Display device and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a display device and a method of manufacturing the same, the display device including: a display module including a display area; a window including a front region, a plurality of curved regions bent at a curvature from the front region, and an edge region connecting one of the plurality of curved regions to another of the plurality of curved regions; and an adhesive layer disposed between the display module and the window. A filling member is disposed on the edge region, and a volume of the filling member is larger than a volume of air bubbles formed between the edge region and the adhesive layer when the display module and the window are combined.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0099095 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on July 28, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device, and more particularly, to a display device and a method of manufacturing the same. Background Art

[0004] Recently, as the number of consumers who value the design and usability of electronic devices increases, the design of electronic devices has become more and more diverse. Accordingly, the design of display devices has also become more diverse. For example, the display device may include a curved portion with both sides bent or curved.

[0005] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the inventive concept and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a display device with improved visibility.

[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for manufacturing a display device.

[0008] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a display device, including: a display module including a display area; a window including a front area, a plurality of curved areas, and an edge area, the plurality of curved areas being bent from the front area with a curvature, the edge area connecting one of the plurality of curved areas to another of the plurality of curved areas; and an adhesive layer disposed between the display module and the window. A filling member is disposed on the edge area. The volume of the filling member is greater than the volume of bubbles formed between the edge area and the adhesive layer when the display module and the window are combined.

[0009] The volume of the filling member may be 100 times or more the volume of the air bubble.

[0010] The filling member may be cured before the window and display module are combined.

[0011] The refractive index of the filling member may be substantially the same as that of the adhesive layer.

[0012] The filling member may include an optically transparent resin.

[0013] The adhesive layer may include an optically clear adhesive.

[0014] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a display device, including: a display module including a display area; and a window including a front area, a plurality of curved areas and an edge area, the plurality of curved areas being bent from the front area with a curvature, and the edge area connecting one of the plurality of curved areas to another of the plurality of curved areas. An adhesive layer is disposed between the display module and the window. The adhesive layer may include a filling area overlapping the edge area. A filling member is disposed on the filling area. The volume of the filling member may be greater than the volume of bubbles formed between the edge area and the adhesive layer when the display module and the window are combined.

[0015] The volume of the filling member may be 100 times or more the volume of the air bubble.

[0016] The filling member may be cured before the window and display module are combined.

[0017] The refractive index of the filling member may be substantially the same as that of the adhesive layer.

[0018] The filling member may include an optically transparent resin, and the adhesive layer may include an optically transparent adhesive.

[0019] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a display device, the display device including a display module and a window. The method for manufacturing the display device includes: providing a filling member on an edge region of the window, the edge region connecting one of a plurality of curved regions included in the window to another of the plurality of curved regions; curing the filling member; and combining the display module and the window through an adhesive layer. The volume of the filling member may be greater than the volume of bubbles formed between the edge region and the adhesive layer when the display module and the window are combined.

[0020] The manufacturing method may include removing the bubbles by placing the display device in an autoclave.

[0021] The volume of the filling member may be 100 times or more the volume of the air bubble.

[0022] The filling member may be cured before the window and display module are combined.

[0023] The refractive index of the filling member may be substantially the same as that of the adhesive layer.

[0024] The filling member may include an optically transparent resin, and the adhesive layer may include an optically transparent adhesive.

[0025] The filling member may be disposed on the edge region by an inkjet method.

[0026] A display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be manufactured quickly and can output an image with improved visibility, and a manufacturing method thereof can quickly manufacture a display device capable of outputting an image with improved visibility. For example, the display device can use a filling member to prevent the risk of bubbles in the display module. Accordingly, for example, the time required for the process of removing bubbles is shortened, so that a display device that provides an image with improved visibility can be quickly manufactured.

[0027] The effects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those exemplified above, and include more various effects in this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view illustrating a display device according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view illustrating some components of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3 Examples include Figure 2 A top plan view of an example of a pixel array in a display area.

[0031] Figure 4 Example Figure 2 A bottom plan view of an example of a window is shown in FIG.

[0032] Figure 5 The example filling member is arranged at Figure 2 A bottom plan view of an example of a window shown in FIG.

