Apparatus and method for manufacturing display device

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a display device including a display panel, an adhesive layer, and a cover window, in which the apparatus includes: a gas absorption amount measuring unit that measures an amount of gas absorption of the adhesive layer at a first pressure and a first temperature; a laminating unit laminating the adhesive layer and the cover window on the display panel; and a controller that controls the laminating unit based on the information measured by the gas absorption amount measuring unit, in which the controller controls the laminating unit to perform the laminating process only when the amount of gas absorption of the adhesive layer measured by the gas absorption amount measuring unit satisfies a first condition.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0107855 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 17, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] One or more embodiments relate to an apparatus and a method, and more particularly, to a display device manufacturing apparatus and a display device manufacturing method. Background Art

[0004] Electronic devices based on mobility are widely used. In addition to small electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablet personal computers (PCs) are recently widely used as mobile electronic devices.

[0005] Such mobile electronic devices include display devices for supporting various functions and providing users with visual information such as images or videos. Recently, as other components for driving the display devices become smaller, the proportion of display devices in electronic devices has gradually increased, and structures that can be bent from a flat state to a predetermined angle are also being developed. Summary of the invention

[0006] One or more embodiments include a display device manufacturing apparatus capable of reducing bubbles remaining in an adhesive layer during a process of manufacturing the display device.

[0007] However, this purpose is an example, and the purpose to be solved by the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0008] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments of the disclosure.

[0009] According to one or more embodiments, a manufacturing device for manufacturing a display device is provided, and a display device including a display panel, an adhesive layer and a cover window is provided, the manufacturing device including: a gas absorption amount measuring unit, which measures the amount of gas absorption of the adhesive layer at a first pressure and a first temperature; a laminating unit, which laminates the adhesive layer and the cover window on the display panel; and a controller, which controls the laminating unit based on information measured by the gas absorption amount measuring unit, wherein the controller controls the laminating unit to perform a lamination process only when the amount of gas absorption of the adhesive layer measured by the gas absorption amount measuring unit satisfies a first condition.

[0010] The laminating unit may include a first laminating unit laminating an adhesive layer on the display panel, a second laminating unit laminating a cover window on the adhesive layer, an autoclave unit performing an autoclave process on the display device at a second pressure and a second temperature, and an ultraviolet treatment unit treating the display device with ultraviolet rays.

[0011] The first temperature and the second temperature may be equal to each other.

[0012] The first pressure and the second pressure may be equal to each other.

[0013] The amount of gas absorbed by the adhesive layer may include N 2 The amount of absorption.

[0014] The first pressure may be 8 bar and the first temperature may be 60 degrees Celsius.

[0015] The first condition may be less than or equal to about 0.07 mg / g.

[0016] The adhesive layer may include an optically clear adhesive.

[0017] According to one or more embodiments, a method for manufacturing a display device is provided, the display device comprising a display panel, an adhesive layer, and a cover window, wherein the method comprises: measuring an amount of gas absorption by the adhesive layer at a first pressure and a first temperature; determining whether the amount of gas absorption by the adhesive layer satisfies a first condition; and when the amount of gas absorption satisfies the first condition, laminating the adhesive layer and the cover window on the display panel.

[0018] The lamination may include: a first lamination operation of laminating an adhesive layer on the display panel; a second lamination operation of laminating a cover window on the adhesive layer; performing an autoclave process on the display device at a second pressure and a second temperature; and treating the display device with ultraviolet rays.

[0019] The first temperature and the second temperature may be equal to each other.

[0020] The first pressure and the second pressure may be equal to each other.

[0021] The amount of gas absorbed by the adhesive layer can be N 2 The amount of absorption.

[0022] The first pressure may be 8 bar and the first temperature may be 60 degrees Celsius.

[0023] The first condition may be less than or equal to about 0.07 mg / g.

[0024] The adhesive layer may include an optically clear adhesive.

[0025]

[0011] Further aspects, features, and advantages in addition to those described above will become apparent from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an electronic device including a display device according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a plan view schematically showing an electronic device including a display device according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 5 is a plan view schematically showing a display panel according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel according to an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a stacking structure of a display panel according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a display device manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figures 9 to 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view for describing a manufacturing process of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0034] Fig.14 , Fig.15 and Fig.16 is a schematic cross-sectional view for describing a manufacturing process of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment; and

[0035] Fig.17 is a schematic flowchart of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals represent the same elements throughout. In this regard, the present embodiments may have different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Therefore, the embodiments are described below only by reference to the accompanying drawings to illustrate aspects of this specification. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. Throughout this disclosure, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" means only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variations thereof.

[0037] Since the present disclosure allows various changes and many embodiments, specific embodiments will be shown in the drawings and described in detail in the written description. By referring to the embodiments that will be described in detail with reference to the drawings later, the effects and features of the present disclosure and the ways to achieve them will become apparent. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, but can be implemented in various forms.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0039] It will be understood that although the terms “first”, “second”, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined in the context, a singular expression includes a plural expression.

