curved along the lower surface of cover member 10. In one embodiment, for example, a portion of panel member 20 in a first region 10-1 may be flat like the lower surface of cover member 10, and a portion of panel member 20 in at least one of a second region 10-2 and a third region 10-3 may be curved. In such an embodiment, the ends of panel member 20 may be arranged more inwardly than the ends of cover member 10. In such an embodiment, as... Figure 1A As shown, the end of the cover member 10 can protrude further from the end of the panel member 20. In such an embodiment, since the panel member 20 is not arranged on a portion of the end of the cover member 10, space can be provided for the cover member 10 to be attached to another component (e.g., an outer housing). In such an embodiment, even when the cover member 10 is attached to another component, damage to the panel member 20 due to the bonding force between the cover member 10 and the other component can be effectively prevented. In such an embodiment, since the end of the display panel 20-1 of the panel member 20 (described below) is arranged between the cover member 10 and the other components when the cover member 10 and the other components are attached to each other, damage to the thin film encapsulation layer E of the display panel 20-1 can be effectively prevented.

[0081] Panel component 20 may include display panel 20-1. In embodiments of display panel 20-1, such as Figure 2 As shown, a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding at least one side of the display area DA can be defined on the substrate 21. A light-emitting portion can be arranged in the display area DA, and power lines (not shown) can be arranged in the non-display area NDA. In such an embodiment, a pad portion C can be arranged in the non-display area NDA.

[0082] Display panel 20-1 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA, or at least a portion of the display area DA and a curved area BA containing the non-display area NDA. The curved area BA may be arranged in a curved portion of the cover member 10. In one embodiment, for example, only the non-display area NDA may be arranged in the curved portion of the cover member 10. In an alternative embodiment, both a portion of the display area DA and the non-display area NDA may be arranged in the curved portion of the cover member 10. Hereinafter, for ease of description, embodiments in which a portion of the display area DA and the non-display area NDA are arranged in the curved portion of the cover member 10 will be described in detail.

[0083] In an embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the display panel 20-1 may include a substrate 21, a thin-film transistor (TFT), a passivation layer 27, an organic light-emitting device (OLED) 28, and a thin-film encapsulation layer E.

[0084] The substrate 21 may comprise a plastic material or a metallic material such as stainless steel (“SUS”) or titanium (Ti). In embodiments, the substrate 21 may comprise polyimide (“PI”). Hereinafter, for ease of description, embodiments in which the substrate 21 comprises PI will be described in detail.

[0085] A thin-film transistor (TFT) can be disposed or formed on the substrate 21, a passivation layer 27 can be disposed or formed to cover the TFT, and an organic light-emitting device 28 can be disposed or formed on the passivation layer 27.

[0086] A buffer layer 22, comprising organic and / or inorganic compounds, may be further disposed or formed on the upper surface of the substrate 21, and may include SiO2. x (x≥1) or SiN x (x≥1).

[0087] In an embodiment, after the active layer 23 is formed on the buffer layer 22 in a predetermined pattern, the active layer 23 is covered by the gate insulating layer 24. The active layer 23 includes a source region 23-1 and a drain region 23-3, and also includes a channel region 23-2 located between the source region 23-1 and the drain region 23-3.

[0088] The active layer 23 may comprise at least one of a variety of materials. In one embodiment, for example, the active layer 23 may comprise an inorganic semiconductor material such as amorphous silicon or crystalline silicon. In an alternative embodiment, for example, the active layer 23 may comprise an oxide semiconductor. In another alternative embodiment, for example, the active layer 23 may comprise an organic semiconductor material. Hereinafter, for ease of description, embodiments in which the active layer 23 comprises amorphous silicon will be described in detail.

[0089] The active layer 23 can be formed by depositing or forming an amorphous silicon film on the buffer layer 22, crystallizing the amorphous silicon film to form a polycrystalline silicon film, and patterning the polycrystalline silicon film. Depending on the type of thin-film transistor TFT, such as a driving thin-film transistor (not shown) and a switching thin-film transistor (not shown), the source region 23-1 and the drain region 23-3 of the active layer 23 are doped with impurities.

[0090] The gate electrode 25 corresponding to the active layer 23 and the interlayer insulating layer 26 covering the gate electrode 25 are disposed or formed on the upper surface of the gate insulating layer 24.

[0091] In an embodiment, after forming a contact hole H1 in the interlayer insulating layer 26 and the gate insulating layer 24, a source electrode 27-1 and a drain electrode 27-2 are disposed or formed on the interlayer insulating layer 26 to contact the source region 23-1 and the drain region 23-3, respectively.

[0092] A passivation layer 27 is disposed or formed on the thin-film transistor (TFT), and the pixel electrode 28-1 of the organic light-emitting device 28 is disposed or formed on the passivation layer 27. The pixel electrode 28-1 contacts the drain electrode 27-2 of the thin-film transistor TFT through a via H2 defined or formed in the passivation layer 27. The passivation layer 27 may include inorganic and / or organic materials to have a single-layer or multi-layer structure, and may be a planarization layer with a flat upper surface regardless of the curvature of the underlying layer, or may be bent according to the curvature of the underlying layer. The passivation layer 27 may include a transparent insulating material to achieve a resonant effect.

[0093] In an embodiment, after forming pixel electrode 28-1 on passivation layer 27, a pixel defining layer 29 comprising organic and / or inorganic materials or formed of organic and / or inorganic materials may be formed or provided to cover the edge of pixel electrode 28-1 and passivation layer 27 and expose a portion of pixel electrode 28-1.

[0094] Pixel electrode 28-1 can be used as an anode electrode, and counter electrode 28-3 can be used as a cathode electrode, or the polarities of pixel electrode 28-1 and counter electrode 28-3 can be opposite to each other.

[0095] The pixel electrode 28-1 and the counter electrode 28-3 can be insulated from each other through the intermediate layer 28-2, and voltages of different polarities can be applied to the intermediate layer 28-2 to make the organic emitting layer emit light.

[0096] Intermediate layer 28-2 may include an organic emitter layer. In one embodiment, for example, intermediate layer 28-2 may include an organic emitter layer and may also include at least one of a hole injection layer (“HIL”), a hole transport layer (“HTL”), an electron transport layer (“ETL”), and an electron injection layer (“EIL”). However, the disclosed embodiments are not limited thereto, and intermediate layer 28-2 may include an organic emitter layer and also include various other functional layers (not shown).

[0097] Multiple intermediate layers 28-2 can be configured and formed in the display area DA. In an embodiment, the multiple intermediate layers 28-2 can be formed in the display area DA having a shape other than a rectangle or a square. In such an embodiment, the multiple intermediate layers 28-2 can be separated from each other in the display area DA.

