Laminating apparatus and method of manufacturing display device

Abstract

The laminating apparatus can include a clamp for supporting a window including a flat portion and a curved portion disposed at least one side of the flat portion, a pad opposite to the clamp with the window and a panel interposed therebetween, the panel having a bonding layer formed thereon to face the window, a stopper disposed at both sides of the pad and supporting the panel, and a guide member disposed between the stopper and the clamp and movable to contact the curved portion of the window.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a laminating apparatus. In more detail, the present application relates to a laminating apparatus for bonding a panel with a window and a method of manufacturing a display apparatus using the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] Recently, a flexible display apparatus is being developed, which is not only light in weight and resistant to impact, but also includes a flexible substrate formed of a flexible material such as plastic. The flexible display apparatus can be folded or rolled, thus being easily carried, and can be applied to various fields.

[0003] The flexible display apparatus can include a display element formed on the flexible substrate. The display element usable for the flexible display apparatus includes an organic light emitting display element, a liquid crystal display element, etc.

[0004] The flexible substrate can be sealed with an encapsulation layer. The flexible substrate, the display element formed on the flexible substrate, and the encapsulation layer can form a display panel of a display apparatus.

[0005] Generally, a window for protecting the display panel can be attached on a front surface of the display panel. In this case, an adhesive layer can be interposed between the display panel and the window to bond the display panel with the window.

[0006] In addition, recently, a side-view display apparatus is being developed, which includes a main display area for displaying a main image and an auxiliary display area for displaying a sub image on a curved side portion. The window of the side-view display apparatus can have a structure in which the side portion is curved. In the process of bonding the window having the structure in which the side portion is curved with the display panel, a bubble defect due to a bubble being interposed between the window and the display panel, etc. can occur. SUMMARY

[0007] Technical Problem

[0008] An object of the present application is to provide a laminating apparatus and a method of manufacturing a display apparatus using the same, in which a bubble is not generated between a panel and a window in the process of bonding the panel with the window.

[0009] However, the object of the present application is not limited to the above-described object, and can be extended in various ways without departing from the idea and scope of the present application.

[0010] Solution to Problem

[0011] To achieve the aforementioned object of the present application, a laminating apparatus according to an embodiment can include a jig to support a window including a flat portion and a curved portion disposed on at least one side of the flat portion; a pad opposite the jig with the window and a panel interposed therebetween, the panel having a bonding layer formed thereon to face the window; a stopper disposed on both sides of the pad and supporting the panel; and a guide member disposed between the stopper and the jig and movable to contact the curved portion of the window.

[0012] In an embodiment, the guide member can include a body portion and an insertion portion extending from the body portion and contactable with the curved portion.

[0013] In an embodiment, a portion of the insertion portion contactable with the window can have a shape corresponding to the curved portion.

[0014] In an embodiment, a thickness of the insertion portion can linearly increase from an end of the insertion portion to a boundary of the insertion portion and the body portion.

[0015] In an embodiment, the end of the insertion portion can be pointed.

[0016] In an embodiment, the end of the insertion portion can be rounded.

[0017] In an embodiment, a coating layer to slide against the bonding layer can be formed on the insertion portion.

[0018] In an embodiment, the coating layer can include at least one of silicon and fluorine.

[0019] In an embodiment, a first coating layer to slide against the bonding layer can be formed on a portion of the insertion portion contactable with the bonding layer, and a second coating layer to slide against the window can be formed on a portion of the insertion portion contactable with the window.

[0020] In an embodiment, the window can include a black matrix disposed below the curved portion, and the end of the insertion portion can be disposed to be contactable to the black matrix between the flat portion and a boundary of the curved portion.

[0021] In an embodiment, the guide member can include at least one of plastic and metal.

[0022] In an embodiment, the guide member can be separated from the stopper.

[0023] In an embodiment, the guide member can be fixed to the stopper.

[0024] In an embodiment, the curved portion can include a first curved portion disposed at a first side of the flat portion, and a second curved portion disposed at a second side of the flat portion opposite the first side with the flat portion interposed therebetween, and the guide member can include a first guide member movable into contact with the first curved portion, and a second guide member movable into contact with the second curved portion.

[0025] In an embodiment, the curved portion can further include a third curved portion disposed at a third side of the flat portion between the first side and the second side of the flat portion, and a fourth curved portion disposed at a fourth side of the flat portion opposite the third side with the flat portion interposed therebetween, and the guide member can further include a third guide member movable into contact with the third curved portion, and a fourth guide member movable into contact with the fourth curved portion.

[0026] In an embodiment, the lamination apparatus can further include a cleaning portion for cleaning the guide member, and a coating portion for coating the cleaned guide member.

[0027] In an embodiment, the lamination apparatus can further include a cooling portion for cooling the coated guide member, and a dehumidifying portion for supplying dry air to the cooled guide member.

