Method and apparatus for manufacturing display device

Abstract

A method and an apparatus of manufacturing a display device are provided. A method of manufacturing a display device includes: preparing a cover window including a curved portion on a side surface thereof and a guide film including a surface on which a display panel and an adhesive layer are disposed; arranging the cover window and the guide film in a face-to-face manner such that the adhesive layer faces the cover window; the guide film is placed on a placement cushion block of the first assembly frame; pre-forming the display panel by bringing opposite ends of the guide film into close contact with opposite side surfaces of the seating pad using a pair of urging members; and bonding the display panel and the cover window by bringing the adhesive layer into contact with the cover window.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application with application date of April 24, 2019, application number 201910332877.3, and invention name “Method and apparatus for manufacturing display device”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0048074, filed on April 25, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0004] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method and apparatus for manufacturing a display device. Background Art

[0005] Recently, as the number of consumers who pay attention to the design and convenience of use of electronic devices increases, electronic devices have become diversified in design. As a result, display devices have also become diversified in design. For example, a display device may include a curved portion having a curved or bent shape on each of its opposite side edges. Summary of the invention

[0006] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method and apparatus for manufacturing a display device including a bent portion.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a display device includes: preparing a cover window and a guide film, the cover window including a curved portion on a side surface thereof, and the guide film including a surface on which a display panel and an adhesive layer are arranged; arranging the cover window and the guide film in a face-to-face manner so that the adhesive layer faces the cover window; placing the guide film on a placement pad of a first assembly frame; pre-forming the display panel by making opposite ends of the guide film closely contact opposite side surfaces of the placement pad by using a pair of pushing members; and joining the display panel to the cover window by making the adhesive layer contact the cover window.

[0008] In an embodiment, preforming the display panel may include deforming the display panel into a shape corresponding to a shape of the cover window.

[0009] In an embodiment, preforming the display panel may include moving a region of each of the pushing members or a region of the guide film into a corresponding groove among grooves formed in corresponding opposite side surfaces of the seating block.

[0010] In an embodiment, preparing the guide film may include attaching the display panel to a central region of the guide film such that opposite ends of the guide film are exposed; and forming an adhesive layer on an upper portion of the display panel before or after attaching the display panel.

[0011] In an embodiment, arranging the cover window and the guide film in a face-to-face manner may include: transferring the cover window to a position above the first assembly rack using a second assembly rack; and holding opposite ends of the guide film using a pair of clamps and arranging the guide film between the first assembly rack and the cover window.

[0012] In an embodiment, arranging the cover window and the guide film in a face-to-face manner may further include: when the second assembly jig moves, moving at least one of the first assembly jig and the pair of clamps in response to movement of the second assembly jig.

[0013] In an embodiment, seating the guide film on the seating block of the first assembly jig may include bringing a back surface of the guide film into close contact with the seating block by moving at least one of the seating block and a pair of clamps.

[0014] In an embodiment, preforming the display panel may include moving a pair of clamps and a pair of pushing members in parallel to positions adjacent to opposite side surfaces of the seating block.

[0015] In an embodiment, preforming the display panel may include individually moving a pair of clamps and a pair of pushing members to positions close to opposite side surfaces of the seating block.

[0016] In an embodiment, the preformed display panel may include: arranging a pair of pushing members on corresponding opposite sides of a placement pad; and moving the pair of pushing members toward grooves formed in opposite side surfaces of the placement pad, and pressing opposite ends of the guide film so that the opposite ends of the guide film are in close contact with the corresponding opposite side surfaces of the placement pad.

[0017] In an embodiment, the method may further include removing the guide film from the first assembly jig after the display panel is coupled to the cover window.

[0018] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus for manufacturing a display device includes: a first assembly frame, including a placement pad and a first plate, the placement pad including a groove in its corresponding opposite side surfaces, and the first plate connected to the lower portion of the placement pad; a pair of clamps at the corresponding opposite sides of the first assembly frame; a pair of pushing members, arranged together with the corresponding clamps at the corresponding opposite sides of the first assembly frame, each of the pair of pushing members having a size corresponding to a related groove in the groove of the placement pad; a driving unit configured to move the pushing member to a position close to the corresponding groove of the placement pad; and a second assembly frame, above the first assembly frame.

[0019] In an embodiment, each of the pair of urging members may comprise a roller or a bar.

[0020] In an embodiment, the pair of clamps may include a first clamp located at a first side of the first assembly frame and a second clamp located at a second side of the first assembly frame, so that the second clamp faces the first clamp. The pair of pushing members may include a first pushing member located around the first clamp and a second pushing member located around the second clamp.

[0021] In an embodiment, the first clamp and the first urging member may be integrally connected or mounted to each other, and the second clamp and the second urging member may be integrally connected or mounted to each other.

[0022] In an embodiment, the driving unit may include: a first clamp driving unit configured to move the first clamp and the first pushing member; and a second clamp driving unit configured to move the second clamp and the second pushing member.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first and second clamps may be provided separately from the first and second pushing members, and the driving unit may include separate driving units configured to move the first and second clamps and the first and second pushing members, respectively.

[0024] In an embodiment, the seating block may include an upper surface and opposite side surfaces, the upper surface including a convex curved surface, and each of the opposite side surfaces has a convex curved surface at upper end regions of the opposite side surfaces extending from the upper surface to the corresponding groove.

[0025] In an embodiment, in the placement block, at least the upper end regions of the upper surface and the opposite side surfaces may be made of an elastic material.

[0026] In an embodiment, the hardness of the central portion of the upper surface may be smaller than the hardness of the upper end region of each of the opposing side surfaces.

[0027] In an embodiment, the second assembly jig may include a second plate facing the seating block. The second plate may include side surfaces having shapes corresponding to shapes of corresponding upper end regions of opposite side surfaces of the seating block.

[0028] Based on the method and apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the flexible display panel can be preformed into a shape substantially the same as or similar to the cover window and then attached to one surface of the cover window. As a result, the display panel can be reliably attached even to a cover window including a curved portion having an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) and / or a curvature or a larger angle and / or a curvature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a display device shown in FIG.

[0031] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A perspective view of a portion of the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG.

[0034] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a portion of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 8 2 is a diagram illustrating a guide film and a display panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10F are diagrams sequentially illustrating a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In order to describe the present disclosure in more detail, embodiments and details of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the following embodiments are exemplary only. In other words, the present disclosure can be modified and implemented in various forms without being limited by the following embodiments. It is to be understood that when an element is referred to as being connected to another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or connected to the other element with one or more other elements interposed therebetween.

