Display device, apparatus and method for manufacturing display device

Abstract

A display device, an apparatus for manufacturing the display device, and a method for manufacturing the display device are provided. The display device includes: a flexible substrate including a main region, a bending region extending from one end of the main region, and a sub-region extending from one end of the bending region, the sub-region being reversed from the bending region to be attached to a rear surface of the main region; and an active element layer provided in the main region of the flexible substrate, wherein the thickness of the flexible substrate in the bending region is greater than that in the main region and the sub-region.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0046013, filed on April 16, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a display device, and an apparatus for manufacturing the display device and a method of manufacturing the display device. Background Art

[0004] Electronic devices that provide images to users, such as smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), digital cameras, notebook computers, navigation devices, and smart televisions (TVs), include a display device capable of displaying images.

[0005] The display device (which is a device for displaying an image) includes a display panel, such as an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel or a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. In particular, the light emitting display panel may include a light emitting element, such as a light emitting diode (LED), and examples of the LED include an OLED using an organic material as a fluorescent material and an inorganic LED (ILED) using an inorganic material as a fluorescent material.

[0006] In addition to the display panel, the display device may also include a touch panel. The touch panel may be used in a capacitive manner. In order to transmit electrical signals between the touch panel and the display panel, a flexible circuit board on which electronic components for controlling the touch panel are mounted is attached to the touch panel.

[0007] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for understanding the background of the present inventive concept and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the invention

[0008] Devices / methods constructed in accordance with exemplary implementations / embodiments of the present invention are capable of forming a curved substrate in a display device.

[0009] According to one or more implementations / embodiments of the present invention, a flexible substrate includes a main region; a bending region extending from one end of the main region; and a sub-region extending from one end of the bending region and inverted from the bending region to be attached to a rear surface of the main region; and an active element layer disposed in the main region of the flexible substrate, wherein a thickness of the flexible substrate in the bending region is greater than a thickness in the main region and the sub-region.

[0010] According to one or more exemplary implementations / embodiments of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a display device includes the following steps: mounting a target object including a protective member and a target substrate on a platform; bending the target substrate using a bending member; and firmly attaching the target substrate to the protective member using an attaching member.

[0011] The device constructed according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can have a bent flexible circuit board with the load on the flexible circuit board minimized.

[0012] According to one or more implementations of the present invention, there are provided an apparatus for manufacturing a display device and a method for manufacturing a display device, which can bend a flexible circuit board while minimizing a load on the flexible circuit board.

[0013] However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described herein. The above and other embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs by referring to the detailed description of the present disclosure given below.

[0014] An embodiment of a display device includes: a flexible substrate including a main region, a bending region extending from one end of the main region, and a sub-region extending from one end of the bending region, the sub-region being reversed from the bending region to be attached to a rear surface of the main region; and an active element layer disposed in the main region of the flexible substrate, wherein a thickness of the flexible substrate in the bending region is greater than thicknesses in the main region and the sub-region.

[0015] An embodiment of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device includes: a platform; an attachment member disposed above the platform and including a main body portion and a curved portion; and an attachment driver that rotates and drives the attachment member, wherein the curved portion is disposed on one side of the main body portion and is bent to have a curvature.

[0016] An embodiment of a method of manufacturing a display device includes: mounting a target object including a protection member and a target substrate on a platform; bending the target substrate using a bending member; and firmly attaching the target substrate to the protection member using an attaching member.

[0017] According to the foregoing and other embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device having a bent flexible circuit board with a load on the flexible circuit board minimized may be provided.

[0018] Furthermore, an apparatus for manufacturing a display device and a method for manufacturing a display device, which can bend a flexible circuit board while minimizing a load on the flexible circuit board, can be provided.

[0019] Other features and embodiments may be apparent from the accompanying drawings, the claims, and the following detailed description.

[0020] Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive concept.

[0021] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the inventive concept.

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention according to the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An expanded view of a display device;

[0025] Figure 3 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III';

[0026] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 an enlarged cross-sectional view of region A;

[0027] Figure 5 is a layout diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein;

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A side view of the device;

[0029] Figures 7 to 13 is a side view showing a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention of the present disclosure;

[0030] Fig.14 is a partial cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein;

[0031] Fig.15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention disclosed herein;

[0032] Fig.16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention according to the present disclosure; and

[0033] Fig.17 It is shown Fig.16An enlarged cross-sectional view of area E of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the present invention. As used herein, "implementation" and "implementation" are interchangeable words, which are non-limiting examples of one or more devices or methods using the inventive concept disclosed herein. However, it is apparent that various exemplary embodiments can be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other cases, known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessary ambiguity of various exemplary embodiments. In addition, various exemplary embodiments may be different, but need not be exclusive. For example, without departing from the inventive concept, the specific shape, configuration and characteristics of the exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Unless otherwise specified, the exemplary embodiments shown should be understood as providing exemplary features of varying details of some ways in which the inventive concept can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions and / or aspects, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as "elements") of various embodiments may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged in other ways without departing from the inventive concept.

