Display device and method for manufacturing same

Abstract

A display device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The display device includes: a display panel in which a first region, a second region, and a third region are defined in a first direction; a window module disposed on the display panel and including a window substrate; a coating member covering a side surface of the display panel and a side surface of the window module; and a lower substrate disposed under the display panel. A side surface of the window substrate is disposed inward than a side surface of the display panel, and a side surface of the coating member is connected to the lower substrate.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to and all benefits derived from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0088092, filed on Jul. 7, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure herein relates to a display device that reduces defects caused by foreign matter and improves impact resistance and a method for manufacturing the display device. Background Art

[0003] Display devices that supply images to users, such as televisions, monitors, smart phones, tablet computers, etc., include display panels that display images. As display panels, various display panels such as liquid crystal display panels, organic light emitting display panels, electrowetting display panels, and electrophoretic display panels are being developed. Recently, in response to market demand, research on solving display panel defects caused by foreign matter penetrating into the display panel and research on display devices with improved impact resistance are being conducted. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a display device that reduces defects caused by foreign matter and improves impact resistance.

[0005] The present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a display device that reduces defects caused by foreign matter and improves impact resistance.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides a display device, which includes: a display panel, in which a first area, a second area and a third area are defined along a first direction; a window module, which is arranged on the display panel and includes a window substrate; a coating member, which covers a side surface of the display panel and a side surface of the window module; and a lower substrate, which is arranged under the display panel, wherein a side surface of the window substrate is arranged inwardly than a side surface of the display panel, and a side surface of the coating member is connected to the lower substrate.

[0007] In an embodiment, the coating member may include a resin material and a plurality of particles.

[0008] In an embodiment, the resin material may include urethane.

[0009] In an embodiment, the resin material may include acrylic resin.

[0010] In an embodiment, the display panel may include first, second, third and fourth side surfaces, the first, second and fourth side surfaces being coupled to the coating member, and a region adjacent to the third side surface being bent.

[0011] In an embodiment, the first and third side surfaces may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction and extend in a second direction crossing the first direction, and the second and fourth side surfaces may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction and extend in the first direction.

[0012] In an embodiment, a step area defined by a side surface of the display panel and a side surface of the window module may be filled with a coating member.

[0013] In an embodiment, the window module may further include a window protection layer, a light blocking pattern, and a functional layer.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, a display device includes: a display panel; a window module disposed on the display panel; a coating member filling a step area defined by a side surface of the display panel and a side surface of the window module; and a lower substrate disposed under the display panel.

[0015] In an embodiment, the coating member may cover a side surface of the display panel and a side surface of the window module.

[0016] In an embodiment, the first, second and third regions may be defined in the display panel along the first direction, a side surface of the window module may be partially disposed inward of a side surface of the display panel, and a side surface of the coating member may be connected to the lower substrate.

[0017] In an embodiment, the display panel may include: a first side surface extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a second side surface extending from the first side surface in the first direction; a third side surface extending from the second side surface in a direction parallel to the second direction; and a fourth side surface extending from the third side surface in a direction parallel to the first direction, the first side surface, the second side surface and the fourth side surface may be connected to the coating member, and an area adjacent to the third side surface may be bent.

[0018] In an embodiment, the coating member may include a resin material and a plurality of particles.

[0019] In an embodiment, the resin material may include at least one selected from urethane and acrylic resin.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a display device includes: preparing a preliminary display device including a display panel and a window module; filling a step area defined by a side surface of the display panel and a side surface of the window module with a coating solution; and connecting the preliminary display device to a lower substrate.

[0021] In an embodiment, the display panel may include: a first side surface extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a second side surface extending from the first side surface in the first direction; a third side surface extending from the second side surface in a direction parallel to the second direction; and a fourth side surface extending from the third side surface in a direction parallel to the first direction, and the filling of the step area with the coating solution may include applying a coating member to contact the first side surface, the second side surface and the fourth side surface of the display panel.

[0022] In an embodiment, the coating solution may include a resin material and a plurality of particles, and the resin material may include at least one selected from urethane and acrylic resin.

[0023] In an embodiment, filling the step region with the coating solution may include performing gravure coating.

[0024] In an embodiment, filling the step region with the coating solution may include performing pad printing.

[0025] In an embodiment, filling the step region with the coating solution may include performing electrohydrodynamic printing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by further describing the embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state;

[0028] Figure 1B is a perspective view illustrating a folding operation of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 1C is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a folded state;

[0030] Figure 1D is a perspective view illustrating a folding operation of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the display device taken along line II' in FIG.