[0033] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Some steps of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0034] Figure 8 Examples and Figure 2 0047 is a top plan view of another example of an adhesive layer similar to the adhesive layer shown in .

[0035] Fig. 9 The example filling member is arranged in Figure 8 A top plan view of another example of an adhesive layer is shown in FIG.

[0036] Fig.10 and Fig.11 Some steps of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0037] Fig.12 A flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig.13 A flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is intended to provide only enough disclosure to enable the operation of the inventive concept to be understood, and any other disclosure is omitted to avoid blurring the scope of the inventive concept. In addition, the inventive concept can be implemented in different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The embodiments described herein are provided for the purpose of describing the technical concept of the inventive concept in sufficient detail so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the technical concept.

[0040] Throughout the specification, when describing an element "connected" to another element, this includes not only "direct connection", but also "indirect connection" and another device in between. The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing a specific embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive concept. Throughout the specification, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word "include" and variations such as "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements, but do not exclude any other elements. For the purpose of this disclosure, "at least one of X, Y and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y and Z" can be interpreted as any combination of only X, only Y, only Z or two or more of X, Y and Z, such as XYZ, XYY, YZ and ZZ. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0041] Although the terms first, second, etc. can be used in this article to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one component from another component. Therefore, the first component discussed below can be referred to as the second component without departing from the teaching of the present disclosure.

[0042] Spatially relative terms such as "under", "below", "down", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and are thereby used to describe the relationship between an element or feature illustrated in the drawings and another element or feature. In addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings, spatially relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use, operation and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, the elements described as being "under" or "under" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Therefore, the term "below" can cover both above and below orientations. In addition, the device can be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and, for this reason, the spatially relative descriptors used in this article are interpreted accordingly.

[0043] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views which are schematic diagrams of idealized embodiments. As such, variations in the shapes of the illustrations due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are to be expected. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the shapes of the specifically illustrated regions, but rather include deviations in shapes due to, for example, manufacturing. Therefore, the regions illustrated in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shapes of the regions of the device, and are not intended to be limiting.

[0044] Figure 1 A perspective view illustrating a display device DD according to an embodiment.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 The display device DD may be a device activated according to an electrical signal. For example, the display device DD may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a car navigation system, a game console, or a wearable device. In addition, the display device DD may be an organic light-emitting display device or a quantum dot light-emitting display device, but is not limited thereto.

[0046] The display device DD may include a display surface DS defined by a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 crossing the first direction D1. The display device DD may provide an image to a user through the display surface DS.

[0047] The display surface DS may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA around the display area DA. The display area DA may display an image, and the non-display area NDA may not display an image. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. However, it is not limited thereto, and the shape of the display area DA and the shape of the non-display area NDA may be modified.

[0048] The display area DA may include a front area FS and a plurality of bending areas CA, the plurality of bending areas CA including first to fourth bending areas CA1 to CA4. In addition, the front area FS and the plurality of bending areas CA may be adjacent to each other to implement a continuous display area DA. For example, the front area FS and the first to fourth bending areas CA1 to CA4 may be adjacent to each other to implement a continuous display area DA.

[0049] The front region FS may be substantially parallel to a plane defined by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. In some embodiments, the front region FS may have a concave or convex curved shape with respect to the plane defined by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0050] The plurality of bending areas CA may be bent from the front area FS. For example, the first to fourth bending areas CA1 to CA4 may be bent from the front area FS in the opposite direction of the third direction D3. Each of the first to fourth bending areas CA1 to CA4 may be bent from the front area FS to have a predetermined curvature. The curvatures of the first to fourth bending areas CA1 to CA4 may be the same as or different from each other.

[0051] The first and third bending areas CA1 and CA3 each extend along the first direction D1 and may be spaced apart from each other in the second direction D2 with the front area FS therebetween. The second and fourth bending areas CA2 and CA4 each extend along the second direction D2 and may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1 with the front area FS therebetween.

[0052] exist Figure 1 In the present invention, it is described that the display device DD includes one front area FS and four bending areas CA as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0053] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view illustrating some components of a display device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] refer to Figure 2 , the display device DD may include a window WIN, an adhesive layer AD, a display module DM, a driving chip DR and a main circuit board PCB.

