Display device and method for manufacturing a display device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a display device and a method of manufacturing a display device. The display device according to an embodiment includes a window including a flat surface area and a curved surface area, a display panel including a display area, a connection area, and a bending area between the display area and the connection area, and a fixing member including a flat surface portion and a curved surface portion and attached to the connection area. The display area is attached to the window, and the connection area is disposed on a rear surface of the display area together with the fixing member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to display devices, and more specifically, to display devices including a curved display area and a method of manufacturing the display device. Background Technology

[0002] Display devices, such as display transmitters, are used in electronic devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, tablet PCs, and multimedia terminals. Because the display device, especially its screen, is exposed to the outside of the electronic device, it is a key component in the design of electronic devices.

[0003] Typically, display device screens are flat. Recently, with the development of flexible display devices, screens are no longer limited to flat surfaces but can be formed with curved surfaces. In particular, when the edges of a display device are formed as curved surfaces, the screen-to-body ratio can be increased. The screen-to-body ratio reflects the technological level of a display device and plays a significant role in consumers' product selection. Therefore, there is a need to develop borderless display devices with a screen-to-body ratio close to 1 or 1:1, meaning that only the screen is visible when viewed from the front. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] The embodiments provide a display device with an increased screen-to-body ratio and a curved display area, as well as a method for manufacturing the display device.

[0006] Solution

[0007] The display device according to an embodiment includes: a window, including a flat area and a curved area; a display panel, including a display area, a connecting area, and a curved area between the display area and the connecting area; and a fixing member, including a flat portion and a curved portion, and fixed to the connecting area. The display area is attached to the window, and the connecting area is disposed together with the fixing member on the rear side of the display area.

[0008] The display device may also include tape for attaching the fixing member to the rear side of the display area.

[0009] The center of curvature of the curved region can be substantially the same as the center of curvature of the curved portion.

[0010] The display area may include a flat area and a curved area, and the center of curvature of the curved area of ​​the display area may be substantially the same as the center of curvature of the curved portion.

[0011] The connection area can be set between the display area and the fixed component.

[0012] The display device may also include an integrated circuit chip mounted on the connection area.

[0013] The fixing component can be placed between the bending area and the integrated circuit chip.

[0014] The connection area may include a pad portion, in which pads are arranged at the edge of the connection area.

[0015] The width of the fixed component can be equal to or greater than the width of the connection area.

[0016] The bending area can be bent, the connecting area can have a flat shape corresponding to the flat part and a curved shape corresponding to the curved part, and the connecting area can be in close contact with the rear side of the display area.

[0017] The display area may include a flat area and a curved area, and the curved area of ​​the window may have a larger radius of curvature than the curved area of ​​the display area, and the curved area of ​​the display area may have a larger radius of curvature than the curved portion.

[0018] The display device according to an embodiment includes: a window; a display panel including a display area attached to the rear side of the window and a connection area fixed to the rear side of the display area; a fixing member attached to the connection area; and an adhesive tape for attaching the fixing member to the rear side of the display panel.

[0019] The window may include a curved area, the fixing member may include a curved portion corresponding to the curved area, and the center of curvature of the curved area and the center of curvature of the curved portion may be substantially the same.

[0020] The connecting area can be located between the display area and the fixed component, and the connecting area can have a curved shape corresponding to the curved portion of the fixed component.

[0021] The display area may include a curved area attached to the curved area of ​​the window, and the curved area of ​​the window may have a larger radius of curvature than the curved area of ​​the display area, while the curved area of ​​the display area has a larger radius of curvature than the curved portion.

[0022] The display device may also include an integrated circuit chip mounted on a connection area, wherein the connection area may include a pad portion in which pads are arranged at the edge of the connection area.

[0023] A method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment includes: attaching a display area of ​​a display panel to the rear side of a window including a curved area; attaching a fixing member including a flat portion and a curved portion to a connection area of ​​the display panel; bending the curved area of ​​the display panel and positioning the connection area with the fixing member attached adjacent to the rear side of the display panel; and fixing the fixing member to the rear side of the display panel while pressing the fixing member with a pressing pad.

[0024] The steps of securing the fixing member may include attaching tape to the edge of the fixing member and the rear side of the display panel.

[0025] After the fixing component is fixed, the connection area can be set between the display area and the fixing component, and the curvature center of the bending area can be substantially the same as the curvature center of the bending part.

[0026] Integrated circuit chips can be mounted on a connection area, and the connection area can include a pad portion in which pads are arranged at the edge of the connection area.