[0036] The use of cross hatching and / or shading is generally provided in the drawings to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Therefore, the presence or absence of cross hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material property, size, ratio, commonality between the elements shown, and / or any other characteristics, attributes, properties, etc. of the elements, unless otherwise stated. In addition, in the drawings, the size and relative size of the elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of clarity and / or description. When the exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence can be performed differently from the described sequence. For example, two consecutively described processes can be performed substantially simultaneously, or in an order opposite to the described order. Likewise, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0037] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly" "on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For this purpose, the term "connected" may refer to a physical connection, an electrical connection, and / or a fluid connection with or without intervening elements. In addition, the DR1 axis, the DR2 axis, and the DR3 axis are not limited to the three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, such as the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis, and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the DR1 axis, the DR2 axis, and the DR3 axis may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purpose of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" may be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ for example. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] For descriptive purposes, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "under," "lower," "above," "upper," "above," "higher," "side" (e.g., as in "sidewall"), etc. may be used herein and thereby describe the relationship of one element to another element(s) as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations described in the accompanying drawings, spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, an element described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can include both above and below orientations. In addition, the device can be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and therefore, the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0039] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, when the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and / or "including" are used in this specification, the existence of the stated features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof is specified, but the existence or addition of one or more other features, integral bodies, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof is not excluded. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially", "about" and other similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and therefore, are used to explain the inherent deviations of the values ​​that will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art in measuring, calculating and / or providing.

[0040] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views and / or exploded views that are schematic illustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments and / or intermediate structures. In this way, changes in the shapes of the illustrations caused by, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances will be expected. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily to be construed as being limited to the specific illustrated shapes of the regions, but rather include deviations in shapes caused by, for example, manufacturing. In this way, the regions shown in the drawings may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of the regions of the device, and therefore, are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined as such in this article.

[0042] The present invention will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0043] It should also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or there can be intervening layers. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals represent the same components. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity.

[0044] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. can be used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms can be used to distinguish an element from another element. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of one or more embodiments, the first element discussed below can be referred to as the second element. The description of the element as the "first" element may not require or imply the existence of the second element or other elements. The terms "first", "second", etc. can also be used to distinguish between different categories or groups of elements in this article. For the sake of simplicity, the terms "first", "second", etc. can respectively represent "first class (or first group)", "second class (or second group)", etc.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An expanded view of the display device.

[0047] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the display device 1 displays a moving or still image. The display direction of the main screen of the display device 1 can be the third direction DR3 (in the case of a top-emitting display device), the direction opposite to the third direction DR3 (in the case of a bottom-emitting display device), or both (in the case of a double-sided display device or a transparent display device).

[0048] The display device 1 may be formed in a generally rectangular shape in a plan view. The display device 1 may have a rectangular shape with right-angled corners in a plan view, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the display device 1 may have a rectangular shape with rounded corners in a plan view. The display device 1 may include four sides, two of which may be long sides, and the other two sides may be short sides. In other words, two sides of the display device 1 that are opposite to each other in a first direction DR1 may be long sides, and two sides of the display device 1 that are opposite to each other in a second direction DR2 may be short sides.

[0049] The display device 1 may include a main display surface 10 and a plurality of sub-display surfaces (i.e., first to fourth sub-display surfaces 11 to 14). The main display surface 10 may generally have a plate shape, may be located on one plane of the display device 1, and may have a larger area (or size) than the first to fourth sub-display surfaces 11 to 14. For example, the main display surface 10 may be located on the top surface of the display device 1. The main display surface 10 may have a polygonal shape (such as a rectangular shape), a circular shape, or an elliptical shape in a plan view.

[0050] The first to fourth sub-display surfaces 11 to 14 may be located on a plane different from the main display surface 10. The first to fourth sub-display surfaces 11 to 14 may have a smaller area than the main display surface 10 and may be located on planes different from each other. The first to fourth sub-display surfaces 11 to 14 may be connected to the side of the main display surface 10 and may be bent or folded from the main display surface 10. In this case, the display device 1 may be a multi-faceted stereoscopic display device that is capable of displaying images not only on the top surface but also on its side surfaces.

[0051] The display device 1 may include a main display surface 10 and four sub-display surfaces connected to four sides of the main display surface 10, that is, first to fourth sub-display surfaces 11 to 14, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the display device 1 may include only some of the first to fourth sub-display surfaces 11 to 14.

[0052] The display device 1 includes a display area DA where a screen is displayed and a non-display area NDA where no screen is displayed.

[0053] The display area DA may include a main display area DA0 and a plurality of sub-display areas (i.e., a first sub-display area DA1 to a fourth sub-display area DA4). The main display area DA0 may be located on the main display surface 10. For example, the main display surface 10 may include only the main display area DA0. The first sub-display area DA1 may be located on the first sub-display surface 11 and may be connected to the main display area DA0. Similarly, the second sub-display area DA2 to the fourth sub-display area DA4 may be located on the second sub-display surface 12 to the fourth sub-display surface 14, respectively, and may be connected to the main display area DA0.

[0054] The non-display area NDA may be disposed around the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be disposed along the outermost edge of the display area DA including the main display surface 10 and the first to fourth sub-display surfaces 11 to 14. A signal line or a driving circuit for applying a signal to the display area DA may be disposed in the non-display area NDA.