[0055] The display module DM may be disposed under the adhesive layer AD. The display module DM may include a non-bending area NBA and a bending area BA. The non-bending area NBA and the bending area BA may be adjacent in the second direction D2. The bending area BA may be a portion protruding and extending from the non-bending area NBA in a direction parallel to the second direction D2, and the bending area BA and the non-bending area NBA may have a continuous shape (or an integral shape). A width WT1 of the non-bending area NBA in the first direction D1 may be greater than a width WT2 of the bending area BA in the first direction D1.

[0056] In some embodiments, the bending area BA may be bent toward the rear surface of the non-bending area NBA. In the bending area BA, a driver chip DR may be installed, and a main circuit board PCB may be attached. The driver chip DR may be a chip-type timing control circuit. However, this is an example, and the driver chip DR may be installed on a film separated from the display module DM. In this case, the driver chip DR may be electrically connected to the display module DM through the film.

[0057] The non-bending area NBA of the display module DM may include a display area DP-DA and a non-display area DP-NDA. The non-display area DP-NDA may surround the display area DP-DA. The display area DP-DA and the non-display area DP-NDA of the display module DM may overlap with the display area DA and the non-display area NDA of the display device DD. The display area DP-DA may provide an image toward the window WIN.

[0058] In some embodiments, the display device DD may further include a protective member disposed under the display module DM. The protective member may be disposed under the display module DM to protect the display module DM from external impact. The protective member may include multiple layers. For example, the protective member may include a light shielding layer, a heat dissipation layer, a buffer layer, and multiple adhesive layers.

[0059] The front of the window WIN defines a display surface DS of the display device DD (see Figure 1 ). In addition, the window WIN protects the upper surface of the display module DM.

[0060] The window WIN may include an optically transparent insulating material. For example, the window WIN may include glass or plastic. In addition, the window WIN may have a multilayer structure or a single-layer structure. For example, the window WIN may include a plurality of plastic films bonded with an adhesive, or may include a glass substrate and a plastic film bonded with an adhesive.

[0061] The window WIN may include a front region FS and a plurality of bending regions CA bent and extended from the front region FS. For example, the window WIN may include a front region FS and first to fourth bending regions CA1 to CA4 bent and extended from the front region FS.

[0062] The window WIN may be combined with the display module DM. For example, the window WIN may be combined to cover the non-bending area NBA of the display module DM.

[0063] The adhesive layer AD may be disposed between the display module DM and the window WIN. For example, the adhesive layer AD may be disposed on the display module DM to combine the window WIN and the display module DM.

[0064] The adhesive layer AD may be a transparent adhesive member such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive film (PSA) or an optically clear adhesive film (OCA), but is not limited thereto.

[0065] Figure 3 Examples include Figure 2 0026] FIG1 is a top plan view of an example of a pixel array PA in a display area DP-DA.

[0066] refer to Figure 3 , the pixel array PA may include a plurality of pixels PX arranged in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. The pixels PX arranged along the first direction D1 among the plurality of pixels PX may form a pixel row, and the pixels PX arranged along the second direction D2 among the plurality of pixels PX may form a pixel column. Each of the plurality of pixels PX may include a plurality of sub-pixels. For example, each of the plurality of pixels PX may include a first sub-pixel R configured to emit red light, a second sub-pixel G configured to emit green light, and a third sub-pixel B configured to emit blue light.

[0067] Each of the plurality of pixels PX may include a light emitting element and a pixel circuit configured to drive the light emitting element. In an embodiment, the pixel circuit may include a thin film transistor and a capacitor. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The pixel PX shown in FIG. 1 can be understood to represent a light-emitting area in which light from a light-emitting element is output.

[0068] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of pixels PX may be connected to at least one scan line and a data line. When a scan signal is applied from the scan line, each of the plurality of pixels PX may receive a data voltage of the data line and may emit light by supplying a driving current to the light emitting element according to the applied data voltage.