[0041] In the following embodiments, it will also be understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “having” used herein specify the presence of stated features or elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features or elements.

[0042] In the following embodiments, it will be understood that when a part such as a layer, region or element is referred to as being “on” or “over” another part, it can be directly on or over the other part or an intervening part may also be present.

[0043] In addition, in the drawings, the size of the elements may be exaggerated or reduced for the convenience of description. For example, since the size and thickness of the elements in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of description, the following embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0044] In the following embodiments, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to the three axes on the rectangular coordinate system, but may be interpreted as including these axes. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be at right angles, or may also represent different directions that are not at right angles to each other.

[0045] When the embodiment is implemented in another manner, the predetermined process order may be different from the described process order. For example, two processes described in succession may be performed substantially simultaneously, or may be performed in an order opposite to the described order.

[0046] In this specification, as an example of a display device according to an embodiment, an organic light-emitting display device is described, but the display device according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As another example, the display device of the present disclosure may include an inorganic light-emitting display device (inorganic light-emitting display or inorganic EL display device) or a display device such as a quantum dot light-emitting display device. For example, the emission layer included in the display element of the display device may include an organic material, an inorganic material, a quantum dot, an organic material and a quantum dot, or an inorganic material and a quantum dot.

[0047] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an electronic device including a display device according to an embodiment.

[0048] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to the embodiment, the display device 1, 1', 1" may include a display panel 10P and a cover window 700 for protecting an upper portion of the display panel 10P. The display device 1, 1', 1" may have a Figure 1 The generally flat shape shown in , or may have a Figure 2 A shape in which at least some areas are curved as shown in FIG.

[0049] exist Figure 2 In the display device 1', 1", the display area DA may include a main display area MDA and a bendable area including a first bendable display area BDA1 and a second bendable display area BDA2. The first bendable display area BDA1 and the second bendable display area BDA2 are bendable with a curvature radius R1. Figure 2 The first bendable display area BDA1 and the second bendable display area BDA2 having the same curvature radius R1 are shown in FIG. 1 , but in another embodiment, the first bendable display area BDA1 and the second bendable display area BDA2 may also have different curvature radii.

[0050] The display device 1 ′, 1 ″ may include an adhesive layer OCA formed between the display panel 10P and the cover window 700 to bond them. The adhesive layer OCA may have the same width and the same area as the display panel 10P.

[0051] Figure 3 and Figure 4 is a plan view schematically showing an electronic device including a display device according to an embodiment.

[0052] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The display device 1', 1" includes a display area DA and a peripheral area NDA outside the display area DA. A plurality of pixels P including display elements are arranged in the display area DA, and the display device 1', 1" may provide an image by using light emitted from the plurality of pixels P arranged in the display area DA. The peripheral area NDA is a non-display area in which the display elements are not arranged, and the display area DA may be completely surrounded by the peripheral area NDA.

[0053] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The case where the display area DA of the display device 1 ′, 1 ″ is a rectangle with rounded corners is shown. However, in other embodiments, the shape of the display area DA may be a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon such as a triangle or a pentagon.

[0054] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The display device 1', 1" is shown in a flat form before being bent, but the display device 1', 1" according to the present embodiment may have a Figure 2 In other words, Figure 2 Can be with Figure 3 or Figure 4 The display device 1 ′, 1 ″ corresponds to a cross section taken along the cutting line II′ after the first to fourth flexible display areas BDA1 to BDA4 are bent.

[0055] When the display device 1', 1" includes a three-dimensional display surface, the display device 1', 1" may include a plurality of display areas facing different directions from each other, for example, a polygonal cylindrical display surface. In another embodiment, when the display device 1', 1" includes a curved display surface, the display device 1', 1" may be implemented in various forms such as a flexible display device, a foldable display device, or a rollable display device.

[0056] Figure 3The display device 1' may include a first area A1 and second areas A2 positioned on both sides of the first area A1. For example, the first area A1 may be a non-bendable area, and the second area A2 may be a bendable area bent at a preset curvature. The display device 1' having a bendable area may mean that each of the layers constituting the display device 1' has a bendable area.

[0057] In an embodiment, the display area DA may include a main display area MDA corresponding to the first area A1 and first and second flexible display areas BDA1 and BDA2 each corresponding to the second area A2.

[0058] Figure 4 The display device 1" may include a first area A1' and a second area A2' and a third area A3 respectively positioned on four edges of the first area A1'. For example, the first area A1' may be a non-bendable area, and the second area A2' and the third area A3 may be bendable areas that can be bent with a preset curvature. The second area A2' is positioned on the left and right sides with the first area A1' disposed therebetween, and may be bent based on a bending axis in a major axis direction, and the third area A3 is located above and below the first area A1', and may be bent based on a bending axis in a minor axis direction. Therefore, a display device having a four-sided bending structure may be manufactured.