[0032] Figure 3 is a plan view of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0033] Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C and Figure 6are cross-sectional views illustrating some operations of a method for manufacturing a display device, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which various embodiments are shown. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0035] In this specification, when a component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is referred to as being "on", "connected" or "coupled to" another component, it means that it is directly placed on, directly connected or directly coupled to the other component, or a third component may be disposed between them.

[0036] The terms used in this article are only used to describe the purpose of specific embodiments, and are not intended to be limited. As used in this article, "one", "the (described)" and "at least one" do not represent the limitation of quantity, and unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, it is intended to include both the singular and the plural. Therefore, the reference to "one" element in the claim (followed by the reference to "the" element) includes one element and multiple elements. For example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "an element" has the same meaning as "at least one element". "At least one" should not be interpreted as being limited to "one". "Or" means "and / or". As used in this article, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more related listed items.

[0037] Terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component without departing from the scope of the present invention. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, a singular expression includes a plural expression.

[0038] In addition, terms such as "below", "lower", "above", and "upper" are used to describe the relationship between components shown in the drawings. The terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions indicated in the drawings.

[0039] It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms “include” or “comprises” and / or variations thereof indicate the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in this specification have the same meaning as those generally understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the present invention belongs. In addition, terms (such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries) should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and unless explicitly defined herein, should not be interpreted as being too ideal or too formal.

[0041] Embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views that are schematic illustrations of ideal embodiments. As such, variations in the shapes of the illustrations due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are expected. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be interpreted as being limited to the specific shapes of the regions as illustrated herein, but rather to deviations in shapes caused, for example, by manufacturing. For example, a region illustrated or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. Moreover, illustrated sharp corners may be rounded. Therefore, the regions illustrated in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shapes of the regions and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims presented.

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state.

[0044] Reference Figure 1A , an embodiment of the display device DD may be a device activated in response to an electrical signal. An embodiment of the display device DD may include various types of electronic devices including a display screen. In an embodiment, for example, the display device DD may include a computer (e.g., a tablet computer, a notebook computer) or a smart TV, etc. In an embodiment, for example, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the display device DD may be a smart phone.

[0045] The display device DD may display an image IM toward a third direction DR3 on a first display surface FS parallel to each of the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The first display surface FS on which the image IM is displayed may correspond to a front surface of the display device DD. The image IM may include a static image as well as a dynamic image. Figure 1A An internet search window, a clock window, and a plurality of applications are illustrated as examples of the image IM.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the upper surface (or front surface) and the lower surface (or rear surface) of each structure are defined based on the direction of displaying the image IM. The front surface and the rear surface may be opposite to each other in the third direction DR3, and the normal direction of each of the front surface and the rear surface may be parallel to the third direction DR3.

[0047] The distance between the front and rear surfaces in the third direction DR3 may correspond to the thickness / height of the display device DD in the third direction DR3.Herein, directions indicated by the first to third directions DR1, DR2, and DR3 are relative concepts and may be changed to other directions.

[0048] The display device DD may sense an external input applied to the display device DD. The external input may include various types of inputs supplied from outside the display device DD. For example, the external input may include not only a touch by a part of the body (such as a user's hand), but also an external input (e.g., hovering) applied to the display device DD in the vicinity or when adjacent within a predetermined distance. The external input may have various forms such as force, pressure, temperature, or light.

[0049] Figure 1A The case where an external input is input through the user's pen SS is illustrated as an example. Although not shown, in an embodiment, the pen SS may be attached to or detached from the inside or outside of the display device DD, and the display device DD may supply or receive a signal corresponding to the attachment or detachment of the pen SS.

[0050] The display device DD may include a first display surface FS and a second display surface RD. The first display surface FS may include a first active area F-AA, a first peripheral area F-NAA, and an electronic module area EMA. The second display surface RD may be defined as a surface opposite to at least a portion of the first display surface FS.

[0051] The first active area F-AA may be an area activated in response to an electrical signal. The first active area F-AA may be an area where an image IM may be displayed, and an input of the pen SS may be sensed.

[0052] The first peripheral area F-NAA may be adjacent to the first active area F-AA. The first peripheral area F-NAA may have a predetermined color. The first peripheral area F-NAA may surround the first active area F-AA. Accordingly, the shape of the first active area F-AA may be substantially defined by the first peripheral area F-NAA. However, this is illustrated as an example, and the first peripheral area F-NAA may be disposed adjacent to one side of the first active area F-AA, or may be omitted.