[0040] In order to explain the present disclosure more clearly, some elements that are not directly related to the features of the present disclosure in the drawings may be omitted. In addition, for the purpose of clarity, the size, proportion, etc. of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. It should be noted that in all the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar elements.

[0041] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a display device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 2 yes Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of the display device 100 shown in FIG. Figure 1 The display device 100 is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , and opposite side edges of the display device 100 have convex curved surfaces, but the shape of the display device 100 is not limited thereto.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 , the display device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a front surface portion 100a and a side surface portion 100b extending from the front surface portion 100a. For example, the side surface portion 100b may be integrally connected with the corresponding opposite side edges of the front surface portion 100a.

[0043] In an embodiment, the front surface portion 100a may be substantially flat. However, the shape of the display device 100 is not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one area of ​​the front surface portion 100a may have an angle and / or curvature within a range (eg, a predetermined range).

[0044] In an embodiment, each side surface portion 100b may be bent at an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) (or within a predetermined angle range) relative to the front surface portion 100a, or may have a curved surface that is bent at a curvature (e.g., a predetermined curvature) (or within a predetermined curvature range). For example, each side surface portion 100b may be implemented in the form of a curved portion that is bent at a predetermined angle and / or curvature relative to a corresponding side edge among the opposite side edges of the front surface portion 100a. For example, the side surface portion 100b may be a curved portion having an angle (θ) of 90° or more and / or a larger curvature corresponding to the angle (θ) based on the front surface portion 100a. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this structure.

[0045] refer to Figure 2 , the display device 100 may include a cover window 110, and an adhesive layer 120 and a display panel 130 disposed on a surface of the cover window 110. For example, the adhesive layer 120 and the display panel 130 may be sequentially disposed on an inner surface (eg, a back surface) of the cover window 110.

[0046] The cover window 110 may include a front surface portion 110a and a side surface portion 110b. The cover window 110 having the aforementioned structure may have a curved portion at least on its opposite side surfaces. For example, the front surface portion 110a of the cover window 110 may be substantially flat, and each of the side surface portions 110b may be implemented in the form of a curved portion curved at a predetermined angle and / or curvature relative to a corresponding side portion among the opposite side portions of the front surface portion 110a. In an embodiment, the front surface portion 110a and the side surface portion 110b of the cover window 110 may be integrally formed as a single block, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0047] The cover window 110 may be a hard (or rigid) window formed of glass or reinforced glass, or a soft (or flexible) window formed of a film, wherein the film is made of a material such as polyimide (PI). However, the material and properties of the cover window 110 are not limited to specific materials and properties. For example, the cover window 110 may be implemented as a window form that may be formed of any material among various known materials. In addition, the cover window 110 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The structure of the cover window 110 is not limited to a specific structure.

[0048] The adhesive layer 120 is disposed between the cover window 110 and the display panel 130 to couple the cover window 110 to the display panel 130. In an embodiment, the adhesive layer 120 may be formed of a transparent adhesive such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA). However, the adhesive layer 120 may be formed of any of various known adhesive materials. The adhesive layer 120 can be formed on the upper portion of the display panel 130 in any of various schemes; for example, the adhesive layer 120 may be provided in the form of a film and bonded to the upper portion of the display panel 130 (e.g., the upper portion of a thin film encapsulation (TFE) layer), or may be provided in the form of a fluid or a fluid substance and applied to the upper portion of the display panel 130.

[0049] The display panel 130 may be bonded to the surface of the cover window 110 through the adhesive layer 120. For example, the display panel 130 may be bonded to the inner surface (e.g., the back surface) of the cover window 110. In an embodiment, the width of the display panel 130 may be smaller than the width of the cover window 110. For example, the width of the display panel 130 may be smaller than the width of the cover window 110 to an extent corresponding to the thickness of the cover window 110 and the adhesive layer 120.

[0050] In an embodiment, the display panel 130 may be, for example, a flexible display panel that satisfies a predetermined flexibility condition. To this end, the display panel 130 may be a display panel formed on a flexible substrate (e.g., a film) and may have a small thickness. For example, the display panel 130 may be a self-emissive display panel that may be implemented to have a small thickness, such as an organic light-emitting display panel, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the display panel 130 may be a display panel that may have any structure and / or type among various known structures and / or types.

[0051] In some embodiments, the display panel 130 may integrally include a touch sensing layer (not shown), or the touch sensing layer may be formed and / or disposed on at least one surface (e.g., the front surface and / or the back surface) of the display panel 130. Alternatively, in an embodiment, instead of the display panel 130, a touch screen panel may be independently bonded to the surface of the cover window 110.

[0052] In an embodiment, the display panel 130 may include a front surface portion 130a corresponding to (e.g., overlapping) the front surface portion 110a of the cover window 110 and a side surface portion 130b corresponding to a corresponding side surface portion 110b of the cover window 110. In an embodiment, the side surface portion 130b may be integrally coupled to the front surface portion 130a, and each side surface portion 130b may include a curved portion having a shape corresponding to the associated side surface portion 110b of the cover window 110. For example, each of the side surface portions 130b of the display panel 130 may be implemented in the form of a curved surface portion having a convex shape.

[0053] Here, the term “corresponding shape” may mean, for example, “substantially the same or similar shape”. For example, each side surface portion 130b of the display panel 130 may have a shape that is the same as or similar to that of the corresponding side surface portion 110b of the cover window 110, and may have a size and / or shape that is substantially the same as that of the side surface portion 110b of the cover window 110, so that when moved and / or enlarged at a predetermined ratio in various directions in a three-dimensional space, the side surface portion 130b of the display panel 130 may overlap with the side surface portion 110b of the cover window 110. In other words, the display panel 130 may have a size and / or shape that can be in close contact with the cover window 110 through the adhesive layer 120 interposed between the display panel 130 and the cover window 110.

[0054] Thus, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display panel 130 may be disposed on the corresponding surfaces (e.g., inner surfaces) of the front surface portion 110a and the side surface portion 110b of the cover window 110. In an embodiment, pixels may also be disposed in the side surface portion 130b of the display panel 130. In this case, an image (e.g., a predetermined image) may be displayed not only on the front surface portion 100a, but also on the side surface portion 100b. Therefore, the utilization rate of the display device 100 may be improved.

