Display device

Abstract

A display device is disclosed. The display device includes a display panel including a first area, a second area disposed on the first area, and a bending area extending from the first area to the second area, wherein the first area includes a first flat area and a first curved area disposed between the bending area and the first flat area; a driver disposed on the first flat area; a cover panel disposed between the first area and the second area; and a spacer layer including a first adhesive layer disposed between the cover panel and the first curved area and a second adhesive layer disposed between the cover panel and the first flat area. Here, the first adhesive layer has an adhesive property different from an adhesive property of the second adhesive layer.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0044282, filed on April 10, 2020, and all benefits derived from that Korean Patent Application, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a display device. Background Technology

[0004] Various display devices have been developed for multimedia devices such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation units, and game consoles. Each display device may include a display panel for displaying images, an input sensing panel for sensing external input, and a window.

[0005] In addition to flat display devices, various other types of display devices have been developed. For example, various flexible display devices have been developed, such as curved display devices, bendable display devices, foldable display devices, rollable display devices, and stretchable display devices. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure provides a display device capable of stably fixing a portion of the display panel to a cover panel in a curved region.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides a display device, comprising: a display panel including a first region, a second region disposed on the first region, and a bent region extending from the first region to the second region, wherein the first region includes a first flat region and a first curved region disposed between the bent region and the first flat region; a driver disposed on the first flat region; a cover panel disposed between the first region and the second region; and a spacer layer including a first adhesive layer disposed between the cover panel and the first curved region and a second adhesive layer disposed between the cover panel and the first flat region. Here, the first adhesive layer has adhesive properties different from those of the second adhesive layer.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a display device includes: providing a display panel including a first region, a second region, and a bent region extending from the first region to the second region, wherein the first region includes a first curved region and a first flat region; disposing of a cover panel on a bottom surface of the second region; disposing of a spacer layer including a first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer on the bottom surface of the cover panel; and disposing of the first region on the bottom surface of the spacer layer by bending the bent region. Here, the first adhesive layer is disposed between the first curved region and the cover panel, the second adhesive layer is disposed between the first flat region and the cover panel, and the first adhesive layer has adhesive properties different from those of the second adhesive layer. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concept and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings, together with the description, illustrate embodiments of the inventive concept and serve to explain the principles of the inventive concept. In the drawings:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of an embodiment of the display device in the diagram;

[0012] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the display device in the diagram;

[0013] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the display panel;

[0014] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the spacer layer;

[0015] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram illustrating an implementation of the internal structure of line II′ in the diagram;

[0016] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 A diagram illustrating an implementation of a display panel in its state before bending;

[0017] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a diagram illustrating the spacing layer of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 9A and Figure 9BThis is a diagram illustrating the spacing layer of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0020] Figures 11 to 15 It is shown Figure 10 The diagram for each process in the process. Detailed Implementation

[0021] In this specification, it will also be understood that when a component (or region, layer, part) is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "attached to" another component, it may be directly set on / connected to / attached to that component, or there may be a third component in between.

[0022] Throughout the text, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the thickness, scale, and dimensions of the components are exaggerated for clarity.

[0023] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a(a)”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms, including “at least one”. “At least one” should not be construed as limiting “a(a)” or “an”. “Or” means “and / or”. It will also be understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprise” and / or “comprising” or “include” and / or “including” describe the presence of a stated feature, region, integral, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0024] It will be understood that although terms such as “first” and “second” are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from others. For example, a first element referred to as a first element in one embodiment may be referred to as a second element in another embodiment without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Unless otherwise stated, singular terms may include plural forms.

[0025] In addition, terms such as "below," "under," "above," and "upper" are used to explain the relationships between the components shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms can be relative concepts and are described based on the directions expressed in the drawings.

[0026] Unless otherwise specified, 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. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the associated technical context, and shall not be ideally or excessively interpreted as having a formal meaning unless expressly defined in the specification.

