Display device, apparatus for manufacturing display device, and method of manufacturing display device

Abstract

Disclosed are a display device, an apparatus for manufacturing the display device, and a method of manufacturing the display device, the display device including: a display driving module including a display panel; a cover window including a central portion overlapping the display driving module and a curved portion surrounding the display driving module; and an outer structure disposed between the display driving module and the curved portion and surrounding the display driving module, where the outer structure is spaced apart from the display driving module.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0122889 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 15, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a display device, an apparatus for manufacturing the display device, and a method for manufacturing the display device. Background Art

[0003] With the development of the information society, the demand for display devices capable of displaying images in various forms is growing. These display devices may include flat panel displays such as liquid crystal displays, field emission displays, and light-emitting displays. The categories of light-emitting displays include organic light-emitting display devices using organic light-emitting diode elements for emitting light and light-emitting diode display devices using inorganic light-emitting diode elements for emitting light.

[0004] Flexible display devices designed with edge portions bent to achieve a predetermined curvature to enhance aesthetics have been introduced. Therefore, there is active research focused on cover windows including a curved surface.

[0005] As technology advances, the cost and complexity of manufacturing display devices increases. In response, a process of modularizing each component of a display device and assembling them individually is being actively used. Summary of the invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display device that minimizes an ineffective space between a display driving module and a cover window.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display device that minimizes damage caused by pressing a display driving module, an apparatus for manufacturing the display device, and a method of manufacturing the display device.

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus for manufacturing a display device and a method of manufacturing a display device with improved process efficiency.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device is provided, comprising: a display driving module including a display panel; a cover window including a central portion overlapping the display driving module and a curved portion surrounding the display driving module; and an external structure disposed between the display driving module and the curved portion and surrounding the display driving module, wherein the external structure is spaced apart from the display driving module.

[0010] The outer structure directly contacts the curved portion.

[0011] The outer structure is arranged away from the outer edge of the display driving module.

[0012] The external structure does not directly contact the display driver module.

[0013] The lower surface of the outer structure and the lower surface of the curved portion are located in the same plane.

[0014] The outer structure includes a first portion contacting an inner surface of the bent portion and a second portion overlapping a lower surface of the first portion.

[0015] The second portion overlaps the first portion and the bent portion in a thickness direction of the display device.

[0016] The second portion contacts the lower surface of the bent portion.

[0017] An outermost surface of the curved portion protrudes beyond an outer surface of the second portion adjacent to the outermost surface of the curved portion.

[0018] The display device further includes a middle frame positioned opposite to the cover window, and a second portion of the outer structure is disposed between the middle frame and the cover window, wherein an outer surface of the second portion is covered by the cover window or the middle frame.

[0019] The display device also includes a first coupling member disposed between the cover window and the middle frame, wherein the middle frame includes a middle side wall facing the curved portion of the cover window, and the first coupling member contacts a lower surface of the second portion, a lower surface of the curved portion, and an upper surface of the middle side wall.

[0020] The first coupling member includes a first coupling portion contacting the second portion, a second coupling portion contacting the bent portion, and a step portion between the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion.

[0021] The lower surface of the outer structure is higher than the lower surface of the curved portion.

[0022] The display device further includes a middle frame located below the cover window, wherein the middle frame includes a stepped portion overlapping the cover window in a horizontal direction.

[0023] An upper surface of the step portion is higher than a lower surface of the bent portion.

[0024] The display device further includes a first coupling member disposed between the cover window and the middle frame, wherein the first coupling member includes a first coupling portion disposed on the step portion and a second coupling portion disposed on a lower surface of the bent portion.

[0025] The display driving module further includes a driving chip and a driving board disposed at one end of the display panel.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device is provided, comprising: a display driving module including a display panel; a cover window including a central portion overlapping the display driving module and a curved portion surrounding the display driving module; and an external structure arranged between the display driving module and the curved portion and surrounding the display driving module, wherein the external structure overlaps the display driving module in a thickness direction of the display panel.

[0027] The outer structure directly contacts the display driver module.

[0028] The display panel includes: a main area; a bending area disposed at a first side of the main area; and a sub-area disposed at a second side of the bending area, and the outer structure includes a first portion disposed outside the bending area and a second portion disposed inside the bending area.

[0029] The outer structure also includes a third portion covering a sub-region of the display panel.

[0030] The outer structure further includes a fourth portion disposed on a lower surface of the third portion, and the fourth portion has a stepped shape.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a display device, the apparatus comprising an upper mold and a lower mold facing each other and an inner mold located between the upper mold and the lower mold, wherein the inner mold comprises: an outer wall; an inner wall located inside the outer wall; a cavity arranged between the outer wall and the inner wall; a accommodating portion arranged inside the inner wall; and an inlet and an outlet open to the cavity.

[0032] The apparatus is configured to manufacture a display device including a display driving module and a cover window, wherein a lower surface of an inner wall is located on the cover window.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a display device including a display driving module and a cover window is provided, the method including: combining a mold unit and the display device together; injecting paste through an inlet of the mold unit; and forming an outer structure by curing the paste, wherein the outer structure is arranged between the display driving module and the cover window.

[0034] The method further includes removing a tip formed on the outer structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The above and / or other features of the present disclosure will become more apparent through the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment; Figure 2 is a front view showing a deployed state of a display driving module according to an embodiment; Figure 3 is a rear view showing an expanded state of a display driving module according to an embodiment; Figure 4 is a rear view showing a bent state of a display driving module according to an embodiment; Figure 5 is a schematic side view showing a bent state of a display driving module according to an embodiment; Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a stacking structure of a display module according to an embodiment; Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main body unit according to an embodiment; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An enlarged view of region A; Fig. 9 is based on Figure 7 A schematic rear view of a main unit of an embodiment of the present invention; Fig.10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main body unit according to an embodiment; Fig.11 yes Fig.10 An enlarged view of region B; Fig.12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main body unit according to an embodiment; Fig.13 yes Fig.12 An enlarged view of region C; Fig.14 is based on Fig.12 A schematic rear view of a main unit of an embodiment of the present invention; Fig.15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main body unit according to an embodiment; Fig.16 yes Fig.15 An enlarged view of region D; Fig.17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main body unit according to an embodiment; Fig.18 yes Fig.17 An enlarged view of region E; Fig.19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main body unit according to an embodiment; Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 An enlarged view of region F; Fig.21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main body unit according to an embodiment; Fig. 22 yes Fig.21 An enlarged view of region G; Fig.23is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment; Fig.24 It is shown Fig.23 A perspective view of operation S100; Fig.25 It is shown Fig.23 A cross-sectional view of operation S100; Fig.26 It is shown Fig.23 A cross-sectional view of operation S200; Fig. 27 yes Fig.26 An enlarged view of region H; Fig.28 It is shown Fig.23 A cross-sectional view of operation S300; Fig.29 It is shown Fig.23 A cross-sectional view of operation S400; Fig.30 It is shown Fig.23 A cross-sectional view of operation S500; and Fig.31 It is shown Fig.23 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of operation S600 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0037] It will be understood that when a layer is referred to as being “on” another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers may be present. The same reference numerals may refer to the same components throughout the specification.

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 According to the embodiment, the display device 1 may include a main body unit BP and a wearable part BD. In this specification, although a smart watch is shown as an example of the display device 1, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the embodiment, the display device 1 may also be various display devices 1 such as a smart phone, a television, and a computer.

[0040] The main body unit BP may include a display driving module 10 on which an image is displayed, a cover window 20, an outer structure 30, a coupling member 40, a middle frame 50, and a bottom cover 60. In the main body unit BP, the bottom cover 60, the middle frame 50, the coupling member 40, the outer structure 30, the display driving module 10, and the cover window 20 may be sequentially arranged.