[0055] The display device 1 may include a display panel 100, which provides a display screen. Examples of the display panel 100 include an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel, a micron light emitting diode (micron LED) display panel, a nano light emitting diode (nano LED) display panel, a quantum dot light emitting diode (QLED) display panel, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a plasma display panel (PDP), a field emission display (FED) panel, an electrophoretic display (EPD) panel, an electrowetting display panel, etc. Hereinafter, the display panel 100 will be described as, for example, an OLED display panel, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various other display panels may also be applied to the display device 1.

[0056] The display panel 100 may include a plurality of pixels PX. The pixels PX may be arranged in rows and columns. The pixels PX may have a rectangular or square shape in a plan view, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the pixels PX may have a rhombus shape having a side inclined relative to the first direction DR1. Each of the pixels PX may include a light emitting region. The light emitting region may have the same shape as the pixel PX or a different shape.

[0057] The display panel 100 may include first to fourth display rounded portions DRD1 to DRD4 disposed at corners of the main display surface 10. The first to fourth display rounded portions DRD1 to DRD4 may be substantially identical except for their positions. Hereinafter, the first display rounded portion DRD1 will be used to describe features that the first to fourth display rounded portions DRD1 to DRD4 have in common.

[0058] The first display rounded portion DRD1 is located between the first sub display surface 11 and the fourth sub display surface 14 (or between the first sub display area DA1 and the fourth sub display area DA4). One end of the first display rounded portion DRD1 may extend to the edge of the first sub display surface 11, and the other end of the first display rounded portion DRD1 may extend to the edge of the fourth sub display surface 14.

[0059] The first to fourth display rounded portions DRD1 to DRD4 may have substantially the same curvature or different curvatures. Alternatively, at least two of the first to fourth display rounded portions DRD1 to DRD4 may have substantially the same curvature. Alternatively, the first to fourth display rounded portions DRD1 to DRD4 may have substantially uniform curvature or varying curvature.

[0060] The display panel 100 may further include a main region MR and a bending region BR connected to one side of the main region MR in the second direction DR2. The display panel 100 may further include a sub-region SR connected to one side of the bending region BR in the second direction DR2 and bent in the thickness direction to overlap with the main region MR in the thickness direction. That is, the bending region BR may be located between the main region MR and the sub-region SR.

[0061] The display area DA may be located in the main region MR.

[0062] The bending region BR may be connected to one short side of the main region MR. For example, the bending region BR may be connected to one short side (e.g., the lower side) of the fourth sub display surface 14. In the case where the fourth sub display surface 14 is vertically folded or bent from the main display surface 10, the bending region BR may be vertically folded or bent again from the main display surface 10. In the bending region BR, the display panel 100 may be bent to have a curvature in a direction opposite to the display surface of the display panel 100.

[0063] The sub-region SR may extend from the bending region BR. In the sub-region SR, a pad unit may be provided on the display panel 100. A driver chip IC may be mounted or attached to the pad unit. The driver chip IC may include an integrated circuit that drives the display panel 100. In one embodiment, the integrated circuit may be a data driver integrated circuit that generates and provides a data signal, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The pad unit may include a panel signal line pad and a touch signal line pad.

[0064] In the sub-region SR, the driving substrate FPCB may be connected to one end of the display panel 100. The driving substrate FPCB may include a flexible printed circuit board (also referred to herein as a 'flexible circuit board') or a film. Figure 2 Only a portion of the driving substrate FPCB is shown, and Figure 2 The shape of the driving substrate FPCB shown in FIG. 1 is merely exemplary. For example, the driving substrate FPCB may have various shapes in a plan view, and the driving substrate FPCB may be connected to the display panel 100 not via a single component but via a plurality of components thereof.

[0065] Figure 3 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of area A. Figure 3 and Figure 4 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken on a short side of a display device.

[0066] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the display panel 100 may include a base substrate SUB, an active element layer ATL, and a thin film encapsulation layer ENP.

[0067] The base substrate SUB provides a space on its first surface in which the active element layer ATL can be disposed, and can support the active element layer ATL. The base substrate SUB may include a flexible polymer material such as polyimide, and thus may be bendable, foldable, or rollable. That is, the base substrate SUB may include a flexible substrate.

[0068] The base substrate SUB may be bent in the bending region BR. Therefore, the sub-region SR disposed on the other side of the bending region BR may be reversed from the bending region BR to be located on the rear surface of the main region MR. In this case, the main region MR disposed on one side of the bending region BR of the base substrate SUB and the sub-region SR disposed on the other side of the bending region BR of the base substrate SUB may be firmly attached to each other.

[0069] The main region MR may include a substantially flat flat region MR_F and a curved region MR_C extending from one side of the flat region MR_F. Most of the flat region MR_F of the main region MR may be located in the main display area DA0, and most of the curved region MR_C of the main region MR may be located in the fourth sub display area DA4.

[0070] The display area DA of the display device 1 may be disposed in the flat area MR_F and the curved area MR_C of the main area MR, and may span the flat area MR_F and the curved area MR_C of the main area MR. In other words, the display area DA of the display device 1 may be disposed not only in at least a portion of the flat area MR_F of the main area MR, but also in at least a portion of the curved area MR_C of the main area MR.