[0027] Technical effect

[0028] According to embodiments, a display device with an improved screen-to-body ratio and a curved display area can be provided. Specifically, a display device can be provided in which a display panel is attached and fixed to a connection area of ​​the display panel according to the shape of a window with a curved area, thereby increasing the utilization of the internal space of the electronic device. Furthermore, according to embodiments, there are beneficial effects that can be recognized throughout the specification. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of an electronic device that uses a display device according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 The shape of the rounded corners of a display device according to an embodiment, which is a geometric display means, is shown.

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device 100 taken along line A-A' or B-B'.

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device 100 taken along line C-C'.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic top view of the display panel 10 according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 A method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0035] Figure 14 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the laminated structure of the display panel. Detailed Implementation

[0036] This disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and thus those skilled in the art can readily implement this disclosure.

[0037] The dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the accompanying drawings are arbitrarily indicated for better understanding and ease of description.

[0038] When a part of a layer, membrane, region, plate, etc., is "on" or "above" another part, it includes not only the case where it is "directly" on the other component, but also the case where there is another component in between. Conversely, when a component is "directly above" another component, it means that there is no other component in between.

[0039] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the words “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply inclusion of the stated element, but not exclusion of any other element.

[0040] Throughout the specification, “connection” means not only the case where two or more components are directly connected, but also the case where two or more components are indirectly connected through other components, the case where they are physically connected, the case where they are electrically connected, and the case where each part, which is essentially one with itself, is called by a different name based on its location or function.

[0041] In the accompanying drawings, the symbols x, y, and z are used to indicate directions. "x" is a first direction, "y" is a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and "z" is a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of an electronic device that uses a display device according to an embodiment.

[0043] refer to Figure 1 The display device 100 according to the embodiment can be applied to electronic devices 1 such as smartphones, mobile phones, tablet PCs, multimedia players, game consoles, etc. Electronic device 1 may include the display device 100 and a housing 200. The display device 100 provides a screen for displaying images within the electronic device 1. The housing 200 may be referred to as a rack and can hold the display device 100 in place. Within the internal space defined by the display device 100 and the housing 200, some components constituting the electronic device 1 are located. For example, a processor, memory, battery, drive device, camera, speaker, microphone, receiver, communication module, sensors, etc., may be located inside the electronic device 1.

[0044] The front of the electronic device 1 may correspond to the screen, and at least a portion of its sides may also correspond to the screen. The screen corresponds to the display area DA of the display device 100. The display area DA may include a first display area DA1, a second display area DA2, and a third display area DA3, wherein the first display area DA1 is positioned at the front, the second display area DA2 is positioned on at least both sides of the first display area DA1, and the third display area DA3 is positioned at a corner of the first display area DA1. The first display area DA1 is positioned in the center of the display device 100 and may occupy most of the screen. The first display area DA1 may be a flat area. The second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 are positioned around the first display area DA1. The second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 may be curved display areas.

[0045] The first display area DA1 can occupy the widest part of the entire display area DA. The first display area DA1 is substantially flat and can form a flat screen. In a plan view, the first display area DA1 can have a rectangular shape with four sides overall. As shown, the corners of the first display area DA1 can be sharp or rounded. The four sides of the first display area DA1 can be parallel to either a first direction (x) or a second direction (y).

[0046] The second display area DA2 may include four zones respectively connected to the four sides of the first display area DA1, and may include only some of them. Each second display area DA2 has a curved surface and may form a curved screen. The curvature of the second display area DA2 may be constant or vary depending on its position on the curved surface. The second display area DA2 may have a shape similar to a portion (e.g., 1 / 4) of the side surface of a curved column such as a circular or elliptical column.

[0047] The third display areas DA3 are located at the four corners or some corners of the display device 100. The third display areas DA3 can be located between adjacent second display areas DA2. Each third display area DA3 has a curved surface and can form a curved screen. The curvature of the third display area DA3 can be constant or vary depending on its position on the curved surface. The shape of the curved surface of the third display area DA3 can be different from the shape of the curved surface of the second display area DA2. The third display area DA3 can have a shape similar to a portion (e.g., 1 / 8) of a curved body such as a sphere or ellipsoid.

[0048] When viewed from the front, the electronic device 1 is a combination of the entire first display area DA1 and at least a portion of the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3, and thus can be identified as a screen with a rectangular shape and rounded corners. The housing 200 is invisible or nearly invisible, and a substantially borderless electronic device 1 with a screen-to-body ratio of nearly 1 can be achieved.