[0055] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the display panel 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 An organic light emitting display panel is shown as an example of a display panel applicable to the present disclosure. In addition, for the purpose of explanation, Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a region (eg, a region of a pixel) of an organic light emitting display panel is shown.

[0056] refer to Figure 3, the display panel 130 may include a base substrate SUB and a transistor TR and a light emitting element EL formed over a surface of the base substrate SUB. A plurality of pixels may be provided over a surface of the base substrate SUB. The transistor TR and the light emitting element EL may be formed in each pixel region. Each pixel region may include at least one other transistor and / or capacitor (not shown).

[0057] The base substrate SUB may be a hard or soft substrate, and its material is not limited to a specific material. For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base substrate SUB may be implemented in the form of a flexible film or a thin metal substrate. However, the base substrate SUB may be formed of any substrate material among various known substrate materials. The base substrate SUB may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure, and the structure of the base substrate SUB is not limited to a specific structure.

[0058] In an embodiment, a buffer layer BFL may be formed on the surface of the base substrate SUB. The buffer layer BFL may be used to prevent or substantially prevent impurities from diffusing from the base substrate SUB and may improve the flatness of the base substrate SUB. The buffer layer BFL may be provided in a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure having at least two or more layers. In an embodiment, the buffer layer BFL may be an inorganic insulating layer formed of an inorganic material. For example, the buffer layer BFL may be formed of silicon nitride, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, and the like. In the case where the buffer layer BFL has a multi-layer structure, the corresponding layers may be formed of the same material or different materials. In an embodiment, the buffer layer BFL may be omitted.

[0059] In each pixel region above the buffer layer BFL, various circuit elements including at least one transistor TR for forming a pixel circuit may be formed. During the process of forming the circuit elements, lines including at least one power line and / or various signal lines may be formed together with the circuit elements.

[0060] The transistor TR includes an active layer ACT, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE. In an embodiment, the active layer ACT may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL and may be formed of a semiconductor material. For example, the active layer ACT may be a semiconductor pattern formed of polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, an oxide semiconductor, etc. The active layer ACT may be formed of a semiconductor layer doped with impurities or not doped with impurities. Alternatively, only one region of the active layer ACT may be doped with impurities, and other regions of the active layer ACT may not be doped with impurities, or the active layer ACT may be doped with impurities at different concentrations according to the regions.

[0061] A gate insulating layer GI is formed on the active layer ACT and a gate electrode GE may be formed on the gate insulating layer GI.

[0062] An interlayer insulating layer IL may be formed on the gate electrode GE. A source electrode SE and a drain electrode DE may be formed on the interlayer insulating layer IL. The source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE may be respectively coupled to different regions of the active layer ACT through first and second contact holes CH1 and CH2 passing through the gate insulating layer GI and the interlayer insulating layer IL.

[0063] A passivation layer (or planarization layer) PSV may be formed on the source electrode SE and the drain electrode DE. The passivation layer PSV may cover the pixel circuit including the transistor TR and substantially planarize the top surface of the pixel circuit.

[0064] The light emitting element EL is formed on the passivation layer PSV. The light emitting element EL includes a first electrode ADE, a light emitting layer EML, and a second electrode CDE. In an implementation, the light emitting element EL may be an organic light emitting diode (OLED) including an organic light emitting layer.

[0065] The first electrode ADE of the light emitting element EL may be disposed on the passivation layer PSV and may be coupled to one electrode of the transistor TR, for example, the drain electrode DE, through a through hole VH (or a third contact hole) passing through the passivation layer PSV. In an embodiment, the first electrode ADE may be an anode electrode of the light emitting element EL, but is not limited thereto.

[0066] A pixel defining layer PDL for defining a light emitting region of each pixel may be formed on a surface of the base substrate SUB on which the first electrode ADE, etc. is formed. In the light emitting region of each pixel, the pixel defining layer PDL has an opening through which the first electrode ADE is exposed.

[0067] The light emitting layer EML is formed in each light emitting region surrounded by the pixel defining layer PDL. For example, the light emitting layer EML may be disposed on the exposed surface of the first electrode ADE. In an embodiment, the light emitting layer EML may have a multilayer thin film structure including at least one light generating layer (LGL; not shown). For example, the light emitting layer EML may include a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a light generating layer, a hole blocking layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer. In an embodiment, the color of light generated from the light emitting layer EML may be one of red, green, blue, and white, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] The second electrode CDE of the light emitting element EL is formed on the light emitting layer EML. In an embodiment, the second electrode CDE may be a cathode electrode, but is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the second electrode CDE may be formed on the entire surface of the active area of ​​the display panel 130, but is not limited thereto.

[0069] A thin film encapsulation layer TFE for covering the second electrode CDE is formed on the second electrode CDE of the light emitting element EL. The thin film encapsulation layer TFE can cover the pixel to seal the active area including the pixel. In the case of using the thin film encapsulation layer TFE, the pixel can be effectively protected, the thickness of the display panel 130 can be reduced, and the flexibility of the display panel 130 can be ensured.

[0070] In an embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. For example, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may have a multi-layer structure including at least two inorganic layers overlapping each other and at least one organic layer interposed between the inorganic layers. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer TFE may be implemented in the form of an organic and inorganic hybrid insulating layer having a single-layer structure.

[0071] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an apparatus 200 for manufacturing a display device (hereinafter also referred to as a manufacturing apparatus 200 ) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 0 is a perspective view of a portion of a manufacturing apparatus 200 shown in FIG.

[0072] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The manufacturing device 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first assembly frame 210, a pair of clamping units 220 and 230 arranged on opposite sides of the first assembly frame 210, a pair of pushing members 242 and 252 integrally connected or installed to the corresponding clamping units 220 and 230, and a second assembly frame 260 arranged above the first assembly frame 210.

[0073] The first assembly jig 210 includes a placement pad 212 and a first plate 214 coupled to the placement pad 212. In an embodiment, the first assembly jig 210 may further include a first assembly jig driving unit 218 configured to move the placement pad 212 (e.g., in an up-and-down direction corresponding to the Z-axis direction) and a connecting member 216 disposed between the first plate 214 and the first assembly jig driving unit 218. In an embodiment, the first assembly jig driving unit 218 and the like may be considered as a component separate from the first assembly jig 210.