[0028] To achieve the aforementioned object of the present application, a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment can include the steps of aligning a panel formed with an adhesive layer facing a window to between a window and a pad, the window including a flat portion and a curved portion disposed at at least one side of the flat portion; bringing a guide member into contact with the curved portion of the window; pressing the panel against the pad to attach the panel to the flat portion of the window; moving the guide member toward an end portion of the curved portion while pressing the panel against the pad to attach the panel to the curved portion of the window; and separating the guide member from the window.

[0029] In an embodiment, in the step of attaching the panel to the curved portion of the window, the pad can not press the guide member.

[0030] In an embodiment, the method of manufacturing a display device can further include the steps of cleaning the guide member and coating the cleaned guide member.

[0031] In an embodiment, the method of manufacturing a display device can further include the steps of cooling the coated guide member and supplying dry air to the cooled guide member.

[0032] Advantageous Effects

[0033] In the lamination apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application and the method of manufacturing a display device using the same, by bringing the guide member into contact with the curved surface portion of the window, and attaching the panel to the curved surface portion of the window while moving the guide member, the panel can be uniformly attached to the window, and generation of bubbles between the panel and the window can be prevented.

[0034] However, the effects of the present application are not limited to the aforementioned effects, and can be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a lamination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Figure 2 is a plan view illustrating an adhesive portion of a lamination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along line I-I' of Figure 2 .

[0038] Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating a window according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along line II-II' of Figure 4 .

[0040] Figure 6 is a sectional view illustrating a panel according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] Figure 7 is a sectional view illustrating a display panel according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 are sectional views illustrating a guide member according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0043] Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 are sectional views illustrating a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0044] Figure 20 is a plan view illustrating an adhesive portion of a lamination apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0045] Figure 21is a perspective view showing a window according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0046] Figure 22 is a plan view showing an adhesive portion of a laminating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0047] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing a window according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0048] Figure 24 is a sectional view showing an adhesive portion of a laminating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0049] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0050] 10: laminating apparatus 13: cleaning portion

[0051] 14: coating portion 15: cooling portion

[0052] 16: dehumidifying portion 20: window

[0053] 21: planar portion 22: curved portion

[0054] 30: panel 40: adhesive layer

[0055] 110: jig 120: pad

[0056] 140: stopper 150: guide member

[0057] 151: body portion 152: insertion portion

[0058] 153: coating layer DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Hereinafter, a laminating apparatus and a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present application will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the same constituent elements in the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals are used.

[0060] Hereinafter, a laminating apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13

[0061] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a laminating apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0062] Referring to Figure 1 , the laminating apparatus 10 according to an embodiment can include an adhesive portion 11, a conveying portion 12, a cleaning portion 13, a coating portion 14, a cooling portion 15, and a dehumidifying portion 16. In an embodiment, a vacuum pump 17 can be disposed on the laminating apparatus 10, so that the inside of the laminating apparatus 10 can be maintained in a vacuum state.

[0063] ​The bonding part 11 can bond the window (20) and the panel (30) using the guide member 150. In an embodiment, two guide members 150 can be used to bond the window 20 and the panel 30. Figure 3 Figure 3 The bonding part 11 can bond the window (20) and the panel (30) using the guide member 150. In an embodiment, two guide members 150 can be used to bond the window 20 and the panel 30.

[0064] The transfer part 12 can transfer the guide member 150 between the bonding part 11, the cleaning part 13, the coating part 14, and the cooling part 15. In an embodiment, when two guide members 150 are used to bond the window 20 and the panel 30, the transfer part 12 can transfer one guide member 150 in a clockwise direction and the other guide member 150 in a counterclockwise direction. However, the present application is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the transfer part 12 can transfer both guide members 150 in the same direction.

[0065] The cleaning part 13 can clean the guide member 150. During the bonding of the window 20 and the panel 30 by the bonding part 11, the guide member 150 can be contaminated by contact with the adhesive layer (40) interposed between the window 20 and the panel 30. Accordingly, the cleaning part 13 can clean the guide member 150 contaminated by contact with the adhesive layer 40. Figure 3

[0066] The coating part 14 can coat the cleaned guide member 150. The coating layer (153) formed on the guide member 150 can be damaged during the bonding of the window 20 and the panel 30 by the bonding part 11, or the coating layer 153 can be damaged during the cleaning of the guide member 150 by the cleaning part 13. Accordingly, the coating part 14 can form the coating layer 153 on the guide member 150. The adhesive force of the coating layer 153 can be small with respect to the window 20 and the adhesive layer 40. That is, the coating layer 153 can slide with respect to the window 20 and the adhesive layer 40. Figure 12 The cooling part 15 can cool the coated guide member 150. At low temperatures, the adhesive force of the coating layer 153 can become lower, and thus the cooling part 15 can cool the coated guide member 150 to reduce the adhesive force of the coating layer 153. In an embodiment, the cooling part 15 can maintain the temperature of the guide member 150 at about 10 degrees or less (preferably, about 0 degrees or less).