[0027] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0029] refer to Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device DD may have a long side extending in a first direction DR1 and a short side extending in a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. The display device DD may have four edges (i.e., a long side and a short side), each edge having a curved shape. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to... Figure 1 The shape of the display device DD shown is illustrated. In another embodiment, when viewed from a plane, the display device DD may have various shapes such as a circular shape or a polygonal shape.

[0030] In the following text, the direction passing through the plane defined substantially perpendicularly by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 is defined as the third direction DR3. The third direction DR3 is also referred to as the thickness direction of the display device DD in another name. In the following text, the feature "when viewed from a plane" (i.e., plan view) refers to the shape viewed in the third direction DR3.

[0031] The display device DD may include a display area DA and a non-display area (not shown). The non-display area may be set along the edge of the display area DA. The display area DA may display an image, and the non-display area may not display an image. The non-display area may define the border of the display device DD.

[0032] The display area DA may include a first display area DA1, a second display area DA2, a third display area DA3, a fourth display area DA4, and a fifth display area DA5. The first display area DA1 may be a flat display area. For example, the first display area DA1 may have a long side extending in a first direction DR1 and a short side extending in a second direction DR2.

[0033] Each of the second display area DA2, the third display area DA3, the fourth display area DA4, and the fifth display area DA5 may be a curved display area. The second display area DA2 may extend from a short side of the first display area DA1 in a first direction DR1. The second display area DA2 may gradually bend in a downward direction (e.g., the third third direction DR3) along the direction away from said short side of the first display area DA1 (i.e., the first direction DR1). The third display area DA3 may be positioned relative to the first display area DA1 at a location opposite to the second display area DA2.

[0034] The fourth display area DA4 may extend from one long side of the first display area DA1 in the second direction DR2. The fourth display area DA4 may gradually bend downward in a direction away from the long side of the first display area DA1 (i.e., the second direction DR2) (e.g., the third direction DR3). The fifth display area DA5 may be positioned relative to the first display area DA1 at a position opposite to the fourth display area DA4.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display device DD can provide a user with an image IM generated by curved second display areas DA2, third display areas DA3, fourth display areas DA4 and fifth display areas DA5 extending from a flat first display area DA1.

[0036] The display device DD according to an embodiment of the present invention can provide a wider display screen to the user by including curved display areas DA2 to DA5.

[0037] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A plan view of an embodiment of the display device. For ease of description, Figure 2 The diagram shows the folded area BA of the display panel DP in its folded state.

[0038] refer to Figure 2 The display device DD according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a display panel DP, a scan driver SDV, a data driver DDV, and a transmit driver EDV.

[0039] The display panel DP can be a flexible display panel. For example, the display panel DP may include multiple electronic components disposed on a flexible substrate. The display panel DP may have a rectangular shape, having a long side extending in a first direction DR1 and a short side extending in a second direction DR2.

[0040] The display panel DP may include a first area AE1, a second area AE2, and a bending area BA. The second area AE2, the bending area BA, and the first area AE1 may be arranged sequentially in the first direction DR1.

[0041] The first region AE1 can be a non-display area where no image is displayed. The first region AE1 may include a first flat region FA1 and a first curved region CA1. The data driver DDV may be installed in the first flat region FA1.

[0042] The second region AE2 may include a display area for displaying an image. The second region AE2 may include a second flat region FA2 and a second curved region CA2. The second flat region FA2 may correspond to... Figure 1 The first display area DA1. The second curved area CA2 can correspond to Figure 1 The second display area DA2 in the text.

[0043] The bending region BA can extend from the first region AE1 to the second region AE2. The bending region BA can be bent during the manufacturing process of the display device DD. When the bending region BA is bent, the first region AE1 can be positioned below the second region AE2. This will be described later.