[0071] The subregion SR may include a substantially flat flat region SR_F and a curved region SR_C extending from one side of the flat region SR_F. Most of the flat region SR_F of the subregion SR may be located in the main display area DA0, and most of the curved region SR_C of the subregion SR may be located in the fourth sub display area DA4.

[0072] At least a portion of the flat region SR_F of the subregion SR may be attached to the rear surface of the flat region MR_F of the main region MR, and at least a portion of the curved region SR_C of the subregion SR may be attached to the rear surface of the curved region MR_C of the main region MR.

[0073] The shape of the curved region MR_C of the main region MR and the shape of the curved region SR_C of the sub-region SR may correspond to the shape of the curved region 212 of the window member 200. That is, the curved region MR_C of the main region MR and the curved region SR_C of the sub-region SR may be curved along the shape of the curved region 212 of the window member 200 in a cross-sectional view.

[0074] The thickness TH1 of the base substrate SUB in the bending region BR may be greater than the thickness of the base substrate SUB in other places. In other words, the thickness TH1 of the base substrate SUB in the bending region BR may be greater than the thickness TH2 of the base substrate SUB in the main region MR and the sub-region SR. Specifically, the thickness TH1 of the base substrate SUB in the bending region BR may be 1.5 to 4 times greater than the thickness TH2 of the base substrate SUB in other places, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0075] The display panel 100 may further include a protective film PF disposed on the second surface of the base substrate SUB. A double-sided tape TP may be disposed between the base substrate SUB and the protective film PF to bond the base substrate SUB and the protective film PF, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The protective film PF may be attached to the second surface of the base substrate SUB, and the protective film PF may be bent in the bending region BR. In other words, the protective film PF may be integrally formed and disposed in the main region MR, the bending region BR, and the sub-region SR of the base substrate SUB, and span the main region MR, the bending region BR, and the sub-region SR of the base substrate SUB, and may be bent in the bending region BR. The portion of the protective film PF attached to the main region MR of the base substrate SUB may partially face the portion of the protective film PF attached to the sub-region SR of the base substrate SUB, and may be connected to the portion of the protective film PF attached to the sub-region SR of the base substrate SUB via a bonding layer PSA (such as, an adhesive). As a result, the mechanical stability of the curved structure may be improved.

[0076] The active element layer ATL may be disposed on the first surface of the base substrate SUB. The active element layer ATL may emit light capable of displaying a screen in the display device 1. The active element layer ATL may include a light-emitting element that emits light and a thin film transistor that drives the light-emitting element. The active element layer ATL may be disposed in the main region MR, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The active element layer ATL may be disposed in the bending region BR and / or the sub-region SR.

[0077] The thin film encapsulation layer ENP may be disposed on the active element layer ATL. The thin film encapsulation layer ENP may cover the active element layer ATL to prevent the active element layer ATL from being exposed to moisture or air.

[0078] The display device 1 may further include a window member 200. The window member 200 may be disposed on the display panel 100. The window member 200 may cover and protect the display panel 100. The window member 200 may be attached to the first surface of the display panel 100 via a transparent bonding layer OCR, the transparent bonding layer OCR including an optically transparent adhesive or an optically transparent resin. The window member 200 may include a window substrate 210 and a printed layer 220 disposed on the window substrate 210.

[0079] The window substrate 210 may be formed of a transparent material. The window substrate 210 may include, for example, glass or plastic. In the case where the window substrate 210 includes plastic, the window substrate 210 may have flexibility.

[0080] The window substrate 210 may include a flat region 211 and a curved region 212. The flat region 211 may be a substantially flat region, and the planar shape of the flat region 211 corresponds to the planar shape of the display device 1. The curved region 212 may protrude outward from each of all four sides of the display panel 100. In other words, in a plan view, the window substrate 210 may be larger in size than the display panel 100, and the curved region 212 may extend from the flat region 211 to protrude from each of the sides of the display panel 100. The curved region 212 may have a curved shape in the thickness direction (or the third direction DR3).

[0081] The printed layer 220 may be disposed on the window substrate 210. The printed layer 220 may be disposed on the first surface and / or the second surface of the window substrate 210. In the non-display area NDA, the printed layer 220 may be disposed along the edge of the window substrate 210. The printed layer 220 may be a light blocking layer or a decorative layer imparting an aesthetic effect.

[0082] Although not specifically shown, the display device 1 may further include a touch layer (not shown) and a polarization member (not shown). The touch layer may be provided on the thin film encapsulation layer ENP. The touch layer may include a plurality of touch electrodes (not shown). The touch electrodes may be formed in a mesh form. The touch layer may not be provided.

[0083] A polarization member may be disposed on the display panel 100. The polarization member polarizes light transmitted therethrough. The polarization member may reduce reflection of external light.

[0084] Although not specifically shown, a cover panel (not shown) may be provided on the second surface of the base substrate SUB. The cover panel may include a heat dissipation layer, a buffer layer, etc. In this case, the drive substrate FPCB provided at one end of the base substrate SUB may be attached (or attached) and fixed to the cover panel.

[0085] Hereinafter, an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0086] Figure 5 is a layout diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Side view of the device.

[0087] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , used in the manufacture of display devices (e.g. Figure 2 The device MA of the display apparatus 1) may include a platform ST, a bending member BM and an attachment member PM.