[0067] The dehumidifying part 16 can supply dry air to the cooled guide member 150. At low temperatures, water vapor can condense on the cooled guide member 150. Accordingly, to prevent the condensation of water vapor, the dehumidifying part 16 can supply dry air to the cooled guide member 150.

[0068]

[0069] ​​​Since the guide member 150 is circulated by the conveyer 12 between the bonding part 11, the cleaning part 13, the coating part 14, and the cooling part 15, the guide member 150 used in the bonding process of the window 20 and the panel 30 can be reused. Thereby, the manufacturing cost and the manufacturing time of the display device can be saved.

[0070] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the bonding part 11 of the lamination apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along the I-I' line of FIG. 1.

[0071] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the bonding part 11 of the lamination apparatus 10 according to an embodiment can include a jig 110, a pad 120, a stage 130, a stopper 140, and a guide member 150.

[0072] The jig 110 can support the window 20. The window 20 can include a planar part 21 and a curved part 22 disposed at at least one side of the planar part 21. The support surface of the jig 110 for supporting the window 20 can include a planar part and a curved part corresponding to the planar part 21 and the curved part 22 of the window 20, respectively.

[0073] In an embodiment, the window 20 can be fixed to the jig 110 by a vacuum suction method or an adhesive method.

[0074] Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the window 20 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along the II-II' line of FIG. 2.

[0075] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the window 20 according to an embodiment can include a planar part 21 and curved parts 22 disposed at both sides of the planar part 21. The curved parts 22 can be curved in a negative Z-axis direction from both sides of the planar part 21.

[0076] In an embodiment, the curved parts 22 can include a first curved part 22a disposed at a first side of the planar part 21 and a second curved part 22b disposed at a second side of the planar part 21 opposite to the first side, wherein the planar part 21 is interposed between the first curved part 22a and the second curved part 22b. For example, the first curved part 22a can be disposed at a negative X-axis direction with respect to the planar part 21, and the second curved part 22b can be disposed at a positive X-axis direction with respect to the planar part 21.

[0077] The window 20 can be formed of a flexible and light-transmitting substance. For example, the window 20 can include transparent glass or plastic.

[0078] ​​The window 20 can include a black matrix 23 disposed under the curved portion 22. The black matrix 23 can prevent a structure of a display device disposed under the window 20 from being seen by a user through the window 20.

[0079] Referring again to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the pad 120 can face the clamp 110 with the window 20 and the panel 30 interposed therebetween. That is, the pad 120 can be disposed under the clamp 110 with the window 20 and the panel 30 interposed therebetween.

[0080] The panel 30 can have an adhesive layer 40 formed thereon. The adhesive layer 40 can face the window 20, and the window 20 and the panel 30 can be combined with each other by the adhesive layer 40.

[0081] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a panel 30 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0082] Referring to Figure 6 , the panel 30 according to an embodiment can include a display panel 31, an input sensing layer 32, and a polarizing layer 33.

[0083] The display panel 31 can generate an image for providing visual information to a user. For example, the display panel 31 can display the above-described image in a positive Z-axis direction.

[0084] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a display panel 31 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0085] Referring to Figure 7 , the display panel 31 according to an embodiment can include a substrate 310, a transistor TR, a light emitting element 350, and a thin film encapsulation layer 360.

[0086] The substrate 310 can be a transparent or non-transparent insulating substrate. In an embodiment, the substrate 310 can have a flexible characteristic. For example, the substrate 310 can include a plastic such as polyimide, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyacrylate, or the like.

[0087] A buffer layer 311 can be disposed on the substrate 310. The buffer layer 311 can provide a flat surface on an upper portion of the substrate 310, and can prevent impurities from being introduced to the upper portion of the substrate 310 through the substrate 310.

[0088] An active pattern 320 can be disposed on the buffer layer 311. In an embodiment, the active pattern 320 can include amorphous silicon, polysilicon, or the like. In another embodiment, the active pattern 320 can include an oxide semiconductor.

[0089] The gate insulating layer 312 can be disposed on the buffer layer 311 and can cover the active pattern 320. The gate insulating layer 312 can include an inorganic insulating substance such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, or the like.

[0090] The gate electrode 330 can be disposed on the gate insulating layer 312 and can overlap the active pattern 320. The gate electrode 330 can include a conductive substance such as copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), or the like.

[0091] The interlayer insulating layer 313 can be disposed on the gate insulating layer 312 and can cover the gate electrode 330. The interlayer insulating layer 313 can include an inorganic insulating substance such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, or the like.

[0092] The source electrode 341 and the drain electrode 342 can be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 313 and can be connected to the active pattern 320. The source electrode 341 and the drain electrode 342 can include a conductive substance such as copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), or the like. The active pattern 320, the gate electrode 330, the source electrode 341, and the drain electrode 342 can form a transistor TR.