[0059] In an embodiment, the display area DA may include a main display area MDA corresponding to the first area A1', a first bendable display area BDA1 and a second bendable display area BDA2 corresponding to the second area A2', and a third bendable display area BDA3 and a fourth bendable display area BDA4 corresponding to the third area A3. The first bendable display area BDA1 to the fourth bendable display area BDA4 may be bent to face different directions.

[0060] Figure 5 is a plan view schematically showing a display panel according to an embodiment, and Figure 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel according to an embodiment.

[0061] refer to Figure 5 , the display panel 10P may include a substrate 100 , and various components constituting the display panel 10P are disposed on the substrate 100 .

[0062] The display area DA may include a main display area MDA as a non-bendable area, and include a first bendable display area BDA1 and a second bendable display area BDA2 as bendable areas adjacent to the non-bendable area. The first bendable display area BDA1 and the second bendable display area BDA2 may be arranged on both sides of the main display area MDA, respectively, with the main display area MDA disposed therebetween. That is, the first bendable display area BDA1 and the second bendable display area BDA2 may be arranged adjacent to the first scan drive circuit 11 and the second scan drive circuit 12.

[0063] A plurality of pixels P may be arranged in the display area DA. Each of the plurality of pixels P may include at least one sub-pixel including a display element such as an organic light emitting diode OLED. The plurality of pixels P may emit, for example, red light, green light, blue light, or white light.

[0064] A plurality of pixels P arranged in the display area DA may be electrically connected to an external circuit arranged in the peripheral area NDA as a non-display area. The first scan drive circuit 11, the second scan drive circuit 12, the emission control drive circuit 13, the terminal 14, and the first power wiring 15 may be arranged in the peripheral area NDA. Although not shown, the second power wiring may be arranged outside the first scan drive circuit 11, the second scan drive circuit 12, and the emission control drive circuit 13.

[0065] The first scan driving circuit 11 may provide a scan signal to the plurality of pixels P through the scan lines SL. The second scan driving circuit 12 may be arranged in parallel with the first scan driving circuit 11, with the display area DA interposed therebetween. Some of the plurality of pixels P arranged in the display area DA may be electrically connected to the first scan driving circuit 11, and the other pixels P may be connected to the second scan driving circuit 12. In another embodiment, the second scan driving circuit 12 may be omitted.

[0066] The emission control driving circuit 13 is disposed on one side in which the first scan driving circuit 11 is disposed, and may provide an emission control signal to the pixel P through the emission control line EL. Figure 5 It is shown that the emission control driving circuit 13 is arranged only on one side of the display area DA. However, like the first scan driving circuit 11 and the second scan driving circuit 12, the emission control driving circuit 13 may also be located on both sides of the display area DA.

[0067] The terminal 14 may be arranged in the peripheral area NDA of the substrate 100. The terminal 14 may be exposed without being covered by the insulating layer and electrically connected to the printed circuit board PCB. The terminal PCB-P of the printed circuit board PCB may be electrically connected to the terminal 14 of the display panel 10P.

[0068] The printed circuit board PCB may be configured to transmit a signal or power from a controller (not shown) to the display panel 10P. The control signal generated by the controller may be transmitted to the first scan drive circuit 11, the second scan drive circuit 12, and the emission control drive circuit 13 through the printed circuit board PCB. In addition, the controller may provide a driving voltage ELVDD to the first power wiring 15, and a common voltage ELVSS to the second power wiring. The driving voltage ELVDD may be provided to the pixel P through a driving voltage line PL connected to the first power wiring 15, and the common voltage ELVSS may be provided to the relative electrode of the pixel P connected to the second power wiring. The first power wiring 15 may be disposed below the display area DA and extend in one direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). The second power wiring has a ring shape with one side open, and may be arranged in the peripheral area NDA.

[0069] In addition, the controller may generate a data signal, and the generated data signal may be transmitted to the input line FW through the data pad unit 20 and transmitted to the pixel P through the data line DL connected to the input line FW.

[0070] refer to Figure 6 , each pixel P may include a pixel circuit PC connected to the scan line SL and the data line DL and an organic light emitting diode OLED connected to the pixel circuit PC.

[0071] The pixel circuit PC may include a driving thin film transistor Td, a switching thin film transistor Ts, and a storage capacitor Cst. The switching thin film transistor Ts is connected to the scan line SL and the data line DL, and may be configured to transmit a data signal Dm input through the data line DL to the driving thin film transistor Td in response to a scan signal Sn input through the scan line SL.

[0072] The storage capacitor Cst is connected between the switching thin film transistor Ts and the driving voltage line PL, and stores a voltage corresponding to a difference between a voltage received from the switching thin film transistor Ts and a driving voltage ELVDD supplied to the driving voltage line PL.

[0073] The driving thin film transistor Td is connected between the driving voltage line PL and the organic light emitting diode OLED, and can control the driving current I flowing from the driving voltage line PL to the organic light emitting diode OLED in response to the voltage value stored in the storage capacitor Cst. d The organic light emitting diode OLED can be driven by the driving current I d Emit light with a certain brightness.