[0098] Each unit pixel may include multiple sub-pixels, and the multiple sub-pixels may emit light of various colors. In one embodiment, for example, the multiple sub-pixels may include sub-pixels that emit red, green, and blue light, or may include sub-pixels that emit red, green, blue, and white light (not shown).

[0099] Counter electrode 28-3 is disposed on intermediate layer 28-2. Counter electrode 28-3 can be integrally formed into a single unit to cover multiple pixels. Counter electrode 28-3 may include a light-transmitting conductive layer comprising silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), or alloys thereof.

[0100] In an embodiment, although not shown in the drawings, a capping layer may be further disposed on the counter electrode 28-3, the capping layer comprising LiF, an inorganic insulating material, or an organic insulating material. In such an embodiment, the capping layer may be disposed between the counter electrode 28-3 and the thin-film encapsulation layer E.

[0101] The thin-film encapsulation layer E can be disposed on the counter electrode 28-3. The thin-film encapsulation layer E may include multiple inorganic layers, or may include inorganic layers and organic layers.

[0102] The organic layer of the thin-film encapsulation layer E may include, for example, a polymer, and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure comprising at least one selected from polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, polycarbonate, epoxy resin, polyethylene, and polyacrylate. In embodiments, the organic layer may comprise polyacrylate, or may comprise a polymerized monomer composition comprising diacrylate monomers and triacrylate monomers. The monomer composition may further comprise monoacrylate monomers. Furthermore, the monomer composition may also comprise any suitable photoinitiator such as trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0103] The inorganic layer of the thin-film encapsulation layer E may include one or more inorganic insulating materials such as aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon oxynitride, and may be formed by chemical vapor deposition (“CVD”).

[0104] The outermost layer of the thin-film encapsulation layer E exposed to the outside can be an inorganic layer to prevent moisture from penetrating into the organic light-emitting device 28.

[0105] In one embodiment, the thin-film encapsulation layer E may include at least one sandwich structure in which at least one organic layer is between at least two inorganic layers. In an alternative embodiment, the thin-film encapsulation layer E may include at least one sandwich structure in which at least one inorganic layer is between at least two organic layers. In another alternative embodiment, the thin-film encapsulation layer E may include a sandwich structure in which at least one organic layer is between at least two inorganic layers and a sandwich structure in which at least one inorganic layer is between at least two organic layers.

[0106] In an embodiment, the thin-film encapsulation layer E may include a first inorganic layer, a first organic layer, and a second inorganic layer sequentially stacked on the organic light-emitting device 28.

[0107] In an optional embodiment, the thin-film encapsulation layer E may include a first inorganic layer, a first organic layer, a second inorganic layer, a second organic layer, and a third inorganic layer sequentially stacked on the organic light-emitting device 28.

[0108] In another alternative embodiment, the thin-film encapsulation layer E may include a first inorganic layer, a first organic layer, a second inorganic layer, a second organic layer, a third inorganic layer, a third organic layer, and a fourth inorganic layer sequentially stacked on the organic light-emitting device 28.

[0109] The first organic layer may have a smaller area than the second inorganic layer, and the second organic layer may have a smaller area than the third inorganic layer.

[0110] The input sensing component 30 can be disposed on the thin-film encapsulation layer E. The input sensing component 30 can have a structure in which a first touch conductive layer 31, a first insulating layer 32, a second touch conductive layer 33, and a second insulating layer 34 are sequentially stacked on the thin-film encapsulation layer E. In such an embodiment, the first touch conductive layer 31 and the second touch conductive layer 33 can together define a touch electrode.

[0111] In an embodiment, the second touch conductive layer 33 serves as a sensor portion for detecting touch thereon, and the first touch conductive layer 31 can serve as a connection portion for connecting to the patterned second touch conductive layer 33 in one direction.

[0112] In an alternative embodiment, both the first touch conductive layer 31 and the second touch conductive layer 33 can be used as sensor portions. In one embodiment, for example, a through-hole is defined or formed through the first insulating layer 32 to expose the upper surface of the first touch conductive layer 31, and the first touch conductive layer 31 and the second touch conductive layer 33 can be connected through the through-hole. In embodiments using the first touch conductive layer 31 and the second touch conductive layer 33 defining touch electrodes as described above, the resistance of the touch electrodes can be reduced, thereby improving the response speed of the input sensing member 30.

[0113] In this embodiment, the touch electrode may be a mesh structure to allow light emitted from the organic light-emitting device 28 to pass through it. Therefore, the first touch conductive layer 31 and the second touch conductive layer 33 of the touch electrode may be arranged so as not to overlap with the emission region of the organic light-emitting device 28.

[0114] Both the first touch conductive layer 31 and the second touch conductive layer 33 can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure, which includes a conductive material with high conductivity. In one embodiment, for example, each of the first touch conductive layer 31 and the second touch conductive layer 33 may include at least one of a transparent conductive layer and a single-layer or multi-layer structure, which includes a conductive material comprising Al, Cu, and / or Ti. The transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (“ITO”), indium zinc oxide (“IZO”), zinc oxide (“ZnO”), or indium tin zinc oxide (“ITZO”). In such embodiments, the transparent conductive layer may include a conductive polymer such as poly(3,4-polyethylenedioxythiophene) (“PEDOT”), metal nanowires, graphene, etc. In embodiments, both the first touch conductive layer 31 and the second touch conductive layer 33 may have a Ti / Al / Ti stacked structure.

[0115] Both the first insulating layer 32 and the second insulating layer 34 may comprise inorganic or organic materials. Inorganic materials may include at least one of silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, hafnium nitride, tantalum nitride, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tin oxide, cerium oxide, and silicon oxynitride. Organic materials may include at least one of acrylic resin, methacrylic resin, polyisoprene, vinyl resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, cellulose resin, and perylene resin.

[0116] In this embodiment, the input sensing component 30 is formed directly on the thin-film encapsulation layer E by deposition or the like, thus eliminating the need for a separate adhesive layer on the thin-film encapsulation layer E. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the thickness of the display panel 20-1 can be reduced.

[0117] The input sensing component 30 may further include a touch buffer layer (not shown) between the thin-film encapsulation layer E and the first insulating layer 32. The touch buffer layer effectively prevents damage to the thin-film encapsulation layer E and prevents signal interference that may occur when the input sensing component 30 is actuated. The touch buffer layer may comprise inorganic materials such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, titanium oxide, or titanium nitride, or organic materials such as polyimide, polyester, or acrylic, and may have a stacked structure including multiple materials mentioned above.