[0093] The planarization layer 314 can be disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 313 and can cover the source electrode 341 and the drain electrode 342. The planarization layer 314 can include an inorganic insulating substance such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, or the like and / or an organic insulating substance such as an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a phenol resin, a polyamide resin, a polyimide resin, an unsaturated polyester resin, a polyphenylene resin, a polyphenylene sulfide resin, a benzocyclobutene, or the like.

[0094] The pixel electrode 351 can be disposed on the planarization layer 314 and can be connected to the drain electrode 342. The pixel electrode 351 can include a transparent conductive layer including indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), or the like and a reflective conductive layer including silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), lead (Pb), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), or the like. In an embodiment, the pixel electrode 351 can have a stacked structure of ITO, Ag, and ITO. In this case, the pixel electrode 351 can be a reflective electrode.

[0095] The pixel defining film 315 can be disposed on the planarization layer 314, and can cover at least a portion of the pixel electrode 351. In an embodiment, the pixel defining film 315 can cover a peripheral portion of the pixel electrode 351, and can have a pixel opening exposing a central portion of the pixel electrode 351. The pixel defining film 315 can include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, etc., and / or an organic insulating material such as acrylic resin, epoxy resin, phenol resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyphenylene resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, benzocyclobutene, etc.

[0096] The light emitting layer 352 can be disposed on the pixel electrode 351 exposed through the pixel opening described above and the pixel defining film 315. Holes provided by the pixel electrode 351 and electrons provided by the counter electrode 353 can combine in the light emitting layer 352 to form excitons, and the light emitting layer 352 can emit light when the excitons transition from an excited state to a ground state.

[0097] The counter electrode 353 can be disposed on the light emitting layer 352. The counter electrode 353 can include a transparent conductive layer including lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), gold (Au), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), barium (Ba), etc. The counter electrode 353 can be a transmissive electrode. The pixel electrode 351, the light emitting layer 352, and the counter electrode 353 can form the light emitting element 350.

[0098] The thin film encapsulation layer 360 can be disposed on the counter electrode 353. The thin film encapsulation layer 360 can prevent impurities, moisture, etc. from penetrating into the light emitting element 350 from the outside. The thin film encapsulation layer 360 can include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. In an embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer 360 can include a first inorganic encapsulation layer 361, a second inorganic encapsulation layer 363 disposed on the first inorganic encapsulation layer 361, and an organic encapsulation layer 362 disposed between the first inorganic encapsulation layer 361 and the second inorganic encapsulation layer 363.

[0099] Referring again to FIG. 1, Figure 6 The input sensing layer 32 can be disposed on the display panel 31. The input sensing layer 32 can sense an external input such as contact or proximity of an external object, etc. For example, the input sensing layer 32 can sense the external input described above in a capacitive manner.

[0100] The polarization layer 33 can be disposed on the input sensing layer 32. The polarization layer 33 can reduce reflection of external light incident to the display panel 31. For example, when external light passes through the polarization layer 33 and is reflected at a lower portion (e.g., the display panel 31) of the polarization layer 33 and then passes through the polarization layer 33 again, a phase of the above-described external light can change as the external light passes through the polarization layer 33 twice. Thus, destructive interference can occur due to the phase of the reflected light being different from the phase of the incident light entering the polarization layer 33, and reflection of the external light can be reduced.

[0101] Referring again to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The pad 120 can pressurize the panel 30, thereby attaching the panel 30 to the window 20 with the adhesive layer 40 interposed therebetween. To this end, the pad 120 can have elasticity and can be at least partially deformed. That is, the pad 120 can be formed of an elastic substance. In an embodiment, the pad 120 can include at least one of polyurethane, rubber, and synthetic resin.

[0102] In an embodiment, the pad 120 can be formed as one body. That is, the pad 120 can be formed of one substance.

[0103] In an embodiment, the pad 120 can have a uniform density as a whole. That is, a mass of the elastic substance per unit volume can be substantially the same in portions of the pad 120 that are different from each other.

[0104] The stage 130 can support the pad 120. The stage 130 can provide a space for disposing the pad 120, and the pad 120 can be disposed on the stage 130.

[0105] The stage 130 can move vertically. For example, the stage 130 can move in a positive Z-axis direction and a negative Z-axis direction. As the stage 130 moves vertically, the pad 120 disposed on the stage 130 can also move vertically.

[0106] The stopper 140 can be disposed on both sides of the pad 120. The stopper 140 can support the panel 30. In an embodiment, the stopper 140 can support both end portions of the panel 30.

[0107] The stopper 140 can move horizontally. For example, the stopper 140 can move in a positive X-axis direction and a negative X-axis direction. The stopper 140 can move to be close to each other or away from each other. When the stopper 140 moves to be close to each other while supporting the panel 30, the panel 30 can be curved in an arch shape.

[0108] The stopper 140 can move vertically. For example, the stopper 140 can move in a positive Z-axis direction and a negative Z-axis direction. When the stopper 140 moves in the positive Z-axis direction while supporting the panel 30, the panel 30 can approach the window 20.