[0053] Various electronic modules may be provided in the electronic module area EMA. In an embodiment, for example, the electronic module may include at least one selected from a camera, a speaker, a light sensing sensor, and a heat sensing sensor. The electronic module area EMA may sense an external object received through the display surfaces FS and RD, or may supply a sound signal such as a voice to the outside through the display surfaces FS and RD. The electronic module may include a variety of configurations and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0054] The electronic module area EMA may be surrounded by the first peripheral area F-NAA. However, this is an example, and embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, the electronic module area EMA may be surrounded by the first active area F-AA and the first peripheral area F-NAA, be disposed in the first active area F-AA, or be omitted.

[0055] The display device DD according to the embodiment may include at least one folding area FA and a plurality of non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 extending from the folding area FA. In the embodiment, for example, the first non-folding area NFA1, the folding area FA, and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be defined along the first direction DR1. In such an embodiment, the first non-folding area NFA1 may extend from the folding area FA in a direction opposite to the first direction DR1, and the second non-folding area NFA2 may extend from the folding area FA along the first direction DR1.

[0056] The folding area FA may be referred to as a foldable area, and the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be referred to as non-foldable areas. The folding area FA may be adjacent to the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2, and may be folded along a folding axis AX1 or AX2 (see FIG. Figure 1B or Figure 1D ).

[0057] Figure 1B is a perspective view illustrating a folding operation of the display device DD according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Reference Figure 1B , the display device DD according to the embodiment may be folded along a first folding axis AX1 extending in a second direction DR2. The display device DD may have a predetermined curvature and a predetermined radius of curvature in a folded state. The display device DD may be folded along the first folding axis AX1 so that the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 may face each other, and the display device DD may be changed to an inner folding state so as not to expose the first display surface FS to the outside.

[0059] Figure 1Cis a plan view of the display device DD according to the embodiment of the present invention in a folded state.

[0060] Reference Figure 1C , the second display surface RD of the display device DD according to the embodiment may be viewed by a user in the inner folded state. In this case, the second display surface RD may include a second active area R-AA displaying an image. The second active area R-AA may be an area activated in response to an electrical signal. The second active area R-AA may be an area displaying an image and sensing external inputs having various forms.

[0061] The second peripheral area R-NAA may be adjacent to the second active area R-AA. The second peripheral area R-NAA may have a predetermined color. The second peripheral area R-NAA may surround the second active area R-AA. In addition, although not shown, the second display surface RD may further include an electronic module area in which electronic modules including various configurations are disposed, and is not limited to any one embodiment.

[0062] Figure 1D is a perspective view illustrating a folding operation of the display device DD according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Reference Figure 1D , the display device DD according to the embodiment can be folded along the second folding axis AX2 extending in the second direction DR2. The display device DD can be folded along the second folding axis AX2, and thus can be changed to an outer folding state, thereby exposing the first display surface FS to the outside. In an embodiment of the present invention, the display device DD can be configured to repeat an inner folding operation or an outer folding operation from an unfolding operation, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0064] Figures 1A to 1D The embodiment foldable along one folding axis AX1 or AX2 is shown, but the number of folding axes and the number of non-folding areas according to the folding axes are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, the display device DD can be folded along a plurality of folding axes, and thus the first display surface FS and the second display surface RD can partially face each other.

[0065] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1A sectional view of the display device DD taken along line II' in FIG.

[0066] Reference Figure 2 , an embodiment of the display device DD may include a window module WM, an optical film OL, a display panel DP, a lower substrate BM, and a coating member CM. In addition, the display device DD may further include adhesive layers AL1, AL2, AL3, and AL4 that combine elements of the display device DD with each other.

[0067] The adhesive layers AL1, AL2, AL3, and AL4 described below may be transparent adhesive layers including at least one selected from a pressure-sensitive adhesive film (PSA), an optically clear adhesive film (OCA), and an optically clear resin (OCR). In an embodiment, at least one adhesive layer selected from the adhesive layers AL1, AL2, AL3, and AL4 may be omitted.

[0068] The window module WM may be disposed on the display panel DP. The window module WM may be coupled to a housing (not shown) to define an appearance, and may protect the display panel DP. The window module WM may include a window substrate 330, a window protection layer 320, and a light blocking pattern 340.

[0069] The window substrate 330 may include a material having high transmittance. In an embodiment, the window substrate 330 may be chemically strengthened glass. In such an embodiment, even if the folding operation and the unfolding operation are repeatedly performed, the window substrate 330 may minimize the generation of wrinkles therein.

[0070] The window protection layer 320 may be disposed on the window substrate 330. The window protection layer 320 and the window substrate 330 may be coupled to each other by the first adhesive layer AL1. The window protection layer 320 may include a plastic film. In an embodiment, for example, the window protection layer 320 may include at least one selected from polyimide, polycarbonate, polyamide, triacetyl cellulose, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyethylene terephthalate.