[0044] The display panel DP may include multiple pixels PX, multiple scan lines SL, multiple data lines DL, and multiple emission lines EL. Although the pixels PX can be arranged in a matrix, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the pixels PX can be arranged in various forms. The pixels PX can be disposed in the display area and connected to the scan lines SL, data lines DL, and emission lines EL. For example, the pixels PX can be disposed in the second flat area FA2 and the second curved area CA2 of the second area AE2. Therefore, since the pixels PX are even disposed in the second curved area CA2, the display device DD may have a curved second display area DA2 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0045] The scan driver (SDV) and transmit driver (EDV) can be positioned at the edges of the display panel (DP). For example, the scan driver (SDV) and transmit driver (EDV) can be positioned at opposite edges of the display panel (DP) in the second direction (DR2). The scan driver (SDV) and transmit driver (EDV) can also be positioned in non-display areas. In other words, the scan driver (SDV) and transmit driver (EDV) can be positioned in the bezel area.

[0046] The data driver DDV can be manufactured as an integrated circuit chip and disposed in the first flat area FA1 of the first region AE1. When the bending area BA is bent, the data driver DDV can be disposed below the display panel DP.

[0047] The scan line SL can extend along the second direction DR2 and connect to the scan driver SDV and the pixel PX. The emitter line EL can extend along the second direction DR2 and connect to the emitter driver EDV and the pixel PX.

[0048] The data line DL can extend in the first direction DR1. Specifically, the data line DL can be located in the second region AE2, the bending region BA, and the first region AE1. The data line DL can extend from the second region AE2 and connect to the data driver DDV located in the first region AE1 via the bending region BA.

[0049] The scan driver SDV generates multiple scan signals, which are applied to pixel PX via scan line SL. The scan signals are applied to pixel PX sequentially. The data driver DDV generates multiple data voltages, which are applied to pixel PX via data line DL. The transmit driver EDV generates multiple transmit signals, which are applied to pixel PX via transmit line EL.

[0050] Although not shown, the display device DD may include a timing controller (not shown) for controlling the operation of each of the scan driver SDV, data driver DDV, and transmit driver EDV.

[0051] The timing controller can generate scan control signals, data control signals, and transmit control signals in response to control signals received from the outside. The timing controller can also receive image signals from the outside and convert the data format of the image signals according to the interface specification with the data driver DDV to provide the image signals to the data driver DDV.

[0052] The scan driver (SDV) generates a scan signal in response to a scan control signal, and the transmit driver (EDV) generates a transmit signal in response to a transmit control signal. The data driver (DDV) receives an image signal with a converted data format and generates a data voltage corresponding to the image signal in response to a data control signal.

[0053] Pixel PX can receive data voltage in response to a scan signal. Pixel PX can display an image by emitting light with a brightness corresponding to the data voltage in response to a transmit signal. Pixel PX can have an emission time controlled by the transmit signal.

[0054] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the display device. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the display panel. Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the spacer layer. For ease of description, Figures 3 to 5This shows the state when each layer of the display device DD is not bent.

[0055] refer to Figures 3 to 5 The display device DD may include a display panel DP and an input sensing component ISP, a window WIN, a cover panel CV, and a spacing layer SPL.

[0056] The display panel DP according to embodiments of the present invention can be a light-emitting display panel. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, the display panel DP can be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. An organic light-emitting display panel may include a light-emitting layer containing organic light-emitting materials. A quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include a light-emitting layer containing quantum dots or quantum rods. Hereinafter, the display panel DP will be described as an organic light-emitting display panel.

[0057] The display panel DP may include a substrate SUB, a circuit element layer CL disposed on the substrate SUB, a display element layer OL disposed on the circuit element layer CL, a thin film encapsulation layer TFE disposed on the display element layer OL, and a protective substrate PTS disposed below the substrate SUB (see reference). Figure 4 Although not shown, the display panel DP may also include functional layers such as an anti-reflective layer and a refractive index adjustment layer.

[0058] The substrate SUB, serving as a transparent substrate, may include a flexible plastic substrate. For example, the substrate SUB may include transparent polyimide (“PI”). Similar to a display panel DP, the substrate SUB may include a first region AE1, a second region AE2, and a bent region BA disposed between the first region AE1 and the second region AE2. Specifically, the substrate SUB may include a first flat region FA1 and a first curved region CA1 of the first region AE1, a second flat region FA2 and a second curved region CA2 of the second region AE2, and the bent region BA.