[0074] In an embodiment, the placement pad 212 may include at least one groove 212a in each of its opposite side surfaces. In addition, each of the opposite side surfaces of the placement pad 212 may include a curved portion 212b corresponding to the shape of the second assembly jig 260. For example, an upper end region of each of the opposite side surfaces of the placement pad 212, extending from the upper surface 212c of the placement pad 212 to the corresponding groove 212a, may include a curved portion 212b implemented in the form of a convex curved surface. The curved portion 212b may have a shape corresponding to the curved portion 262b formed on the suction surface of the second plate 262 disposed in the second assembly jig 260.

[0075] In an embodiment, the upper surface 212c of the placement pad 212 may also include a convex curved surface. For example, the upper surface 212c of the placement pad 212 may include a curved surface having a curvature less than the curvature of the curved portion 212b formed on each of the opposite side surfaces of the placement pad 212, and the curvature of the curved surface gradually increases on the opposite edges thereof connected to the corresponding curved portions 212b. However, the shape of the placement pad 212 is not limited thereto. For example, the placement pad 212 may have a shape similar to that of the second assembly jig 260 and / or the cover window ( Figure 2 Any of various shapes corresponding to the shape of 110) can be mounted to the second assembly bracket 260.

[0076] In an embodiment, at least one area including the upper surface 212c of the placement pad 212 may have elasticity. In an embodiment, the upper surface 212c of the placement pad 212 and the upper end area of ​​the opposite side surface of the placement pad 212 (for example, at least including the curved portion 212b) may be made of an elastic material. Therefore, during the lamination process of applying pressure to the display panel 130 and the cover window 110 respectively disposed on the first assembly jig 210 and the second assembly jig 260, the display panel 130 and / or the cover window 110 may be prevented from being damaged or substantially prevented, and the pressure may be evenly or substantially evenly distributed on the bonding surface between the display panel 130 and the cover window 110.

[0077] For example, the top region (referred to herein as the first region AR1) corresponding to the region from the central portion of the upper surface 212c of the placement pad 212 to the predetermined thickness and the side region (referred to herein as the second region AR2) corresponding to the region from the respective opposite sides of the upper surface 212c of the placement pad 212 to the predetermined thickness may both be made of elastic materials, and the bottom region (referred to herein as the third region AR3) of the placement pad 212 may be made of a harder material. For example, the first region AR1 and the second region AR2 may be made of at least one of an elastic material having greater flexibility and elasticity, such as silicone, rubber, and a flexible synthetic resin. The third region AR3 may be made of a harder material having greater hardness, such as plastic, reinforced plastic, or metal.

[0078] In an embodiment, the first area AR1 and the second area AR2 may have different hardnesses. For example, during a lamination process for the display panel 130 and the cover window 110 , the first area AR1 requiring a larger displacement may be manufactured to have a smaller hardness than the second area AR2 requiring a smaller displacement.

[0079] The first plate 214 is disposed below the placement pad 212 and is coupled to the placement pad 212. In an embodiment, the first plate 214 may be made of a harder material having greater hardness than the material of the placement pad 212, such as plastic, reinforced plastic, or metal. However, the material constituting the first plate 214 is not limited thereto. The first plate 214 is used to fix and support the placement pad 212.

[0080] The connector 216 is disposed between the first plate 214 and the first jig driving unit 218 to connect them to each other. In other words, the seating block 212 and the first jig driving unit 218 may be connected and / or coupled to each other through the first plate 214 and the connector 216.

[0081] The first assembly frame driving unit 218 may be configured to move the placement block 212, and may be implemented, for example, using an actuator. The first assembly frame driving unit 218 is used to move the placement block 212 upward or downward.

[0082] The pair of clamping units 220 and 230 may be disposed on respective opposite sides of the first assembly frame 210 facing away from each other. For example, the pair of clamping units 220 and 230 may include a first clamping unit 220 and a second clamping unit 230 disposed on the left and right sides of the first assembly frame 210, respectively.

[0083] In an embodiment, the first clamping unit 220 may include a first clamping member 222 disposed on (or disposed / provided at) a first side (e.g., the left side) of the first assembly frame 210, a first clamping member driving unit 226 configured to move the first clamping member 222, and a first connecting member 224 disposed between the first clamping member 222 and the first clamping member driving unit 226.

[0084] The first clamping member 222 includes a fixing portion 222a designed to be openable or include an insertion recess, etc. Figure 4 and Figure 5 2 shows that the fixing portion 222a is formed of an upper plate and a lower plate, but the structure, shape and / or operation method of the fixing portion 222a can be changed in various ways. For example, the first clamping member 222 can be implemented in the form of a known clamping member that can have any of a variety of structures. In addition, although in Figure 4 and Figure 5 2 shows that the upper plate and the lower plate of the fixing portion 222a are in a stepped structure relative to the main body of the first clamping member 222, but the present disclosure is not limited to this structure. For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper plate and / or the lower plate of the fixing portion 222a may extend from the main body of the first clamping member 222 without forming a stepped structure.

[0085] The first connection member 224 is disposed between the first clamping member 222 and the first clamping member driving unit 226 to connect them to each other. In other words, the first clamping member 222 and the first clamping member driving unit 226 are connected and / or coupled to each other through the first connection member 224.

[0086] The first clamp member driving unit 226 may be configured to move the first clamp member 222 (e.g., in an upward direction or a downward direction along the Z-axis and / or in a leftward direction or a rightward direction along the X-axis, or in a diagonal direction), and may be implemented as any of a variety of devices for moving. The first clamp member driving unit 226 is used to move the first clamp member 222 in an upward direction / downward direction and / or in a leftward direction / rightward direction.

[0087] In an embodiment, the second clamping unit 230 may include a second clamping member 232 disposed on (or disposed / provided at) a second side (e.g., the right side) of the first assembly frame 210, a second clamping member driving unit 236 configured to move the second clamping member 232, and a second connecting member 234 disposed between the second clamping member 232 and the second clamping member driving unit 236.

[0088] The second clamping member 232 includes a fixing portion 232a designed to be openable or including an insertion recess, etc. The second clamping member 232 having the aforementioned structure may be defined as a pair together with the first clamping member 222, and the first clamping member 222 and the second clamping member 232 may be arranged to face each other with the first assembly frame 210 (especially the placement pad 212) interposed therebetween. In an embodiment, the second clamping member 232 may have a configuration substantially the same as that of the first clamping member 222. Therefore, further explanation of the second clamping member 232 will be omitted.

[0089] The second connection member 234 is disposed between the second clamping member 232 and the second clamping member driving unit 236 to connect them to each other. In other words, the second clamping member 232 and the second clamping member driving unit 236 are connected and / or coupled to each other through the second connection member 234.