[0088] The platform ST provides a space on which a target object P can be mounted and supports the target object P. That is, the target object P can be mounted on the platform ST. The platform ST can fix the target object P mounted thereon. Although not specifically shown, the platform ST can fix the target object P on the platform ST using a clamping device (not shown). The clamping device can use vacuum, static electricity and / or van der Waals force to fix the target object P. In addition, the platform ST can move or rotate with the target object P mounted thereon, and the position and direction of the target object P can be adjusted thereby.

[0089] The target object P may include a protective member W, a target substrate S, and a flexible film F. The target object P may be transferred to the platform ST by a robot arm, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The protective member W may be substantially the same as the window member 200 of the display device 1, the target substrate S may be substantially the same as the display panel 100 of the display device 1, and the flexible film F may be substantially the same as the drive substrate FPCB. For convenience, the window member 200, the display panel 100, and the drive substrate FPCB of the display device 1 will be referred to as the protective member W, the target substrate S, and the flexible film F, respectively, hereinafter.

[0090] The protective member W may be directly disposed on the platform ST. In other words, the protective member W may be disposed on the platform ST to be in direct contact with the platform ST. The protective member W may include a substantially flat flat portion WF and a curved portion WC extending from the flat portion WF and curved in the thickness direction (or third direction DR3). The curved portion WC may be curved to have a predetermined curvature, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The flat portion WF of the protective member W may be substantially the same as the flat region 211 of the window member 200, and the curved portion WC of the protective member W may be substantially the same as the curved region 212 of the window member 200.

[0091] The target substrate S may be located on the protective member W. The target substrate S may be located on the flat portion WF and the curved portion WC of the protective member W. The target substrate S may have a thin plate shape. The target substrate S may have flexibility and may thus be bendable or foldable. For example, the target substrate S may include not only a substrate for display devices (e.g., Figure 2 A display panel (eg, Figure 2 The display panel 100 in FIG. 1 is a display panel 100 in FIG. 1 , and also includes a touch screen panel (TSP), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the type of the target substrate S is not particularly limited.

[0092] The flexible film F may have a thin plate shape. The flexible film F may have flexibility to be bendable or foldable. For example, the flexible film F may include not only a flexible printed circuit board but also a film member on which electronic components are mounted, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the type of the flexible film F is not particularly limited.

[0093] A first substrate alignment mark AM_S1 and a second substrate alignment mark AM_S2 may be disposed on the target substrate S, and a flexible film alignment mark AM_F may be disposed on the flexible film F. On the target substrate S, the first substrate alignment mark AM_S1 may be disposed on the inner side of the second substrate alignment mark AM_S2. In other words, when the target substrate S has not been bent, the first substrate alignment mark AM_S1 may be farther away from the flexible film F than the second substrate alignment mark AM_S2.

[0094] Using the first substrate alignment mark AM_S1 and the second substrate alignment mark AM_S2 and the flexible film alignment mark AM_F, the target substrate S and the flexible film F can be aligned in the process of bending the target substrate S. The target substrate S and the flexible film F can be aligned based on the positional relationship between the first substrate alignment mark AM_S1, the second substrate alignment mark AM_S2, and the flexible film alignment mark AM_F. Although not specifically shown, the device MA may also include a visual system (not shown), which may allow the positional relationship between the first substrate alignment mark AM_S1, the second substrate alignment mark AM_S2, and the flexible film alignment mark AM_F to be recognized. The visual system may include a camera for recognizing the positions of the first substrate alignment mark AM_S1, the second substrate alignment mark AM_S2, and the flexible film alignment mark AM_F.

[0095] The bending member BM may be disposed on one side of the two sides of the platform ST that are opposite to each other in the second direction DR2. The bending member BM may be in contact with the first surface of the flexible film F on one side of the flexible film F. That is, the flexible film F may be in contact with the bending member BM on one side thereof, and may be connected to the target substrate S on the other side thereof. The bending member BM may bend the target substrate S. In other words, the bending member BM may be connected to the flexible film F, and may bend the target substrate S by moving the flexible film F. The bending member BM may have a rod shape extending in the first direction DR1, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The bending member BM may fix the flexible film F. The bending member BM is shown as being disposed on the lower side of the flexible film F, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the bending member BM may be disposed on the upper side of the flexible film F.

[0096] The attachment member PM may be disposed above the platform ST and the target object P already mounted on the platform ST. After the target substrate S is bent, the attachment member PM may firmly attach the target substrate S to the protective member W. The attachment member PM may have a rod shape extending in the first direction DR1, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The attachment member PM may include a main body portion PM1 and a curved portion PM2 disposed on one side of the main body portion PM1. In a side view, the curved portion PM2 may be curved to have a predetermined curvature. The curvature of the curved portion PM2 may be the same as the curvature of the curved portion WC of the protective member W, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0097] The bending member BM may include a bending controller CT_B and a bending driver DR_B, and the attachment member PM may include an attachment controller CT_P and an attachment driver DR_P. The operation of the bending member BM may be controlled by the bending controller CT_B, and the bending member BM may be driven by the bending driver DR_B. The operation of the attachment member PM may be controlled by the attachment controller CT_P, and the attachment member PM may be driven by the attachment driver DR_P. Each of the bending controller CT_B and the attachment controller CT_P may include a measuring unit (not shown), a memory unit (not shown), a signal unit (not shown), and a computing unit (not shown).