[0118] The input sensing member 30 can be arranged in various modified forms and locations, different from the form described above. In one embodiment, for example, the input sensing member 30 can be provided or formed in the form of a touch panel and attached to the cover member 10.

[0119] In an embodiment, the panel component 20 may include an optical functional component 20-2 in addition to the display panel 20-1.

[0120] Optical functional component 20-2 may include a phase retarder and a polarizer. The phase retarder may be of film type or liquid crystal coated type, and may include a λ / 2 phase retarder and / or a λ / 4 phase retarder. The polarizer may also be of thin film type or liquid crystal coated type. The film type may include an elongated synthetic resin film, and the liquid crystal coated type may include liquid crystals arranged in a predetermined pattern.

[0121] In an optional embodiment, the optical functional component 20-2 may include a black matrix and color filters. The color filters may be arranged to correspond to the color of light emitted from each pixel of the display panel 20-1. Each of the color filters may include a red, green, or blue pigment or dye. Optionally, in addition to the aforementioned pigments or dyes, each of the color filters may also include quantum dots. Optionally, some of the color filters may not include the aforementioned pigments or dyes, but may instead include scattering particles such as titanium dioxide.

[0122] In another alternative embodiment, the optical functional component 20-2 may include a destructive interference structure. The destructive interference structure may include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer disposed in different layers from each other. The first reflected light and the second reflected light reflected from the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer, respectively, can interfere destructively with each other, thus reducing the external light reflectivity.

[0123] The adhesive layer 40 can be disposed between the display panel 20-1 and the optical functional component 20-2. The adhesive layer 40 may include a light-transmitting material, and the input sensing component 30 may be positioned in the adhesive layer 40 or the adhesive layer 40 may be located on the input sensing component 30.

[0124] In one embodiment, the support member 50 may be attached to the panel member 20. In such an embodiment, the support member 50 may be disposed on a surface of the panel member 20, which is different from another surface of the panel member 20 on which the cover member 10 is disposed. In such an embodiment, the panel member 20 may be disposed between the cover member 10 and the support member 50.

[0125] The support member 50 may include various components or layers. In one embodiment, for example, the support member 50 may include at least one of a cushioning member 51, a heat dissipation member 52, and a shielding member 53. The cushioning member 51 may include a first cushioning member 51-1 attached to the panel member 20 and a second cushioning member 51-2 connected to and disposed on a surface of the first cushioning member 51-1 opposite to the surface of the first cushioning member 51-1 attached to the panel member 20. Both the first cushioning member 51-1 and the second cushioning member 51-2 may comprise an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, or polyurethane. In an embodiment, the first cushioning member 51-1 may include a plurality of protrusions disposed or defined on its surface and spaced apart from each other. The plurality of protrusions may project toward the panel member 20 to at least partially absorb forces applied to the plurality of protrusions via the panel member 20 when forces are applied to the panel member 20. A separate adhesive layer may be disposed between the first cushioning member 51-1 and the panel member 20 to bond the first cushioning member 51-1 to the panel member 20. In an embodiment, the adhesive layer may be disposed between the substrate 21 and the first cushioning member 51-1. The second buffer member 51-2 may be plate-shaped to support the panel member 20 and the first buffer member 51-1.

[0126] The heat dissipation component 52 can be arranged below the buffer component 51 to dissipate heat to the outside. In embodiments, the heat dissipation component 52 can have a single-layer structure comprising polyimide, or it can have a multi-layer structure having multiple layers, the multiple layers including a layer comprising polyimide and another layer comprising graphite. In embodiments where the heat dissipation component 52 includes multiple layers, the layer comprising polyimide can be arranged closer to the second buffer component 51-2 than the other layers among the multiple layers. The material of the heat dissipation component 52 is not limited to the materials described above, and can include any material capable of dissipating heat to the outside.

[0127] The shielding member 53 may be disposed below the heat dissipation member 52 to shield external electrical or electronic signals. The shielding member 53 may include a metallic material. In one embodiment, for example, the shielding member 53 may include copper. The shielding member 53 may be plate-shaped.

[0128] The support member 50 may also include a thermal reaction zone (not shown).

[0129] In one embodiment, the size of the support member 50 may be smaller than the size of the cover member 10. In such an embodiment, the size of the support member 50 may be equal to or smaller than the size of the panel member 20. In one embodiment, for example, the width of the support member 50 (e.g., in...) Figure 1A The width in the Y-axis direction can be equal to or less than the width of the panel member 20. Additionally, the length of the support member 50 (e.g., in...) Figure 1A The length of the support member 50 (in the X-axis direction) can be equal to or less than the length of the panel member 20. The width and length of the support member 50 and the panel member 20 can be measured when the support member 50 and the panel member 20 are placed on a flat plane without curvature.

[0130] In such an embodiment, the panel member 20 and the support member 50 can provide space where the cover member 10 and other devices can engage with each other when they are joined together, and can also prevent forces from being applied by the cover member 10 and other devices, thus effectively preventing breakage or damage to the panel member 20 and the support member 50. In such an embodiment, the panel member 20 and the support member 50 can be arranged on portions of the second region 10-2 and the third region 10-3 to enhance the strength of the bent portions of the cover member 10.

[0131] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 100 for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0132] Reference Figure 4An embodiment of the apparatus 100 for manufacturing a display device may include a first clamping portion 110, a second clamping portion 120, and a third clamping portion 130. The first clamping portion 110 is linearly movable, and when the support member 50 is placed, the second clamping portion 120 may perform an initial molding of the support member 50 based on the linear movement of the first clamping portion 110. In such an embodiment, the third clamping portion 130 may perform a secondary molding of the initially molded support member 50.

[0133] Each fixture part will be described in detail below.

[0134] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the first clamp portion 110 shown. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the first clamp portion 110 shown.

[0135] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first clamping portion 110 may be arranged to be separated from one surface of the support member 50 and is linearly movable. The first clamping portion 110 may be connected to the clamping actuator 140 (see [link to clamping actuator]). Figure 4 The clamp driver 140 can be of various forms. In one embodiment, for example, the clamp driver 140 may include a cylinder. In an alternative embodiment, the clamp driver 140 may include a nut connected to the first clamp portion 110, a screw that moves linearly within the nut, and a motor connected to the screw. In another alternative embodiment, the clamp driver 140 may include a linear motor connected to the first clamp portion 110. In such embodiments, the clamp driver 140 is not limited to the forms described above and may include any means or structure that allows the first clamp portion 110 to move linearly. In another alternative embodiment, the clamp driver 140 may not be connected to the first clamp portion 110, but may be connected to a second clamp portion 120 to allow the second clamp portion 120 to move linearly. In such embodiments, the first clamp portion 110 may be fixed. However, for ease of description, embodiments in which the clamp driver 140 is connected to the first clamp portion 110 will be described in detail below.