[0071] In an embodiment, the light blocking pattern 340 may be disposed on the lower surface of the window protection layer 320. In an embodiment, the light blocking pattern 340 may be disposed on one surface of the window protection layer 320 facing the window substrate 330. The first adhesive layer AL1 may cover the light blocking pattern 340, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0072] The light-blocking pattern 340 is a colored light-blocking film and may be formed, for example, by a coating method. The light-blocking pattern 340 may include a base material and a pigment or dye mixed in the base material. Accordingly, a user may recognize the first peripheral area F-NAA of the display device DD by a predetermined color of the light-blocking pattern 340 (see Figure 1A ). That is, the light blocking pattern 340 may overlap with the first peripheral area F-NAA.

[0073] Figure 2The light blocking pattern 340 is shown as an embodiment in which it is disposed inside the window protection layer 320 at a predetermined distance from the end of the window protection layer 320, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the light blocking pattern 340 may be disposed under the window protection layer 320 to be aligned with the end of the window protection layer 320, and is not limited to any one embodiment. In addition, Figure 2 The embodiment in which the light blocking pattern 340 is disposed on the lower surface of the window protection layer 320 is shown as an example, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, the light blocking pattern 340 may be disposed on the upper surface of the window protection layer 320 or the upper or lower surface of the window substrate 330.

[0074] The window module WM may further include a functional layer 310. The functional layer 310 may be disposed on the window protective layer 320 as the outermost layer of the window module WM. The functional layer 310 may be a functional layer for improving the use characteristics of the display device DD, and may be supplied by coating on the window protective layer 320. The functional layer 310 may improve anti-fingerprint characteristics, anti-pollution characteristics, anti-reflection characteristics, or anti-scratch characteristics, etc. In an embodiment, for example, the functional layer 310 may be a hard coating layer.

[0075] The optical film OL may be disposed under the window module WM. The optical film OL and the window module WM may be coupled to each other by a second adhesive layer AL2. The optical film OL may reduce the reflectivity of the display panel DP to light incident on the display panel DP. Although not shown, the optical film OL may include at least one selected from an anti-reflection film, a polarizing film, and a color filter (e.g., a gray filter).

[0076] The display panel DP may be disposed under the optical film OL. The display panel DP and the optical film OL may be coupled by a third adhesive layer AL3. The display panel DP may have a function of an output unit that displays an image and a function of an input unit that senses an input applied from the outside. In an embodiment, for example, the display panel DP may include a display layer and a sensor layer. The display layer may be a structure that substantially generates an image. For example, the display layer may be an organic light emitting display panel, a quantum dot light emitting display panel, or an inorganic light emitting display panel, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0077] The lower substrate BM may be disposed under the display panel DP. The lower substrate BM and the display panel DP may be coupled to each other by a fourth adhesive layer AL4. The lower substrate BM may support a structure disposed on the lower substrate BM and maintain an unfolded state and a folded state of the structure disposed thereon. In addition, the thermal performance of the display device DD may be improved by the lower substrate BM.

[0078] The lower substrate BM may protect the display panel DP. In an embodiment, for example, when the display device DD is folded, the lower substrate BM may reduce stress applied to the display panel DP. In addition, the lower substrate BM may effectively prevent external moisture from penetrating into the display panel DP and absorb external impact.

[0079] A plurality of openings OP may be defined in an area of ​​the lower substrate BM overlapping the folding area FA. The plurality of openings OP may be formed by extending from the upper surface to the lower surface of the lower substrate BM. The area of ​​the lower substrate BM overlapping the folding area FA may have a slit structure SL. The slit structure SL may have a shape in which a plurality of openings OP are connected to each other like a grid.

[0080] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the display device DD is folded along the first folding axis AX1 (see Figure 1B ), the area of ​​each of the plurality of openings OP in the slit structure SL may increase or decrease in response to the folding direction, and when the display device DD is not folded, the plurality of openings OP may return to the original shape. Accordingly, since the plurality of openings OP are formed in the region overlapping the folding region FA, the lower substrate BM may more easily change its shape when the display device DD is folded.

[0081] The lower base plate BM may include at least one selected from stainless steel, titanium, and a fiber reinforced composite material. The fiber reinforced composite material may be a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) or a glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP).