[0049] Figure 2 The shape of the rounded corners of a display device according to an embodiment, which is a geometric display means, is shown.

[0050] refer to Figure 2 The position of the third display area DA3 on the screen (which can also be referred to as on a curved surface) can be represented in a polar coordinate system, which has a radius of curvature r, a center of curvature O, an angle θ (called the polar angle, in radians) formed with the third direction z, and an angle φ (called the azimuth angle, in radians) formed by projection onto the xy plane, which is a plane formed by the first direction x and the second direction y. The radius of curvature r can be constant or can vary depending on the position of the third display area DA3 on the screen or the curved surface. In this specification, the radius of curvature of the component having thickness is based on the inner circumference.

[0051] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device 100 taken along line A-A' or B-B'. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the display device 100 taken along line C-C', and Figure 5 This is a schematic top view of the display panel 10 according to an embodiment.

[0052] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The display device 100 includes a display panel 10 and a window 20. The display panel 10 is attached to the back of the window 20. Figure 5 The display panel 10 attached to the front of window 20 is shown.

[0053] In the display device 100, an image is displayed by the display panel 10, and the window 20 transmits the image displayed on the display panel 10 while covering the display panel 10. Therefore, the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the third display area DA3 of the display device 100 can be described using the same concepts as the first display area DA1, the second display area DA2, and the third display area DA3 of the display panel 10.

[0054] The display panel 10 includes a display area DA for displaying an image and a non-display area NA surrounding the display area DA. At least a portion of the display panel 10 may be flexible. The display panel 10 includes a pixel layer PL on a substrate SB, in which pixels are arranged, and the display panel 10 displays an image by combining the pixels. For example, pixels including red pixels, green pixels, and blue pixels are arranged in a first display area DA1, a second display area DA2, and a third display area DA3.

[0055] In display panel 10, wires for transmitting signals to drive pixels are disposed on substrate SB. These wires may include data lines, gate lines, and drive voltage lines disposed to display area DA, and may also include connection wires disposed to non-display area NA. Display panel 10 may be a light-emitting display panel including light-emitting elements. Display panel 10 may include a touch sensor layer capable of sensing user touch. In the figures, display panel 10 is shown as comprising several layers. In addition to pixel layer PL, display panel 10 may include layers such as anti-reflective layer AR, protective film PF, and functional sheet FS, which will be described later.

[0056] The display panel 10 includes a pad portion PP, in which pads for receiving signals (including power) from the outside are arranged. Signals generated by the display panel 10 (e.g., touch detection signals) can also be output externally through the pad portion PP. The display panel 10 includes a connection area CR extending from a second display area DA2, and the pad portion PP can be positioned at the end of the connection area CR. Connecting wires for transmitting signals to pixels are provided in the connection area CR. The connection area CR can have an approximately quadrilateral planar shape.

[0057] The display panel 10 includes a bent region BR between the second display area DA2 and the connecting area CR. The bent region BR can be elongated in a first direction (x). The bent region BR can be bent such that the connecting area CR is positioned on the rear surface of the display panel 10. Referring to a bending axis parallel to the first direction (x), the bent region BR can be bent to have an inner diameter of about 1 mm or less, about 0.5 mm or less, for example, about 0.3 mm. The bent region BR and the connecting area CR can be included in the non-display area NA.

[0058] Window 20 is a cover that protects display panel 10 from external impacts. Window 20 can also function as a support to maintain the curved surface of display panel 10. Window 20 can be made of a transparent and rigid material such as glass or plastic, allowing the user to see the image displayed on the screen of display panel 10.

[0059] The display device 100 includes a driving device that generates and / or processes various signals for driving the display panel 10. The driving device includes a data driver, a gate driver, and a signal controller, wherein the data driver applies a data voltage to a data line, the gate driver applies a gate signal to a gate line, and the signal controller controls the data driver and the gate driver. The gate driver may be integrated as a driving circuit outside the second display area DA2 in the display panel 10. The data driver and the signal controller may be configured as an IC chip 30. The IC chip 30 may be mounted on the connection area CR of the display panel 10 and may be positioned between the bending area BR and the pad portion PP. The IC chip 30 may be mounted on a flexible printed circuit film (not shown) connected to the pad portion PP of the display panel 10.