[0069] In some embodiments, one of the plurality of pixels PX may include a plurality of sub-pixels. For example, one of the plurality of pixels PX may include three sub-pixels, each of which may have a rectangular, square, or diamond-shaped planar shape. In addition, the plurality of sub-pixels may be arranged in a row in one direction (e.g., the first direction D1), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0070] Each of the plurality of sub-pixels may include a light-emitting element configured to emit light. The light-emitting element may be provided in various forms. For example, the light-emitting element may be an inorganic light-emitting element comprising an inorganic material. In some embodiments, the light-emitting element may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

[0071] Figure 4 Example Figure 2 A bottom plan view of an example of a window WIN is shown. Figure 5 The example filling member FM is arranged at Figure 2 An example bottom plan view on a window WIN is shown.

[0072] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the rear surface of the window WIN is shown when the window WIN is viewed in the third direction D3.

[0073] refer to Figure 4 The window WIN may include a back area BS, a plurality of bending areas CA including first to fourth bending areas CA1 to CA4, and an edge area EA including first to fourth edge areas EA1 to EA4. The plurality of bending areas CA may be bent from the back area BS in the opposite direction of the third direction D3.

[0074] Each of the edge areas EA may connect one of the plurality of bending areas CA with an adjacent one of the plurality of bending areas CA. For example, the first edge area EA1 may connect the first bending area CA1 and the second bending area CA2.

[0075] In some embodiments, each of the edge areas EA may be disposed at a corner of the window WIN. For example, the first edge area EA1 may be disposed at a corner between the first and second bending areas CA1 and CA2 of the window WIN.

[0076] Each of the edge areas EA may have at least two curvatures. In addition, each of the edge areas EA may have a shape in which curved surfaces with different curvatures are continuously connected. For example, the first edge area EA1 to the fourth edge area EA4 may have two or more curvatures, and each of them may have a different curvature.

[0077] refer to Figure 5 , the window WIN may include a filling member FM. For example, the window WIN may include first to fourth filling members FM1 to FM4 disposed on the first to fourth edge areas EA1 to EA4.

[0078] The filling member FM may include an optically transparent resin (OCR). In some embodiments, the filling member FM may be disposed on the edge area EA by an inkjet method. For example, an inkjet head may be provided with a nozzle facing the rear area BS of the window WIN. Thereafter, the optically transparent resin (OCR) may be sprayed onto the edge area EA by the nozzle. For example, an optically transparent adhesive resin (OCR) may be sprayed onto the first edge area EA1, and then the inkjet head may be moved sequentially to the second edge area EA2, the third edge area EA3, and the fourth edge area EA4 to spray the optically transparent resin (OCR) onto each of them. Accordingly, the first filling member FM1 to the fourth filling member FM4 may be applied to each of the first edge area EA1 to the fourth edge area EA4. When the process is completed, the inkjet head may be removed from the window.

[0079] The filling member FM may be cured before the display module DM and the window WIN are combined. In some embodiments, the filling member FM may be cured by irradiating light to each of the filling members FM. For example, ultraviolet (UV) rays may be sequentially irradiated to the first to fourth filling members FM1 to FM4 applied by inkjet coating, and the first to fourth filling members FM1 to FM4 may be cured. Accordingly, the range in which the first to fourth filling members FM1 to FM4 are arranged may be controlled.

[0080] If the filling members FM are not solidified, they may flow in the first direction D1 and / or the second direction D2 on the window WIN, and the range in which the filling members FM are disposed may not be controlled.

[0081] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluidity of the cured filling member FM can be relatively controlled compared to the uncured filling member FM. Accordingly, when the window WIN and the display module DM are combined, the excessive diffusion of the filling member FM in the first direction D1 and / or the second direction D2 can be prevented, and the filling member FM can be set within a desired range on the edge area EA. As described above, since the filling member FM is cured before the window WIN and the display module DM are combined, the manufacturing process of the display device DD can be smoothly performed.

[0082] In some embodiments, the filling member FM may be semi-cured, and therefore, a slight positional shift between the window WIN and the adhesive layer AD may be possible. For example, the semi-cured filling member FM may have relatively weak adhesion compared to the fully cured filling member FM. Accordingly, during the process of combining the display module DM and the window WIN, the semi-cured filling member FM may allow a slight shift between the window WIN and the adhesive layer AD. Accordingly, precise alignment between the display module DM and the window WIN may be possible.