[0059] A circuit element layer CL may be disposed on a substrate SUB. The circuit element layer CL may be disposed on a first region AE1, a second region AE2, and a bending region BA of the substrate SUB. The circuit element layer CL may include at least one insulating layer and circuit elements. The insulating layer may include at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer. The circuit elements may include signal lines and driving circuitry for pixels. For example, the circuit elements may include… Figure 2 The scan line SL, emission line EL, and data line DL are included.

[0060] Display element layer OL may be disposed on circuit element layer CL. In a plan view, display element layer OL may overlap with the second flat region FA2 and the second curved region CA2 of the second region AE2. In other words, display element layer OL may overlap with the display area that implements the image. Display element layer OL may include light-emitting elements. For example, display element layer OL may include organic light-emitting diodes. Display element layer OL may also include organic layers such as pixel defining layers.

[0061] A thin-film encapsulation layer (TFE) may be disposed on the display element layer OL to seal the display element layer OL. The TFE may overlap with the second region AE2. The TFE includes at least one insulating layer. For example, the TFE may include at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer. The inorganic layer may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, or a titanium oxide layer. The inorganic layer protects the display element layer OL from moisture / oxygen. The organic layer may include an acrylic-based organic layer. The organic layer protects the display element layer OL from foreign substances such as dust particles.

[0062] The protective substrate PTS protects the lower portion of the substrate SUB. The protective substrate PTS may be located below the substrate SUB in the first region AE1 and the second region AE2. The protective substrate PTS may not be located below the substrate SUB in the bending region BA. The protective substrate PTS may include a flexible plastic substrate. For example, the protective substrate PTS may include colored polyimide.

[0063] The display panel DP may also include a protective layer PTL. The protective layer PTL may be disposed on the bending region BA. The protective layer PTL may be disposed adjacent to the thin-film encapsulation layer TFE. The protective layer PTL may be flexible. For example, when the bending region BA bends, the protective layer PTL may bend together with the bending region BA. The protective layer PTL protects the circuit element layer CL disposed in the bending region BA.

[0064] An input sensing section (ISP) may be disposed on the display panel (DP). Specifically, the input sensing section (ISP) may be disposed on the second region AE2 of the display panel (DP). The input sensing section (ISP) can sense external inputs such as user touch, convert the external inputs into input signals, and provide the input signals to the display panel (DP). The input sensing section (ISP) may include multiple sensors (not shown) for sensing external inputs. The sensors may sense the external inputs using a capacitive method. The display panel (DP) can receive the input signals from the input sensing section (ISP) and generate an image corresponding to the input signals.

[0065] The window WIN can be positioned on the input sensing section ISP. The window WIN can overlap with a portion of the bending area BA of the display panel DP and the second area AE2. The window WIN can be configured to cover a portion of the bending area BA and the second area AE2. The window WIN protects the display panel DP and the input sensing section ISP from external scratches and impacts. Figure 3 As shown, the adhesive OCA can be positioned between the window WIN and the input sensing portion ISP. The adhesive OCA may include an optically transparent adhesive. The image generated from the display panel DP can pass through the window WIN and be presented to the user.

[0066] The cover panel CV may be disposed below the display panel DP. The cover panel CV may be disposed below the second region AE2 of the display panel DP. The cover panel CV may not be disposed below the first region AE1 and the bending region BA of the display panel DP. The cover panel CV may absorb external impacts applied to the lower portion of the display panel DP. For example, the cover panel CV may include a cushioning layer. The cover panel CV may include a foam board with a predetermined elastic force.

[0067] The spacer layer SPL can be disposed below the cover panel CV. The spacer layer SPL can overlap with the second region AE2 of the display panel DP. Specifically, the spacer layer SPL may include a first adhesive layer ADL1, a second adhesive layer ADL2, and a third adhesive layer ADL3 (see reference). Figure 5 The first adhesive layer ADL1 and the third adhesive layer ADL3 may be disposed below the second curved area CA2 of the second area AE2 of the display panel DP.