[0109] The guide member 150 can be disposed between the stopper 140 and the clamp 110. The guide member 150 can move to contact the curved portion 22 of the window 20. In a process in which the panel 30 is sequentially attached from the flat portion 21 to the curved portion 22 of the window 20 with the adhesive layer 40 interposed therebetween, the guide member 150 can uniformly attach the panel 30 to the window 20, and can prevent air bubbles from being generated between the panel 30 and the curved portion 22 of the window 20.

[0110] In an embodiment, the guide member 150 can include at least one of plastic and metal. Thereby, in a process in which the panel 30 is attached to the window 20 by the pad 120 pressing the panel 30, the guide member 150 can not be deformed by pressure.

[0111] The guide member 150 can move vertically. For example, the guide member 150 can move in a positive Z-axis direction and a negative Z-axis direction. When the guide member 150 moves in the positive Z-axis direction, the guide member 150 can contact the curved portion 22 of the window 20. Also, when the guide member 150 moves in the negative Z-axis direction, the guide member 150 can be separated from the window 20.

[0112] The guide member 150 can move horizontally. As described before, the guide member 150 can move horizontally between the bonding portion 11, the washing portion 13, the coating portion 14, and the cooling portion 15 by the conveyer portion 12. Figure 1 The guide member 150 can move horizontally between the bonding portion 11, the washing portion 13, the coating portion 14, and the cooling portion 15 by the conveyer portion 12.

[0113] In an embodiment, the guide member 150 can be separated from the stopper 140. In this case, the guide member 150 can move independently of the stopper 140.

[0114] In an embodiment, the guide member 150 can include a first guide member 150a and a second guide member 150b. The first guide member 150a can be disposed to be movable to contact a first curved portion 22a of the window 20, and the second guide member 150b can be disposed to be movable to contact a second curved portion 22b of the window 20. Figure 4 The first guide member 150a can be disposed to be movable to contact a first curved portion 22a of the window 20, and the second guide member 150b can be disposed to be movable to contact a second curved portion 22b of the window 20. Figure 4 The first guide member 150a can be disposed to be movable to contact a first curved portion 22a of the window 20, and the second guide member 150b can be disposed to be movable to contact a second curved portion 22b of the window 20.

[0115] Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13This is a cross-sectional view showing a guide member 150 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 8 According to one embodiment, the guide member 150 may include a body portion 151 and an insertion portion 152. The body portion 151 may be disposed on the stop member 140, and the insertion portion 152 may extend from the body portion 151. The insertion portion 152 may be configured to contact the curved surface 22 of the window 20. When the guide member 150 contacts the curved surface 22 of the window 20, the body portion 151 may not contact the curved surface 22 of the window 20, and only the insertion portion 152 may contact the curved surface 22 of the window 20.

[0117] In one embodiment, the portion of the insertion part 152 that can contact the window 20 may have a shape corresponding to the curved surface 22 of the window 20. The insertion part 152 may include a first surface 152a facing the window 20 and a second surface 152b facing the panel 30. The first surface 152a of the insertion part 152 may be configured to contact the window 20, thereby having a curved shape corresponding to the curved surface 22 of the window 20. Therefore, when the guide member 150 contacts the curved surface 22 of the window 20, the guide member 150 can maintain stable contact with the curved surface 22 of the window 20 without creating an empty space between the insertion part 152 of the guide member 150 and the curved surface 22 of the window 20.

[0118] In one embodiment, the end portion 152c of the insertion portion 152 may be pointed. The end portion 152c of the insertion portion 152 may be defined as the portion where the first surface 152a contacts the second surface 152b.

[0119] In one embodiment, the end portion 152c of the insertion portion 152 may be configured to contact the black matrix of the window 20. Figure 5 Between the black matrix 23 and the boundary of the flat portion 21 and curved portion 22 of the window 20. A step portion may be formed on the window 20 by the black matrix 23, and air bubbles may be generated between the aforementioned step portion of the window 20 and the panel 30 during the attachment of the window 20 to the panel 30. In order to prevent the generation of such air bubbles, the end portion 152c of the insertion portion 152 may contact the boundary between the black matrix 23 of the window 20 and the boundary of the flat portion 21 and curved portion 22 of the window 20.

[0120] Reference Figure 9In the guide member 150_1 according to an embodiment, the thickness TH of the insertion portion 152 can increase linearly from the end portion 152c of the insertion portion 152 to the boundary of the insertion portion 152 and the body portion 151. The thickness TH of the insertion portion 152 can be defined as the distance between the first surface 152a and the second surface 152b. For example, the first surface 152a and the second surface 152b can each have a planar shape.

[0121] Referring to Figure 3 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the guide members 150_2, 150_3 according to embodiments, the end portion 152c of the insertion portion 152 can be rounded. In this case, the adhesion of the adhesive layer 40 with respect to the guide members 150_2, 150_3 can be reduced (the guide members 150_2, 150_3 can easily slide with respect to the adhesive layer 40), whereby the guide members 150_2, 150_3 can easily be separated from the adhesive layer 40 in the process of attaching the panel 30 to the curved portion 22 of the window 20.