[0041] The display driving module 10 may include a display panel 100. The display panel 100 may be a screen on which various information, content, user interface, etc. are displayed as images. The display panel 100 may be, but is not limited to, an organic light emitting display panel or a liquid crystal display panel. The display panel 100 may include a display area DA for displaying an image and a non-display area NDA located around the display area DA. Figure 1 As shown in , the display panel 100 may be circular in a plan view. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display panel 100 may also have various shapes, for example, the display panel 100 may have a polygonal shape such as a quadrilateral or an elliptical shape.

[0042] The cover window 20 may be disposed on the display driving module 10 to protect the display driving module 10. The cover window 20 may transmit light emitted from the display driving module 10. In some embodiments, the cover window 20 may include a light blocking portion to block some of the light emitted from the display driving module 10.

[0043] The cover window 20 may be made of a transparent plastic material, a glass material, or a tempered glass material. In an embodiment, the cover window 20 may be made of any one of sapphire glass and Corning glass, or may have a stacked structure of sapphire glass and Corning glass. In an embodiment, the cover window 20 may include any one of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyethersulfone (PES), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), and polynorbornene (PNB). Considering scratch resistance and transparency, the cover window 20 may be made of tempered glass.

[0044] The cover window 20 may overlap the display driving module 10 and cover the front surface of the display driving module 10. In a plan view, the cover window 20 may have a shape similar to that of the display driving module 10. However, the cover window 20 may be larger than the display driving module 10 in size. For example, the cover window 20 may protrude outwardly than the display driving module 10. The plan shape of the cover window 20 may be the same as the plan shape of the main body unit BP. For example, in a plan view, the cover window 20 may be circular. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the cover window 20 may also have various shapes, for example, the cover window 20 may have a polygonal shape such as a quadrilateral or an elliptical shape.

[0045] The cover window 20 may include a central portion 21 and a bent portion 22 .

[0046] The central portion 21 may be located at the center of the cover window 20 and may be substantially flat. In an embodiment, the central portion 21 may be an area corresponding to the display area DA of the display driver module 10. For example, the central portion 21 may overlap the display area DA of the display driver module 10. The central portion 21 of the cover window 20 may cover the entire display area DA of the display driver module 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the central portion 21 of the cover window 20 may also cover only a portion of the display area DA of the display driver module 10.

[0047] The curved portion 22 may be disposed around the central portion 21. The curved portion 22 may surround the central portion 21. The curved portion 22 may be a portion bent from the central portion 21. For example, the curved portion 22 may be formed integrally with the central portion 21. The curved portion 22 may be bent from the edge of the central portion 21. In some embodiments, a first portion of the curved portion 22 may include a curved surface having a predetermined curvature, and a second portion of the curved portion 22 may be flat. The degree (or angle) at which the curved portion 22 is bent from the central portion 21 may be an obtuse angle. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the degree (or angle) at which the curved portion 22 is bent from the central portion 21 may also be a right angle or an acute angle.

[0048] In an embodiment, the curved portion 22 may include a curved surface having a predetermined curvature. The curvature of the curved portion 22 may be constant in each region of the curved portion 22. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the curvature of the curved portion 22 may also be different in each region of the curved portion 22. For example, the curved portion 22 may have a curved shape and may be inclined at a first angle (e.g., 120 degrees) from the central portion 21. The first angle is an angle between the inner surface of the central portion 21 and the inner surface of the curved portion 22. Therefore, the curved portion 22 bent from the central portion 21 may be represented as a three-dimensional window or a three-dimensional sidewall window.

[0049] The outer structure 30 may be disposed between the cover window 20 and the middle frame 50. The outer structure 30 may combine the display driving module 10, the cover window 20, and the combining member 40 (or the middle frame 50) together.

[0050] The outer structure 30 may be disposed along the edge of the display driving module 10. In some embodiments, the outer structure 30 may have a ring shape with a central hole in a plan view. For example, the outer structure 30 may have a circular ring shape or a ring shape in a plan view. In a plan view, the shape and size of the outer structure 30 may correspond to the shape and size of the inner surface of the cover window 20. For example, when the inner surface of the cover window 20 has a circular shape in a plan view, the outer structure 30 may also have a circular shape.

[0051] In some embodiments, the outer structure 30 may include a resin. For example, the outer structure 30 may be made of an optically transparent resin (OCR), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The outer structure 30 may be applied to the outside of the display driving module 10 in a liquid or paste state. For example, the outer structure 30 may be applied to the outside of the display driving module 10 by applying a mold unit MLD (see FIG. 1 ) to be described later. Fig.24 ) is injected into the mold included in the outer structure 30. Then, the outer structure 30 can be formed by curing the paste using ultraviolet rays or heat. Fig.23 The process of forming outer structure 30 is described.

[0052] The combining member 40 may be located between the cover window 20 and the middle frame 50. The combining member 40 may join the cover window 20 and the middle frame 50 and / or the outer structure 30 and the middle frame 50 to each other. The combining member 40 may be an adhesive tape having an adhesive material applied to both sides and having a waterproof or dustproof function.

[0053] The coupling member 40 may be disposed along the edge of the intermediate frame 50. In some embodiments, the coupling member 40 may have a ring shape having a central hole in a plan view. For example, the coupling member 40 may have a circular ring shape or a ring shape in a plan view. In a plan view, the shape and size of the coupling member 40 may correspond to the shape and size of the intermediate frame 50. For example, when the intermediate frame 50 has a circular shape in a plan view, the coupling member 40 may also have a circular shape.

[0054] The middle frame 50 may be disposed between the cover window 20 and the bottom cover 60. The middle frame 50 may be an intermediate coupling member for coupling the cover window 20 and the bottom cover 60 together. For example, the middle frame 50 may include a bracket.

[0055] The bottom cover 60 may be disposed at the bottom of the body unit BP. The bottom cover 60 may be disposed under the middle frame 50. The bottom cover 60 may be a case coupled to the middle frame 50.

[0056] The bottom cover 60 may include a central covering portion 61 and a peripheral portion 62 .

[0057] The central covering portion 61 may be located at the center of the bottom cover 60 and may be substantially flat. The central covering portion 61 may be a region corresponding to the central portion 21 of the cover window 20. For example, the central covering portion 61 and the central portion 21 of the cover window 20 may overlap each other.

[0058] The peripheral portion 62 may be disposed around the central covering portion 61. The peripheral portion 62 may surround the central covering portion 61. The peripheral portion 62 may be a portion bent from the central covering portion 61. The peripheral portion 62 may be bent from the edge of the central covering portion 61. For example, the peripheral portion 62 may be formed integrally with the central covering portion 61. In some embodiments, a first portion of the peripheral portion 62 may include a curved surface having a predetermined curvature, and a second portion of the peripheral portion 62 may be flat. The degree (or angle) at which the peripheral portion 62 is bent from the central covering portion 61 may be an obtuse angle. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the degree (or angle) at which the peripheral portion 62 is bent from the central covering portion 61 may also be a right angle or an acute angle.

[0059] The bottom cover 60 may be disposed on the outermost rear surface of the display device 1. The bottom cover 60 may include at least one of a plastic material, a metal material, and a glass material, and may include a color coating. In an embodiment, the bottom cover 60 may be a flat glass with a transparent, translucent, or opaque color coating.

[0060] In an embodiment, the bottom cover 60 may have the same shape as the cover window 20, and may include a glass material having a color coating. For example, the bottom cover 60 according to another example may be symmetrical with the cover window 20 and the middle frame 50 may be placed between the bottom cover 60 and the cover window 20, and may include a transparent, translucent or opaque color coating.