[0098] The memory unit may store a reference path or a moving path of the bending member BM or the attachment member PM measured by the measuring unit. As used herein, the term "reference path" may mean a previously input path of the bending member BM or the attachment member PM. The reference path may be input and stored in advance, and the reference path may be an ideal path or a path that may be derived experimentally. The reference path may be modified based on the measured moving path of the bending member BM or the attachment member PM, and then the reference path may be input again.

[0099] The signal unit may provide a start signal and an end signal to the measuring unit.

[0100] The measuring unit may start measuring the moving path of the bending member BM or the attachment member PM in response to a start signal from the measuring unit, and may stop measuring the moving path of the bending member BM or the attachment member PM in response to an end signal from the signal unit.

[0101] The calculation unit may compare the reference path and the movement path of the bending member BM or the attachment member PM measured by the measurement unit, or may measure two or more movement paths of the bending member BM or the attachment member PM measured by the measurement unit.

[0102] Each of the bending controller CT_B and the adhesion controller CT_P can control the bending driver DR_B or the adhesion driver DR_P that drives the bending member BM or the adhesion member PM based on the comparison result performed by the calculation unit. That is, each of the bending controller CT_B and the adhesion controller CT_P can correct the moving path of the bending member BM or the adhesion member PM based on the comparison result performed by the calculation unit.

[0103] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described, in particular, a method for manufacturing a display device Figure 1 A method for displaying a device.

[0104] Figures 7 to 13 is a side view showing a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 8 An enlarged side view of region B, Fig.11 It is shown Fig.10 An enlarged side view of region C of FIG. Fig.13 It is shown Fig.12 An enlarged side view of area D of FIG.

[0105] First reference Figure 7 , the bending member BM may bend the target substrate S. In other words, the target substrate S connected to the flexible film F may be bent by placing the bending member BM in contact with one surface of the flexible film F and pushing or pulling the flexible film F. Then, the bending member BM may be moved in the second direction DR2 or the third direction DR3 by the bending driver DR_B, and may thus be rotated about a rotation axis (not shown) extending in the first direction DR1.

[0106] When the target substrate S is bent, the bending member BM may be disposed to face the platform ST. A portion of the target substrate S may overlap with another portion of the target substrate S located on the platform ST and face the other portion of the target substrate S located on the platform ST. A portion of the target substrate S may be spaced a predetermined distance from the remaining portion of the target substrate S it faces. The flexible film F may overlap with and face both the target substrate S and the platform ST in the thickness direction (or the third direction DR3). The flexible film F may be spaced a predetermined distance from the target substrate S.

[0107] Although not specifically shown, when the target substrate S connected to the flexible film F is bent, the positional relationship between the first substrate alignment mark AM_S1 set on the target substrate S and the flexible film alignment mark AM_F set on the flexible film F can be identified, and the target substrate S and the flexible film F can be aligned based on the identified result.

[0108] When the target substrate S is bent, the portion of the target substrate S previously disposed on the curved portion WC of the protection member W may no longer stay on the curved portion WC of the protection member W, but may be detached from the curved portion WC of the protection member W. In other words, by bending the target substrate S, the portion of the target substrate S previously disposed on the curved portion WC of the protection member W may be placed to be spaced apart from the curved portion WC by a predetermined distance.

[0109] Hereinafter, the method for manufacturing a display device (eg, Figure 2 How to put the portion of the target substrate S that has been detached from the curved portion WC of the protection member W back onto the curved portion WC of the protection member W will be described as a part of the process of the display device 1 in FIG.

[0110] Afterwards, refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , after bending the target substrate S, the bending member BM may place the flexible film F in contact with the target substrate S. In other words, the bending member BM may move in the second direction DR2 or the thickness direction (or the third direction DR3) while being connected to the flexible film F, so that the flexible film F may be placed on the target substrate S. In other words, after bending the target substrate S, the bending member BM may move the flexible film F spaced apart from the target substrate S over the target substrate S, and may thus place the flexible film F in direct contact with the target substrate S, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the bending member BM may move in one of the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3 while being connected to the flexible film F.

[0111] During this process, a portion of the target substrate S close to the curved portion WC of the protection member W may be put back in contact with the curved portion WC of the protection member W. In other words, when the bending member BM moves in the second direction DR2 and / or the thickness direction (or the third direction DR3) while being connected to the flexible film F, a portion of the target substrate S that is not in contact with the protection member W may move in the second direction DR2 toward the curved portion WC of the protection member W. As a result, a portion of the target substrate S may be put back in contact with the curved portion WC of the protection member W around the curved portion WC of the protection member W.

[0112] Although not specifically shown, in the process of placing the flexible film F in contact with the target substrate S using the bending member BM, the position of the flexible film F in the second direction DR2 may change. In this case, the positional relationship between the second substrate alignment mark AM_S2 of the target substrate S and the flexible film alignment mark AM_F of the flexible film F may be recognized, and then, the target substrate S and the flexible film F may be aligned. In addition, in the process of placing the flexible film F in contact with the target substrate S using the bending member BM, the position of the flexible film F in the third direction DR3 may change. In this case, the vision system (not shown) may further include a moving member (not shown) capable of moving the camera (not shown) in the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, by adjusting the focal length of the camera in the third direction DR3, any change in the position of the second substrate alignment mark AM_S2 and the flexible film alignment mark AM_F in the third direction DR3 may be recognized.