[0060] The display device 100 is generally flat in the first display area DA1, and curved with predetermined curvature in the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 to form curved surfaces. The flat first display area DA1 is the flat display area DAa. The curved second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 are the curved display areas DAb. The radius of curvature r of the curved display area DAb can be constant or variable depending on its position. Corresponding to the flat display area DAa of the display device 100, the display panel 10 includes a flat area 10a and the window 20 includes a flat area 20a. Corresponding to the curved display area DAb, the display panel 10 includes a curved area 10b and the window 20 includes a curved area 20b. In a cross-sectional view, the center of curvature of the curved area 20b of the window 20 can coincide with or nearly coincide with the center of curvature O of the curved area 10b of the display panel 10. The radius of curvature of the curved area 20b of the window 20 can be greater than the radius of curvature r of the curved area 10b of the display panel 10.

[0061] Display panel 10 is attached to window 20 by an adhesive such as optically clear adhesive (OCA) or optically clear resin (OCR), and an adhesive layer (not shown) may be positioned between display panel 10 and window 20. A flat area 10a of display panel 10 may be attached to a flat area 20a of window 20, and a curved area 10b of display panel 10 may be attached to a curved area 20b of window 20. The entire flat area 10a of display panel 10 may be a first display area DA1. The majority of the curved area 10b of display panel 10 is a second display area DA2 and a third display area DA3, but it may include a non-display area NA outside of the second and third display areas DA2 and DA3.

[0062] The bent region BR and the connecting region CR of the display panel 10 are positioned on the rear side of the window 20, but are not attached to the window 20. Instead, they are positioned on the rear side of the flat region 10a and the bent region 10b of the display panel 10 (hereinafter, unless otherwise stated, referred to as the rear side of the display panel 10). Since the connecting region CR has a shape that matches the bent region 10b of the display panel 10 and is positioned close to or in close contact with the rear surface of the display panel 10, the utilization of the internal space of the electronic device 1 can be increased, and the margin and design freedom of the device shape or alignment can be increased. In this specification, close contact means that two component elements not only contact each other but are also closely positioned at a predetermined interval (e.g., less than about 500 nm).

[0063] To attach the connecting region CR to the rear side of the display panel 10, double-sided adhesive tape can be applied to the rear side of the display panel 10. The bending region BR can be bent, and then the connecting region CR can be pressed to attach it to the rear side of the display panel 10. When attached in this way, the connecting region CR can be tightly bonded to the rear side of the display panel 10, adapting to the bending region 10b of the display panel 10 and the bending region 20b of the window 20. However, when pressing the connecting region CR to the bending region 10b, for example, using a multi-joint press or roller, the display panel 10 may be damaged. Furthermore, due to the bending portion of the connecting region CR (the portion corresponding to the bending region 10b), repulsive forces may be generated, thereby deteriorating the adhesion, and the connecting region CR may (particularly in high temperature and high humidity environments) detach. To solve this problem, the display device 100 includes a fixing member 40 for attaching the connecting region CR to the rear side of the display panel 10 while maintaining the bent shape of the connecting region CR.

[0064] The fixing member 40 may be in the form of a plate in which a portion is bent with a predetermined radius of curvature. The fixing member 40 includes a flat portion 40a and a bent portion 40b. The flat portion 40a may correspond to the flat area 10a of the display panel 10 and the flat area 20a of the window 20. The bent portion 40b may correspond to the bent area 10b of the display panel 10 and the bent area 20b of the window 20, and may have a shape corresponding to the bent areas 10b and 20b. The fixing member 40 is attached to the connecting area CR, and the connecting area CR is tightly attached to the rear side of the display panel 10 together with the fixing member 40. The width of the fixing member 40 may be equal to or wider than the width of the connecting area CR in the first direction (x). Both ends of the fixing member 40 may be fixed to the rear side of the display panel 10 by adhesive tape (not shown). Therefore, the rear side of the fixing member 40 can be tightly fixed to the rear side of the display panel 10 without using double-sided adhesive tape at the connection area CR between the rear side of the display panel 10 and the fixing member 40; that is, the connection area CR does not need to be attached to the rear side of the display panel 10. Since the connection area CR is attached to the fixing member 40, the curved shape corresponding to the curved portion 40b of the fixing member 40 can be maintained. Furthermore, since the fixing member 40 is fixed to the rear side of the display panel 10 and presses against the connection area CR, the connection area CR can be tightly fixed to the rear side of the display panel 10. The method of fixing the connection area CR using the fixing member 40 will be described later.