[0061] The wearable portion BD may be a portion for fixing the main body unit BP to the user's wrist, etc. For example, the wearable portion BD may be any of a belt, a chain, and a bracelet.

[0062] Figure 2 1 is a front view showing a deployed state of the display driving module 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 2 is a rear view showing a deployed state of the display driving module 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a rear view illustrating a bent state of the display driving module 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 5 is a schematic side view showing a bent state of the display driving module 10 according to the embodiment.

[0063] Figure 2 1 shows a first surface 100 a (eg, a front surface) of the display panel 100 . Figure 3 and Figure 4 A second surface 100 b (eg, rear surface) of the display panel 100 is shown.

[0064] Reference Figures 2 to 5 The display driving module 10 may include a display module DM, a driving chip DIC and a driving board PCB.

[0065] The display module DM may include a display panel 100. Examples of the display panel 100 may include an organic light emitting display panel, a micro light emitting diode (LED) display panel, a nano LED display panel, a quantum dot light emitting display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, a plasma display panel, a field emission display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, and an electrowetting display panel. A case in which an organic light emitting display panel is used as an example of the display panel 100 will be described later, but the present disclosure is not limited to this case, and other display panels may also be used.

[0066] The display panel 100 may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display area DA may refer to a portion of the display panel 100 that displays a picture, and the non-display area NDA may refer to a portion of the display panel 100 that does not display a picture.

[0067] The display area DA may have a circular shape in a plan view. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display area DA may also have various shapes in a plan view, such as a rectangle or a rectangle with rounded corners, a square, other polygons, or an ellipse.

[0068] The non-display area NDA may be disposed around the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be a frame area. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the non-display area NDA may not be disposed in at least a portion of the area around the display area DA.

[0069] Signal lines or driving circuits for transmitting signals to the display area DA which may also serve as a touch area may be provided in the non-display area NDA. In an embodiment, the non-display area NDA may include a portion of the touch area, and a sensor member such as a pressure sensor may be provided in this portion of the touch area.

[0070] The display panel 100 may include a plurality of pixels arranged in a display area DA. The pixels may be arranged in a matrix form. In a plan view, each of the pixels may be a rectangle or a square. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and each of the pixels may also have a rhombus shape with each side inclined relative to the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2. Each pixel may include an emission area. The shape of each emission area may be the same as or different from the shape of the corresponding pixel. For example, when a pixel has a rectangular shape, the emission area of ​​the pixel may have various shapes such as a rectangle, a rhombus, a hexagon, an octagon, or a circle.

[0071] In the drawings, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 are horizontal directions that intersect each other. For example, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be orthogonal to each other. In addition, the third direction DR3 may be a vertical direction that intersects (e.g., is orthogonal to) the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. In this specification, the direction indicated by the arrows of each of the first direction DR1 to the third direction DR3 may be referred to as a first side, and the direction opposite to the direction may be referred to as a second side.

[0072] The display driving module 10 may further include a touch member for detecting a touch input. The touch member may be formed of a touch layer TSL (see Figure 6 ) is disposed on the display panel 100. In this case, the touch layer TSL (see Figure 6 ) may be integrally provided with the display panel 100. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the touch member may also be provided as a panel or film separated from the display panel 100 and attached to the display panel 100. Although the touch member is described in the following embodiments as a touch layer TSL (see Figure 6 ) in the form of a setting, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0073] The touch area may be an area where a touch input is detected. The touch area may overlap the display area DA. For example, the display area DA may be an area where an image is displayed and a touch input is detected.

[0074] In some embodiments, the display panel 100 may include a flexible substrate including a flexible polymer material such as polyimide. Thus, the display panel 100 may be bent, curved, folded, or rolled.

[0075] The display panel 100 may include a main area MA, a bending area BA, and a sub-area SA. The bending area BA may be disposed between the main area MA and the sub-area SA in the second direction DR2. The main area MA may be disposed at a first side of the bending area BA in the second direction DR2. The sub-area SA may be disposed at a second side of the bending area BA in the second direction DR2.

[0076] The display area DA of the display panel 100 may be disposed within the main area MA. In an embodiment, an edge portion of the main area MA around the display area DA, the entire bending area BA, and the entire sub-area SA may be a non-display area NDA. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the bending area BA and / or the sub-area SA may also include the display area DA.

[0077] In a plan view, the main area MA may have a shape similar to the outer shape of the display driving module 10. The main area MA may be a flat area located in one plane. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and at least a portion of an edge of the main area MA may be bent in the third direction DR3 to form a curved surface, or may be bent in a vertical direction.

[0078] When at least a portion of the edge of the main area MA is bent in the third direction DR3 to form a curved surface or is bent in the vertical direction, the display area DA may also be disposed in the curved portion of the edge. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the curved surface or curved portion of the edge of the main area MA may be a non-display area where no picture is displayed, or the display area and the non-display area may coexist in the curved portion of the edge.

[0079] The bending area BA may be connected to the second side of the main area MA in the second direction DR2. For example, the bending area BA may be connected to the lower short side of the main area MA. The width of the bending area BA, for example, in the first direction DR1, may be smaller than the width of the main area MA adjacent to the bending area BA, for example, the width of the main area MA in the first direction DR1. The connection portion between the main area MA and the bending area BA may have an L-shaped cutout shape.

[0080] The bending area BA may be an area where the display panel 100 is bent. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the bending area BA, the display panel 100 may be bent downward in the thickness direction to have a curvature. For example, the display panel 100 may be bent toward the second side in the third direction DR3 in the bending area BA.

[0081] The curved area BA may have a constant radius of curvature. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the curved area BA may also have a different radius of curvature in each portion thereof. When the display panel 100 is bent in the curved area BA, the surface of the display panel 100 may be turned over. For example, the display panel 100 may be bent in a direction opposite to the first surface 100a as the display surface. Therefore, in the second surface 100b opposite to the display surface, the second surface 100b of the main area MA and the second surface 100b of the sub-area SA may face each other in the third direction DR3.

[0082] The sub-region SA may be disposed at a second side of the bending region BA in the second direction DR2. The sub-region SA may extend from the bending region BA. A width of the sub-region SA, for example, in the first direction DR1, may be greater than a width of the bending region BA, for example, in the first direction DR1. A connection portion between the sub-region SA and the bending region BA may have an L-shaped cutout shape.

[0083] In some embodiments, the sub-area SA may be smaller in size than the main area MA of the display panel 100. Figure 4 As shown in , when the display panel 100 is bent, the sub-area SA may completely overlap with the main area MA. When the display panel 100 is bent, in a plan view, the outer edge of the sub-area SA may be surrounded by the outer edge of the main area MA. In a plan view, the outer edge of the sub-area SA may be disposed inside the outer edge of the main area MA.

[0084] like Figure 5 As shown in , when the display panel 100 is bent, the sub-region SA may overlap the main region MA in the thickness direction of the display panel 100 (e.g., in the third direction DR3). The sub-region SA may be disposed below the main region MA in the third direction DR3. In this case, a space may be formed between the sub-region SA and the main region MA in the third direction DR3.

[0085] The driving chip DIC may be disposed on the sub-area SA of the display panel 100. In some embodiments, the driving chip DIC may be disposed on the first surface 100a of the display panel 100 in the sub-area SA of the display panel 100. In an embodiment, as shown in the drawings, the driving chip DIC may be directly mounted on the display panel 100 using a chip on glass (COG) method or a chip on plastic (COP) method. In an embodiment, the driving chip DIC may be mounted on a flexible film using a chip on film (COF) method.