[0082] In an embodiment, the side surface S_330 of the window substrate 330 may be closer to the second area AR2 than the side surface S_DP of the display panel DP (see FIG. Figure 3). That is, the side surface S_330 of the window substrate 330 may be disposed inwardly than the side surface S_DP of the display panel DP. That is, the side surface S_WM of the window module WM may be partially disposed inwardly than the side surface S_DP of the display panel DP. The coating member CM may continuously cover the side surface S_DP of the display panel DP and the side surface S_WM of the window module WM (including the side surface S_310 of the functional layer 310, the side surface S_320 of the window protection layer 320, and the side surface S_330 of the window substrate 330). In an embodiment, the coating member CM may continuously cover the side surface S_WM of the window module WM, the side surface S_OL of the optical film OL, the side surface S_DP of the display panel DP, and the side surfaces of the adhesive layers AL1, AL2, AL3, and AL4. The step area HA may be defined by the side surface S_DP of the display panel DP (or the side surface S_OL of the optical film OL) and the side surface S_WM of the window module WM (or the side surface of the second adhesive layer AL2). The step area HA may be filled with the coating member CM. The side surface S_CM of the coating member CM may be connected to the lower substrate BM.

[0083] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the coating member CM is applied to a portion of the side surface of the display device DD, the step formed on the side surface of the display device DD can be compensated. In such an embodiment, the coupling force between the window module WM, the optical film OL and the display panel DP forming the display device DD can be improved, foreign matter can be blocked from being introduced into the inside of the display device DD, and the anti-scratch and impact resistance characteristics of the display device DD can be improved.

[0084] In an embodiment, the coating member CM may be a leather part coating material for improving the durability of the leather part. The coating member CM may include a resin material and a plurality of particles. In an embodiment, the resin material of the coating member CM may include urethane. In another embodiment, the resin material of the coating member CM may include an acrylic resin. In an embodiment, for example, the coating member CM may include pure water and at least one selected from silica gel, 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one and titanium dioxide.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the coating member CM includes the leather part coating material, the flexibility of the coating member CM can be improved. Accordingly, even when the folding operation of the display device DD is repeated, the separation of the coating member CM from the side surface of the display device DD can be reduced or eliminated, and the discoloration phenomenon of the side surface of the display device DD can be reduced or eliminated.

[0086] Figure 3 is a plan view of a display panel DP according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Reference Figure 3 The display panel DP may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA of the display panel DP may be aligned with the first display surface FS (see FIG. Figure 1A ) of the first effective area F-AA (see Figure 1A ) or the second display surface RD (see Figure 1C ) of the second effective area R-AA (see Figure 1C The non-display area NDA of the display panel DP may correspond to the first peripheral area F-NAA (see FIG. Figure 1A ) or the second peripheral area R-NAA of the second display surface RD (see Figure 1C )correspond.

[0088] In addition, the first area AR1, the second area AR2, and the third area AR3 may be defined in the display panel DP along the first direction DR1. The first area AR1, the second area AR2, and the third area AR3 defined in the display panel DP may be respectively aligned with the first direction DR1. Figure 1A The display device DD described in Figure 1A ) corresponds to the first non-folding area NFA1, the folding area FA and the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0089] The display panel DP may include pixels PX, a driving chip DIC, and pads PD.

[0090] Each of the pixels PX may include a light emitting element and a pixel driving circuit including a capacitor and a plurality of transistors (e.g., a switching transistor, a driving transistor, etc.) connected to the light emitting element. Each of the pixels PX may emit light in response to an electrical signal applied thereto. The pixel PX may be disposed in the display area DA. However, this is an example, and some of the configurations of the pixel PX may include a thin film transistor disposed in the non-display area NDA, and are not limited to any one embodiment.

[0091] The data voltage may be supplied to the pixel PX in response to the scan signal. The pixel PX may display an image by emitting light having a brightness corresponding to the data voltage in response to the light emission signal. The duration of light emission of the pixel PX may be controlled by the light emission signal. Accordingly, the display panel DP may output an image through the pixel PX via the display area DA.

[0092] The driver chip DIC may be disposed in the non-display area NDA of the display panel DP. The non-display area NDA of the display panel DP may be at least partially bent. In an embodiment, for example, a portion of the display panel DP may be bent so that a portion of the non-display area NDA in which the driver chip DIC is disposed overlaps a portion of the display panel DP in which the display area DA is defined in a plane, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. The driver chip DIC may be mounted on a separate flexible circuit board, and the flexible circuit board may be bent to be connected to one end of the display panel DP. Accordingly, the display device DD (see Figure 1A )’s border area.

[0093] The pad PD may be disposed adjacent to one side surface of the non-display area NDA. The pad PD may be disposed to be closer to the one side surface of the display panel DP than the driving chip DIC. The pad PD may be arranged along the second direction DR2. The display device DD may include a timing controller for controlling operations of a scan driver, a data driver, and a light emitting driver, and a circuit board including a voltage generating portion for generating a voltage, and the pad PD may be a portion to which the circuit board of the display device DD is connected.