[0113] Afterwards, refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11 , by moving the attaching member PM disposed above the stage ST in the third direction DR3 , the target substrate S and the curved portion WC of the protection member W may be placed in contact with each other over a wider area.

[0114] In other words, the attachment member PM may move toward the target substrate S over the target substrate S, and as a result, may apply pressure in the third direction DR3 to a portion of the target substrate S close to the curved portion WC of the protection member W. Therefore, the unfixed portion of the target substrate S may move in the second direction DR2. Therefore, a portion of the target substrate S may be put back around the curved portion WC of the protection member W to contact the curved portion WC of the protection member W, and the target substrate S and the curved portion WC of the protection member W may contact each other over a wider area.

[0115] Afterwards, refer to Fig.12 and Fig.13, the adhesion member PM may be moved and / or rotated in the second direction DR2. As a result, the target substrate S and the curved portion WC of the protection member W may contact each other over an even wider area.

[0116] In other words, the attachment member PM can be attached by the attachment driver DR_P ( Figure 5 ) rotation. The attachment driver DR_P that rotates the attachment member PM may include a motor or a reducer, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The curved portion WC of the protection member W and the curved portion PM2 of the attachment member PM may have the same curvature, and when the attachment member PM rotates, portions of the target substrate S may be firmly attached to each other on both sides of the region where the target substrate S is bent. The attachment member PM may rotate around a portion thereof that is in contact with the target substrate S as the rotation axis AX. In a side view, the portion of the attachment member PM where the rotation axis AX is located may be an inflection point where the slope of the target substrate S changes, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. When the attachment member PM rotates, portions of the target substrate S are shown to be firmly attached to each other with a gap therebetween, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, there is no gap between portions of the target substrate S that are firmly attached to each other.

[0117] The attachment member PM not only rotates about the rotation axis AX but also can move in the second direction DR2. That is, the attachment member PM can move in the second direction DR2 toward the curved portion WC of the protection member W. Therefore, the target substrate S can also move in the second direction DR2 toward the curved portion WC of the protection member W, and the target substrate S can be placed in contact with the curved portion WC of the protection member W over an even wider area. That is, most of the curved portion WC of the protection member W can be placed in contact with the target substrate S.

[0118] Although not specifically shown, the attachment member PM may also include a secondary rotation axis (not shown). In other words, the attachment member PM may also include a secondary rotation axis extending in the first direction DR1 within the attachment member PM, the attachment member PM also extends in the first direction DR1, and the attachment member PM can rotate around the secondary rotation axis. In this case, the attachment member PM may include a hinged structure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the attachment member PM may include a cylinder, a linear motor, or a spring.

[0119] Fig.13 The shape of the target substrate S and the shape of the protective member W may be respectively Figure 3 and Figure 4 The shape of the display panel 100 and the shape of the window member 200 are substantially the same.

[0120] Therefore, even if the flexible film F (or the driving substrate FPCB) is disposed on one side of the target substrate S (or the display panel 100) or the protective member W (or the window member 200) and is bent to have a curvature, the target substrate S (or the display panel 100) can be firmly attached to the protective member W (or the window member 200), and a display screen can be properly provided in an area where the target substrate S (or the display panel 100) and the protective member W (or the window member 200) are firmly attached to each other.

[0121] In addition, the load that may be applied to the target substrate S (or the display panel 100) can be reduced by firmly attaching the target substrate S (or the display panel 100) to the portion having the curvature of the protective member W (or the window member 200). Therefore, the stress applied to the target substrate S (or the display panel 100) can be reduced, and damage to the target substrate S (or the display panel 100) can be prevented or suppressed.

[0122] Hereinafter, other embodiments of the display device will be described. In the following embodiments, descriptions of the same configurations as those of the above-described embodiments will be omitted or simplified, and differences will be mainly described.

[0123] Fig.14 is a partial cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] Fig.14 The implementation method and Figure 4 The embodiment of FIG. 1 is different in that the protection film PF_1 is not formed as a main body.

[0125] refer to Fig.14 , the protective film PF_1 may include a first protective film PF1 and a second protective film PF2 separated from each other. In the case where the base substrate SUB is folded in the bending region BR, the first protective film PF1 and the second protective film PF2 may face each other and may be coupled together via a bonding layer PSA such as an adhesive. The first protective film PF1 may be disposed on one side of the bending region BR, and the second protective film PF2 may be disposed on the other side of the bending region BR. The first protective film PF1 may be disposed in a sub-region SR of the base substrate SUB, and the second protective film PF2 may be disposed in a main region MR of the base substrate SUB.

[0126] The portion of the double-sided tape TP connecting the first protective film PF1 and the base substrate SUB and the portion of the double-sided tape TP connecting the second protective film PF2 and the base substrate SUB may be separated from each other. Therefore, an internal space EM may be defined between the first protective film PF1 and the second protective film PF2 and between the portions of the double-sided tape TP separated from each other, and the internal space EM may be empty, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the internal space EM may be filled with the double-sided tape TP or the bonding layer PSA.