[0068] The third adhesive layer ADL3 can be double-sided tape. The third adhesive layer ADL3 may have one surface attached to the bottom surface of the cover panel CV. The third adhesive layer ADL3 may have another surface attached to the top surface of the first adhesive layer ADL1. The first adhesive layer ADL1 may be disposed below the third adhesive layer ADL3. The shape of each of the first adhesive layer ADL1 and the third adhesive layer ADL3, corresponding to the shape of the second bending region CA2, is deformable. In this application, based on... Figure 6 The structure shown determines the top and bottom surfaces.

[0069] The second adhesive layer ADL2 may be disposed below the second flat area FA2 of the second region AE2 of the display panel DP. The second adhesive layer ADL2 may include a first adhesive tape ATA1, a second adhesive tape ATA2, and a spacer SP disposed between the first adhesive tape ATA1 and the second adhesive tape ATA2. The first adhesive tape ATA1 may have a surface attached to the bottom surface of the cover panel CV. The spacer SP may have a top surface attached to the other surface of the first adhesive tape ATA1. The spacer SP may be made of flexible plastic. The second adhesive tape ATA2 may have a surface attached to the bottom surface of the spacer SP.

[0070] With respect to the third-direction DR3, the second adhesive layer ADL2 may have a thickness equal to the sum of the thickness of the first adhesive layer ADL1 and the thickness of the third adhesive layer ADL3. The second adhesive layer ADL2 may be connected to the first adhesive layer ADL1 and the third adhesive layer ADL3. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the second adhesive layer ADL2 may be spaced apart from the first adhesive layer ADL1 and the third adhesive layer ADL3 on the third-direction DR3.

[0071] The first adhesive layer ADL1 may have properties different from those of the second adhesive layer ADL2. The first adhesive layer ADL1 may have adhesive force within a predetermined temperature range. For example, the first adhesive layer ADL1 may have adhesive force within a first temperature range and may not have adhesive force within a second temperature range. Here, the minimum value within the first temperature range may be greater than the maximum value within the second temperature range. For example, the first temperature range may be from about 70 degrees Celsius (°C) to about 85°C, and the second temperature range may be from about 15°C to about 25°C. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the first and second temperature ranges.

[0072] Specifically, the first adhesive layer ADL1 may comprise a thermoplastic resin. For example, the first adhesive layer ADL1 may comprise a hot melt adhesive. The first adhesive layer ADL1 may not have adhesive force in a second temperature range. The first adhesive layer ADL1 may melt and have adhesive force in a first temperature range. Once the first adhesive layer ADL1 is bonded to another component in the first temperature range, the bonding force between the first adhesive layer ADL1 and the component to which it is attached can be maintained even if the temperature drops to the initial temperature after bonding.

[0073] The second adhesive layer ADL2 may have adhesive strength within a first temperature range and a second temperature range. For example, each of the first adhesive tape ATA1 and the second adhesive tape ATA2 of the second adhesive layer ADL2 may be an optically transparent adhesive. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, each of the first adhesive tape ATA1 and the second adhesive tape ATA2 may be a colored adhesive.

[0074] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram illustrating an implementation of the internal structure of line II′ in the diagram. Figure 7 It is shown Figure 6 A diagram illustrating an implementation of the display panel in its state before bending. Figure 7 The diagram shows that the top and bottom surfaces of each of the display panel DP, cover panel CV, and spacer layer SPL are flipped, and... Figure 7 For ease of description, the input sensing section and window set on the display panel DP are omitted.

[0075] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The bending area BA of the display panel DP is bendable. Figure 6 In this configuration, the first region AE1 can be positioned below the spacer layer SPL. Specifically, the first curved region CA1 of the first region AE1 of the display panel DP can be positioned below the first adhesive layer ADL1. Figure 6 In this process, the first bending region CA1 may have a top surface that is attached to the bottom surface of the first adhesive layer ADL1. The bottom surface of the first adhesive layer ADL1 faces the top surface of the first bending region CA1. A method for attaching the first bending region CA1 to the first adhesive layer ADL1 will be described later.