[0074] Although the reference Figure 6A pixel circuit PC including two thin film transistors and one storage capacitor is described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the pixel circuit PC may include, for example, seven thin film transistors and one storage capacitor. In another embodiment, the pixel circuit PC may include two or more storage capacitors.

[0075] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a stack structure of a display panel according to an embodiment.

[0076] refer to Figure 7 , the display panel 10P may include a plurality of display elements for displaying images.

[0077] refer to Figure 7 The display panel 10P may include a substrate 100 , a display layer 200 disposed on the substrate 100 , a thin film encapsulation layer 300A disposed on the display layer 200 , an input sensing layer 400 , an anti-reflection layer 600 , and a cover window 700 .

[0078] The substrate 100 may include glass or a polymer resin. For example, the substrate 100 may include a polymer resin such as polyethersulfone, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polyimide, polycarbonate, or cellulose acetate propionate. The substrate 100 including the polymer resin may be flexible, rollable, or bendable. The substrate 100 may have a multilayer structure including a layer containing the above-mentioned polymer resin and an inorganic layer (not shown).

[0079] The buffer layer 111 may be disposed on the substrate 100. The buffer layer 111 may reduce or prevent penetration of impurities, moisture, or external air from under the substrate 100, and may provide a flat surface on the substrate 100. The buffer layer 111 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, or silicon nitride, and may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure including the above materials.

[0080] The display layer 200 may be disposed on the front surface of the substrate 100, and the lower protective film 175 may be disposed on the rear surface of the substrate 100. The lower protective film 175 may have the function of supporting and protecting the substrate 100. The lower protective film 175 may include an organic insulating material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI). The lower protective film 175 may be attached to the rear surface of the substrate 100. An adhesive layer may be located between the lower protective film 175 and the substrate 100. Alternatively, the lower protective film 175 may be directly formed on the rear surface of the substrate 100, and in this case, there may be no adhesive layer between the lower protective film 175 and the substrate 100.

[0081] The display layer 200 may include a plurality of pixels P. The display layer 200 may include a display element layer including an organic light emitting diode OLED as a display element, a circuit layer including a thin film transistor TFT electrically connected to the organic light emitting diode OLED, and an insulating layer IL. The organic light emitting diode OLED may be electrically connected to the thin film transistor TFT to form the pixel P.

[0082] The display layer 200 may be sealed with a packaging member. In an embodiment, the packaging member may include Figure 7 The thin film encapsulation layer 300A shown in FIG. The thin film encapsulation layer 300A may include at least one inorganic encapsulation layer and at least one organic encapsulation layer. In an embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer 300A may include a first inorganic encapsulation layer 310 and a second inorganic encapsulation layer 330 and an organic encapsulation layer 320 disposed therebetween.

[0083] In another embodiment, the encapsulation member may include an encapsulation substrate. The encapsulation substrate may be arranged to face the substrate 100, and the display layer 200 is disposed between the encapsulation substrate and the substrate 100. There may be a gap between the encapsulation substrate and the display layer 200. The encapsulation substrate may include glass. A sealant may be disposed between the substrate 100 and the encapsulation substrate, and the sealant may be disposed as described previously with reference to FIG. Figure 3 or Figure 4 The sealant disposed in the peripheral area NDA may surround the display area DA and prevent moisture from penetrating through the side thereof.

[0084] The input sensing layer 400 may obtain coordinate information according to an external input (e.g., a touch event of an object such as a finger or a stylus). The input sensing layer 400 may include touch electrodes and traces connected to the touch electrodes. The input sensing layer 400 may detect an external input by using a mutual capacitance method or a self-capacitance method.

[0085] The input sensing layer 400 may be formed on the packaging member. Alternatively, the input sensing layer 400 may be formed separately and then bonded to the packaging member by an adhesive layer such as an optically transparent adhesive. As an embodiment, the input sensing layer 400 may be formed directly on the thin film encapsulation layer 300A or the packaging substrate. In this case, the adhesive layer may not be arranged between the input sensing layer 400 and the thin film encapsulation layer 300A or the packaging substrate.

[0086] The anti-reflection layer 600 may reduce reflectivity of light (external light) incident from the outside toward the display panel 10P.

[0087] In an embodiment, the anti-reflection layer 600 may include an optical plate including a phase retarder and / or a polarizer. The phase retarder may be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type, and may include a λ / 2 phase retarder and / or a λ / 4 phase retarder. The polarizer may also be a film type or a liquid crystal coating type. The film type polarizer may include a stretched synthetic resin film, and the liquid crystal coating type polarizer may include liquid crystals arranged in a predetermined arrangement.

[0088] In an embodiment, the anti-reflection layer 600 may include a filter plate including a black matrix and a color filter. The filter plate may include a color filter arranged for each pixel P, a black matrix, and an overcoat layer.