[0086] The driving chip DIC may generate and output a data voltage, a power voltage, a scan timing signal, etc. The driving chip DIC may include an integrated circuit that drives the display panel 100. The integrated circuit may include an integrated circuit for a display and / or an integrated circuit for a touch unit. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the integrated circuit for a display and the integrated circuit for a touch unit may also be provided as separate chips, or may be integrated into one chip.

[0087] The driving board PCB may be disposed at one end of the sub-area SA of the display panel 100. A pad (also referred to as a "pad" or "solder pad") unit may be disposed at this end of the sub-area SA of the display panel 100. The pad unit may include a plurality of display signal wiring pads and a plurality of touch signal wiring pads. The driving board PCB may be connected to the pad unit at this end of the sub-area SA of the display panel 100. The driving board PCB may be attached to the pad unit using a conductive adhesive member such as an anisotropic conductive film or an anisotropic conductive adhesive. The driving board PCB may be a flexible printed circuit board or a flexible film such as a chip on film.

[0088] When the display panel 100 is bent, the driving chip DIC and the driving board PCB may be positioned opposite to the main area MA, and a portion of the sub-area SA is placed between the driving chip DIC and the driving board PCB. For example, the driving chip DIC and the driving board PCB may be disposed on the first surface 100a of the sub-area SA, and when the display panel 100 is bent, the driving chip DIC and the driving board PCB may be spaced apart from the main area MA in the third direction DR3.

[0089] In some embodiments, the driving board PCB may be smaller in size than the main area MA of the display panel 100. Figure 4 As shown in , when the display panel 100 is bent, the driving board PCB may completely overlap the main area MA of the display panel 100. When the display panel 100 is bent, in a plan view, the outer edge of the driving board PCB may be surrounded by the outer edge of the main area MA of the display panel 100. In a plan view, the outer edge of the driving board PCB may be disposed inside the outer edge of the main area MA of the display panel 100.

[0090] The planar shape of the driving board PCB may be substantially similar to the planar shape of the display panel 100. For example, when the display panel 100 is circular in a plan view, at least a portion of the driving board PCB may be circular. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the shape of the driving board PCB may be variously changed.

[0091] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a stack structure of a display module DM according to an embodiment.

[0092] Reference Figure 6 The display module DM may include a display panel 100, an anti-reflection layer 200, an adhesive layer 300, a cover plate 400, and a cover spacer 500. The display panel 100 may include a substrate SUB, a circuit driving layer DRL, a light emitting element layer EML, an encapsulation layer ENL, and a touch layer TSL.

[0093] The substrate SUB may support components disposed thereon. The substrate SUB may include a transparent material. For example, the substrate SUB may include a transparent insulating material such as glass or quartz. The substrate SUB may be a rigid substrate. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the substrate SUB may also include a plastic such as polyimide, and may have a flexible property such that it may be bent, folded, or curled.

[0094] The circuit driving layer DRL may be disposed on a first surface (eg, upper surface) of the substrate SUB. The circuit driving layer DRL may include a circuit driving the light emitting element layer EML of each pixel. The circuit driving layer DRL may include a plurality of thin film transistors.

[0095] The light emitting element layer EML may be disposed on the circuit driving layer DRL. The light emitting element layer EML may include an organic light emitting layer. The light emitting element layer EML may emit light at various brightness levels according to a driving signal transmitted from the circuit driving layer DRL.

[0096] The encapsulation layer ENL may be disposed on the light emitting element layer EML. The encapsulation layer ENL may include an inorganic layer or a stacked layer of an inorganic layer and an organic layer. As another example, the encapsulation layer ENL may include glass or an encapsulation film.

[0097] The touch layer TSL may be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENL. The touch layer TSL is a layer that recognizes a touch input and may perform the function of a touch member. In other words, the touch layer TSL may be used as a touch sensitive component. The touch layer TSL may include a plurality of sensing regions and a plurality of sensing electrodes.

[0098] The anti-reflection layer 200 may be disposed on the display panel 100. The anti-reflection layer 200 may reduce the reflection of external light. The anti-reflection layer 200 may be attached in the form of a polarizing film. In this case, the anti-reflection layer 200 may polarize the light passing through the anti-reflection layer 200. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the anti-reflection layer 200 may also be stacked in the form of a color filter layer. In this case, the anti-reflection layer 200 may include a color filter that selectively transmits light of a specific wavelength.

[0099] The adhesive layer 300 may be disposed on the anti-reflection layer 200. The adhesive layer 300 may cover the above-mentioned cover window 20 (see Figure 1 ) is bonded to the display panel 100 or the anti-reflection layer 200. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer 300 may be an optically clear adhesive (OCA) film or a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) film. Although the adhesive layer 300 is included in Figure 6 In the display module DM in the display module DM, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the adhesive layer 300 may not be included in the display module DM, but may be attached to the cover window 20 (see Figure 1 ) and with cover window 20 (see Figure 1 ) together.

[0100] The cover plate 400 may be disposed on a second surface (e.g., lower surface) of the substrate SUB. The cover plate 400 may include at least one functional layer to perform a heat dissipation function, an electromagnetic wave shielding function, a buffering function, a strength enhancement function, a support function, and / or a bonding function. For example, the functional layer of the cover plate 400 may be a sheet layer made of a sheet, a film layer made of a film, a thin film layer, a coating, a flat plate, or a plate. A functional layer may be composed of a single layer, or may be composed of a plurality of stacked thin layers or coatings. The functional layer may be, for example, a supporting substrate, a heat dissipation layer, an electromagnetic wave shielding layer, an impact absorbing layer, or a bonding layer.

[0101] The cover spacer 500 may be disposed on the cover plate 400. The cover spacer 500 may prevent the display driving module 10 from being bent due to an external force, or may reduce the degree of bending of the display driving module 10. The cover spacer 500 may keep the display driving module 10 relatively flat even when an external force is applied.

[0102] The cover spacer 500 may include a rigid or semi-rigid material. For example, the cover spacer 500 may include a metal material such as stainless steel (SUS) or aluminum, or a polymer such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0103] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main body unit BP according to the embodiment. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Magnified view of area A. Fig. 9 is based on Figure 7 A schematic rear view of the main body unit BP of an embodiment.

[0104] Reference Figures 7 to 9 , as mentioned above Figure 1 As described above, the main body unit BP may include a display driving module 10 , a cover window 20 , an outer structure 30 , a coupling member 40 , a middle frame 50 , and a bottom cover 60 .

[0105] As mentioned above Figure 2 As described above, the display driving module 10 may include a display module DM, a driving chip DIC and a driving board PCB. Figure 6 As described above, the display module DM may include a display panel 100 , an anti-reflection layer 200 , an adhesive layer 300 , a cover plate 400 , and a cover spacer 500 .

[0106] The display module DM, driving chip DIC and driving board PCB of the display driving module 10 and the display panel 100, anti-reflection layer 200, adhesive layer 300, cover plate 400 and cover spacer 500 of the display driving module 10 have been described above, and thus, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0107] The covering spacer 500 can compensate for the height difference between the sub-area SA of the display panel 100 and the cover plate 400, and between the driving board PCB and the cover plate 400. For example, the covering spacer 500 can be disposed between the sub-area SA of the display panel 100 and the cover plate 400, and between the driving board PCB and the cover plate 400 in the third direction DR3. Therefore, the display panel 100 and the driving board PCB can be kept flat. In some embodiments, the sub-area SA of the display panel 100 and the driving board PCB can be attached to the bottom of the covering spacer 500 by an adhesive member. Therefore, the sub-area SA of the display panel 100 and the driving board PCB can be kept fixed.