[0090] The second clamp member drive unit 236 may be configured to move the second clamp member 232, and may be implemented as any of a variety of devices for moving, for example, including an actuator. The second clamp member drive unit 236 is used to move the second clamp member 232 in an upward direction / downward direction and / or in a leftward direction / rightward direction. In an embodiment, the second clamp member drive unit 236 may have a configuration substantially similar or identical to the first clamp member drive unit 226, but is not limited thereto. For example, the type, structure and / or operation method of each of the first clamp member drive unit 226 and the second clamp member drive unit 236 can be changed in various ways.

[0091] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a pair of pushing members 242 and 252 may be disposed on respective opposite sides of the seating block 212 together with a pair of clamps 222 and 232. For example, the pair of pushing members 242 and 252 may include a first pushing member 242 disposed on (or at) a first side (e.g., left side) of the first assembly frame 210 together with the first clamp 222 and a second pushing member 252 disposed on (or at) a second side (e.g., right side) of the first assembly frame 210 together with the second clamp 232. In other words, in an embodiment, the first pushing member 242 may be disposed around (or near) the first clamp 222, and the second pushing member 252 may be disposed around (or near) the second clamp 232.

[0092] Each of the first and second pushing members 242 and 252 may have a size and / or shape corresponding to that of the groove 212a formed in the corresponding side surface of the seating block 212. In an embodiment, for example, each of the first and second pushing members 242 and 252 may have a thickness and / or diameter smaller than that of the corresponding groove 212a of the seating block 212, so that the first and second pushing members 242 and 252 may be inserted into the corresponding groove 212a.

[0093] In an embodiment, each of the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252 may include a roller. In an embodiment, the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252 may be integrally connected or mounted to the first clamp 222 and the second clamp 232, respectively, and may move in parallel (e.g., simultaneously) with the first clamp 222 and the second clamp 232, respectively.

[0094] In an embodiment, for example, each of the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252 may be implemented in the form of a cylindrical rod inserted into a hole or a recessed portion formed in a side surface portion of a corresponding clamping member among the first clamping member 222 and the second clamping member 232. However, the shape of the roller of each of the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and the shape may be changed in various ways. For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the roller of each of the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252 may have a cross-sectional shape such as an elliptical cross section or a hexagonal cross section.

[0095] In this way, when the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252 are respectively integrally connected or mounted to the first clamp 222 and the second clamp 232, the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252 may be respectively moved by the first clamp driving unit 226 and the second clamp driving unit 236. In this case, the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252 may be respectively moved in parallel (e.g., simultaneously) with the first clamp 222 and the second clamp 232.

[0096] In an embodiment, at a step (e.g., a predetermined step) of the lamination process, the first clamp driving unit 226 and the second clamp driving unit 236 may move the first clamp 222 and the second clamp 232 and the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252 to a position adjacent to the seating block 212. In particular, at the step (e.g., a predetermined step), the first clamp driving unit 226 and the second clamp driving unit 236 may respectively move the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252 so that the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252 are close to the corresponding groove 212a formed in the side surface of the seating block 212. Thus, the opposite side of the display panel 130 may be in close contact with the seating block 212 and thus be preformed.

[0097] Although in Figure 4 and Figure 5 2 shows an embodiment in which the first clamping member 222 and the second clamping member 232 are moved by different drive units (i.e., the first clamping member drive unit 226 and the second clamping member drive unit 236), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first clamping member drive unit 226 and the second clamping member drive unit 236 may be integrated with each other.

[0098] The second assembly rack 260 is disposed above the first assembly rack 210 so as to face the first assembly rack 210. The second assembly rack 260 includes a second plate 262 facing the placement pad 212. In an embodiment, the second assembly rack 260 may further include a second assembly rack driving unit 266 configured to move the second plate 262 (e.g., upward or downward) and a connecting member 264 disposed between the second plate 262 and the second assembly rack driving unit 266. In an embodiment, the second assembly rack driving unit 266 and the like may be regarded as a component separate from the second assembly rack 260.

[0099] In an embodiment, the second plate 262 may include a fixing unit configured to fix the cover window 110, etc. in a suitable position on its surface facing the placement pad 212. In an embodiment, for example, the fixing unit may include a suction portion 262a configured to prevent or substantially prevent the cover window 110 from being unexpectedly displaced from its desired position. In this case, the manufacturing device 200 may also include a suction pump, etc. (not shown) configured to suck air from the suction portion 262a. For example, the suction pump may be arranged outside the chamber in which the lamination process of joining the cover window 110 to the display panel 130 is performed. In addition, the structure and / or operation method of the fixing unit for fixing the cover window 110 in a suitable position can be changed in various ways. For example, in an embodiment, the fixing unit may be implemented as a separate frame included in the second assembly frame 260 or may be implemented using an adhesive member having an adhesive force.

[0100] The second plate 262 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the seating block 212. For example, in order to realize a display device having a curved portion (eg, Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the display device 100 of the placement pad 212, the placement pad 212 and the second plate 262 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the cover window 110 including the curved portion on the corresponding opposite side portions thereof. For example, each of the side surfaces (e.g., the inner sidewalls) of the second plate 262 may include a curved portion 262b having a curvature and / or shape substantially the same as that of the cover window 110. The curved portion 212b formed in the upper end region of each of the opposite side surfaces of the placement pad 212 may have a shape corresponding to the relevant curved portion 262b of the second plate 262. Here, in consideration of the displacement that may be caused by the pushing force, at least one region of the curved portion 212b may have a greater curvature than the curvature of the curved portion 262b of the second plate 262. For example, the mounting pad 212 and the second plate 262 may be designed such that: the display panel 130 mounted on the mounting pad 212 may be preformed into a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the cover window 110, for example, having a shape and / or curvature substantially the same as the shape and / or curvature of the inner surface of the cover window 110.

[0101] In an embodiment, the hardness of the second plate 262 may be greater than the hardness of the seating block 212. For example, when the upper end region of the seating block 212 is made of a flexible and elastic material such as silicone, rubber, or a flexible synthetic resin, the second plate 262 may be made of a harder material (such as plastic, reinforced plastic, or metal) having a higher hardness than the hardness of the seating block 212. However, the material constituting the second plate 262 may be changed in various ways without being limited to the aforementioned example.

[0102] The connection member 264 is disposed between the second plate 262 and the second jig driving unit 266 to couple them to each other. In other words, the second plate 262 and the second jig driving unit 266 may be connected and / or coupled to each other through the connection member 264.