[0122] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 12 In the guide member 150_4 according to an embodiment, a coating layer 153 that slides with respect to the adhesive layer 40 can be formed on the insertion portion 152. The coating layer 153 has low adhesion with respect to the adhesive layer 40, and thus can easily be separated from the adhesive layer 40. The coating layer 153 can be formed on the first surface 152a and the second surface 152b of the insertion portion 152.

[0123] The coating layer 153 can have a relatively small surface tension to slide with respect to the adhesive layer 40. For example, the surface tension of the coating layer 153 can be less than about 30 mN / m.

[0124] In an embodiment, the coating layer 153 can include at least one of silicon and fluorine. For example, the coating layer 153 can include dimethyl silicone, methyl phenyl silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene, or the like.

[0125] Referring to Figure 3 and Figures 14 to 19 In the guide member 150_5 according to an embodiment, a first coating layer 154 that slides with respect to the adhesive layer 40 can be formed on a portion of the insertion portion 152 that can come into contact with the adhesive layer 40, and a second coating layer 155 that slides with respect to the window 20 can be formed on a portion of the insertion portion 152 that can come into contact with the window 20. The first coating layer 154 has low adhesion with respect to the adhesive layer 40, and thus can easily be separated from the adhesive layer 40, and the second coating layer 155 has low adhesion with respect to the window 20, and thus can easily be separated from the window 20.

[0126] In one embodiment, the first coating layer 154 may include at least one of silicon and fluorine. The second coating layer 155 may contain the same material as the first coating layer 154, or it may contain a different material.

[0127] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 13 A method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment will be described. In the above method for manufacturing a display device, reference [reference] can be used. Figure 14 The lamination device 10 is described.

[0128] Figure 15 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 , Figure 18 , Figure 19 and Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] Reference Figure 15 Panel 30 can be aligned between window 20 and pad 120. First, window 20 can be positioned on clamp 110, and panel 30, with an adhesive layer 40 forming facing window 20 and supported by stop 140, can be aligned between clamp 110 and pad 120. Stop 140 can support both ends of panel 30. Guide member 150 can be located between clamp 110 and stop 140.

[0130] Reference Figure 16 The stop members 140 can be moved horizontally to bring them closer together. In this case, the panel 30 can be bent to bulge toward the window 20 by applying pressure to the stop members 140. For example, the panel 30 can be bent to bulge toward the positive Z-axis while the center of the panel 30 moves in the positive Z-axis direction.

[0131] Reference Figure 17 This allows the guide component 150 to contact the curved surface 22 of the window 20.

[0132] In one embodiment, as the stop 140 moves toward the clamp 110 in the positive Z-axis direction, the guide member 150 located between the stop 140 and the clamp 110 can contact the stop 140. As the stop 140 continues to move in the positive Z-axis direction, the guide member 150 can contact the curved surface 22 of the window 20 because it can move through the stop 140 in the positive Z-axis direction. However, since the guide member 150 is formed of a material that slides relative to the window 20 and the adhesive layer 40, the guide member 150 may not be bonded to the curved surface 22 of the window 20. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to this; in another embodiment, the guide member 150 may also contact the curved surface 22 of the window 20 independently of the movement of the stop 140.

[0133] Referring to Figure 18 The panel 30 can be attached to the planar portion 21 of the window 20 by the pad 120 applying pressure to the panel 30.

[0134] First, when the pad 120 moves in the positive Z-axis direction by the rising of the stage 130, the panel 30 located between the window 20 and the pad 120 can come into contact with the pad 120. When the pad 120 continues to move in the positive Z-axis direction, the panel 30 can move in the positive Z-axis direction by the pad 120, so that the above-described both end portions of the panel 30 are supported by the guide member 150. That is, the panel 30 supported by the stopper 140 can move in the positive Z-axis direction, so as to be supported by the guide member 150.

[0135] Then, the pad 120 can continue to move in the positive Z-axis direction, so that the adhesive layer 40 comes into contact with the central portion of the planar portion 21 of the window 20. Thereby, the above-described central portion of the panel 30 can be attached to the above-described central portion of the planar portion 21 of the window 20 by the adhesive layer 40.

[0136] Then, when the stage 130 rises, the pad 120 can be deformed and apply pressure to the panel 30, so as to increase the contact area of the pad 120 with the panel 30. Thereby, the panel 30 can be attached in sequence from the above-described central portion of the planar portion 21 of the window 20 toward the curved portion 22. In this case, since the guide member 150 comes into contact with the curved portion 22 of the window 20, the above-described end portions of the panel 30 can not come into contact with the curved portion 22 of the window 20.

[0137] After the panel 30 is attached to the planar portion 21 of the window 20, the stopper 140 can be separated from the guide member 150. For example, the stopper 140 can move in the negative Z-axis direction.