[0136] The first clamping portion 110 may include first support portions 111 and 112, a first pressing portion 113, a first guiding portion 114, a first protruding portion 115, a first temperature measuring portion 116, and a first heating portion 117.

[0137] The first support portions 111 and 112 may include a first engaging support portion 111 connected to the clamp driver 140 and a second engaging support portion 112 connected to the first engaging support portion 111. The first engaging support portion 111 may have a groove defined or formed therein, and the second engaging support portion 112 may be received in the groove. In such embodiments, as Figure 6 As shown, a coupling protrusion 111A for engaging with the second coupling support portion 112 can be arranged in a groove to protrude toward the second coupling support portion 112. In such an embodiment, portions of the first guide portion 114 and the first protrusion portion 115 can be arranged in the first coupling support portion 111.

[0138] The first extrusion portion 113 may include an extrusion body portion 113A and a protruding portion 113B. A portion of the extrusion body portion 113A may protrude toward the second coupling support portion 112, and the protruding portion of the extrusion body portion 113A may be inserted into and engaged with a groove formed in the second coupling support portion 112. One surface of the extrusion body portion 113A may be flat. The protruding portion 113B may be disposed on a side surface of the extrusion body portion 113A. The end of the protruding portion 113B may have a curved surface (see...). Figure 4 In an embodiment, when a portion of the support member 50 bends during the molding of the support member 50, the end of the protruding portion 113B can guide the bending path of that portion of the support member 50.

[0139] The first guide portion 114 may be arranged on the first support portions 111 and 112 to protrude from the first support portions 111 and 112 toward the second clamp portion (not shown). The first guide portion 114 may have a cylindrical shape or a polygonal column shape.

[0140] A first protrusion 115 may be disposed on the first clamping portion 110 to maintain a gap between the outer surface of the first clamping portion 110 and the outer surface of the second clamping portion 120. Multiple first protrusions 115 may be provided and may be disposed in various locations. In one embodiment, for example, some of the multiple first protrusions 115 may be disposed on the outer surface of the first pressing portion 113, and others of the multiple first protrusions 115 may be disposed on the outer surfaces of the first support portions 111 and 112. In each of the first protrusions 115, the height of the portion protruding from the outer surface of the first clamping portion 110 may be adjusted. In one embodiment, for example, a screw, bolt, etc., for height adjustment may be disposed in each of the first protrusions 115 to adjust the degree to which each of the first protrusions 115 protrudes from the outer surface of the first clamping portion 110 according to rotation. When the first clamping portion 110 approaches the second clamping portion 120 during linear movement of the first clamping portion 110, the first protrusion 115 prevents the outer surfaces of the first clamping portion 110 and the second clamping portion 120 from directly contacting each other, and also prevents excessive force from being applied to the support member 50. The first protrusion 115 may comprise an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, and / or polyurethane, thus preventing impact on the outer surface of the second clamping portion 120 or the formation of cracks in the outer surface of the second clamping portion 120 when the first protrusion 115 contacts the outer surface of the second clamping portion 120.

[0141] A first temperature measuring portion 116 may be disposed within the first support portions 111 and 112. In an embodiment, the first temperature measuring portion 116 may be disposed within the first support portions 111 and 112 (e.g., the first connecting support portion 111) to measure the internal temperature of the first support portions 111 and 112 (e.g., the first connecting support portion 111). In such an embodiment, the first temperature measuring portion 116 may include a sensor. Multiple first temperature measuring portions 116 may be provided, arranged to be spaced apart from each other. Multiple first temperature measuring portions 116 may be disposed in the longitudinal direction of the first support portions 111 and 112 (e.g., in...). Figure 5 They are separated from each other in the X-axis direction.

[0142] A first heating element 117 may be disposed within the first support portions 111 and 112 to regulate the temperature of the first support portions 111 and 112. In an embodiment, the first heating element 117 may operate based on the temperature of the first support portions 111 and 112 measured by the first temperature measuring element 116. In such an embodiment, the first heating element 117 may be disposed within the second connecting support portion 112. In such an embodiment, the first heating element 117 may be disposed on the side of the second connecting support portion 112. In one embodiment, for example, the first heating element 117 may be spaced apart from the side of the second connecting support portion 112 by an imaginary straight line. Here, the imaginary straight line is a line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second connecting support portion 112 and passing through the center of the second connecting support portion 112. In such an embodiment, when the support member 50 is molded, the first heating element 117 may apply heat to the side of the support member 50. In such an embodiment, the first heating element 117 may assist in the deformation of the support member 50 by applying heat to the deformable portion of the support member 50. The first heating portion 117 can be configured as multiple portions, and the multiple first heating portions 117 can correspond to the portions of the support member 50 to be deformed.

[0143] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 4 Perspective view of the second clamp portion 120 and the third clamp portion 130 shown. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of the second clamp portion 120 shown. Figure 9 yes Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of the third clamp portion 130 shown. Figure 10 It is along Figure 9 The sectional view taken by line B-B'.

[0144] Reference Figures 7 to 10 An embodiment of the second clamp portion 120 may be arranged facing the first clamp portion (not shown) so that the support member 50 may be placed. The third clamp portion 130 may be arranged on the side surface of the second clamp portion 120.

[0145] The second clamping portion 120 may include a second support portion 121, a linear movement portion 122, a first linear guide portion 123, a second guide portion 124, a third guide portion 125, a second linear guide portion 126, an elastic portion 127, and a gap adjustment portion 128.

[0146] The second support portion 121 may face the first support portions 111 and 112. The second support portion 121 may be fixed to a separate piece of equipment or building. The linear moving portion 122 may be accommodated in the second support portion 121, and a slot may be defined or formed in the second support portion 121 to provide space for the linear moving portion 122 to move linearly therein. The slot may provide space for the third clamping portion 130 to be placed therein, and for a portion of the third clamping portion 130 to move linearly.

[0147] The linear moving portion 122 can be accommodated within the second support portion 121 and moves linearly during the linear movement of the first support portions 111 and 112. The linear moving portion 122 can be elongated in the longitudinal direction of the support member 50. The linear moving portion 122 may have a suction hole 122A formed in its surface to adsorb the support member 50. In an embodiment, the linear moving portion 122 can be connected to the support member 50 and may include a connecting channel 122B communicating with (or connected to) the suction hole 122A and providing a path for the movement of gas inside the suction hole 122A. The connecting channel 122B can be connected to an external pump, etc., to suction the gas inside the suction hole 122A.