[0103] Second jig drive unit 266 may be configured to move second plate 262, and may be implemented, for example, in the form of an actuator. Second jig drive unit 266 may move second plate 262 upward or downward. In an embodiment, second jig drive unit 266 may have a configuration substantially similar to or identical to that of first jig drive unit 218, but is not limited thereto. For example, the type, structure, and / or method of operation of each of first jig drive unit 218 and second jig drive unit 266 may be changed in various ways.

[0104] In an embodiment, only any one of the first jig driving unit 218 and the second jig driving unit 266 may be provided. In this case, the laminating process may be performed by moving only one of the first jig 210 and the second jig 260 upward or downward.

[0105] The apparatus 200 for manufacturing a display device according to the above embodiment enables the display panel 130 to be reliably attached to the cover window 110 having a curved portion. A method (lamination method) of bonding the cover window 110 to the display panel 130 using the manufacturing apparatus 200 having the above configuration will be described in more detail later herein.

[0106] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a portion of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 In the same figure, the same reference numerals are used to refer to Figure 5 The components of the embodiments are similar or identical to those of the embodiments, and further explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0107] refer to Figure 6 In another embodiment, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first and second pushing members 242 and 252 described as including rollers in the embodiment of the present invention may include bar-type pushing members 242' and 252'. For example, each of the first and second pushing members 242' and 252' according to the present embodiment may include a flat bar extending from one end of a corresponding clamping member among the first and second clamping members 222 and 232.

[0108] In an embodiment, the thickness T of the strip may be smaller than the diameter of the roller described in the foregoing embodiment. In this case, the opposite edges of a guide film (described below) attached to the display panel 130 may be more easily pushed by the first and second pushing members 242' and 252' into the corresponding grooves 212a of the seating block 212. As a result, the display panel 130 may be preformed more accurately.

[0109] Figure 7 2 is a diagram showing an apparatus 200' for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 In the same figure, the same reference numerals are used to refer to Figure 4 The components of the embodiments are similar or identical to those of the embodiments, and further explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0110] refer to Figure 7In the embodiment, the first clamping member 222 and the second clamping member 232 and the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252 may be separately provided from each other and respectively operated by different driving units. For example, in the present embodiment, the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252 may be separately provided from the first clamping unit 220 and the second clamping unit 230, respectively. In addition, a pair of pushing units 240 and 250 having the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252, respectively, may be respectively provided around the first clamping unit 220 and the second clamping unit 230.

[0111] For example, the first pushing unit 240 is provided around the first clamping unit 220. In an embodiment, the first pushing unit 240 may include a first pushing member 242, a body 244 provided with the first pushing member 242, and a connecting piece 246 and a first pushing driving unit 248 sequentially connected and / or coupled to the body 244. In this case, the first pushing member 242 may be moved in an upward direction / downward direction and / or in a leftward direction / rightward direction independently of the first clamping member 222 by the first pushing driving unit 248.

[0112] The second pushing unit 250 may be provided around the second clamping unit 230. In an embodiment, the second pushing unit 250 may include a second pushing member 252, a body 254 provided with the second pushing member 252, and a connecting piece 256 and a second pushing driving unit 258 sequentially connected and / or coupled to the body 254. In this case, the second pushing member 252 may be moved in an upward direction / downward direction and / or in a leftward direction / rightward direction independently of the second clamping member 232 by the second pushing driving unit 258.

[0113] In the apparatus 200' for manufacturing a display device according to the present embodiment, the first clamp 222 and the second clamp 232 and the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252 can move independently of each other. Therefore, the freedom of movement of the first clamp 222 and the second clamp 232 and the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252 can be significantly increased.

[0114] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a guide film 140 and a display panel 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] refer to Figure 8 , the guide film 140 may include an adhesive area ADA to which an adhesive is applied and a non-adhesive area NADA to which an adhesive is not applied or each includes a non-adhesive cover. The display panel 130 may be attached to a corresponding surface of the guide film 140. In addition, an adhesive layer 120 may be formed on a corresponding surface (e.g., a front surface) of the display panel 130.

[0116] In an embodiment, the guiding film 140 may be a laminated sheet formed as, for example, a UV adhesive sheet separable by ultraviolet (UV) rays, but is not limited thereto. For example, the guiding film 140 may be used in a lamination process of attaching the display panel 130 to the cover window 110. In an embodiment, the guiding film 140 may also be used in the process of manufacturing the display panel 130. At least in the lateral direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), the width of the guiding film 140 may be greater than the width of the display panel 130. For example, the width of the adhesive area ADA of the guiding film 140 may be greater than the width of the display panel 130. Accordingly, when the display panel 130 is disposed in the central portion of the guiding film 140 with respect to the lateral direction, the non-adhesive areas NADA disposed on the respective opposite ends of the guiding film 140 may be exposed.

[0117] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the guiding film 140 in which the display panel 130 and the adhesive layer 120 are sequentially disposed in the adhesive area ADA may be prepared before a lamination process of attaching the display panel 130 to the cover window 110, and the central portion of the guiding film 140 is included in the adhesive area ADA. Thereafter, the first clamping member 222 and the second clamping member 232 may grip the non-adhesive areas NADA disposed on the opposite ends of the guiding film 140. The first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252 push the guiding film 140 and bring the guiding film 140 into contact with the surface of the placement pad 212. Thereafter, the guiding film 140 is deformed to correspond to the shape of the placement pad 212, whereby the display panel (e.g., a flexible display panel) 130 attached to the guiding film 140 may be preformed to have a curvature corresponding to the shape of the placement pad 212.

[0118] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, a process (e.g., a lamination process) of bonding a display panel to a cover window using a guiding film will be described step by step with reference to Fig. 9 A process of bonding a display panel to a cover window using a guiding film (e.g., a lamination process) will be described step by step.

[0119] <ST100: Prepare a cover window and a guiding film>

[0120] Prepare the cover window 110 and the guiding film 140 having the display panel 130 and the adhesive layer 120 disposed on one surface thereof.

[0121] In an embodiment, the step of preparing the cover window 110 may include the steps of manufacturing and / or preparing the cover window 110 having curved portions on its respective opposite side portions. For example, the cover window 110 may include side surface portions 110b, and each of the side surface portions 110b is implemented in the form of a curved portion having an angle (θ) of 90° or greater and / or a relatively large curvature corresponding to the angle (θ).