[0076] The top surface of the first curved region CA1 may have the same area as the bottom surface of the first adhesive layer ADL1. The shape of the first curved region CA1 corresponding to the first adhesive layer ADL1 may be deformable. For example, in this state, the first curved region CA1 may have a curved shape. When viewed from a plane (i.e., in a plan view), the first curved region CA1 may overlap with the second curved region CA2.

[0077] A first flat region FA1 of the first region AE1 may be disposed below the second adhesive layer ADL2. The first flat region FA1 may have a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the second adhesive layer ADL2. The bottom surface of the second adhesive layer ADL2 faces the top surface of the first flat region FA1. The top surface of the first flat region FA1 may have the same area as the bottom surface of the second adhesive layer ADL2. When viewed from a plane, the first flat region FA1 may overlap with the second flat region FA2.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the first adhesive layer ADL1 disposed between the cover panel CV and the first curved region CA1 has different characteristics than the second adhesive layer ADL2 disposed between the cover panel CV and the first flat region FA1, the first curved region CA1 can be stably fixed to the cover panel CV. The above-described specific effects of the embodiments of the present invention will become clear when the manufacturing method of the display device is described.

[0079] Figures 8A to 9B This is a diagram illustrating a spacer layer of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, the display device includes a spacer layer different from that in the above embodiments, and the other components of the display device, except for the spacer layer, are the same as those described in the above embodiments. For ease of description, Figure 8A and Figure 9A In the middle, the bottom surface of the spacer layer faces upward.

[0080] refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8B The first adhesive layer ADL1-1 of the spacer layer SPL-1 may include a plurality of adhesive sheets AS1, AS2 and AS3. Each of the first adhesive sheet AS1, the second adhesive sheet AS2 and the third adhesive sheet AS3 may have adhesive force in a first temperature range and may not have adhesive force in a second temperature range.

[0081] Each of the first adhesive sheet AS1, the second adhesive sheet AS2, and the third adhesive sheet AS3 may have a long side extending in the second direction DR2 and a short side extending in the first direction DR1. When viewed from a plane, each of the first adhesive sheet AS1, the second adhesive sheet AS2, and the third adhesive sheet AS3 may have a rectangular shape.

[0082] The first adhesive sheet AS1, the second adhesive sheet AS2, and the third adhesive sheet AS3 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The first adhesive sheet AS1, the second adhesive sheet AS2, and the third adhesive sheet AS3 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the third adhesive layer ADL3. Although in Figure 8A Three adhesive sheets are shown, but this is merely illustrative. Embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited to these examples. Figure 8A The number of adhesive sheets shown.

[0083] refer to Figure 9A and Figure 9BThe first adhesive layer ADL1-2 of the spacer layer SPL-2 may include a plurality of adhesive sheets AS1′, AS2′, AS3′, AS4′ and AS5′. Each of the first adhesive sheet AS1′, the second adhesive sheet AS2′, the third adhesive sheet AS3′, the fourth adhesive sheet AS4′ and the fifth adhesive sheet AS5′ may have adhesive force in a first temperature range and may not have adhesive force in a second temperature range.

[0084] Each of the first adhesive sheet AS1′, the second adhesive sheet AS2′, the third adhesive sheet AS3′, the fourth adhesive sheet AS4′, and the fifth adhesive sheet AS5′ may have a long side extending in the first direction DR1 and a short side extending in the second direction DR2.

[0085] When viewed from a planar perspective, each of the first adhesive sheet AS1′, the second adhesive sheet AS2′, the third adhesive sheet AS3′, the fourth adhesive sheet AS4′, and the fifth adhesive sheet AS5′ may have a rectangular shape. The first adhesive sheet AS1′, the second adhesive sheet AS2′, the third adhesive sheet AS3′, the fourth adhesive sheet AS4′, and the fifth adhesive sheet AS5′ may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. The first adhesive sheet AS1′, the second adhesive sheet AS2′, the third adhesive sheet AS3′, the fourth adhesive sheet AS4′, and the fifth adhesive sheet AS5′ may be disposed on the bottom surface of the third adhesive layer ADL3. Although in Figure 9A Five adhesive sheets are shown, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these. Figure 9A The number of adhesive sheets shown.