[0148] The first linear guide portion 123 may be connected to the linear moving portion 122. The first linear guide portion 123 may be columnar in shape and protrude toward the second support portion 121.

[0149] The second guide portion 124 may mate with the first guide portion 114 (e.g., be inserted into or have the first guide portion 114 inserted therein) and may guide the movement of the first guide portion 114. The shape of the second guide portion 124 may be modified in various ways based on the shape of the first guide portion 114. In one embodiment, for example, one of the first guide portion 114 and the second guide portion 124 may be formed in the column shape as described above, and the other of the first guide portion 114 and the second guide portion 124 may be in the shape of a guide bushing. The shapes of the first guide portion 114 and the second guide portion 124 are not limited to the shapes described above, and may have any shape or structure capable of guiding the movement of one of the first support portion 111 or 112 and the second support portion 121 when the first support portion 111 or 112 and the second support portion 121 move relative to each other.

[0150] The third guide portion 125 can guide the movement of the second compression portion 132, which will be described below. The third guide portion 125 can be partially inserted into and secured in the second support portion 121. The third guide portion 125 may include a linear motion guide.

[0151] The second linear guide portion 126 may correspond to the first linear guide portion 123 to guide the movement of the linear moving portion 122. One of the first linear guide portion 123 and the second linear guide portion 126 may be column-shaped, and the other may be a guide bushing shape. In the following description, for ease of description, a specific embodiment will be described in detail where the first linear guide portion 123 is a column-shaped member as described above and the second linear guide portion 126 is a guide bushing shape.

[0152] A portion of the elastic portion 127 can be inserted into the second support portion 121, and other portions of the elastic portion 127 can protrude from the outer surface of the second support portion 121. The elastic portion 127 can contact the linear moving portion 122 and be compressed according to the movement of the linear moving portion 122, and can provide a restoring force to the linear moving portion 122. Multiple elastic portions 127 can be provided. Multiple elastic portions 127 can be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the linear moving portion 122. The elastic portion 127 can be in the form of a rod comprising an elastic material such as silicone or rubber. In an alternative embodiment, the elastic portion 127 can comprise a helical spring. Hereinafter, for ease of description, embodiments in which the elastic portion 127 comprises a helical spring will be described in detail.

[0153] The gap adjustment portion 128 can be connected to the linear moving portion 122 via the second support portion 121. The gap adjustment portion 128 can be inserted into the elastic portion 127. In an embodiment, the gap adjustment portion 128 can be fixed to the linear moving portion 122 and can move together with the linear moving portion 122. In an embodiment, a screw can be disposed or formed in the portion of the gap adjustment portion 128 that is engaged with the linear moving portion 122, thereby adjusting the degree to which the gap adjustment portion 128 is inserted into the linear moving portion 122. In such an embodiment, the gap adjustment portion 128 can adjust the gap between the outer surface of the linear moving portion 122 and the outer surface of the second support portion 121, as well as the length of the elastic portion 127.

[0154] The third clamping part 130 may include a driver 131, a second pressing part 132, a moving block 133, a fixed bracket 134, a heat insulation member 135, a fourth guiding part 136, a second protruding part 137, a second heating part 138, and a second temperature measuring part 139.

[0155] The actuator 131 can linearly move the second pressing portion 132 and the moving block 133. The actuator 131 can take many forms. In one embodiment, for example, the actuator 131 may include a cylinder. In an alternative embodiment, the actuator 131 may include a linear motor. In another alternative embodiment, the actuator 131 may include a ball screw and a motor. Hereinafter, for ease of description, the embodiment in which the actuator 131 includes a cylinder will be described in detail.

[0156] One surface of the second extrusion portion 132 may be flat. In one embodiment, for example, one surface of the second extrusion portion 132 facing the first support portion (not shown) may be flat.

[0157] The second extrusion portion 132 may include curved portions 132A, 132B, and 132C. The curved portions 132A, 132B, and 132C may have an insertion groove 132C defined or formed therein. The cross-section of the insertion groove 132C may be formed in a curved shape. In an embodiment, the insertion groove 132C may be formed to correspond to the outer surface shape of the protrusion 113B.

[0158] A first protrusion 132A and a second protrusion 132B may be disposed or formed around an insertion groove 132C. The first protrusion 132A and the second protrusion 132B may be spaced apart from each other, and the insertion groove 132C may be arranged between the first protrusion 132A and the second protrusion 132B. The first protrusion 132A may protrude further toward the linearly moving portion 122 than the second protrusion 132B. The ends of the first protrusion 132A and the second protrusion 132B may be curved. In such an embodiment, the ends of the first protrusion 132A and the second protrusion 132B may be formed to have curvature.

[0159] The movable block 133 can connect the driver 131 to the second extrusion section 132. The movable block 133 can linearly move the second extrusion section 132 by moving linearly based on the operation of the driver 131.

[0160] The mounting bracket 134 can be fixed to the second support portion 121. The mounting bracket 134 can be plate-shaped and can support the driver 131.

[0161] A heat insulation member 135 may be arranged between the fixed bracket 134 and the actuator 131. The heat insulation member 135 may be plate-shaped and may prevent heat from being transferred to the actuator 131 through the fixed bracket 134.

[0162] The fourth guide portion 136 may be disposed between the second support portion 121 and the movable block 133 to guide the linear movement of the movable block 133. The fourth guide portion 136 may be fixed to the second support portion 121 or fixed to the fixed bracket 134. The fourth guide portion 136 may include a linear motion guide.

[0163] The second protrusion 137 may be disposed on one surface of the second pressing portion 132. The second protrusion 137 may adjust the gap between the side surface of the second pressing portion 132 and the side surface of the linear moving portion 122. In one embodiment, for example, the second protrusion 137 may be fixed to the second pressing portion 132 by bolts or screws, and the degree to which the second protrusion 137 protrudes from the outer surface of the second pressing portion 132 may be changed by adjusting the bolts or screws. The second protrusion 137 may comprise an elastic material substantially the same as the elastic material of the first protrusion 115.

[0164] The second heating portion 138 can be inserted into the second extrusion portion 132. The second heating portion 138 may include a heater and may be rod-shaped, positioned in the longitudinal direction of the second extrusion portion 132 (e.g., Figure 9 It is elongated in the X-axis direction. The second heating portion 138 may at least partially overlap with the protruding portion 113B. In an embodiment, the second heating portion 138 may apply heat to the deformed portion of the support member 50.