[0108] The display module DM may further include a curved protective layer PBL. The curved protective layer PBL may be disposed on an area of ​​the display panel 100. In an embodiment, the curved protective layer PBL may be disposed on the curved area BA of the display panel 100. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the curved protective layer PBL may also be disposed on an area other than the curved area BA. For example, a first portion of the curved protective layer PBL may extend to the sub-area SA of the display panel 100, and a second portion of the curved protective layer PBL may extend to the main area MA of the display panel 100.

[0109] The bending protection layer PBL may be formed of a polymer compound such as polyimide, acrylate, or epoxy resin. When the display panel 100 is bent, the bending protection layer PBL may minimize cracks generated by a force applied to the display panel 100 and may block propagation of the cracks. Therefore, the durability of the display module DM may be improved.

[0110] The cover window 20 may be attached to the display driving module 10 through the adhesive layer 300 of the display module DM. The central portion 21 of the cover window 20 may directly contact the adhesive layer 300. The bent portion 22 of the cover window 20 may surround the display driving module 10 in a horizontal direction defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0111] The outer structure 30 may be disposed between the cover window 20 and the middle frame 50 in the third direction DR3. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the outer structure 30 may surround the display driving module 10 in a horizontal direction defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The outer structure 30 may be surrounded by the bent portion 22 of the cover window 20 in the horizontal direction defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0112] The outer structure 30 may be disposed between the display driving module 10, the cover window 20, and the coupling member 40 (or the middle frame 50). The outer structure 30 may couple the display driving module 10, the cover window 20, and the coupling member 40 (or the middle frame 50) together.

[0113] The outer structure 30 may be disposed in a space defined by one end of the display driving module 10, the inner surface of the cover window 20, and the upper surface of the bonding member 40 (or the upper surface of the middle frame 50). For example, the inner surface 30a of the outer structure 30 may directly contact the outer edge of the display driving module 10. For example, the inner surface 30a of the outer structure 30 may directly contact a portion of the display panel 100, a portion of the adhesive layer 300, and a portion of the anti-reflection layer 200. The outer structure 30 may be disposed along the inner surface of the cover window 20. For example, the upper surface 30b of the outer structure 30 may directly contact the inner surface of the central portion 21 of the cover window 20, and the outer surface 30c of the outer structure 30 may directly contact the inner surface of the curved portion 22. The outer structure 30 may be disposed on the bonding member 40. For example, at least a portion of the lower surface 30d of the outer structure 30 may directly contact the first bonding member 41.

[0114] In the display device 1 according to the current embodiment, since the outer structure 30 is disposed on the inner surface of the cover window 20, the attachment area of ​​the first bonding member 41 can be increased, thereby improving the adhesion between the middle frame 50 and the cover window 20. Therefore, by ensuring a sufficient attachment surface on the first bonding member 41 via the outer structure 30, the tolerance for bonding the cover window 20 and the middle frame 50 together can be minimized. Therefore, the dead space between the cover window 20 and the display driving module 10 can be minimized. In addition, the outer structure 30 disposed between the cover window 20 and the display driving module 10 can improve the impact resistance of the display device 1.

[0115] In some embodiments, outer structure 30 may include a first portion 31 , a second portion 32 , and a third portion 33 .

[0116] The first portion 31 of the outer structure 30 may be disposed outside the bending area BA of the display panel 100. The first portion 31 may directly contact the inner surface of the central portion 21 of the cover window 20 and the inner surface of the bent portion 22 of the cover window 20.

[0117] The second portion 32 of the outer structure 30 may be disposed inside the bending area BA of the display panel 100. The second portion 32 may directly contact the rear surface of the display panel 100, the side surface of the cover plate 400, and the side surface of the cover spacer 500 in the bending area BA of the display panel 100. In an embodiment, the second portion 32 may be formed to fill the entire space formed by the bending area BA. The second portion 32 may keep the display panel 100 bent.

[0118] The third portion 33 of the outer structure 30 may directly contact the sub-area SA of the display panel 100. The third portion 33 may cover the sub-area SA of the display panel 100. The third portion 33 may cover the rear surface of the display driving module 10.

[0119] The coupling member 40 may include a first coupling member 41 and a second coupling member 42. The first coupling member 41 and the second coupling member 42 may face each other in the third direction DR3. The coupling member 40 may be an adhesive tape having an adhesive material applied to both sides and having a waterproof or dustproof function. The first coupling member 41 and the second coupling member 42 may include the same material, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0120] The first coupling member 41 may be disposed on the upper surface of the middle frame 50. The first coupling member 41 may be disposed between the middle frame 50 and the cover window 20 and between the middle frame 50 and the outer structure 30 in the third direction DR3. For example, the first coupling member 41 may couple the upper surface of the middle side wall 52 of the middle frame 50 to the lower surface of the curved portion 22 of the cover window 20. In other words, the first portion of the first coupling member 41 may be located between the upper surface of the middle side wall 52 of the middle frame 50 and the lower surface of the curved portion 22 of the cover window 20. In addition, the first coupling member 41 may couple the upper surface of the middle side wall 52 of the middle frame 50 to the lower surface 30d of the outer structure 30. For example, the second portion of the first coupling member 41 may be located between the upper surface of the middle side wall 52 of the middle frame 50 and the lower surface 30d of the outer structure 30. At least a portion (e.g., the first portion) of the first coupling member 41 may directly contact the cover window 20, and at least another portion (e.g., the second portion) of the first coupling member 41 may directly contact the outer structure 30.

[0121] The second coupling member 42 may be disposed on the lower surface of the middle frame 50. The second coupling member 42 may be disposed between the middle frame 50 and the bottom cover 60 in the third direction DR3. For example, the second coupling member 42 may couple the lower surface of the middle sidewall 52 of the middle frame 50 to the upper surface of the peripheral portion 62 of the bottom cover 60.

[0122] The middle frame 50 may serve as a bracket for fixing the cover window 20 and the bottom cover 60 to each other.

[0123] The display driving module 10 may be disposed between the middle frame 50 and the cover window 20. The upper surface of the middle frame 50 may face the lower surface of the display driving module 10. The upper surface of the middle frame 50 may be spaced apart from the lower surface of the display driving module 10. The first storage space SS1 may be formed between the upper surface of the middle frame 50 and the lower surface of the display driving module 10. The first storage space SS1 may provide a space for storing peripheral circuits of the electronic device, such as a host driving system, a memory, and a battery.

[0124] In some embodiments, the middle frame 50 may include a middle plate 51 and a middle side wall 52 .

[0125] The middle plate 51 may be disposed below the display driving module 10. In the first storage space SS1 formed between the upper surface of the middle plate 51 and the lower surface of the display driving module 10, there may be at least one opening for passing a cable, facilitating electrical connection between the display driving circuit unit connected to the display driving module 10 and the host driving system. In addition, there may be at least one recessed portion in which various electronic circuit components mounted on the electronic device are disposed.

[0126] The middle side wall 52 may be located on a side surface of the middle plate 51. The direction in which the middle side wall 52 extends may be different from the direction in which the middle plate 51 extends. The middle side wall 52 may support the curved portion 22 of the cover window 20. For example, the middle side wall 52 may be coupled to the curved portion 22 of the cover window 20 by the first coupling member 41. Therefore, the waterproof capability of the display device 1 may be improved, and penetration of foreign matter may be prevented.