[0083] The refractive index of the filling member FM may be the same as that of the adhesive layer AD (see Figure 2 ) are substantially the same. Accordingly, after the window WIN and the display module DM are combined, undesired refraction of light of an image displayed by the display module DM can be prevented.

[0084] If the refractive index of the filling member FM disposed on the window WIN is different from the refractive index of the adhesive layer AD, the light of the image displayed by the display module DM may be refracted when passing between the adhesive layer AD and the filling member FM. Accordingly, the light of the image displayed by the display module DM may be undesirably refracted, and the visibility of the image provided by the display device DD may be deteriorated.

[0085] On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refractive index of the filling member FM may be substantially the same as the refractive index of the adhesive layer AD, and therefore, when light of an image displayed by the display module DM passes between the adhesive layer AD and the filling member FM, it may not be refracted. Accordingly, the display device DD may provide an image with improved visibility.

[0086] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Some steps of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0087] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A process in which the display module DM and the window WIN are combined by the laminating device LMD according to an embodiment is illustrated, but the combining method is not limited thereto.

[0088] refer to Figure 6 , the laminating device LMD may include a first jig ZG1 (or an upper jig), a pad PD (or a pressure pad), a clamp CLP, and a second jig ZG2.

[0089] The first jig ZG1 may include a receiving groove ZGRH. The first jig ZG1 may include a receiving groove ZGRH defined by a bottom surface and a plurality of side surfaces bent and extended from the bottom surface. In some embodiments, a portion of the receiving groove ZGRH may have a shape corresponding to that of the window WIN.

[0090] The first jig ZG1 may include a plurality of vacuum holes VH, and accordingly, the window WIN may be fixed to the receiving groove ZGRH. For example, the vacuum holes VH suck air between the receiving groove ZGRH and the window WIN, and the window WIN may be fixed to the receiving groove ZGRH by reduced pressure.

[0091] The first jig ZG1 may move toward the second jig ZG2, or may move in a direction away from the second jig ZG2. For example, the first jig ZG1 may move in a direction parallel to the third direction D3.

[0092] The pad PD may be disposed below the first jig ZG1. The pad PD may be made of an elastic material. For example, the pad PD may include a material whose shape is easily changed by pressure. In some embodiments, the pad PD may include silicon.

[0093] In some embodiments, the adhesive layer AD may be combined with the display module DM by a roller. For example, the adhesive layer AD may be disposed on which the pixels PX (see FIG. Figure 2 ) on the upper surface of the display module DM, and the adhesive layer AD can be combined with the upper surface of the display module DM by a roller.

[0094] The display module DM combined with the adhesive layer AD may be disposed on the carrier film CF. For example, the display module DM combined with the adhesive layer AD may be attached to the carrier film CF.

[0095] The clamps CLP may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction D1. The clamps CLP may clamp the carrier film CF to which the display module DM is attached. That is, the display module DM is not directly fixed to the clamps CLP but may be indirectly fixed to the clamps CLP through the carrier film CF. Accordingly, damage due to the clamping operation of the clamps CLP may not occur in the display module DM.

[0096] The clamps CLP may move in a direction approaching or moving away from each other. For example, each of the clamps CLP may move in a direction parallel to the first direction D1.

[0097] The second jig ZG2 may be disposed under the pad PD. The second jig ZG2 may move the pad PD toward the first jig ZG1 or in a direction away from the first jig ZG1. For example, the second jig ZG2 may move in a direction parallel to the third direction D3 until the window WIN contacts the adhesive layer AD.

[0098] refer to Figure 7 , the window WIN and the display module DM can be combined by the laminating device LMD. For example, the first jig ZG1 is lowered and the second jig ZG2 is raised, or the first jig ZG1 and the second jig ZG2 are lowered and raised respectively so that they can approach each other. Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, an example in which the first jig ZG1 is fixed and the second jig ZG2 is raised will be described.