[0094] The display panel DP may include a first side surface S1, a second side surface S2, a third side surface S3, and a fourth side surface S4. The first side surface S1 and the third side surface S3 may each extend in the second direction DR2, and may be separated from each other (or opposite) in the first direction DR1. The second side surface S2 and the fourth side surface S4 may each extend in the first direction DR1, and may be separated from each other (or opposite) in the second direction DR2. That is, the first side surface S1 may extend in the second direction DR2, and the second side surface S2 may extend from the first side surface S1 in the first direction DR1. The third side surface S3 may extend from the second side surface S2 in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2 (e.g., the opposite direction of the second direction DR2), and the fourth side surface S4 may extend from the third side surface S3 in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1 (e.g., the opposite direction of the first direction DR1). The fourth side surface S4 may be connected to the first side surface S1, and the first to fourth side surfaces S1, S2, S3, and S4 may correspond to the sides of the quadrilateral shape, respectively.

[0095] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The coating member CM may be coupled to the first, second, and fourth side surfaces S1, S2, and S4 of the display panel DP. The third side surface S3 is adjacent to the non-display area NDA in which the driving chip DIC is disposed, and an area adjacent to the third side surface S3 may be bent.

[0096] Figure 4 , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C and Figure 6 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating some operations of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 4 to 6 In the drawings, the same reference numerals or symbols are used as in Figures 1A to 3 The configuration is the same as that described in , and any repeated detailed description thereof will be omitted. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C Various embodiments of the operation of filling with a coating solution are illustrated.

[0097] A method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an operation of preparing a preliminary display device including a display panel and a window module, an operation of filling a step area defined by a side surface of the display panel and a side surface of the window module with a coating solution, and an operation of connecting the preliminary display device and a lower substrate.

[0098] Reference Figures 2 to 4 In the method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a preliminary display device DD_I may be prepared. The preliminary display device DD_I may include a display panel DP and a window module WM. In such an embodiment, the preliminary display device DD_I may include a window module WM, an optical film OL, a display panel DP, and adhesive layers AL1, AL2, and AL3. The side surface S_330 of the window substrate 330 may be closer to the second area AR2 of the display panel DP corresponding to the folding area FA than the side surface S_DP of the display panel DP.

[0099] The display panel DP may include a first side surface S1, a second side surface S2, a third side surface S3, and a fourth side surface S4. The first side surface S1 and the third side surface S3 may each extend in the second direction DR2, and may be separated from each other (or opposite) in the first direction DR1. The second side surface S2 and the fourth side surface S4 may each extend in the first direction DR1, and may be separated from each other (or opposite) in the second direction DR2. That is, the first side surface S1 may extend in the second direction DR2, and the second side surface S2 may extend from the first side surface S1 in the first direction DR1. The third side surface S3 may extend from the second side surface S2 in a direction parallel to the second direction DR2 (e.g., the opposite direction of the second direction DR2), and the fourth side surface S4 may extend from the third side surface S3 in a direction parallel to the first direction DR1 (e.g., the opposite direction of the first direction DR1). The fourth side surface S4 may be connected to the first side surface S1, and the first to fourth side surfaces S1, S2, S3, and S4 may correspond to the sides of the quadrilateral shape, respectively.

[0100] Afterwards, refer to FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C, the method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an operation of filling the step area HA with the coating solution CT. The step area HA may be defined by the side surface S_DP of the display panel DP (or the side surface of the optical film OL) and the side surface S_WM of the window module WM (or the side surface of the second adhesive layer AL2). That is, the coating device PM, PMa or PMb may coat the prepared display device DD_I (see Figure 4 ) side surface.

[0101] In an embodiment, the operation of filling with the coating solution CT may include applying the coating solution CT to contact the first side surface S1 (see FIG. 1 ) of the display panel DP. Figure 3 ), the second side surface S2 (see Figure 3 ) and the fourth side surface S4 (see Figure 3 ) contact operation. The coating solution CT may include a resin material and a plurality of particles. The resin material may include one of urethane and acrylic resin.

[0102] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C The first side surface S1 (see FIG. Figure 3 The operation of coating the second side surface S2 and the fourth side surface S4 of the display panel DP may be substantially the same as the operation of coating the first side surface S1 of the display panel DP. In addition, according to the above operation, the three side surfaces of the preparation display device DD_I adjacent to the first side surface S1, the second side surface S2 and the fourth side surface S4 of the display panel DP may also be coated.