[0165] A second temperature measuring portion 139 may be arranged in the second extrusion portion 132 to measure the temperature inside the second extrusion portion 132. The second temperature measuring portion 139 may include a sensor. In one embodiment, multiple second temperature measuring portions 139 may be provided, and the multiple second temperature measuring portions 139 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the second extrusion portion 132.

[0166] An embodiment of the method for molding the support member 50 will be described in detail below.

[0167] Figures 11 to 15 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method for manufacturing a support member 50 of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0168] Reference Figures 11 to 15 The support member 50 may be in a state in which the membrane member 90 is attached to the support member 50. In one embodiment, for example, the membrane member 90 may be attached to a buffer member (not shown) of the support member 50.

[0169] The membrane member 90, to which the support member 50 is attached, can be arranged on the second clamping portion 120. One surface of the linear moving portion 122 can be arranged on the same plane as one surface of the second support portion 121; therefore, the membrane member 90 can be placed on said one surface of the second support portion 121 and said one surface of the linear moving portion 122. In such an embodiment, the linear moving portion 122 can fix the position of the support member 50 by adsorbing the membrane member 90 through the suction hole 122A (see...). Figure 11 ).

[0170] When the support member 50 is placed on the second clamping portion 120 as described above, the clamping driver 140 can be operated to cause the first clamping portion 110 to move linearly. When the first clamping portion 110 moves linearly, the first pressing portion 113 can press the support member 50. The first pressing portion 113 can press the linear moving portion 122 by pressing the support member 50, and the linear moving portion 122 can move linearly together with the first pressing portion 113.

[0171] In such an embodiment, the first protrusion 115 disposed in the first compression portion 113 can contact the linear moving portion 122, and after the first protrusion 115 contacts the linear moving portion 122, the first protrusion 115 disposed in the first support portions 111 and 112 can contact the second support portion 121.

[0172] In such an embodiment, the elastic portion 127 can be compressed according to the movement of the linear moving portion 122, and the gap adjusting portion 128 can move linearly together with the linear moving portion 122. In such an embodiment, the first guide portion 114 can be inserted into the second guide portion 124 and move linearly according to the movement of the first clamp portion 110, and the first linear guide portion 123 can be inserted into the second linear guide portion 126 and move linearly.

[0173] In such an embodiment, the first heating portion 117 can be operated to increase the temperature of the first clamping portion 110. The first heating portion 117 can be operated before the first clamping portion 110 moves linearly. In an alternative embodiment, the first heating portion 117 can be operated while the first clamping portion 110 is moving linearly. The first temperature measuring portion 116 can measure the temperature of the first clamping portion 110 and can adjust the operation of the first heating portion 117 based on a comparison between the temperature of the first clamping portion 110 measured by the first temperature measuring portion 116 and a preset temperature. In one embodiment, for example, the first heating portion 117 can be operated when the temperature of the first clamping portion 110 measured by the first temperature measuring portion 116 is less than or equal to the preset temperature. In such an embodiment, the operation of the first heating portion 117 can be stopped when the temperature of the first clamping portion 110 measured by the first temperature measuring portion 116 exceeds the preset temperature.

[0174] When the first clamping portion 110 is moved linearly as described above, the end of the support member 50 can be bent by the first pressing portion 113 and the second pressing portion 132. In an embodiment, when the first pressing portion 113 presses the central portion of the support member 50 while moving linearly, the end of the support member 50 can be intercepted by the second protrusion 132B of the second pressing portion 132 and thus rotate toward the first clamping portion 110. The end of the support member 50 can then rotate about the protrusion 113B according to the movement of the first pressing portion 113. In such an embodiment, the end of the support member 50 can be bent initially. In one embodiment, for example, the end of the support member 50 can have a first angle at the portion where the bend begins from the flat portion. In such an embodiment, the bent portion of the support member 50 can be formed to have a curved surface (or curve) having a first radius of curvature (see Figure 1 and 2). Figure 12 ).

[0175] When the above process is completed, the second extrusion section 132 can be moved linearly while the first extrusion section 113 is pressing the linear moving section 122, so as to perform secondary extrusion on the end of the support member 50 after its first deformation. The second extrusion section 132 can be moved linearly along the third guide section 125, and the moving block 133 can be moved linearly along the fourth guide section 136.

[0176] In this configuration, the actuator 131 can be operated to linearly move the moving block 133 and the second pressing portion 132. The protruding portion 113B and the bent portions 132A, 132B, and 132C can press the deformed ends of the support member 50 to re-mold the support member 50. In such an embodiment, the deformed ends of the support member 50 can be received in the insertion slot 132C, and the second pressing portion 132 can press the support member 50 together with the protruding portion 113B.

[0177] In one embodiment, the end of the support member 50 may be significantly more curved than in the initial molding. In one embodiment, for example, the end of the support member 50 may form a curved surface (or curve) with a second radius of curvature. The second radius of curvature may be smaller than the first radius of curvature. In such an embodiment, the curvature begins at the boundary of the curved portion of the support member 50 within the flat portion, and the angle formed by the beginning of the curvature of the support member 50 and the flat portion of the support member 50 may be greater than a reference angle. Figure 12 From the perspective of description. In such an embodiment, the end of the support member 50 may be arranged to face another surface of the support member 50, which is different from the surface of the support member 50 that is placed on the linear moving part 122.

[0178] During the above process, the second heating section 138 can regulate the temperature of the second extrusion section 132 to promote the deformation of the support member 50. In an embodiment, the second temperature measuring section 139 can measure the temperature of the second extrusion section 132. The second heating section 138 can be adjusted based on the temperature measured by the second temperature measuring section 139. In such an embodiment, since the control method of the second heating section 138 is similar to the control method of the first heating section 117, any repeated detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0179] When the support member 50 is bent as described above, the membrane member 90 can also be bent together with the support member 50. In such an embodiment, a portion of the membrane member 90 (e.g., opposite ends of the membrane member 90) can be placed on the second support portion 121 to support the support member 50 (see...). Figure 13 ).

[0180] When the above process is completed, it can be compared with the reference. Figure 13 The described operation operates the actuator 131 in reverse. In an embodiment, the moving block 133 and the second pressing portion 132 can be moved linearly according to the operation of the actuator 131. In such an embodiment, the second pressing portion 132 can be separated from and partitioned from the support member 50 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 14 ).