[0086] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 11 to 15 It is shown Figure 10 The diagram shows each of the processes in the figure. In the figure, 11 to... Figure 15 In this image, for ease of description, each layer in the display device is inverted.

[0087] The following will describe in detail a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 In process S10, a display panel DP can be provided. The display panel DP may include a first region AE1, a second region AE2, and a bent region BA disposed between the first region AE1 and the second region AE2. The first region AE1 may include a first curved region CA1 and a first flat region FA1, and the second region AE2 may include a second curved region CA2 and a second flat region FA2. The bent region BA may be disposed between the first curved region CA1 and the second curved region CA2.

[0089] According to an embodiment of the present invention, prior to process S10, a process may be provided in which the display panel DP is arranged on the bottom surface of the window WIN. Specifically, the second region AE2 of the display panel DP can be fixed to the bottom surface of the window WIN using adhesive OCA. The window WIN may overlap with a portion of the bending region BA of the display panel DP and the second region AE2.

[0090] In process S20, a cover panel CV can be provided on the display panel DP. The cover panel CV can be provided on the bottom surface of the second region AE2. Specifically, the cover panel CV may include a flat portion provided on the second flat region FA2 and a curved portion provided on the second curved region CA2.

[0091] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 12 In process S30, a spacer layer SPL can be provided on the cover panel CV. Specifically, the spacer layer SPL may include a first adhesive layer ADL1, a second adhesive layer ADL2, and a third adhesive layer ADL3. The first adhesive layer ADL1, the second adhesive layer ADL2, and the third adhesive layer ADL3 can be disposed on the bottom surface of the cover panel CV. The second adhesive layer ADL2 and the third adhesive layer ADL3 can be attached to the bottom surface of the cover panel CV, and the first adhesive layer ADL1 can be attached to the bottom surface of the third adhesive layer ADL3.

[0092] The first adhesive layer ADL1 and the third adhesive layer ADL3 may overlap with the second curved region CA2. The second adhesive layer ADL2 may overlap with the second flat region FA2. With respect to the third direction DR3, the second adhesive layer ADL2 may have a thickness equal to the sum of the thicknesses of the first adhesive layer ADL1 and the third adhesive layer ADL3. As described above, the first adhesive layer ADL1 and the second adhesive layer ADL2 may have different properties from each other.

[0093] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 13 In process S40, the bending area BA of the bendable display panel DP is defined. Therefore, the first area AE1 of the display panel DP can be disposed on the bottom surface of the spacer layer SPL. Specifically, the first bending area CA1 can be disposed on the bottom surface of the first adhesive layer ADL1, and the first flat area FA1 can be disposed on the bottom surface of the second adhesive layer ADL2.

[0094] In process S50, the first flat region FA1 can be attached to the bottom surface of the second adhesive layer ADL2. Process S50 can be performed within a second temperature range. For example, process S50 can be performed at room temperature. The first flat region FA1 can be disposed parallel to the second flat region FA2. The first curved region CA1 can be disposed on the first adhesive layer ADL1. The first adhesive layer ADL1 can be non-adhesive within the second temperature range. Therefore, in this state, the first curved region CA1 can be not attached to the bottom surface of the first adhesive layer ADL1.

[0095] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 14 In process S60, the first bending region CA1 can be pressed by the pressing pad PD. The pressing pad PD may have a surface having a shape corresponding to the first adhesive layer ADL1. The pressing pad PD may move on the third direction DR3. The pressing pad PD may press the first bending region CA1 downward (see reference). Figure 14 Simultaneously, the top surface of the first curved region CA1 contacts the bottom surface of the first adhesive layer ADL1. Therefore, the top surface of the first curved region CA1 can contact the bottom surface of the first adhesive layer ADL1. The first curved region CA1 may have a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the first adhesive layer ADL1.