[0127] The bottom cover 60 may be disposed below the middle frame 50. For example, an upper surface of the bottom cover 60 may face a lower surface of the middle frame 50. At least a portion of the upper surface of the bottom cover 60 may be spaced apart from at least a portion of the lower surface of the middle frame 50. The second storage space SS2 may be formed between at least a portion of the upper surface of the bottom cover 60 and at least a portion of the lower surface of the middle frame 50. The second storage space SS2 may provide an additional space for storing peripheral circuits of the electronic device.

[0128] In some embodiments, the bottom cover 60 may include a central covering portion 61 and a peripheral portion 62 .

[0129] The central covering portion 61 of the bottom cover 60 may be disposed below the middle plate 51. Peripheral circuits of the electronic device that may not have been placed in the first storage space SS1 may be placed in the second storage space SS2 formed between the upper surface of the central covering portion 61 and the lower surface of the middle plate 51. In some embodiments, a battery for operating the display device 1 may be placed in the second storage space SS2.

[0130] The peripheral portion 62 of the bottom cover 60 may be located on the side surface of the central cover portion 61. The direction along which the peripheral portion 62 extends may be different from the direction along which the central cover portion 61 extends. The peripheral portion 62 may be supported by the middle side wall 52. In an embodiment, the peripheral portion 62 may be coupled to the middle side wall 52 by a second coupling member 42. Therefore, the waterproof capability of the display device 1 may be improved, and penetration of foreign matter may be prevented.

[0131] In an embodiment, the bottom cover 60 may be detachably coupled to the middle side wall 52. For example, the second coupling member 42 between the middle side wall 52 and the peripheral portion 62 may be omitted, and a mechanical coupling may be adopted. In this case, during use of the display device 1, the battery may be easily replaced after the battery is discharged. In addition, the display device 1 may be easily disassembled for repair.

[0132] Other embodiments of the display device according to the embodiment will now be described. In the following embodiments, the same elements as those of the above-described embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted or briefly given, and differences will be mainly described.

[0133] Fig.10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main body unit BP according to the embodiment. Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Magnified view of area B.

[0134] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 The display device 1 according to the present embodiment is different from the display device 1 according to the reference Figure 7 The display device 1 of the described embodiment is different in that the outer structure 30 further includes a fourth portion 34 .

[0135] For example, the outer structure 30 may include a fourth portion 34 in addition to the first portion 31, the second portion 32, and the third portion 33. Figure 7 The first portion 31 , the second portion 32 , and the third portion 33 are described, and thus their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0136] The fourth portion 34 of the outer structure 30 may be located on the third portion 33. The fourth portion 34 may be a step portion formed on the lower surface of the outer structure 30. The lower surface of the outer structure 30 overlapping with the fourth portion 34 in the third direction DR3 may be positioned higher than the lower surface of the outer structure 30 not overlapping with the fourth portion 34 in the third direction DR3. The lower surface of the outer structure 30 not overlapping with the fourth portion 34 in the third direction DR3 may be in direct contact with the middle side wall 52 of the middle frame 50.

[0137] In some embodiments, the fourth portion 34 may overlap the sub-area SA of the display panel 100 in the third direction DR3. The fourth portion 34 may extend in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The width of the fourth portion 34 in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be set within a range that does not reduce the adhesive strength of the bonding member 40.

[0138] The first coupling member 41 may not overlap the fourth portion 34. The first coupling member 41 may contact a portion of the lower surface of the outer structure 30 except the fourth portion 34. Therefore, the intermediate sidewall 52 may be coupled to a portion of the lower surface of the outer structure 30 except the fourth portion 34 by the first coupling member 41.

[0139] The outer structure 30 included in the display device 1 according to the current embodiment can increase the attachment area of ​​the bonding member 40, thereby improving the adhesion between the middle frame 50 and the cover window 20. Therefore, by ensuring a sufficient attachment surface for the first bonding member 41 via the outer structure 30, the tolerance for firmly bonding the cover window 20 to the middle frame 50 can be minimized. Therefore, the dead space between the cover window 20 and the display driving module 10 can be minimized. In addition, the outer structure 30 disposed between the cover window 20 and the display driving module 10 can improve the impact resistance of the display device 1.

[0140] In the display device 1 according to the present embodiment, since the outer structure 30 further includes the fourth portion 34, the display device manufacturing method S1 (see FIG. 1 ) to be described later can be made Fig.23 ) injected into the PST paste (see Fig.28 ) is minimized, thereby improving process efficiency.

[0141] Fig.12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main body unit BP according to the embodiment. Fig.13 yes Fig.12 Magnified view of area C. Fig.14 is based on Fig.12 A schematic rear view of the main body unit BP of an embodiment.

[0142] Reference Figure 12 to Figure 14 The display device 1 according to the present embodiment is different from the above reference Figure 7 and Fig.10 The display device 1 according to the described embodiment is different in that the outer structure 30 is spaced apart from the display driving module 10 .

[0143] For example, the outer structure 30 may be disposed between the cover window 20 and the middle frame 50. The outer structure 30 may couple the cover window 20 to the coupling member 40 (or the middle frame 50).

[0144] The outer structure 30 may be disposed along the edge of the display driving module 10, but may be spaced apart from the display driving module 10. For example, the outer structure 30 may be spaced apart from the display driving module 10 along the second direction DR2. The outer structure 30 may contact the inner surface of the cover window 20 and the combining member 40 (or the middle frame 50). For example, the inner surface 30a of the outer structure 30 may be spaced apart from the display driving module 10 and may face the display driving module 10. In this way, an empty space may be formed between the inner surface 30a of the outer structure 30 and the display driving module 10. The upper surface 30b and the outer surface 30c of the outer structure 30 may contact the inner surface of the cover window 20. The lower surface 30d of the outer structure 30 may contact the first combining member 41 (or the middle frame 50).

[0145] like Fig.14 As shown in , the outer structure 30 may have a ring shape with a central hole in a plan view. For example, the outer structure 30 may have a circular ring shape or a ring shape in a plan view. The outer structure 30 may surround the display panel 100 (or the display driving module 10) in a plan view, but may be spaced apart from the display panel 100 (or the display driving module 10). In addition, the outer structure 30 may be surrounded by the cover window 20 in a plan view, and may contact the inner surface of the cover window 20.

[0146] In the display device 1 according to the current embodiment, since the outer structure 30 is spaced apart from the display driving module 10, damage caused by pressing the display driving module 10 can be minimized. For example, since the outer structure 30 is spaced apart from the display driving module 10, an empty space may exist between the display driving module 10 and the inner surface 30a of the outer structure 30. Therefore, in the display device manufacturing method S1 (see FIG. 1 ) to be described later, Fig.23 ) in the mold unit MLD (see Fig.24 ) can be positioned in the empty space. Therefore, the lower surface of the inner wall of the mold may not directly contact the lower surface of the display driving module 10, but may contact the inner surface of the cover window 20, thereby minimizing damage caused by pressing the display driving module 10. This will be referred to later. Fig.23 The display device manufacturing method S1 is described in detail.

[0147] In addition, since the outer structure 30 is spaced apart from the display driving module 10, the display device manufacturing method S1 (see FIG. Fig.23 ) injected into the PST paste (see Fig.28 ) is minimized, thereby improving process efficiency.

[0148] In addition, since the outer structure 30 does not cover the rear surface of the display driving module 10, there is no need to perform a dotting process, which in turn improves process efficiency. The dotting process refers to flattening the step portion located on the rear surface of the display driving module 10 by applying a resin to the step portion to prevent the paste PST (see Fig.28 ) leaks from the step portion. In addition, since the driver board PCB, the driver chip DIC and other circuit components are arranged on the rear surface of the display driver module 10, a step portion may be formed between these components. When the paste PST is applied on these step portions (see Fig.28 ) to form the outer structure 30, a dot coating process may be performed to prevent the paste PST from leaking along the step portion. However, in the display device 1 according to the current embodiment, since the outer structure 30 does not cover the rear surface of the display driving module 10, there is no need to perform a dot coating process, thereby improving process efficiency.