[0089] In an embodiment, the anti-reflection layer 600 may include a destructive interference structure. The destructive interference structure may include a first reflective layer and a second reflective layer disposed on different layers. The first reflected light and the second reflected light respectively reflected from the first reflective layer and the second reflective layer may undergo destructive interference, and thus the external light reflectivity may be reduced.

[0090] The cover window 700 may be disposed on the display panel 10P. The cover window 700 may be a flexible window. The cover window 700 may protect the display panel 10P by being easily bent in response to an external force without causing cracks, etc. The cover window 700 may include glass, sapphire, or plastic. The cover window 700 may be, for example, ultra-thin glass (UTG) or transparent polyimide (colorless polyimide (CPI)). In an embodiment, the cover window 700 may have a structure in which a flexible polymer layer is disposed on one side of a glass substrate, or may include only a polymer layer.

[0091] The cover window 700 is disposed on the anti-reflection layer 600 of the display panel 10P, and may be coupled to the anti-reflection layer 600 through an adhesive layer OCA such as an optically clear adhesive.

[0092] In an embodiment, Figure 7 The cover window 700 is shown as being disposed on the anti-reflection layer 600, but in another embodiment, the positions of the anti-reflection layer 600 and the input sensing layer 400 may be changed, and in this case, the cover window 700 may be coupled to the input sensing layer 400 via an adhesive layer OCA.

[0093] In an embodiment, the thickness of the adhesive layer OCA may be about 50 μm to about 300 μm. In addition, in an embodiment, the curing rate of the adhesive layer OCA may be about 95% or more.

[0094] The adhesive layer OCA according to an embodiment may include an adhesive composition including (meth)acrylate having an alicyclic group, a low temperature glass transition (meth)acrylate, a cross-linkable (meth)acrylate, and a thermal curing agent including an isocyanate-based compound.

[0095] In an embodiment, when the adhesive composition is analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, the content of the thermal curing agent may be about 55% or more. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a method of measuring a sample to be analyzed using radio frequency (RF) resonance that causes rotation transition of atomic nuclei.

[0096] In detail, the adhesive composition may include about 5 wt % to about 15 wt % of a (meth)acrylate having an alicyclic group, about 15 wt % to about 25 wt % of a low temperature glass transition (meth)acrylate, about 5 wt % to about 15 wt % of a cross-linkable (meth)acrylate, and about 55 wt % to about 65 wt % of a thermal curing agent including an isocyanate-based compound.

[0097] The (meth) acrylate with an alicyclic group may include, for example, one or more of isobornyl (meth) acrylate, isobornyl (meth) acrylate, and cyclohexyl (meth) acrylate. For example, the (meth) acrylate with an alicyclic group may be isobornyl (meth) acrylate (IBOA). Preferably, the (meth) acrylate with an alicyclic group may be a (meth) acrylate whose homopolymer has a glass transition temperature of 90°C or higher (e.g., about 90°C to about 120°C). The (meth) acrylate with an alicyclic group may be included in the adhesive composition in an amount of about 5wt% to about 15wt%. Within the above range, the adhesive composition may achieve the effect of increasing the peel strength and increasing the modulus of the adhesive layer OCA, and ensure the stable folding performance of the adhesive layer OCA.

[0098] Low temperature glass transition (meth) acrylates may include, for example, benzyl (meth) acrylate, n-butyl (meth) acrylate, sec-butyl (meth) acrylate, cyclohexyl (meth) acrylate, isodecyl (meth) acrylate, acrylate, n-decyl (meth) acrylate, lauryl (meth) acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth) acrylate, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate, n-hexyl acrylate, and one or more of n-octyl (meth) acrylate. For example, the low temperature glass transition (meth) acrylate may be 2-ethylhexyl (meth) acrylate (2-EHA). The low temperature glass transition (meth) acrylate may be a (meth) acrylate whose homopolymer has a glass transition temperature in the range of about -100°C to about 40°C, or in the range of about -80°C to about 30°C, or in the range of about -75°C to about 20°C. The low temperature glass transition (meth) acrylate may be included in the adhesive composition in an amount of about 15wt% to about 25wt%.

[0099] Crosslinkable (meth) acrylate can be, for example, a (meth) acrylate with an alkyl group. The alkyl group of the (meth) acrylate with an alkyl group can be a straight or branched C1-C14 alkyl group, particularly a C1-C8 alkyl group. The (meth) acrylate with an alkyl group can include one selected from the group consisting of methyl (meth) acrylate, ethyl (meth) acrylate, n-propyl (meth) acrylate, isopropyl (meth) acrylate and n-butyl (meth) acrylate, tert-butyl (meth) acrylate, sec-butyl (meth) acrylate, pentyl (meth) acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth) acrylate, 2-ethylbutyl (meth) acrylate, octyl (meth) acrylate, isooctyl (meth) acrylate, isobornyl (meth) acrylate, isononyl (meth) acrylate and a combination thereof. As an example, crosslinkable (meth) acrylate can be octyl (meth) acrylate (OMA). The adhesive composition can be adjusted to have suitable bonding properties by using a (meth) acrylate with an alkyl group having a carbon number within the above range. The cross-linkable (meth)acrylate may be included in the adhesive composition in an amount of about 5 wt % to about 15 wt %.