[0181] The clamp driver 140 can then be operated to separate the first extrusion portion 113 from the linear movement portion 122. In an embodiment, the suction orifice 122A can be maintained in a substantially vacuum state, thus allowing the membrane member 90 to be secured to the linear movement portion 122. In such an embodiment, the outermost dimension of the support member 50 can be less than or equal to the width between the first protrusions 132A, so that the movement of the support member 50 is not disturbed even when the first extrusion portion 113 is moved linearly as described above.

[0182] When the first pressing portion 113 is operated as described above, the elastic portion 127 can provide a restoring force to the linear moving portion 122. When the first pressing portion 113 continues to move linearly, the linear moving portion 122 can reach its initial position. In such an embodiment, the linear moving portion 122 can no longer move with the movement of the first pressing portion 113 via the gap adjustment portion 128, and the support member 50 can remain fixed to the linear moving portion 122.

[0183] As the first extrusion portion 113 continues to move linearly, it can separate from the support member 50. The first extrusion portion 113 can then exit from the curved portion of the support member 50. In such an embodiment, the curved portion of the support member 50 can have an elastic force and a predetermined degree of restoring force, thereby maintaining its molded shape even after the first extrusion portion 113 has been withdrawn (see [link]). Figure 15 ).

[0184] The support member 50, which is molded as described above, can be transported to the outside or to another device while the membrane member 90 is attached to the support member 50.

[0185] Figure 16 and Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0186] Reference Figure 16 and Figure 17 The cover member 10 and the panel member 20 can be combined using separate devices. Then, according to... Figures 11 to 15 The support member 50, manufactured by the process, is attached to the panel member 20. In such an embodiment, the membrane member 90 can be removed, and when the membrane member 90 is removed, an adhesive layer can be disposed on the surface of the support member 50.

[0187] The support member 50 and the panel member 20 disposed below the cover member 10 can be arranged to face each other. The support member 50 can then be pressed against one surface of the support member 50 by a pressure roller R, etc. The pressure roller R can press the support member 50 towards the panel member 20 while moving from a portion of the support member 50 (e.g., the central portion of the support member 50) to a curved portion of the support member 50 or to an end of the support member 50. Figure 17 The pressure roller R moves in the Z-axis direction and / or Y-axis direction.

[0188] When the pressure roller R is moved as described above, the bent portion of the support member 50 can be attached to the panel member 20 while unfolding.

[0189] When the support member 50 is attached to the panel member 20 with its opposite ends not bent as described above, the support member 50 may first contact the end of the panel member 20, or air bubbles may appear after the support member 50 is attached to the end of the panel member 20 and the center portion of the panel member 20.

[0190] If the support member 50 is attached to the panel member 20 in a flat state, the end of the panel member 20 may be positioned closer to the support member 50 than other parts of the panel member 20, so the support member 50 may contact the end of the panel member 20 first. In this case, even if the attachment between the support member 50 and the panel member 20 begins at the center portion of the support member 50, and then the support member 50 and the panel member 20 are attached together from the center portion of the support member 50 toward the end of the support member 50, air bubbles may still appear between the center portion and the end of the support member 50. Furthermore, when the support member 50 is attached to the panel member 20 in a flat state, after the support member 50 is attached to the panel member 20, in the curved portion of the cover member 10, the support member 50 may detach from the panel member 20 due to the restoring force of the support member 50.

[0191] In an embodiment, the support member 50 is attached to the panel member 20 in a pre-bent state as described above, thereby effectively preventing the aforementioned problems.

[0192] In such an embodiment, the radius of curvature of the end of the support member 50 may be smaller than the radius of curvature of the end of the cover member 10 and / or the radius of curvature of the end of the panel member 20, thereby preventing the end of the support member 50 from contacting the panel member 20 before a portion (e.g., the central portion) of the support member 50.

[0193] Therefore, the apparatus 100 and method for manufacturing a display device according to the embodiments can reduce the failure rate when the support member 50 and the panel member 20 are attached to each other. In such an embodiment, when the support member 50 is fixed to the panel member 20, the apparatus 100 and method can prevent the support member 50 from separating from the panel member 20 at the curved portion of the cover member 10.

[0194] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the display device 1' according to an optional embodiment.

[0195] Reference Figure 18 The display device 1' may include a cover member 10, a display panel 20-1, and a support member 50. The cover member 10, the display panel 20-1, and the support member 50 may be connected to a reference... Figure 1A and Figure 1B The cover member 10, display panel 20-1, and support member 50 described herein are substantially the same or similar. In the following description, for ease of description, the cover member 10, display panel 20-1, and support member 50 will be described in detail with reference to the above references. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The characteristics described are different.

[0196] The cover member 10 may include a first region 10-1', a second region 10-2', and a third region 10-3'. At least a portion of the second region 10-2' and / or at least a portion of the third region 10-3' may be formed as curved. In such an embodiment, the radius of curvature of the curved portion of the second region 10-2' may be different from the radius of curvature of the curved portion of the third region 10-3'. In one embodiment, for example, the radius of curvature of the curved portion of the second region 10-2' may be smaller or larger than the radius of curvature of the curved portion of the third region 10-3'. In an alternative embodiment, the radius of curvature of the curved portion of the second region 10-2' may be equal to the radius of curvature of the curved portion of the third region 10-3'. Hereinafter, for ease of description, embodiments in which the radius of curvature of the curved portion of the second region 10-2' is different from the radius of curvature of the curved portion of the third region 10-3' will be described in detail.

[0197] In such an embodiment, the lengths of the second region 10-2' and the third region 10-3' may be different from each other. In one embodiment, for example, one of the lengths of the second region 10-2' and the third region 10-3' may be smaller than the other. The length of the second region 10-2' may be the length of the outer surface of the second region 10-2', and the length of the third region 10-3' may be the length of the outer surface of the third region 10-3'.

[0198] In such an embodiment, the distance from the end of the second region 10-2' to a surface of the first region 10-1' may be different from the distance from the end of the third region 10-3' to the surface of the first region 10-1'. In one embodiment, for example, the distance W1 from the end of the second region 10-2' to a surface of the first region 10-1' may be greater than the distance W2 from the end of the third region 10-3' to the surface of the first region 10-1'. This can be based on... Figure 18 Distance is measured along the Z-axis.

[0199] In an embodiment, as described above, the position of the end of the panel member 20 and / or the position of the end of the support member 50 may differ from the position of the end of the cover member 10. In such an embodiment, as described above, the end of the panel member 20 and / or the end of the support member 50 may be arranged closer to the center of the cover member 10 than the end of the cover member 10.

[0200] Figure 19 This is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus 100' for manufacturing a display device 1 or 1' according to an optional embodiment.