[0103] Reference Figure 5A , an embodiment of the operation of filling with the coating solution CT may include performing gravure coating. The coating device PM may include a first roller RR1, a second roller RR2, and a coating solution CT. The coating solution CT may be disposed between the first roller RR1 and the second roller RR2. The first roller RR1 may supply an appropriate amount of the coating solution CT to the second roller RR2.

[0104] According to an embodiment in which the operation of filling includes gravure coating, the first roller RR1 may supply the coating solution CT to the second roller RR2, and the coating solution CT placed on the second roller RR2 may be applied to the preliminary display device DD_I (see Figure 4) on the side surface of the preparatory display device DD_I. For example, the preparatory display device DD_I may move in the opposite direction of the third direction DR3, and the second roller RR2 may rotate in the same direction as the moving direction of the preparatory display device DD_I in the portion in contact with the preparatory display device DD_I. That is, the second roller RR2 may apply the coating solution CT while rotating clockwise. In this case, the first roller RR1 may supply an appropriate amount of the coating solution CT while rotating in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the second roller RR2. The first roller RR1 may be referred to as a scraper roller, and the second roller RR2 may be referred to as a coating roller.

[0105] However, this is an example, and gravure coating is not limited to the above embodiment. In the embodiment, for example, the first roller RR1 may apply the coating solution CT in a portion contacting the preliminary display device DD_I while rotating in the opposite direction to the moving direction of the preliminary display device DD_I.

[0106] The coating device PM may coat the side surface of the preliminary display device DD_I. In an embodiment, for example, while rotating clockwise, the second roller RR2 of the coating device PM may coat from the side surface S_DP of the display panel DP to the side surface S_WM of the window module WM. However, this is an example, and embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, while rotating counterclockwise, the second roller RR2 of the coating device PM may coat from the side surface S_WM of the window module WM to the side surface S_DP of the display panel DP.

[0107] Reference Figure 5B , an embodiment of the operation of filling with the coating solution CT may include performing pad printing. The coating device PMa may include a pad portion PP and a support portion MD. The pad portion PP may coat the prepared display device DD_I (see Figure 4 ), and the support MD may move the pad PP. In an embodiment, for example, the pad PP may be in contact with the coating solution CT and may be coated with the coating solution CT, and the support MD may move the pad PP to be adjacent to the preliminary display device DD_I, and thus the coating solution CT applied to the pad PP may be printed onto the preliminary display device DD_I. That is, pad printing may be a method for coating an object to be coated by indirectly transferring the coating solution CT using the pad PP.

[0108] The pad PP may include silicone. Since the pad PP includes silicone, the pad PP may have elastic characteristics, and using the elastic characteristics of the pad PP, printing and / or coating may be possible even on an uneven object. Accordingly, the coating device PMa may fill the step area HA defined by the side surface S_DP of the display panel DP (or the side surface of the optical film OL) and the side surface S_WM of the window module WM (or the side surface of the second adhesive layer AL2) with the coating solution CT.

[0109] The coating device PMa may coat the side surface of the preliminary display device DD_I. In an embodiment, for example, while moving in the third direction DR3, the coating device PMa may coat from the side surface S_DP of the display panel DP to the side surface S_WM of the window module WM. However, this is an example, and embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, while moving in the opposite direction of the third direction DR3, the coating device PMa may coat from the side surface S_WM of the window module WM to the side surface S_DP of the display panel DP.

[0110] Reference Figure 5C , an embodiment of the operation of filling with the coating solution CT may include performing electrohydrodynamic printing. When the electric field formed by the coating device PMb exceeds a critical value, the stress caused by the repulsion of the surface charge of the coating solution CT in the coating device PMb may exceed the surface tension, and thus the coating solution CT may be emitted toward the target object to be coated.

[0111] The coating device PMb can coat the prepared display device DD_I (see Figure 4 ). In an embodiment, for example, while moving in the third direction DR3, the coating device PMb may be applied from the side surface S_DP of the display panel DP to the side surface S_WM of the window module WM. However, this is an example, and embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, while moving in the opposite direction of the third direction DR3, the coating device PMb may be applied from the side surface S_WM of the window module WM to the side surface S_DP of the display panel DP.

[0112] However, the operation of coating the side surface of the preparation display device DD_I is not limited to FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C In the embodiment. In the embodiment, for example, the side surface of the prepared display device DD_I can be coated by a pneumatic printing method. In addition, FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C An embodiment in which the side surface of the preliminary display device DD_I is coated once is illustrated, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and the side surface of the preliminary display device DD_I may be coated a plurality of times.