[0065] The fixing member 40 can be formed of a material with a relatively high modulus (or elastic coefficient) having a GPa unit (e.g., metal or metal alloy, or plastic) to maintain its shape. The fixing member 40 can be formed by sheet metal pressing or by plastic extrusion molding.

[0066] To make the connecting area CR as close as possible to the rear side of the display panel 10, the curvature center of the curved portion 40b can coincide with or almost coincide with the curvature center O of the curved area 10b of the display panel 10, and can also coincide with or almost coincide with the curvature center of the curved area 20b of the window 20. The curvature radius of the curved portion 40b can be smaller than the curvature radius r of the curved area 10b.

[0067] exist Figure 5 The image shows a fixing member 40 positioned in the connection area CR of the display panel 10. Figure 5 The fixing member 40 shown is used to indicate the position of the fixing member 40 on the display panel 10 (i.e., between the bending region BR and the IC chip 30) and the approximate size of the fixing member 40. The fixing member 40 can be attached to the connection region CR after the display panel 10 is attached to the window 20. The fixing member 40 can also be attached to the connection region CR before the display panel 10 is attached to the window 20.

[0068] Reference Figures 6 to 13 A method for manufacturing a display device 100 according to an embodiment is described, particularly a method for attaching a display panel 10 to a window 20 and fixing the connection area CR. Reference will also be made to... Figures 1 to 5 In order to explain the correspondence with the display device 100.

[0069] Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 A method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment is shown.

[0070] refer to Figure 6 The guide film GF can be attached to the rear side of the display panel 10. The guide film GF can be attached to at least a portion of the display area DA, but may not be attached to the bending area BR and the connecting area CR. The guide film GF can be attached to the first display area DA1 and the second display area DA2 of the display panel 10. The guide film GF may not be attached to the third display area DA3 of the display panel 10. The guide film GF can completely cover the second display area DA2 and can have a wide dimension to extend sufficiently beyond the second display area DA2.

[0071] refer to Figure 7 The laminating apparatus may include a pressing pad PD, which includes a first pressing pad PDa positioned at a center and a second pressing pad PDb positioned at the edge of the first pressing pad PDa. The first pressing pad PDa may have a flat surface, and the second pressing pad PDb may have a curved surface. A clamp (not shown) may be positioned below the pressing pad PD.

[0072] The first pressing pad PDa can have a high modulus, and the second pressing pad PDb can have a low modulus. Because the modulus of the second pressing pad PDb is less than that of the first pressing pad PDa, the shape of the second pressing pad PDb can be changed more easily. The second pressing pad PDb can be positioned along the top edge of the first pressing pad PDa. The second pressing pad PDb can include or be connected to an air pump, and therefore the shape and volume of the second pressing pad PDb can be changed according to air pressure. The second pressing pad PDb can be a diaphragm. The first pressing pad PDa can be primarily used to attach the first display area DA1, and the second pressing pad PDb can be primarily used to attach the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3.

[0073] Reference Figures 7 to 9In the described lamination process, an adhesive layer (not shown) may be formed on the rear side of window 20. The adhesive layer may be formed by attaching a film-type adhesive, such as OCA, to the rear side of window 20 or by applying an adhesive, such as OCR, to the rear side of window 20. The adhesive layer may also be formed on the curved region 20b of window 20. In the lamination process, window 20 may be fixed to a fixture, etc., and lamination may be performed in a vacuum chamber.

[0074] Then, the display panel 10, having a guide film GF attached to the rear side, can be positioned on the pressing pad PD. When tension F is applied to the guide film GF, the second display area DA2 and the third display area DA3 of the display panel 10 can form a curved area 10b. When the second pressing pad PDb includes or is connected to an air pump, the second pressing pad PDb can have a small volume at low air pressure or a minimum volume at minimum air pressure.

[0075] Subsequently, by raising the first pressing pad PDa, the flat area 10a of the display panel 10 can be attached to the flat area 20a of the window 20. In this case, the direction of the guide film GF can be adjusted so that the curved area 10b of the display panel 10 does not contact the adhesive layer formed in the curved area 20b of the window 20. The first pressing pad PDa can be raised by raising the clamp below the pressing pad PD.