[0100] The heat curing agent can include a curing agent based on isocyanate. The curing agent based on isocyanate can be, for example, one selected from the group consisting of toluene diisocyanate, diphenylmethane diisocyanate, xylene diisocyanate, methylene diphenylmethane diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), cyclohexane diisocyanate, hexamethylene diisocyanate and a combination thereof. As an example, the heat curing agent can be isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). The heat curing agent can be included in the adhesive composition in an amount of about 55wt% to about 65wt%. The heat curing agent can increase the degree of crosslinking of the adhesive composition according to the embodiment, and can easily control the initial adhesion and peeling force to the desired level.

[0101] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a manufacturing apparatus for a display device according to an embodiment, and Figures 9 to 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view for describing a manufacturing process of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0102] refer to Figures 8 to 13 , the display device manufacturing apparatus 2 may include a gas absorption amount measuring unit 21 , a laminating unit 22 , and a controller 23 .

[0103] First, refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9The gas absorption amount measuring unit 21 may measure the amount of gas absorption of the adhesive layer OCA at the first pressure and the first temperature. For example, an IsoSORP equipment manufactured by TA Instruments may be used as the gas absorption amount measuring unit 21 .

[0104] For example, the amount of gas absorption of the adhesive layer OCA measured by the gas absorption amount measurement unit 21 may be N of the adhesive layer OCA. 2 In addition, the first pressure may be 8 bar, and the first temperature may be 60 degrees Celsius.

[0105] The controller 23 may determine whether the amount of gas absorbed by the adhesive layer OCA measured by the gas absorption amount measuring unit 21 satisfies the first condition. Here, the amount of gas absorbed may be expressed as the weight of the gas absorbed compared to the weight of the adhesive layer OCA. For example, the first condition may be less than or equal to about 0.07 mg / g. That is, the controller 23 may determine whether the N of the adhesive layer OCA measured by the gas absorption amount measuring unit 21 under the conditions of 8 bar and 60 degrees Celsius satisfies the first condition. 2 Whether the amount absorbed is less than or equal to about 0.07 mg / g.

[0106] refer to Figure 8 as well as Figures 10 to 13 The laminating unit 22 may sequentially laminate the adhesive layer OCA and the cover window 700 on the display panel 10P. The laminating unit 22 may include a first laminating unit 221 , a second laminating unit 222 , an autoclave unit 223 , and an ultraviolet treatment unit 224 .

[0107] The controller 23 may control the laminating unit 22 based on the information measured by the gas absorption amount measuring unit 21. In detail, the controller 23 may control the laminating unit 22 to perform the laminating process only when the amount of gas absorption of the adhesive layer OCA measured by the gas absorption amount measuring unit 21 satisfies the first condition. Therefore, if the amount of gas absorption of the adhesive layer OCA satisfies the first condition, the laminating process of the adhesive layer OCA and the cover window 700 may be performed by the laminating unit 22 on the display panel 10P. In addition, if the amount of gas absorption of the adhesive layer OCA does not satisfy the first condition, the laminating process of the laminating unit 22 may not be performed.

[0108] refer to Figure 8 and Fig.10 , the first laminating unit 221 may laminate the adhesive layer OCA on the display panel 10P.

[0109] First, a release film (not shown) disposed on one side of the adhesive layer OCA may be removed, and then one side of the adhesive layer OCA may be attached to the display panel 10P. The first laminating unit 221 may laminate the adhesive layer OCA on the display panel 10P through a roller lamination process. That is, the adhesive layer OCA may be attached to the display panel 10P by pressing the adhesive layer OCA on the display panel 10P with a roller while rotating the roller.

[0110] refer to Figure 8 and Fig.11 , the second laminating unit 222 may laminate the cover window 700 on the adhesive layer OCA.

[0111] First, the release film (not shown) disposed on the other side of the adhesive layer OCA may be removed, and then the cover window 700 may be attached to the other side of the adhesive layer OCA. The second laminating unit 222 may laminate the cover window 700 on the adhesive layer OCA through a roller lamination process. That is, the cover window 700 may be attached to the adhesive layer OCA by pressing the cover window 700 toward the adhesive layer OCA with a roller while rotating the roller.

[0112] refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11 The roll lamination process described is only an example, and the lamination process is not limited thereto. For example, the lamination process may be performed by a vacuum lamination process of vacuum-treating the display panel 10P, the adhesive layer OCA, and the cover window 700, or both the roll lamination process and the vacuum lamination process may be performed.

[0113] refer to Figure 8 and Fig.12 , the autoclave unit 223 may perform an autoclave process on the display device 1 at a second pressure and a second temperature. The autoclave process may be a process of pressurizing the display device 1 at a high temperature to remove air bubbles formed between the display panel 10P and the adhesive layer OCA and between the adhesive layer OCA and the cover window 700. The autoclave unit 223 may include a chamber 2231, a pressure control part 2232, and a temperature control part 2233.