[0113] Afterwards, refer to Figure 6, the method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an operation of connecting the preliminary display device DD_I and the lower substrate BM. In an embodiment, for example, the preliminary display device DD_I in which the coating member CM is formed may be moved in the opposite direction of the third direction DR3 and connected to the lower substrate BM. However, this is an example, and embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, for example, the lower substrate BM may be moved in the third direction DR3 and connected to the preliminary display device DD_I in which the coating member CM is formed, or the preliminary display device DD_I in which the coating member CM is formed and the lower substrate BM may be moved simultaneously and connected to each other. The lower substrate BM and the preliminary display device DD_I may be connected by a fourth adhesive layer AL4 (see Figure 2 ) are connected, and thus a display device DD (see Figure 2 ).

[0114] According to an embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the step formed on the side surface of the display device can be compensated by partially applying the coating member to the side surface of the display device. In such an embodiment, the adhesion between the window module, the optical film and the display panel constituting the display device can be improved, foreign matter can be blocked from being introduced into the interior of the display device, and the anti-scratch and impact resistance characteristics of the display device can be improved.

[0115] In an embodiment, since the coating member includes a leather portion coating material, the flexibility of the coating member can be improved, and thus even when the display device is repeatedly folded, the separation of the coating member from the side surface of the display device can be reduced or eliminated, and the discoloration phenomenon of the side surface of the display device can be reduced or eliminated.

[0116] The present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0117] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: a display panel, in which a first region, a second region, and a third region are defined along a first direction; A window module, disposed on the display panel and comprising a window substrate; a coating member covering a side surface of the display panel and a side surface of the window module; as well as A lower substrate is arranged below the display panel. wherein the side surface of the window substrate is arranged inwardly of the side surface of the display panel, and A side surface of the coating member is connected to the lower substrate.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The coating member includes a resin material and a plurality of particles.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The resin material includes urethane.

4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The resin material includes acrylic resin.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display panel includes a first side surface, a second side surface, a third side surface and a fourth side surface, The first side surface, the second side surface, and the fourth side surface are coupled to the coating member, and A region adjacent to the third side surface is bent.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The first side surface and the third side surface are spaced apart from each other in the first direction and extend in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and The second side surface and the fourth side surface are spaced apart from each other in the second direction and extend in the first direction.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: A step area defined by the side surface of the display panel and the side surface of the window module is filled with the coating member.

8. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The window module further includes a window protection layer, a light blocking pattern and a functional layer.

9. A display device, comprising: Display panel; A window module, arranged on the display panel; a coating member filling a step area defined by a side surface of the display panel and a side surface of the window module; as well as The lower substrate is arranged under the display panel.

10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: The coating member covers the side surface of the display panel and the side surface of the window module.

11. The display device according to claim 9, wherein: A first area, a second area and a third area are defined in the display panel along a first direction, The side surface of the window module is partially disposed inwardly of the side surface of the display panel, and A side surface of the coating member is connected to the lower substrate.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The display panel comprises: a first side surface extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a second side surface extending from the first side surface in the first direction; a third side surface extending from the second side surface in a direction parallel to the second direction; and a fourth side surface extending from the third side surface in a direction parallel to the first direction, The first side surface, the second side surface, and the fourth side surface are coupled to the coating member, and A region adjacent to the third side surface is bent.

13. The display device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: The coating member includes a resin material and a plurality of particles.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein: The resin material includes at least one selected from urethane and acrylic resin.

15. A method for manufacturing a display device, the method comprising: preparing a preliminary display device including a display panel and a window module; filling a step area defined by a side surface of the display panel and a side surface of the window module with a coating solution; as well as The preliminary display device is coupled to a lower substrate.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The display panel comprises: a first side surface extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a second side surface extending from the first side surface in the first direction; a third side surface extending from the second side surface in a direction parallel to the second direction; and a fourth side surface extending from the third side surface in a direction parallel to the first direction, and Filling the step area defined by the side surface of the display panel and the side surface of the window module with the coating solution includes applying a coating member to contact the first, second, and fourth side surfaces of the display panel.

17. The method according to any one of claims 15 and 16, wherein: The coating solution includes a resin material and a plurality of particles, and The resin material includes at least one selected from urethane and acrylic resin.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Filling the step area defined by the side surface of the display panel and the side surface of the window module with the coating solution includes performing gravure coating.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Filling the step area defined by the side surface of the display panel and the side surface of the window module with the coating solution includes performing pad printing.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Filling the step area defined by the side surface of the display panel and the side surface of the window module with the coating solution includes performing electrohydrodynamic printing.

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