[0099] As the second jig ZG2 rises, the adhesive layer AD provided on the display module DM may contact the window WIN. In this case, the carrier film CF, the display module DM, and the adhesive layer AD may be bent. For example, the display module DM may be bent in the third direction D3. After the display module DM is bent, the pad PD and the second jig ZG2 may be further moved in the direction toward the first jig ZG1. The direction toward the first jig ZG1 may be a direction parallel to the third direction D3. As the second jig ZG2 rises, the contact area between the window WIN and the display module DM and the adhesive layer AD may increase toward each other. For example, the contact area between the window WIN and the adhesive layer AD may increase toward the first direction D1 and toward the direction opposite to the first direction D1. Accordingly, the window WIN and the display module DM may be gradually bonded from the center toward both sides, and the window WIN and the display module DM may be combined by the adhesive layer AD.

[0100] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the window WIN and the display module DM are combined, the filling member FM can compensate for the space that may exist between the window WIN and the adhesive layer AD. For example, when the window WIN and the display module DM are combined, the space that may exist between the first edge area EA1 to the fourth edge area EA4 and the adhesive layer AD can be filled by the first filling member FM1 to the fourth filling member FM4.

[0101] If the filling member FM is not disposed on the curved portion having two or more curvatures, bubbles may occur between the curved portion and the adhesive layer AD. For example, when the display module DM and the window WIN are combined, bubbles may form between the edge area EA and the adhesive layer AD.

[0102] The volume of the filling member FM may be greater than the volume of bubbles formed between the edge area EA and the adhesive layer AD when the display module DM and the window WIN are combined. In some embodiments, the volume of the filling member FM may be 100 times or more the volume of bubbles formed between the edge area EA and the adhesive layer AD. Since the volume of the filling member FM is significantly greater than the volume of the bubbles, the risk of bubbles appearing between the window WIN and the adhesive layer AD may be relatively reduced.

[0103] Figure 8 Examples and Figure 2 0 is a top plan view of another example of an adhesive layer AD′ similar to the adhesive layer AD shown in . Fig. 9 The example filling member FM' is arranged at Figure 8 FIG. 4 is a top plan view of another example on the adhesive layer AD′ shown in FIG.

[0104] exist Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , there is shown an upper surface of the adhesive layer AD' when the adhesive layer AD' is viewed in a direction opposite to the third direction D3.

[0105] refer to Figure 8 The adhesive layer AD′ may include a pre-adhesion area ADF and a filling area FA, and the filling area FA includes first to fourth filling areas FA1 to FA4.

[0106] The bonding front region ADF of the bonding layer AD' may correspond to the rear region BS of the window WIN (see Figure 4 ). For example, the front adhesion region ADF of the adhesive layer AD' may be disposed to overlap with the rear region BS of the window WIN.

[0107] The pre-adhesion region ADF of the adhesive layer AD′ may be substantially parallel to a plane defined by the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 .

[0108] The filling areas FA may be respectively disposed at corners of the adhesive layer AD'. For example, the first to fourth filling areas FA1 to FA4 are disposed outside the pre-adhesion area ADF, and each of the first to fourth filling areas FA1 to FA4 may be disposed at a corner of the adhesive layer AD'.

[0109] The filling area FA may correspond to the edge area EA of the window WIN (see Figure 4 For example, the first to fourth filling areas FA1 to FA4 may be disposed to overlap with the first to fourth edge areas EA1 to EA4, respectively.

[0110] refer to Fig. 9 The adhesive layer AD' may include a filling member FM' including first to fourth filling members FM1' to FM4'. For example, the adhesive layer AD' may include first to fourth filling members FM1' to FM4' disposed on the first to fourth filling areas FA1 to FA4.

[0111] Fig. 9 The filling member FM' can be Figure 5 The filling member FM is described similarly. In the following, redundant descriptions will be simplified or omitted.

[0112] The filling member FM' may include an optically transparent resin (OCR). In some embodiments, the filling member FM' may be formed by Figure 5 The inkjet method described is provided on the filling area FA.

[0113] The filling member FM' may be cured before the display module DM and the window WIN are combined. For example, the filling member FM' may be cured before the display module DM and the window WIN are combined through the adhesive layer AD'. In some embodiments, the filling member FM' may be cured by irradiating light (e.g., ultraviolet light) to each of the filling members FM'.