[0096] In process S70, heat can be applied to the first adhesive layer ADL1. Process S70 can be performed simultaneously with process S60. For example, the pressing pad PD can press the first bending region CA1 and simultaneously apply heat to the first bending region CA1. The heat applied by the pressing pad PD can be transferred to the first adhesive layer ADL1 through the first bending region CA1. When the first adhesive layer ADL1 is within a first temperature range, the first adhesive layer ADL1 can melt. Therefore, the top surface of the first bending region CA1 can be attached to the melted first adhesive layer ADL1.

[0097] After process S70, the pressing pad PD can move on the third direction DR3 and spaced apart from the first bending region CA1. The first adhesive layer ADL1 can be cooled again. Although the temperature of the first adhesive layer ADL1 changes from the first temperature range to the second temperature range, the established bonding force between the first adhesive layer ADL1 and the first bending region CA1 can still be maintained.

[0098] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 15 In process S80, the first adhesive layer ADL1 can be irradiated with ultraviolet light (UV). The first adhesive layer ADL1 can be cured by the irradiated UV light. Therefore, the first adhesive layer ADL1 and the first bending region CA1 can be further firmly bonded to each other.

[0099] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the first adhesive layer ADL1 does not have adhesive force within a second temperature range, the first flat region FA1 can be attached to the cover panel CV, and subsequently the first curved region CA1 can be attached to the first adhesive layer ADL1 via the pressing pad PD, while stably contacting the bottom surface of the cover panel CV. Therefore, by using an adhesive having properties different from those of the first flat region FA1 of the display panel DP, the first curved region CA1 can be further stably fixed to the cover panel CV.

[0100] According to embodiments of the present invention, since conventional pressure pads can be used in the manufacturing process by simply adding a heat source to them, conventional manufacturing equipment can be used economically by relatively simple modifications to the equipment.

[0101] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by using a first adhesive layer that has adhesive strength within a predetermined temperature range, the user can easily deform the shape of a first curved region corresponding to the first adhesive layer, and then attach the first curved region to the first adhesive layer by applying heat. Therefore, the curved region of the display panel can be stably fixed to the bottom surface of the cover panel.

[0102] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be limited to these embodiments, but rather various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as claimed below. Therefore, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the scope of this disclosure shall be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the appended claims and their equivalents, and shall not be construed or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

1. A display device, including: The display panel includes a first region, a second region disposed on the first region, and a bent region extending from the first region to the second region, wherein the first region and the second region are spaced apart and face each other, wherein the first region includes a first flat region and a first curved region disposed between the bent region and the first flat region. A driver is disposed on the first flat area; A cover panel is disposed between the first region and the second region; and The spacer layer includes a first adhesive layer disposed between the cover panel and the first curved area and a second adhesive layer disposed between the cover panel and the first flat area. The first adhesive layer has adhesive properties that are different from those of the second adhesive layer.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second region includes: The second curved region overlaps with the first curved region in the plan view; and The second flat region overlaps with the first flat region in the plan view.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first bending region is attached to the first adhesive layer within a first temperature range, and The first flat area is attached to the second adhesive layer in a second temperature range different from the first temperature range.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The minimum value within the first temperature range is greater than the maximum value within the second temperature range.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first adhesive layer has the same area as the first curved region.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The first adhesive layer includes a plurality of adhesive sheets.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The second adhesive layer includes: The first adhesive tape contacts the cover panel; A second adhesive tape contacts the first flat area; and A spacer is disposed between the first adhesive tape and the second adhesive tape.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The spacer layer further includes a third adhesive layer disposed between the first adhesive layer and the cover panel.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display panel also includes: Substrate; A circuit element layer is disposed on the substrate; A display element layer is disposed on the circuit element layer; and A thin-film encapsulation layer is disposed on the display element layer. In the plan view, the display element layer overlaps with the second region.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, The display panel also includes a protective layer disposed on the bending area.

11. The display device according to claim 9, wherein, The display panel also includes a protective substrate disposed beneath the substrate and overlapping the first region and the second region.

12. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a window disposed on the display panel, in, The window is configured to cover the second area and the bent area.

Images