[0076] refer to Figure 8 The volume of the second pressing pad PDb can be increased while tension F is applied to the guide film GF. When the volume of the second pressing pad PDb increases, the curved region 10b of the display panel 10 contacts and tightly contacts the adhesive layer formed on the curved region 20b of the window 20, and thus the curved region 10b can be attached to the curved region 20b. When the second pressing pad PDb is a diaphragm, its volume can be increased by increasing the air pressure of the second pressing pad PDb. Therefore, the curved region 10b of the display panel 10 can be tightly bonded to and attached to the curved region 20b of the window 20. When the second pressing pad PDb has a higher elasticity than the first pressing pad PDa, the strength or direction of the tension F of the guide film GF can be adjusted so that the volume of the second pressing pad PDb can increase.

[0077] The tension F applied to the guide film GF can be applied until the curved area 10b of the display panel 10 is attached to the curved area 20b of the window 20. In order to prevent deformation of the flat area 10a of the display panel 10 which is already attached to the flat area 20a of the window 20, the first pressing pad PDa must be in close contact with the flat area 10a of the display panel 10 when attaching the curved area 10b of the display panel 10.

[0078] refer to Figure 9After attaching the display panel 10 to the window 20, the guide film GF attached to the rear side of the display panel 10 is removed, thereby enabling the manufacture of a display device 100 in which the display panel 10 is attached to the window 20 via an adhesive layer. To facilitate removal of the guide film GF, the attachment surface of the guide film GF may include an adhesive whose adhesive strength deteriorates when ultraviolet (UV) light or heat is applied. At least a portion of the guide film GF may remain in the display device 100.

[0079] Although the process of forming an adhesive layer on the rear side of the window 20 and attaching the display panel 10 has been described, the adhesive layer can also be formed on the front side of the display panel 10. Although the attachment of the curved region 10b after the attachment of the flat region 10a has been described, the flat region 10a and the curved region 10b can be attached simultaneously.

[0080] refer to Figure 10 After the display panel 10, particularly the flat area 10a and the curved area 10b of the display panel 10, is attached to the window 20, the connection area CR of the display panel 10 can be in an unfolded state. A fixing member 40 is attached to one side of the connection area CR, where the pad portion PP and the IC chip 30 are positioned. The fixing member 40 may include a flat portion 40a and a curved portion 40b, and the curved portion 40b may correspond to the curved area 10b of the display panel 10 and the curved area 20b of the window 20, and may have a shape corresponding to the curved areas 10b and 20b. Since the connection area CR is attached to the fixing member 40 with this shape, it can be deformed to match the rear side of the window 20 and the rear side of the display panel 10, and in particular, the portion adjacent to the curved area BR can be deformed into a curved surface.

[0081] refer to Figure 11 The connecting area CR to which the fixing member 40 is attached can be folded and positioned adjacent to the rear side of the display panel 10. In this case, the bending area BR can be bent with a predetermined radius of curvature. Next, refer to Figure 12 The pressure pad PD descends in the third direction (z) and presses the fixing member 40 so that the connection area CR can be attached to the rear side of the display panel 10.

[0082] like Figure 13As shown, while pressing the fixing member 40, i.e., in close contact with the connecting area CR, the tape FT can be attached to both sides of the fixing member 40. The tape FT can be formed throughout the fixing member 40 and the display panel 10. The adhesive side of the tape FT can be provided only on one side, and a portion of the adhesive side of the tape FT is attached to the edge of the fixing member 40, and a portion of the adhesive side of the tape FT is attached to the rear side of the display panel 10, so that the tape FT can fix the fixing member 40 to the rear side of the display panel 10. Since the fixing member 40 is fixed to the rear side of the display panel 10 and the fixing member 40 presses the connecting area CR, the connecting area CR can be tightly fixed to the rear side of the display panel 10. Furthermore, since the connecting area CR is attached to the fixing member 40, the curved shape corresponding to the curved portion 40b of the fixing member 40 can be maintained.

[0083] When the connecting area CR is tightly fixed to the rear side of the display panel 10 through the above process, the bending area BR is bent along a single axis, making the bending path simple. Furthermore, since the pressing pad PD is pressed only in one direction (i.e., the third direction (z)) and it is the fixing member 40, not the display panel 10, that is being pressed, the pressing process is simple and damage to the display panel 10 can be prevented. Moreover, since adhesive tape FT is used instead of double-sided adhesive tape to fix the fixing member 40 to fix the connecting area CR, high-temperature and high-humidity reliability (adhesion) can be improved.

[0084] On the other hand, the flexible printed circuit film 50 (or printed circuit board) can be bonded to the pad portion PP, which can be positioned at the edge of the connection area CR, and the flexible printed circuit film 50 can be positioned together with the connection area CR on the rear side of the display panel 10. The IC chip 30 can be positioned on the flexible printed circuit film 50.