[0114] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluidity of the cured filling member FM' can be relatively controlled compared to the uncured filling member FM'. Accordingly, when the window WIN and the display module DM are combined, the excessive diffusion of the filling member FM' in the first direction D1 and / or the second direction D2 can be prevented, and the filling member FM' can be set within a desired range on the filling area FA. As described above, since the filling member FM' is cured before the window WIN and the display module DM are combined, the manufacturing process of the display device DD can be smoothly performed.

[0115] In some embodiments, the filling member FM' may be semi-cured, and therefore, a slight positional shift between the window WIN and the adhesive layer AD' is possible. For example, during the process of combining the display module DM and the window WIN, the semi-cured filling member FM' may allow a slight shift between the window WIN and the adhesive layer AD'. Accordingly, precise alignment between the display module DM and the window WIN may be possible.

[0116] The refractive index of the filling member FM' may be substantially the same as that of the adhesive layer AD'. Accordingly, after the window WIN and the display module DM are combined, undesired refraction of light of an image displayed by the display module DM may be prevented and the display device DD may provide an image with improved visibility.

[0117] Fig.10 and Fig.11 Some steps of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0118] Fig.10 The lamination device LMD can be used with Figure 6 The lamination device LMD is similarly described, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0119] In some embodiments, the adhesive layer AD' may be combined with the display module DM by a roller. For example, the adhesive layer AD' may be combined with the upper surface of the display module DM by a roller. Thereafter, a filling member FM' may be disposed on the adhesive layer AD'. For example, a first filling member FM1' and a fourth filling member FM4' may be disposed on a first filling area FA1 and a fourth filling area FA4 of the adhesive layer AD', respectively.

[0120] The display module DM combined with the adhesive layer AD' may be disposed on the carrier film CF. For example, the display module DM combined with the adhesive layer AD' may be attached to the carrier film CF.

[0121] refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the window WIN and the display module DM can be combined by a lamination device LMD. Fig.10 and Fig.11 The display module DM and window WIN combination method can be combined with Figure 6 and Figure 7 The method of combining the display module DM and the window WIN is described similarly.

[0122] In some embodiments, as the second jig ZG2 rises, the adhesive layer AD' provided on the display module DM may contact the window WIN. In this case, the carrier film CF, the display module DM, and the adhesive layer AD' may be bent. After the display module DM is bent, the pad PD and the second jig ZG2 may be further moved in the direction toward the first jig ZG1. As the second jig ZG2 rises, the contact area between the window WIN and the display module DM and the adhesive layer AD' may increase toward each other. Accordingly, the window WIN and the display module DM may be gradually bonded from the center toward both sides, and the window WIN and the display module DM may be combined by the adhesive layer AD'.

[0123] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the window WIN and the display module DM are combined, the filling member FM' can compensate for the space that may exist between the window WIN and the adhesive layer AD'. For example, the space that may exist between the first edge area EA1 to the fourth edge area EA4 and the first filling area FA1 to the fourth filling area FA4 can be filled by the first filling member FM1' to the fourth filling member FM4'.

[0124] If the filling member FM' is not disposed on the curved portion having two or more curvatures, bubbles may occur between the curved portion and the adhesive layer AD'. For example, when the display module DM and the window WIN are combined, bubbles may form between the edge area EA and the adhesive layer AD'.

[0125] The volume of the filling member FM' may be greater than the volume of bubbles formed between the edge area EA and the adhesive layer AD' when the display module DM and the window WIN are combined. In some embodiments, the volume of the filling member FM' may be 100 times or more the volume of bubbles formed between the edge area EA and the adhesive layer AD'. Since the volume of the filling member FM' is significantly greater than the volume of the bubbles, the risk of bubbles appearing between the window WIN and the adhesive layer AD' may be relatively reduced.

[0126] Fig.12A flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] refer to Fig.12 , the manufacturing method of the display device DD according to the embodiment may include disposing a filling member on an edge area (operation S1210), curing the filling member (operation S1220), and combining a display module and a window through an adhesive layer (operation S1230).

[0128] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Fig.12 In operation S1210, the filling member FM may be disposed on the edge area EA. In some embodiments, operation S1210 may be performed by an inkjet method, but is not limited thereto.