[0114] The chamber 2231 may provide an internal space for placing the display device 1. A passage (not shown) may be provided at one side of the chamber 2231 to allow the display device 1 to be moved in and out. When the display device 1 is moved into the chamber 2231, the passage (not shown) provided at the chamber 2231 may be sealed.

[0115] The pressure control part 2232 may control the pressure of the internal space of the chamber 2231. For example, the pressure control part 2232 may introduce external gas into the internal space of the chamber 2231 to increase the pressure inside the chamber 2231. In addition, the pressure control part 2232 may discharge gas from the internal space of the chamber 2231 to the outside, thereby reducing the pressure inside the chamber 2231.

[0116] The temperature control part 2233 may control the temperature of the inner space of the chamber 2231. For example, the temperature control part 2233 may increase the temperature inside the chamber 2231 or decrease the temperature inside the chamber 2231.

[0117] When the display device 1 is moved into the chamber 2231, a passage (not shown) provided at the chamber 2231 is sealed, and the pressure control part 2232 may increase the pressure inside the chamber 2231 up to the second pressure, and the temperature control part 2233 may increase the temperature inside the chamber 2231 to the second temperature. After a specified time has passed at the second temperature and the second pressure, the pressure control part 2232 may reduce the pressure inside the chamber 2231 to the initial pressure, and the temperature control part 2233 may reduce the temperature inside the chamber 2231 to the initial temperature. The initial pressure may be normal pressure, and the initial temperature may be room temperature.

[0118] Here, the second temperature may be equal to the first temperature, and the second pressure may be equal to the first pressure. For example, the first temperature and the second temperature may each be 60 degrees Celsius, and the first pressure and the second pressure may each be 8 bar.

[0119] refer to Figure 8 and Fig.13 The ultraviolet treatment unit 224 may treat the display device 1 with ultraviolet rays UV. In the ultraviolet treatment process, the adhesive layer OCA may be irradiated with ultraviolet rays UV. When the ultraviolet rays UV irradiate the adhesive layer OCA, the adhesive layer OCA hardens so that the display panel 10P and the cover window 700 may be uniformly bonded to each other.

[0120] Figures 14 to 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view for describing a manufacturing process of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0121] refer to Figure 8 as well as Figures 14 to 16 , shows an autoclave process for the autoclave unit 223 of the display device 1.

[0122] First, refer to Figure 8 and Fig.14, the display device 1 may be moved into the chamber 2231. Here, the display device 1 may include a display panel 10P, an adhesive layer OCA, and a cover window 700. Here, the pressure control part 2232 and the temperature control part 2233 may not be working yet. That is, the inside of the chamber 2231 may be at room temperature and normal pressure. Air bubbles may still remain between the display panel 10P and the adhesive layer OCA and between the adhesive layer OCA and the cover window 700. The remaining air bubbles may be visible from the outside of the display device 1.

[0123] refer to Figure 8 and Fig.15 , the pressure control part 2232 and the temperature control part 2233 can work. The pressure control part 2232 can increase the pressure to form a first pressure inside the chamber 2231, and the temperature control part 2233 can increase the temperature to form a first temperature inside the chamber 2231. That is, the autoclave unit 223 can provide a high temperature and high pressure environment to the display device 1.

[0124] In this process, air bubbles located between the display panel 10P and the adhesive layer OCA and between the adhesive layer OCA and the cover window 700 may be removed by a high temperature and high pressure environment. However, due to the high temperature and high pressure environment, the gas inside the chamber 2231 may be dissolved in the adhesive layer OCA. This high temperature and high pressure environment may last for a specified period of time.

[0125] refer to Figure 8 and Fig.16 After a specified time, the pressure control part 2232 can reduce the pressure to form a normal pressure inside the chamber 2231, and the temperature control part 2233 can reduce the temperature to form a room temperature inside the chamber 2231. That is, the autoclave unit 223 can provide the display device 1 with an environment of room temperature and normal pressure.

[0126] As the pressure and temperature inside the chamber 2231 decrease, some of the gas dissolved in the adhesive layer OCA may diffuse to the outside of the adhesive layer OCA. However, in this process, the remaining portion of the gas dissolved in the adhesive layer OCA may not diffuse to the outside of the adhesive layer OCA, and may remain inside the adhesive layer OCA. The faster the pressure and temperature inside the chamber 2231 decrease, the greater the amount of gas remaining inside the adhesive layer OCA. The gas remaining inside the adhesive layer OCA may be visible from the outside of the display device 1. Therefore, the quality of the display device 1 may deteriorate.

[0127] According to reference Figure 8 and Fig.13According to the operation described, the controller 23 can control the laminating unit 22 to perform the laminating process only when the amount of gas absorption of the adhesive layer OCA measured by the gas absorption amount measuring unit 21 satisfies the first condition. That is, the controller 23 can perform the laminating process only for the adhesive layer OCA including a relatively small amount of gas absorption.