[0138] Referring to Figure 19 The guide member 150 can be moved in the direction of the end portion of the curved portion 22 of the window 20, and the panel 30 can be attached to the curved portion 22 of the window 20 by the pad 120 applying pressure to the panel 30.

[0139] When the stage 130 continues to rise, the pad 120 can be further deformed and apply pressure to the panel 30, and the panel 30 can be attached in sequence from the boundary of the planar portion 21 and the curved portion 22 of the window 20 toward the above-described end portion of the curved portion 22. While the panel 30 is attached in sequence to the curved portion 22 of the window 20, the guide member 150 can move in the direction of the end portion of the curved portion 22 of the window 20. For example, the guide member 150 can move in the negative Z-axis direction. In this case, since the guide member 150 is formed of a substance that slides with respect to the window 20 and the adhesive layer 40, the guide member 150 can move in the direction of the end portion of the curved portion 22 of the window 20 without being attached to the curved portion 22 of the window 20 and the adhesive layer 40.

[0140] In one embodiment, when the panel 30 is attached to the curved surface 22 of the window 20, the pad 120 may not apply pressure to the guide member 150. That is, the pressure generated by the deformation of the pad 120 due to the rise of the platform 130 may not be directly transmitted to the guide member 150. Therefore, the movement of the guide member 150 can be adjusted by considering the rise of the platform 130. This prevents the guide member 150 from sticking to the adhesive layer 40 and the window 20 due to the pressure generated by the pad 120, thus affecting the adhesion between the panel 30 and the window 20.

[0141] Reference Figure 1 The guide member 150 can be separated from the window 20. For example, the guide member 150 can be moved in the negative Z-axis direction to separate the guide member 150 from the window 20.

[0142] Then, the guide component 150 can be moved horizontally to clean the section ( Figure 1 Clean the guide component 150 in section 13) and in the coating section ( Figure 1 In step 14), the cleaned guide component 150 is coated. Thus, the guide component 150 can be reused in subsequent adhesion processes.

[0143] Then, the guide member 150 can be moved horizontally to the cooling section ( Figure 1 The coated guide component 150 is cooled in the dehumidification section (15). Figure 20 Dry air is supplied to the cooled guide component 150 in step 16). Cooling the guide component 150 reduces the adhesion of the guide component 150, and drying the guide component 150 prevents water vapor from condensing on the cooled guide component 150.

[0144] In conventional methods of manufacturing display devices, without the use of the guide member 150, when the panel 30 separates from the stop member 140, the panel 30 can contact not only the flat portion 21 of the window 20 but also both ends of the window 20. In this case, the adhesive layer 40 may be scraped by the two ends of the window 20, and residue of the adhesive layer 40 may remain on the two ends of the window 20. Furthermore, since the panel 30 contacts the two ends of the window 20 before the curved portion 22 of the window 20, air bubbles may form between the panel 30 and the curved portion 22 of the window 20.

[0145] However, in the method of manufacturing the display device according to the embodiment of the present application, since the guide member 150 is in contact with the curved portion 22 of the window 20, the panel 30 can not be in contact with both end portions of the window 20. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a phenomenon that the adhesive layer 40 is scratched by both end portions of the window 20, and the substance of the adhesive layer 40 is not left on both end portions of the window 20. Further, since the guide member 150 is moved toward the end portion direction of the window 20 when the panel 30 is attached to the curved portion 22 of the window 20, it is possible to make the panel 30 attached in sequence from the boundary of the planar portion 21 and the curved portion 22 of the window 20 to the end portion of the window 20. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a bubble from being generated between the panel 30 and the curved portion 22 of the window 20.

[0146] Figure 21 FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the bonding portion 11_1 of the lamination apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 20 FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the window 20_1 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0147] Referring to Figure 21 and Figure 22 , the window 20_1 according to an embodiment can include a planar portion 21 and curved portions 22 arranged on four sides of the planar portion 21 in different directions from each other. The curved portions 22 can be curved in a negative Z-axis direction from the above-described four sides of the planar portion 21.

[0148] In an embodiment, the curved portions 22 can include a first curved portion 22a, a second curved portion 22b, a third curved portion 22c, and a fourth curved portion 22d, wherein the first curved portion 22a is arranged on a first side of the planar portion 21, the second curved portion 22b is arranged on a second side of the planar portion 21 opposite to the above-described first side with the planar portion 21 interposed therebetween, the third curved portion 22c is arranged on a third side of the planar portion 21 between the above-described first side and the above-described second side of the planar portion 21, and the fourth curved portion 22d is arranged on a fourth side of the planar portion 21 opposite to the above-described third side with the planar portion 21 interposed therebetween. For example, the first curved portion 22a can be arranged at a negative X-axis direction with respect to the planar portion 21, the second curved portion 22b can be arranged at a positive X-axis direction with respect to the planar portion 21, the third curved portion 22c can be arranged at a negative Y-axis direction with respect to the planar portion 21, and the fourth curved portion 22d can be arranged at a positive Y-axis direction with respect to the planar portion 21.