[0149] Fig.15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main body unit BP according to the embodiment. Fig.16 yes Fig.15 Magnified view of area D.

[0150] Reference Fig.15 and Fig.16 The display device 1 according to the present embodiment is different from the above reference Fig.12 The display device 1 according to the described embodiment is different in that the outer structure 30 includes a first portion 31 and a second portion 32 .

[0151] For example, the outer structure 30 may include a first portion 31 and a second portion 32 .

[0152] The first portion 31 of the outer structure 30 has the same Fig.12 The outer structure 30 of the display device 1 of the described embodiment has the same configuration, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0153] The second portion 32 of the outer structure 30 may be disposed on the first portion 31 of the outer structure 30 and the curved portion 22 of the cover window 20. For example, the first portion of the second portion 32 may be disposed between the lower surface of the first portion 31 and the upper surface of the first coupling member 41 (or the middle side wall 52). In addition, the second portion of the second portion 32 may be disposed between the lower surface of the curved portion 22 and the upper surface of the first coupling member 41 (or the middle side wall 52). In this way, the curved portion 22 does not contact the upper surface of the first coupling member 41 (or the middle side wall 52).

[0154] In some embodiments, the outer surface 32a of the second portion 32 may be located on the same line or plane as the outermost boundary of the outer surface of the cover window 20 in the third direction DR3. For example, the outer surface 32a of the second portion 32 may be located on the same line or plane as the outermost surface of the curved portion 22.

[0155] In the display device 1 according to the current embodiment, since the outer structure 30 further includes the second portion 32, the adhesive surface to which the coupling member 40 (or the middle frame 50) contacts can be made of the same material at any portion along the coupling member 40 (or the middle frame 50). Therefore, the same adhesive strength can be achieved over the entire adhesive surface, thereby improving the durability of the display device 1.

[0156] Fig.17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main body unit BP according to the embodiment. Fig.18 yes Fig.17 Magnified view of area E.

[0157] Reference Fig.17 and Fig.18 The display device 1 according to the present embodiment is different from the reference Fig.15 The display device 1 according to the described embodiment is different in that the outer surface 32 a of the second portion 32 is located inside the outer surface of the cover window 20 .

[0158] More specifically, the outer surface 32a of the second portion 32 of the outer structure 30 may be located inside the outer surface of the cover window 20. For example, the outer surface 32a of the second portion 32 may be located inside the outermost surface of the curved portion 22. For example, the outermost surface of the curved portion 22 may protrude outwardly than the outer surface 32a of the second portion 32. In addition, the outermost surface of the intermediate sidewall 52 may protrude outwardly than the outer surface 32a of the second portion 32.

[0159] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the first coupling member 41 may be located on the same line or plane as the outer surface 32a of the second portion 32 in the third direction DR3. Since the outer surface of the first coupling member 41 does not protrude outward more than the outer surface 32a of the second portion 32, it is possible to prevent external foreign matter from adhering to the first coupling member 41.

[0160] In the display device 1 according to the current embodiment, since the outer surface 32 a of the second portion 32 of the outer structure 30 is located inside the outer surface of the cover window 20 , the outer structure 30 may be prevented from being directly exposed to the outside.

[0161] Fig.19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main body unit BP according to the embodiment. Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 Magnified view of area F.

[0162] Reference Fig.19 and Fig. 20 The display device 1 according to the present embodiment is different from the reference Fig.17 The display device 1 according to the described embodiment is different in that the second portion 32 of the outer structure 30 is covered by at least one of the bent portion 22 of the cover window 20 and the middle sidewall 52 of the middle frame 50 .

[0163] For example, at least one of the curved portion 22 of the cover window 20 and the intermediate sidewall 52 of the intermediate frame 50 may extend in the third direction DR3 to cover the outer surface of the first coupling member 41. For example, the curved portion 22 may include a first extension portion 22a, and the intermediate sidewall 52 may include a second extension portion 52a. The first extension portion 22a and the second extension portion 52a may cover the outer surface 32a of the second portion 32 of the outer structure 30. In an embodiment, any one of the first extension portion 22a and the second extension portion 52a may be omitted, and the other one that is not omitted may completely cover the outer surface 32a of the second portion 32 of the outer structure 30.

[0164] In some embodiments, the first coupling member 41 may include a first coupling portion 41a and a second coupling portion 41b. The first coupling portion 41a may be disposed between the lower surface of the second portion 32 and the upper surface of the intermediate side wall 52. The second coupling portion 41b may be disposed between the first extension portion 22a and the second extension portion 52a. The outer surface of the first coupling member 41 may protrude outwardly from the outer surface 32a of the second portion 32.

[0165] exist Fig.19 and Fig. 20 In the embodiment, although the first coupling member 41 includes a step portion extending between the first coupling portion 41a and the second coupling portion 41b in the third direction DR3, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, when the intermediate side wall 52 does not include the second extension portion 52a, the intermediate side wall 52 may be flat without including the step portion. In this case, the first coupling member 41 may not include the step portion, and the first coupling portion 41a and the second coupling portion 41b may be arranged side by side at the same height. Here, the first extension portion 22a of the curved portion 22 may further extend in the third direction DR3 to completely cover the outer surface 32a of the second portion 32.

[0166] In the display device 1 according to the current embodiment, since the cover window 20 and the middle frame 50 having relatively higher strength than the outer structure 30 cover the second portion 32 of the outer structure 30 , impact resistance of the display device 1 may be improved.

[0167] Fig.21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main body unit BP according to the embodiment. Fig. 22 yes Fig.21 Magnified view of region G.

[0168] Reference Fig.21 and Fig. 22 The display device 1 according to the present embodiment is different from the reference Fig.12 The display device 1 according to the described embodiment is different in that the lower surface 30 d of the outer structure 30 is positioned higher than the lower surface of the bent portion 22 of the cover window 20 .

[0169] For example, the lower surface 30d of the outer structure 30 may be positioned higher than the lower surface of the bent portion 22 of the cover window 20. A first portion of the inner surface of the bent portion 22 may contact the outer structure 30, and a second portion of the bent portion 22 may not contact the outer structure 30.

[0170] In some embodiments, the intermediate sidewall 52 may include a step portion 52b. The step portion 52b may be located inside the curved portion 22. The step portion 52b may be disposed below the outer structure 30. An upper surface of the step portion 52b may be located higher than a lower surface of the curved portion 22.

[0171] The first coupling member 41 may include a first coupling portion 41a and a second coupling portion 41b. The first coupling portion 41a may be disposed between the lower surface 30d of the outer structure 30 and the step portion 52b. The second coupling portion 41b may be disposed between the lower surface of the curved portion 22 and the upper surface of the intermediate side wall 52. The first coupling member 41 may further include a step portion connecting the first coupling portion 41a and the second coupling portion 41b. The step portion of the first coupling member 41 may extend in the third direction DR3.

[0172] In the display device 1 according to the present embodiment, since the lower surface 30d of the outer structure 30 is positioned higher than the lower surface of the bent portion 22, the display device manufacturing method S1 (see FIG. 1 ) to be described later can be made Fig.23 ) injected into the PST paste (see Fig.28 ) is minimized, thereby improving process efficiency.

[0173] In addition, since the contact area of ​​the bonding member 40 disposed between the middle sidewall 52 and the cover window 20 increases to improve adhesive strength, the durability of the display device 1 may be improved.