[0085] Reference Figure 14 The description focuses on the display area DA to describe the construction of the display panel 10 that may be included in the display device 100 according to the embodiment.

[0086] Figure 14 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the laminated structure of the display panel. Figure 14 The cross-section shown can correspond to approximately one pixel area.

[0087] The display panel 10 generally includes a substrate SB, a transistor TR formed on the substrate SB, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) connected to the transistor TR. The LEDs may correspond to pixels.

[0088] The substrate SB can be a flexible substrate made of a polymer such as polyimide, polyamide, or polyethylene terephthalate. The substrate SB may include a barrier layer to prevent the penetration of moisture, oxygen, etc. For example, the substrate SB may include at least one polymer layer and at least one barrier layer, and the polymer layer and the barrier layer may be stacked alternately.

[0089] The buffer layer BL can be positioned on the substrate SB. The buffer layer BL may comprise an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide or silicon nitride.

[0090] The semiconductor layer AL of the transistor TR can be positioned on the buffer layer BL, and the insulating layer IN1 can be positioned on the semiconductor layer AL. The semiconductor layer AL can include source regions, drain regions, and channel regions between these regions. The semiconductor layer AL can include semiconductor materials such as polycrystalline silicon, oxide semiconductor, or amorphous silicon.

[0091] The first conductor, which may include the gate electrode GE of the transistor TR, the gate line GL, the first electrode C1 of the capacitor CS, etc., may be positioned on the insulating layer IN1.

[0092] The insulating layer IN2 may be positioned on the first conductor. The second conductor, including the second electrode C2 of the capacitor CS, may be positioned on the insulating layer IN2. The first conductor and / or the second conductor may comprise metals such as molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), tantalum (Ta), or titanium (Ti).

[0093] Insulating layer IN3 can be positioned on insulating layer IN2 and the second conductor. Insulating layers IN1, IN2 and IN3 can include inorganic insulating materials.

[0094] A third conductor, including the source electrode SE and drain electrode DE of transistor TR, data line DL, etc., can be positioned on insulating layer IN3. The source electrode SE and drain electrode DE can be connected to the source and drain regions of semiconductor layer AL through openings in insulating layers IN1, IN2, and IN3, respectively.

[0095] Insulating layer IN4 may be positioned on the third conductor. A fourth conductor, including a drive voltage line DVL, may be positioned on insulating layer IN4. The third and fourth conductors may include metals or metal alloys such as aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), tantalum (Ta), tungsten (W), titanium (Ti), and nickel (Ni).

[0096] Insulating layer IN5 can be positioned on the fourth conductor. Insulating layers IN4 and IN5 may include organic insulating materials.

[0097] The first electrode E1 of the light-emitting diode (LED) can be positioned on the insulating layer IN5. The first electrode E1 can be referred to as the pixel electrode. The first electrode E1 is connected to the drain electrode DE through openings in the insulating layers IN4 and IN5 to receive data signals used to control the brightness of the LED. The transistor TR connected to the first electrode E1 can be a driving transistor or a transistor electrically connected to the driving transistor.

[0098] Insulating layer IN6 can be positioned on insulating layer IN5. Insulating layer IN6 can be referred to as pixel defining layer and can have an opening overlapping with first electrode E1. Within the opening of insulating layer IN6, light-emitting component EM, including the emitting layer, can be positioned on first electrode E1, and second electrode E2 can be positioned on light-emitting component EM. Second electrode E2 can be referred to as common electrode.

[0099] The first electrode E1, the light-emitting component EM, and the second electrode E2 can form a light-emitting diode (LED), which can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). The first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 can be the anode and cathode of the LED, respectively.

[0100] The encapsulation layer EC can be positioned on the second electrode E2. The encapsulation layer EC can prevent moisture or oxygen from penetrating from the outside by encapsulating the light-emitting diode (LED). The encapsulation layer EC can be a thin-film encapsulation layer comprising at least one inorganic material layer and at least one organic material layer.

[0101] A touch sensor layer, including the touch electrode TE, can be positioned on the encapsulation layer EC. The touch electrode TE can have a mesh shape with openings overlapping with the light-emitting diode (LED). A buffer layer can be positioned between the encapsulation layer EC and the touch sensor layer. An insulating layer IN7 covering the touch electrode TE can be positioned on the touch sensor layer.