[0149] In an embodiment, the guide members 150 can include a first guide member 150a, a second guide member 150b, a third guide member 150c, and a fourth guide member 150d. The first guide member 150a can be disposed to be movable to be in contact with the first curved portion 22a of the window 20_1, the second guide member 150b can be disposed to be movable to be in contact with the second curved portion 22b of the window 20_1, the third guide member 150c can be disposed to be movable to be in contact with the third curved portion 22c of the window 20_1, and the fourth guide member 150d can be disposed to be movable to be in contact with the fourth curved portion 22d of the window 20_1.

[0150] Figure 23 is a plan view illustrating the bonding portion 11_2 of the laminating apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 22 is a perspective view illustrating the window 20_2 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0151] Referring to Figure 20 the bonding portion 11_2 can be substantially the same as or similar to the bonding portion 11_1 described with reference to Figure 23 , except that the bonding portion 11_2 further includes the connection guide members. Also, the window 20_2 described with reference to Figure 21 may be substantially the same as or similar to the window 20_1 described with reference to Figure 22 , except that the window 20_2 further includes the connection curved portions. Thus, the description of the repeated structures is omitted.

[0152] Referring to Figure 23 and Figure 22 , in an embodiment, the window 20_2 can further include the connection curved portions 24 arranged at four corners of the planar portion 21 in different directions from each other. The connection curved portions 24 can be arranged between the first curved portion 22a, the second curved portion 22b, the third curved portion 22c, and the fourth curved portion 22d. The connection curved portions 24 can be curved in a negative Z-axis direction from the above-described four corners of the planar portion 21.

[0153] In an embodiment, the guide members 150 can further include the connection guide members 150e. The connection guide members 150e can be disposed to be movable to be in contact with the connection curved portions 24 of the window 20_2.

[0154] In an embodiment, as Figure 24As shown, the connection guide member 150e can be separately formed from the first guide member 150a, the second guide member 150b, the third guide member 150c, and the fourth guide member 150d. However, the present application is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the connection guide member 150e can also be integrally formed with the first guide member 150a, the second guide member 150b, the third guide member 150c, and / or the fourth guide member 150d.

[0155] Figure 24 FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the bonding portion 11_3 of the lamination apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0156] Referring to ​ In the bonding portion 11_3 of the lamination apparatus 10 according to an embodiment, the guide member 150 can be fixed to the stopper 140. For example, the stopper 140 and the guide member 150 can be separately formed and fastened by a fastening member. In this case, the guide member 150 can move together with the stopper 140.

[0157] Industrial applicability

[0158] The lamination apparatus and the method of manufacturing a display device according to exemplary embodiments of the present application can be applied to a curved display device having at least one side portion curved.

[0159] Although the lamination apparatus and the method of manufacturing a display device according to exemplary embodiments of the present application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above embodiments are exemplary, and can be modified and changed by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the technical idea of the present application recited in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A laminating apparatus, comprising: A clamp for supporting a window, the window including a planar portion and a curved portion disposed on at least one side of the planar portion; A pad, with the window and panel inserted in the middle, is opposite to the clamp, and an adhesive layer is formed on the panel facing the window; Stops are arranged on both sides of the pad and support the panel; as well as A guide component is arranged between the stop and the clamp and is movable to contact the curved surface of the window.

2. The lamination apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The guide component includes a body portion and an insertion portion extending from the body portion and capable of contacting the curved surface portion.

3. The laminating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The portion of the insertion part that can contact the window has a shape corresponding to the curved surface.

4. The laminating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The thickness of the insertion portion increases linearly from the end of the insertion portion to the boundary between the insertion portion and the body portion.

5. The laminating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, A coating layer that slides relative to the adhesive layer is formed on the insertion portion.

6. The laminating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, A first coating layer is formed on the portion of the insertion part that can contact the adhesive layer, and a coating layer that slides relative to the adhesive layer. A second coating layer is formed on the portion of the insertion part that can contact the window, and it slides relative to the window.

7. The laminating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A cleaning section is used to clean the guide component; as well as A coating section for coating the cleaned guide component.

8. The laminating apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising: A cooling section for cooling the coated guide component; as well as A dehumidification section is used to provide dry air to the cooled guide components.

9. A method for manufacturing a display device, comprising: The step of aligning a panel having an adhesive layer formed on the face of the window to the space between the window and the pad, wherein the window includes a flat portion and a curved portion disposed on at least one side of the flat portion; The step of bringing the guide component into contact with the curved surface of the window; The step of applying pressure to the panel using the pad to attach the panel to the flat portion of the window; The step of moving the guide member toward the end of the curved surface while applying pressure to the panel through the pad to attach the panel to the curved surface of the window; as well as The step of separating the guide component from the window.

10. The method of manufacturing a display device according to claim 9, wherein, During the step of attaching the panel to the curved surface of the window, the pad does not apply pressure to the guide member.

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