[0201] Reference Figure 19 The apparatus 100' for manufacturing a display device may include a first clamping portion 110', a second clamping portion 120', a third clamping portion 130', and a clamp driver 140'. The first clamping portion 110', the second clamping portion 120', the third clamping portion 130', and the clamp driver 140' are referenced. Figure 4 The first clamping portion 110, the second clamping portion 120, the third clamping portion 130, and the clamping driver 140 are substantially the same or similar, therefore, any detailed description of their identical or similar elements will be omitted (e.g., the first support portions 111' and 112', the first protrusion 115', the first temperature measuring portion 116' and the first heating portion 117' of the first clamping portion 110', and the third guide portion 125', the elastic portion 127' and the gap adjusting portion 128' of the second clamping portion 120').

[0202] A clamp actuator 140' may be connected to a second clamp portion 120'. The second clamp portion 120' may be arranged facing and above the first clamp portion 110'. In such an embodiment, the second clamp portion 120' may move linearly according to the operation of the clamp actuator 140'. During the linear movement of the second clamp portion 120', a third clamp portion 130' may move linearly together with the second clamp portion 120'. In such an embodiment, the third clamp portion 130' may bend the opposite ends of a support member (not shown).

[0203] In the operation of the apparatus 100' used to manufacture display device 1 or 1', a support member (not shown) to which a film member (not shown) is attached can be fixed to a second clamping portion 120'. The method of fixing the support member to the second clamping portion 120' is substantially the same as or similar to the method described above, therefore, any repeated detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0204] When the support member is secured to the second clamp portion 120' as described above, the clamp driver 140' can be operated to position the second clamp portion 120' closer to the first clamp portion 110'. In such an embodiment, the first pressing portion 113' can be pressed against the support member, and the opposite ends of the support member can be bent for the first time, while the linear moving portion 122' enters the second support portion 121' through the first pressing portion 113'.

[0205] Then, the third clamping portion 130' can be manipulated to bend the opposite ends of the initially bent support member again. In such an embodiment, the opposite ends of the support member can be bent to a larger angle than when the opposite ends of the support member were initially bent.

[0206] When the clamp driver 140' is driven in the opposite manner to the above description, the second clamp portion 120' can be moved upward, and the curved support member can be moved together with the second clamp portion 120', so that the support member can be separated from the first pressing portion 113'.

[0207] Then, after retracting the support members, which are bent at both ends, to the outside, the membrane member can be removed from the support member, and the support member can then be attached to the panel member (not shown). In such an embodiment, the support member can be attached to the panel member, such as... Figure 1A , Figure 16 or Figure 18 As shown in the image.

[0208] According to an embodiment, the display device may have a curved portion, and each component may remain connected to each other within the curved portion. Furthermore, the apparatus and method for manufacturing the display device according to the embodiment can improve the contact force of the components within the curved portion of the cover component.

[0209] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes, and the description of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. The invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the inventive concept to those skilled in the art.

[0210] Although the invention has been described with reference to embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing a display device, the apparatus comprising: The first clamping part includes: a first supporting part; and a first pressing part disposed at the first supporting part, wherein the first pressing part presses the supporting member; The second clamping portion includes a linearly moving portion arranged corresponding to the first pressing portion, wherein the linearly moving portion moves linearly, and wherein the second clamping portion faces the first clamping portion, and the support member is placed on the second clamping portion; and A third clamping portion is disposed on the side surface of the second clamping portion to press the side surface of the support member during molding. Wherein, at least one of the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion moves linearly. Wherein, when at least one of the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion moves linearly, the linearly moving portion moves linearly together with the first pressing portion. The third clamping portion includes a second pressing portion, which moves linearly within the second clamping portion to press the side surface of the support member. The second compression portion includes a bending portion that bends at least a portion of the support member. The curved portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and an insertion groove between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The first clamp portion further includes a first protrusion, which is disposed at the first compression portion and protrudes toward the second clamp portion.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The first extrusion portion includes: The compression body portion is connected to the first support portion; and The protruding portion protrudes from the side surface of the extrusion body portion toward the side surface of the extrusion body portion.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The first clamp portion further includes a first heating portion, which is disposed inside the first support portion.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein, The first clamp portion further includes a first temperature measuring portion, which is arranged inside the first support portion to measure the temperature of the first support portion.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The first clamp portion further includes a first guide portion, which is disposed at the first support portion.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein, The second clamping portion further includes a second guide portion, which is arranged to correspond to the first guide portion to guide the movement of the first clamping portion.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The second clamping portion further includes a second support portion in which the linear moving portion moves linearly.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The second clamping portion also includes a third guide portion that guides the movement of the third clamping portion.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The second clamping portion further includes an elastic portion that provides a restoring force to the linear moving portion during its movement.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The third clamping portion also includes a driver connected to the second extrusion portion to cause the second extrusion portion to move linearly.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The third clamping portion also includes a heat insulation member disposed between the driver and the second extrusion portion.

13. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The third clamping part also includes a second heating part, which is arranged inside the second extrusion part.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein, The third clamping part also includes a second temperature measuring part, which is arranged inside the second extrusion part.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The third clamping portion further includes a second protrusion disposed at the second pressing portion to maintain the distance between the third clamping portion and the linear moving portion.

16. A method of manufacturing a display device, the method comprising: Place the support component onto the second clamping part; The support member is compressed by the compression portion of the first clamping part; The end portion of the support member is bent by the linear movement of the linearly moving portion of the second clamping part together with the linear movement of the support member. as well as The bent portion of the end of the support member is pressed by the bent portion of the second pressing portion of the third clamping portion, so that the portion of the end of the support member bends again, and The curved portion in the second extrusion portion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and an insertion groove between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: The bent portion at the end of the support member is heated.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, Heating at least one of the upper surface and the side surface of the support member.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein, When the first clamping part presses against the support member, the lower surface of the pressing part and the upper surface of the linear moving part are kept separated from each other by a certain gap.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein, When the third clamping part presses against the side surface of the support member, the side surface of the third clamping part and the side surface of the linear moving part are kept separated from each other by a certain gap.

21. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The compression portion causes the portion of the end of the support member to bend at a first angle, and The bending portion in the second pressing portion of the third clamping portion causes the portion of the end of the support member to bend at a second angle different from the first angle.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The second angle is greater than the first angle.

23. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The second clamp part pneumatically adsorbs the support member.

24. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: The support member is attached to the cover member and panel member of the display device.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, At least a portion of the cover member is curved.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The cover component includes a flat portion and a curved portion. The support member is attached sequentially to the panel member from the flat portion of the cover member to the curved portion of the cover member.

27. The method of claim 24, further comprising: Remove the membrane component of the supporting member.

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