[0122] In an embodiment, the step of preparing the guiding film 140 having the display panel 130 and the adhesive layer 120 disposed thereon may include the following steps: providing the guiding film 140 including a base film and an adhesive applied to the adhesive area ADA of the base film; and attaching and / or forming the display panel 130 and the adhesive layer 120 on the surface of the guiding film 140. In an embodiment, the step of attaching and / or forming the display panel 130 and the adhesive layer 120 may include the following steps: attaching the display panel 130 to the adhesive area ADA formed on the central portion of the guiding film 140 such that the non - adhesive areas NADA formed on the respective opposite ends of the guiding film 140 are exposed; and forming the adhesive layer 120 on the display panel 130 before or after attaching the display panel 130.

[0123] <ST200: Set the cover window and the guiding film face to face>

[0124] Subsequently, the cover window 110 and the guiding film 140 are set or arranged to face each other. Here, the cover window 110 and the guiding film 140 are set or arranged such that the surface (e.g., the front surface) of the guiding film 140, on which the display panel 130 and the adhesive layer 120 are formed, faces the cover window 110. In other words, the cover window 110 and the guiding film 140 are set to face each other such that the adhesive layer 120 faces the cover window 110.

[0125] In an embodiment, respectively, the cover window 110 may be moved by the second assembly jig 260, and the guiding film 140 may be moved by the first clamping unit 220 and the second clamping unit 230, and thereby aligned with each other such that they face each other. In addition, when the second assembly jig 260 on which the cover window 110 is mounted moves, at least one of the first clamping unit 220, the second clamping unit 230, and the first assembly jig 210 may also move in response to the movement of the second assembly jig 260.

[0126] <ST300: Place the guiding film>

[0127] Thereafter, the guiding film 140 is placed on the placement pad 212 of the first assembly jig 210. To place the guiding film 140 on the placement pad 212, the first clamping member 222 and the second clamping member 232 and / or the placement pad 212 may be moved.

[0128] <ST400: Pre - form the display panel>

[0129] Thereafter, by the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252, the opposite ends of the guiding film 140 are brought into close contact with the respective side surfaces of the placement pad 212. Thus, the display panel 130 can be pre - formed into a shape corresponding to the cover window 110.

[0130] <ST500: Bond the display panel to the cover window>

[0131] Subsequently, by moving the first mounting frame 210 and / or the second mounting frame 260, the adhesive layer 120 is brought into contact with the cover window 110 and pressure is applied to the cover window 110 and the display panel 130, thereby bonding the display panel 130 to the cover window 110.

[0132] <ST600: Remove the mounting frame>

[0133] Thereafter, the first mounting frame 210 and / or the second mounting frame 260 are removed from the display panel 130 and the cover window 110. In an embodiment, the first mounting frame 210 and the second mounting frame 260 can be successively removed from the display panel 130 and the cover window 110.

[0134] <ST700: Remove the guide film>

[0135] Subsequently, the guide film 140 is removed from the display panel 130. For example, in the case where the guide film 140 is implemented in the form of a UV adhesive sheet, the guide film 140 can be removed from the display panel 130 by applying UV rays to the guide film 140.

[0136] In an embodiment, steps ST200 to ST600 among the above steps can be performed in a chamber of the manufacturing apparatus 200 or 200' including the first mounting frame 210 and the second mounting frame 260. Reference will be made to FIG. 10A to FIG. 10F Steps ST200 to ST600 will be described in more detail.

[0137] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10F The method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is sequentially shown. For example, the process of the manufacturing apparatus 200 shown in the operations Figure 4 is sequentially shown.

[0138] After the step of preparing the cover window 110 and the guide film 140 is completed, as shown in Fig. 10A , the cover window 110 and the guide film 140 can be arranged to face each other such that the adhesive layer 120 faces the cover window 110.

[0139] In an embodiment, the step of arranging the cover window 110 and the guide film 140 in a face-to-face manner may include the following steps: conveying the cover window 110 toward the upper portion of the first assembly jig 210 using the second assembly jig 260; and arranging the guide film 140 between the first assembly jig 210 and the cover window 110 with the first clamp 222 and the second clamp 232 holding the respective opposite ends of the guide film 140. In an embodiment, the cover window 110 may be attached to the respective surface of the second plate 262 by suction through the suction portion 262a. The guide film 140 may be conveyed to a position above the placement pad 212 with the non-adhesive areas NADA at the opposite ends of the guide film 140 being fixed to the first clamp 222 and the second clamp 232, respectively.

[0140] In other words, the cover window 110 can be moved by the second assembly frame 260 and the guide film 140 can be moved by the first clamping unit 220 and the second clamping unit 230, respectively, and thus the cover window 110 and the guide film 140 can be aligned with each other so that they face each other. In an embodiment, the first assembly frame 210, the first clamping unit 220 and the second clamping unit 230 and / or the second assembly frame 260 can move corresponding to each other. For example, when the second assembly frame 260 on which the cover window 110 is installed moves, the first clamping member 222 and the second clamping member 232 and / or the first assembly frame 210 can also move to a degree corresponding to the moving distance and / or direction of the second assembly frame 260.

[0141] Afterwards, if Fig. 10B As shown in , the guide film 140 can be placed on the placement pad 212 by moving the first clamp 222 and the second clamp 232 and / or the placement pad 212. For example, by moving the first clamp 222 and the second clamp 232 downward and / or moving the placement pad 212 upward, at least one of the first clamp 222 and the second clamp 232 and the placement pad 212 can be transferred so that the back surface of the guide film 140 is in close contact with the upper surface of the placement pad 212.

[0142] Then, if Fig. 10C As shown in , the display panel 130 can be preformed by making the opposite ends of the guide film 140 closely contact the corresponding opposite side surfaces of the seating block 212 using the first and second pushing members 242 and 252. In an embodiment, the step of preforming the display panel 130 can be the step of deforming the display panel 130 into a shape corresponding to the shape of the cover window 110.

[0143] In an embodiment, the step of preforming the display panel 130 may include the step of moving the first and second clamps 222 and 232 and the first and second pushing members 242 and 252 in parallel (e.g., simultaneously) to positions close to opposite side surfaces of the placement pad 212. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the step of preforming the display panel 130 may include the step of moving the first and second clamps 222 and 232 and the first and second pushing members 242 and 252 individually and / or independently to positions close to opposite side surfaces of the placement pad 212.