[0129] In operation S1220, the filling member FM may be cured before the display module DM and the window WIN are combined. The filling member FM may be cured by irradiating light (eg, ultraviolet rays) to the filling member FM. In some embodiments, light may be irradiated to the filling member FM to semi-cure them.

[0130] In operation S1230, the display module DM and the window WIN may be combined by the adhesive layer AD. The adhesive layer AD may be disposed on the display module DM, and then the display module DM and the window WIN may be combined.

[0131] Fig.13 A flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] refer to Fig.13 , the manufacturing method of the display device DD according to the embodiment may include setting a filling member on the edge area (operation S1310), curing the filling member (operation S1320), combining the display module and the window through an adhesive layer (operation S1330), and removing bubbles by setting the display device in an autoclave (operation S1340).

[0133] Fig.13 Each of operations S1310, S1320, and S1330 may be Fig.12 Each of operations S1210, S1220, and S1230 is similarly described, and thus redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0134] refer to Figure 7 and Fig.13, bubbles can be removed by setting the display device DD in an autoclave. For example, after operation S1330, the display device DD in which the display module DM and the window WIN are combined can be set in an autoclave. Then, bubbles existing between the display module DM and the window WIN can be removed. In this case, due to the filling member FM, the bubbles between the display module DM and the window WIN can be relatively small. Accordingly, the time for setting the display device DD in the autoclave can be shortened, and the manufacturing process of the display device DD can be quickly performed.

[0135] Although certain embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from the description. Accordingly, the inventive concept is not limited to the embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the presented claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display module, including a display area; Windows, including: front area; a plurality of curved regions bent with curvature from the front region; and an edge region connecting one of the plurality of curved regions to another of the plurality of curved regions; an adhesive layer disposed between the display module and the window; and A filling member is arranged on the edge area, wherein: The filling member has a volume greater than a volume of bubbles formed between the edge region and the adhesive layer when the display module and the window are combined.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The volume of the filling member is 100 times or more the volume of the air bubble.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The filling member is cured before the window and the display module are combined.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The refractive index of the filling member is the same as that of the adhesive layer.

5. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The filling member includes an optically transparent resin.

6. The display device according to claim 4, wherein: The adhesive layer includes an optically clear adhesive.

7. A display device, comprising: A display module, including a display area; Windows, including: front area; a plurality of curved regions bent with curvature from the front region; and an edge region connecting one of the plurality of curved regions to another of the plurality of curved regions; an adhesive layer disposed between the display module and the window, the adhesive layer comprising a filling area overlapping the edge area; and A filling member is disposed on the filling area, wherein a volume of the filling member is greater than a volume of bubbles formed between the edge area and the adhesive layer when the display module and the window are combined.

8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The volume of the filling member is 100 times or more the volume of the air bubble.

9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The filling member is cured before the window and the display module are combined.

10. The display device according to claim 7, wherein: The refractive index of the filling member is the same as that of the adhesive layer.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The filling member comprises an optically transparent resin, and The adhesive layer includes an optically clear adhesive.

12. A method for manufacturing a display device, the display device comprising a display module and a window, the method comprising: providing a filling member on an edge region of the window, the edge region connecting one of a plurality of curved regions included in the window to another of the plurality of curved regions; curing the filling member; as well as The display module and the window are combined by an adhesive layer, wherein The filling member has a volume greater than a volume of bubbles formed between the edge region and the adhesive layer when the display module and the window are combined.

13. The manufacturing method according to claim 12, further comprising: The bubbles were removed by placing the display device in an autoclave.

14. The manufacturing method according to claim 12, wherein: The volume of the filling member is 100 times or more the volume of the air bubble.

15. The manufacturing method according to claim 12, wherein: The filling member is cured before the window and the display module are combined.

16. The manufacturing method according to claim 12, wherein: The refractive index of the filling member is the same as that of the adhesive layer.

17. The manufacturing method according to claim 16, wherein: The filling member comprises an optically transparent resin, and The adhesive layer includes an optically clear adhesive.

18. The manufacturing method according to claim 12, wherein: The filling member is disposed on the edge region by an inkjet method.

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