[0128] Therefore, in reference Fig.15 In the described operation, the amount of gas absorption by the adhesive layer OCA can be relatively small during the autoclave process. Fig.16 In the described operation, the amount of gas remaining inside the adhesive layer OCA may be relatively small. As a result, the amount of bubbles visible from the outside of the display device 1 may be reduced, and the quality of the display device 1 may be improved.

[0129] Fig.17 is a schematic flowchart of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0130] exist Fig.17 In, with Figures 8 to 16 The same reference numerals as in the drawings denote the same components, and thus repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0131] refer to Figures 8 to 17 , the manufacturing method 3 for manufacturing a display device may include an operation S31 of measuring a gas absorption amount, an operation S32 of determining whether the gas absorption amount satisfies a first condition, and a laminating operation S33.

[0132] refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.17 The operation S31 of measuring the amount of gas absorption may be an operation in which the gas absorption amount measuring unit 21 measures the amount of gas absorption of the adhesive layer OCA at the first pressure and the first temperature.

[0133] In operation S32 of determining whether the gas absorption amount satisfies the first condition, when the gas absorption amount measuring unit 21 measures the amount of gas absorption of the adhesive layer OCA, the controller 23 may determine whether the measured gas absorption amount satisfies the first condition.

[0134] refer to Figures 10 to 13 as well as Fig.17 In the lamination operation S33, when the amount of gas absorption satisfies the first condition, the adhesive layer OCA and the cover window 700 may be laminated on the display panel 10P. The lamination operation S33 may include a first lamination operation S331, a second lamination operation S332, an autoclave process operation S333, and an ultraviolet treatment operation S334.

[0135] refer to Fig.10 and Fig.17, the first lamination operation S331 may be an operation of laminating the adhesive layer OCA on the display panel 10P. Fig.11 and Fig.17 , the second lamination operation S332 may be an operation of laminating the cover window 700 on the adhesive layer OCA. Fig.12 and Fig.17 The autoclave process operation S333 may be an operation of performing an autoclave process on the display device 1 at a second pressure and a second temperature. Fig.13 and Fig.17 The ultraviolet treatment operation S334 may be an operation of irradiating ultraviolet rays to the display device 1 .

[0136] Therefore, the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but this is only an example, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes to the embodiments are possible. Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

[0137] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, bubbles dissolved in an adhesive layer visible from the outside of a display device may be reduced.

[0138] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0139] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein should be considered to be descriptive only and not for limiting purposes. The description of features or aspects within each embodiment should generally be considered to be applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. Although one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A manufacturing device for manufacturing a display device, the display device comprising a display panel, an adhesive layer and a cover window, the manufacturing device comprising: a gas absorption amount measuring unit, which measures the amount of gas absorption by the adhesive layer at a first pressure and a first temperature; a laminating unit, laminating the adhesive layer and the cover window on the display panel; as well as a controller that controls the laminating unit based on information measured by the gas absorption amount measuring unit, The controller controls the laminating unit to perform a laminating process only when the amount of the gas absorption of the adhesive layer measured by the gas absorption amount measuring unit satisfies a first condition.

2. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The lamination unit comprises: a first laminating unit, laminating the adhesive layer on the display panel; a second laminating unit, laminating the cover window on the adhesive layer; an autoclave unit that performs an autoclave process on the display device at a second pressure and a second temperature; and The ultraviolet treatment unit treats the display device with ultraviolet rays.

3. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 2, wherein: The first temperature and the second temperature are equal to each other.

4. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 2, wherein: The first pressure and the second pressure are equal to each other.

5. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The amount of the gas absorption by the adhesive layer is the amount of N2 absorption by the adhesive layer.

6. The manufacturing equipment according to claim 5, wherein: The first pressure is 8 bar and the first temperature is 60 degrees Celsius.

7. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: The first condition is less than or equal to about 0.07 mg / g.

8. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The adhesive layer includes an optically clear adhesive.

9. A method for manufacturing a display device, the display device comprising a display panel, an adhesive layer and a cover window, the method comprising: measuring an amount of gas uptake by the bonding layer at a first pressure and a first temperature; determining whether the amount of the gas absorbed by the adhesive layer satisfies a first condition; as well as When the amount of the gas absorption satisfies the first condition, the adhesive layer and the cover window are laminated on the display panel.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Lamination includes: a first lamination operation of laminating the adhesive layer on the display panel; a second lamination operation of laminating the cover window onto the adhesive layer; performing an autoclave process on the display device at a second pressure and a second temperature; and The display device is treated with ultraviolet rays.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The first temperature and the second temperature are equal to each other.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The first pressure and the second pressure are equal to each other.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The amount of the gas absorption by the adhesive layer is the amount of N2 absorption by the adhesive layer.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The first pressure is 8 bar and the first temperature is 60 degrees Celsius.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The first condition is less than or equal to about 0.07 mg / g.

16. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The adhesive layer includes an optically clear adhesive.

Images