[0102] An anti-reflective layer AR used to reduce external light reflection can be positioned on the insulating layer IN7. The anti-reflective layer AR may include a polarizing layer. The anti-reflective layer AR can be attached to the insulating layer IN7 by an adhesive or can be formed on the insulating layer IN7. Instead of the anti-reflective layer AR, the anti-reflective effect can be achieved by forming the encapsulation layer EC, the touch sensor layer, and / or the insulating layer IN7 in a refractive index matching structure. The layer positioned between the substrate SB and the anti-reflective layer AR may correspond to the aforementioned pixel layer PL.

[0103] A protective film PF for protecting the display panel 10 can be positioned below the substrate SB. The protective film PF can be formed from a polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, or polyimide. To reduce bending stress in the bending region BR, the protective film PF may not be positioned within the bending region BR. A bending protection layer (stress relief layer) can be positioned within the bending region BR to prevent the conductors positioned within the bending region BR from breaking or being damaged.

[0104] A functional sheet FS, comprising at least one of the following: padding, heat sink, light shield, waterproof strip, and electron blocking film, may be positioned below the protective film PF. The functional sheet FS may not be positioned within the bending region BR and the connecting region CR.

[0105] The position and alignment of the above components can be changed in various ways according to the design.

[0106] Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with embodiments now considered to be particular embodiments, it should be understood that the inventive concept is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, this disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Windows, including flat and curved areas; The display panel includes a display area, a connection area, and a bending area between the display area and the connection area; as well as The fixing member includes a flat portion and a curved portion and is fixed to the connection area. The display area is attached to the window. The connecting area, together with the fixing member, is disposed on the rear side of the display area, and The connection area is located between the display area and the fixed component.

2. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising an adhesive tape for attaching the fixing member to the rear side of the display area.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The center of curvature of the curved region is the same as the center of curvature of the curved portion.

4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, The display area includes a flat area and a curved area, and the center of curvature of the curved area of ​​the display area is the same as the center of curvature of the curved portion.

5. The display device according to claim 1 further includes an integrated circuit chip mounted on the connection area.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The fixing member is disposed between the bending area and the integrated circuit chip.

7. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, The connection area includes a pad portion, in which the pads are arranged at the edge of the connection area.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the fixing member is equal to or greater than the width of the connecting area.

9. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The bending region is bent, the connecting region has a flat shape corresponding to the flat portion and a curved shape corresponding to the bent portion, and the connecting region is in close contact with the rear side of the display area.

10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein, The display area includes a flat area and a curved area, and The curved area of ​​the window has a larger radius of curvature than the curved area of ​​the display area, and the curved area of ​​the display area has a larger radius of curvature than the curved portion.

11. A display device, comprising: window; The display panel includes a display area attached to the rear side of the window and a connection area fixed to the rear side of the display area; A fixing component is attached to the connection area; as well as Adhesive tape is used to attach the fixing member to the rear side of the display panel. The connection area is located between the display area and the fixing component.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein, The window includes a curved area, the fixing member includes a curved portion corresponding to the curved area, and the center of curvature of the curved area is the same as the center of curvature of the curved portion.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein, The connecting area has a curved shape corresponding to the curved portion of the fixing member.

14. The display device according to claim 12, wherein, The display area includes a curved area attached to the curved area of ​​the window, and The curved area of ​​the window has a larger radius of curvature than the curved area of ​​the display area, and the curved area of ​​the display area has a larger radius of curvature than the curved portion.

15. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising an integrated circuit chip mounted on the connection area. in, The connection area includes a pad portion, in which the pads are arranged at the edge of the connection area.

16. A method for manufacturing a display device, comprising: The display area of ​​the display panel is attached to the back of the window, including the curved area; A fixing member, including flat and curved portions, is attached to the connection area of ​​the display panel; The bending area of ​​the display panel is bent, and the connecting area to which the fixing member is attached is positioned adjacent to the rear side of the display panel; as well as While pressing the fixing member with the pressing pad, the fixing member is fixed to the rear side of the display panel. After the fixing component is fixed, the connection area is disposed between the display area and the fixing component.

17. The method of manufacturing the display device according to claim 16, wherein, The step of securing the fixing member includes attaching tape to the edge of the fixing member and the rear side of the display panel.

18. The method of manufacturing the display device according to claim 16, wherein, The center of curvature of the curved region is the same as the center of curvature of the curved portion.

19. The method of manufacturing the display device according to claim 16, wherein, An integrated circuit chip is mounted on the connection area, and the connection area includes a pad portion in which pads are arranged at the edge of the connection area.

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