[0144] For example, the step of preforming the display panel 130 may include the following steps: disposing the first and second pushing members 242 and 252 on (or at) the respective opposite sides of the seating block 212; and moving the first and second pushing members 242 and 252 toward the respective grooves 212a formed in the opposite side surfaces of the seating block 212, and pressing the opposite ends of the guide film 140 so that the opposite ends of the guide film 140 are in contact with the respective opposite side surfaces of the seating block 212. For example, by moving the first and second pushing members 242 and 252 and / or the respective regions of the guide film 140 into the respective grooves 212a formed in the opposite side surfaces of the seating block 212, the opposite ends of the guide film 140 may be in close contact with the respective bent portions 212b of the seating block 212. Here, the seating block 212 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the cover window 110. In particular, each of the curved portions 212b of the seating spacer 212 may have a shape corresponding to a shape of a corresponding one of the side surface portions 110b of the cover window 110. Therefore, the display panel 130 may be preformed to have a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the shape of the cover window 110, especially a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the shape of the side surface portion 110b of the cover window 110.

[0145] Then, if Fig. 10DAs shown in , the adhesive layer 120 is brought into contact with the back surface of the cover window 110 by moving the first assembly jig 210 and / or the second assembly jig 260, and pressure is applied to the cover window 110 and the display panel 130, thereby engaging the display panel 130 with the cover window 110. For example, the cover window 110 and the display panel 130 may be engaged with each other by moving the first clamping member 222 and the second clamping member 232 together with the placement pad 212. In an embodiment, since the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252 also move upward together with the first clamping member 222 and the second clamping member 232, for example, the display panel 130 or the placement pad 212 may be prevented or substantially prevented from being damaged by the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252. In the case where the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252 operate independently of the first clamping member 222 and the second clamping member 232, damage to the display panel 130 or the placement pad 212 can be prevented or substantially prevented, for example, by synchronizing the timing of the upward movement of the placement pad 212, the first clamping member 222 and the second clamping member 232, and the first pushing member 242 and the second pushing member 252.

[0146] In an embodiment, the pressure to be applied when the cover window 110 and the display panel 130 are bonded to each other can be set within a load range that can prevent or substantially prevent the cover window 110 or the display panel 130 from being damaged and can ensure sufficient bonding force between the cover window 110 and the display panel 130. In an embodiment, for example, the load range may be from 0.3 MPa to 0.5 MPa, but is not limited thereto. For example, the load range may vary depending on the material, hardness, etc. of the cover window 110, the adhesive layer 120, and / or the display panel 130.

[0147] Afterwards, if Fig. 10E As shown in FIG. 1 , the first and second clamps 222 and 232 are separated from the guide film 140. The first and second clamps 222 and 232, the first and second pushing members 242 and 252, and the first assembly jig 210 are moved away from the guide film 140. Thus, the guide film 140 is removed from the first assembly jig 210.

[0148] Thereafter, the guide film 140 and the second assembly jig 260 are removed from the cover window 110 and the display panel 130, thereby completing the process of bonding the display panel 130 to the cover window 110. As a result, as shown in FIG. Fig.10F As shown in , the manufacture of the display device 100 is completed.

[0149] In the display device manufacturing apparatus (e.g., laminating apparatus) 200 or 200' and the display device manufacturing method (e.g., laminating method) using the manufacturing apparatus 200 or 200' according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the display panel 130 may be preformed into a shape substantially the same as or similar to that of the cover window 110 before the display panel 130 is attached to the surface of the cover window 110. As a result, even when each of the side surface portions 110b of the cover window 110 is implemented in the form of a curved portion curved or bent at an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle), a phenomenon in which the adhesive layer 120 is scratched from the side surface portions 110b of the cover window 110 or bubbles are formed in the adhesive layer 120 during a lamination process of bonding the display panel 130 to the cover window 110 may be prevented or mitigated. According to the display device manufacturing apparatus 200 and the display device manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus 200, even if the cover window 110 has curved portions each curved or bent at an angle of 90° or more or curved or bent to a degree corresponding to the angle, the display panel 130 can be reliably attached to the cover window 110. Thus, the bonding quality can be improved and the product defect rate can be reduced. As a result, the productivity and reliability of the display device 100 can be improved.

[0150] Although the spirit and scope of the present disclosure have been described in conjunction with some exemplary embodiments, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely illustrative and should not be interpreted as limiting. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, substitutions and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[0151] The scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the above detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the appended claims. In addition, all changes or modifications to the present disclosure derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a display device, the method comprising: Prepare a cover window, a guide film, and a display panel, wherein the cover window includes a curved portion, the guide film includes a first surface and a second surface, and the display panel is on the first surface of the guide film; placing the guide film on a placement pad of a first assembly frame so that the second surface of the guide film faces a downward direction; as well as preforming the display panel so that the display panel has a predetermined shape corresponding to the shape of the cover window, Wherein, the preforming comprises: a first push, wherein a push member pushes the first surface of the guide film in the downward direction, and a second push, wherein the push member pushes the first surface of the guide film in a horizontal direction, and Wherein, during the preforming, the pushing member does not physically contact the display panel.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The placement pad includes a groove, and Wherein, the second promotion includes: providing at least a portion of the guide film into the groove; and At least a portion of the second surface of the guide film is brought into contact with an inner surface of the groove.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: In the first pushing and the second pushing, the pushing member and the display panel are disposed to be spaced apart from each other on the first surface of the guide film.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The preforming includes preforming the display panel without being directly pushed by the pushing member.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first pushing includes pushing an edge portion of the guide film in which the display panel is not disposed so that the display panel is adjacent to an upper surface of the seating block.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The second pushing includes contacting the edge portion of the guide film to the groove of the seating block.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The second pushing includes arranging the pushing member at a height corresponding to a position of the groove in the horizontal direction.

8. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The seating block comprises an elastic material.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: A central portion of the seating block has a lower hardness than an edge portion of the seating block.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The pushing member includes a roller shape or a bar shape.

11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: preparing an adhesive layer facing the cover window; Using a second assembly rack to transfer the cover window to a position above the first assembly rack; as well as The display panel is bonded to the cover window by bringing the adhesive layer into contact with the cover window.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: Providing the guide film includes holding opposite ends of the guide film using clamps, and placing the guide film between the first assembly jig and the cover window.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The second assembly jig includes a fixing portion configured to fix the cover window, and includes a suction portion.

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: After the display panel is coupled to the cover window, the guide film is removed from the first assembly jig.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first pushing and the second pushing includes applying an external force to both edge portions of the guide film.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The second push is performed after the first push.

Images