[0127] In a case where the base substrate SUB is folded in the bending region BR, there may be a region where the protection film PF_1 is not provided between portions of the base substrate SUB on both sides of the bending region BR.

[0128] The protection film PF_1 has been described above as including two separate films, namely, the first protection film PF1 and the second protection film PF2, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of films included in the protection film PF_1 and the positions of the films of the protection film PF_1 are not particularly limited.

[0129] exist Fig.14 In the implementation mode, Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, even if the driving substrate FPCB is arranged on Fig.14 On the side of the display device where the curved portion of the window member 200 is positioned, the display panel 100 may also be firmly attached to the window member 200, and a display screen may be appropriately provided in the area where the display panel 100 and the window member 200 are firmly attached to each other.

[0130] Fig.15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] Fig.15 The implementation method and Figure 4 The embodiment of is different in that the thickness of the bonding layer PSA_2 is non-uniform.

[0132] refer to Fig.15 , the thickness of the bonding layer PSA_2 may not be uniform. In the direction toward the bending region BR, the thickness of the bonding layer PSA_2 between the main region MR and the subregion SR of the base substrate SUB may increase and then decrease. In other words, the gap GP between the main region MR and the subregion SR of the base substrate SUB may not be uniform. The gap GP between the main region MR and the subregion SR of the base substrate SUB may widen in the direction toward the bending region BR.

[0133] The gap GP that widens in the direction toward the bending region BR may be due in part to how the Fig.15That is, in the process of bonding the base substrate SUB from a position spaced apart from the bending region BR to a position close to the bending region BR, the gap GP that widens in a direction toward the bending region BR may be formed, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0134] exist Fig.15 In the implementation mode, Figure 4 and Fig.14 In the embodiment of the present invention, even if the driving substrate FPCB is arranged on Fig.15 The display panel 100 may also be firmly attached to the window member 200 on the side of the display device where the curved portion of the window member 200 is positioned, and a display screen may be appropriately provided in the area where the display panel 100 and the window member 200 are firmly attached to each other.

[0135] Fig.16 is a partial cross-sectional view of a display device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.17 It is shown Fig.16 An enlarged cross-sectional view of area E of FIG.

[0136] Fig.16 and Fig.17 The implementation method and Figure 4 The embodiment of the present invention is different in that the bonding layer PSA_3 may include an air layer AR (or bubbles).

[0137] refer to Fig.16 and Fig.17 , at least one air layer AR may be provided in the bonding layer PSA_3. The air layer AR may be a sealed space filled with air, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The air layer AR may be surrounded by the bonding layer PSA_3 or both the bonding layer PSA_3 and the protective film PF, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0138] The air layer AR can be partially due to how it is made Fig.16 and Fig.17 That is, the air layer AR may be formed in a process of bonding the base substrate SUB from a position spaced apart from the bending region BR to a position close to the bending region BR, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0139] exist Fig.16 and Fig.17 In the implementation mode, Figure 4 , Fig.14 and Fig.15 In the embodiment of the present invention, even if the driving substrate FPCB is arranged on Fig.16 and Fig.17On the side of the display device where the curved portion of the window member 200 is positioned, the display panel 100 may also be firmly attached to the window member 200, and a display screen may be appropriately provided in the area where the display panel 100 and the window member 200 are firmly attached to each other.

[0140] At the end of the detailed description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiment without departing substantially from the principles of the invention. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclosed are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation.

[0141] Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. Therefore, the inventive concept is not limited to such embodiments, but to the broader scope of the appended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. Display equipment, including: Flexible substrates, including: Main area; a curved region extending from one end of the main region; and a sub-region extending from one end of the bent region and inverted from the bent region to be attached to a rear surface of the main region; and an active element layer, arranged in the main region of the flexible substrate, wherein the thickness of the flexible substrate in the bending region is greater than the thickness in the main region and the sub-region, and in: The main area includes a flat area and a curved area extending from one side of the flat area, The sub-areas include a flat area and a curved area. The curved region is connected to the curved region of the main region and the curved region of the sub-region, and A portion of the active element layer is disposed in the curved region of the main region.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of the curved region of the sub-region is attached to a rear surface of the curved region of the main region.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: At least a portion of the planar area of ​​the sub-area is attached to the rear surface of the planar area of ​​the main area.

4. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising a display area of ​​a display screen, wherein: The display area is disposed in and spans at least a portion of the flat area of ​​the main area and at least a portion of the curved area of ​​the main area. 5 . The display device according to claim 1 , further comprising a protection film disposed between the main area and the sub-area.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The protection film is formed as one body, is disposed between the bending region and the sub-region, and is bent in the bending region.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The protective film includes a first protective film and a second protective film separated from each other, and At least a portion of a space between the first protective film and the second protective film is empty.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The main region and the sub-region are firmly attached to each other.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The distance between the main region and the sub-region increases in a direction toward the curved region. 10 . The display device of claim 1 , further comprising at least one bubble disposed between the main area and the sub-area. 11 . The display device of claim 1 , further comprising a printed circuit board attached to the sub-region of the flexible substrate.

12. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display device has a long side and a short side, and The bending area is disposed on one of the short sides of the display device.

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