[0174] Hereinafter, an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment and a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment will be described. Fig.12 The apparatus and method for manufacturing a display device of the described embodiments are taken as examples.

[0175] Fig.23 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment. Fig.24 It is shown Fig.23 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of operation S100 . Fig.25 It is shown Fig.23 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of operation S100 . Fig.26 It is shown Fig.23 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of operation S200 . Fig. 27 yes Fig.26 Magnified view of area H. Fig.28 It is shown Fig.23 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of operation S300 . Fig.29 It is shown Fig.23 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of operation S400 . Fig.30 It is shown Fig.23 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of operation S500 . Fig.31 It is shown Fig.23 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of operation S600 .

[0176] Reference Figures 23 to 31 , the method S1 of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment may include the following steps: providing a mold unit and an object (operation S100); combining the mold unit and the object together (operation S200); injecting paste through an inlet (operation S300); forming an outer structure by curing the paste (operation S400); disassembling the mold unit and collecting the object (operation S500); and removing a tip of the object (operation S600).

[0177] like Fig.24 and Fig.25 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the step of providing a mold unit and an object (operation S100 ), a mold unit MLD and an object may be provided.

[0178] Each of the objects can be referenced above Figure 1 The main body unit BP of the display device 1 described in the method S1 of manufacturing the display device according to the current embodiment may be in a state in which the display driving module 10 and the cover window 20 are combined with each other.

[0179] The mold unit MLD may be a display device manufacturing apparatus for forming the outer structure 30. The mold unit MLD may include a lower mold 1000, an upper mold 2000, and an inner mold 3000.

[0180] The lower mold 1000 may be disposed below the body unit BP as an object. The lower mold 1000 may include a base 1100 and a mounting portion 1200.

[0181] The base 1100 may form a main body of the lower mold 1000. The area of ​​the base 1100 may be greater than the area of ​​the object. Although four objects are mounted on the base 1100 in the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The area of ​​the base 1100 may vary according to the number of objects mounted on the base 1100.

[0182] The mounting portion 1200 may be provided on the base 1100. The mounting portion 1200 may be a portion protruding from the base 1100 in the third direction DR3. The mounting portion 1200 and the base 1100 may be physically one component, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Although four mounting portions 1200 are provided on the base 1100 in the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The number of mounting portions 1200 provided on the base 1100 may vary according to the number of objects installed on the base 1100. In addition, although each of the mounting portions 1200 has the same shape and / or size as the central portion 21 of the cover window 20 in the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Each of the mounting portions 1200 may also be larger or smaller in size than the central portion 21.

[0183] The upper mold 2000 may be disposed on the lower mold 1000. The upper mold 2000 may be disposed on the body unit BP as an object. The upper mold 2000 may include a first outer wall 2100, a first top plate 2200, a first receiving portion 2300, a first coupling hole 2410, and a second coupling hole 2420.

[0184] The first outer wall 2100 and the first top plate 2200 may form a body of the upper mold 2000. The outer shape of the upper mold 2000 defined by the first outer wall 2100 and the first top plate 2200 may substantially correspond to the outer shape of the base 1100 of the lower mold 1000, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0185] Each of the first receiving parts 2300 may be a space surrounded by the first outer wall 2100 and the first top plate 2200. Each of the first receiving parts 2300 may provide a space for receiving the inner mold 3000. Fig.24 Four first receiving parts 2300 are shown in FIG. 1 as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figures 25 to 31 A case where only one first receiving portion 2300 exists is described in the following description as an example.

[0186] The first coupling hole 2410 and the second coupling hole 2420 may be provided in the first top plate 2200. The first coupling hole 2410 and the second coupling hole 2420 may be through holes penetrating the upper and lower surfaces of the first top plate 2200. Each of the first coupling holes 2410 may be a hole coupled with the inlet 3610 of the inner mold 3000, and each of the second coupling holes 2420 may be a hole coupled with the outlet 3620 of the inner mold 3000.

[0187] In some embodiments, the lower mold 1000 and the upper mold 2000 may include at least one of stainless steel (SUS) and aluminum (Al), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0188] The inner mold 3000 may be disposed between the lower mold 1000 and the upper mold 2000. The inner mold 3000 disposed between the lower mold 1000 and the upper mold 2000 serves as an additional mold to more accurately seal the object. Each of the inner molds 3000 may include a second outer wall 3100, an inner wall 3200, a second top plate 3300, a cavity 3400, a second accommodating portion 3500, an inlet 3610, and an outlet 3620.

[0189] The second outer wall 3100 and the second top plate 3300 may form a body of each inner mold 3000. The outer shape of each inner mold 3000 defined by the second outer wall 3100 and the second top plate 3300 may substantially correspond to the outer shape of the first receiving portion 2300 of the upper mold 2000, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0190] The inner wall 3200 may be located inside the second outer wall 3100. The inner wall 3200 may be surrounded by the second outer wall 3100. The inner wall 3200 may be a partition wall for isolating the cavity 3400 and the second accommodating portion 3500. The inner wall 3200 may extend substantially in the third direction DR3. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the inner wall 3200 may also extend in a diagonal direction.

[0191] The cavity 3400 may be located between the second outer wall 3100 and the inner wall 3200. The cavity 3400 may be a space surrounded by the second outer wall 3100, the inner wall 3200, and the second top plate 3300. The cavity 3400 may provide a space for forming the outer structure 30.

[0192] The second receiving portion 3500 may be located inside the inner wall 3200. The second receiving portion 3500 may be a space surrounded by the inner wall 3200 and the second top plate 3300. The second receiving portion 3500 may be a space for receiving the display driving module 10.

[0193] The inlet 3610 and the outlet 3620 may be provided in the second top plate 3300. The inlet 3610 and the outlet 3620 may be passages penetrating the upper and lower surfaces of the second top plate 3300. The inlet 3610 and the outlet 3620 may protrude from the second top plate 3300 in the third direction DR3. The inlet 3610 and the outlet 3620 may protrude in a direction opposite to the protruding direction of the inner wall 3200. The protruding portions of the inlet 3610 and the outlet 3620 may be respectively coupled to the first coupling hole 2410 and the second coupling hole 2420 of the upper mold 2000. For example, the protruding portion of the inlet 3610 may be inserted into the first coupling hole 2410, and the protruding portion of the outlet 3620 may be inserted into the second coupling hole 2420.

[0194] The inlet 3610 and the outlet 3620 may be spaces into which the paste PST is injected. The inlet 3610 and the outlet 3620 may be passages connecting the cavity 3400 and the outside so that the paste PST may be injected into the cavity 3400 .

[0195] In some embodiments, the inner mold 3000 may include silicone, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0196] like Fig.26 and Fig. 27 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the step of combining the mold unit and the object (operation S200), the upper mold 2000, the inner mold 3000, the object, and the lower mold 1000 may be sequentially arranged. The mold unit MLD may be assembled when the upper mold 2000, the inner mold 3000, and the lower mold 1000 are close to each other with the object interposed therebetween.

[0197] When the mold unit MLD is assembled, the object can be completely sealed by the mold unit MLD. For example, the lower surface 20a of the cover window 20 can contact the lower mold 1000, the inner surface (upper surface) 20b of the cover window 20 can contact the lower surface 3200a of the inner wall 3200 of the inner mold 3000, and the upper surface of the curved portion 22 of the cover window 20 can contact the inner surface (upper surface) of the cavity 3400. For example, the curved portion 22 of the cover window 20 can be disposed in the cavity 3400, and the display driving module 10 can be disposed in the second accommodating portion 3500. Therefore, the cavity 3400 and the second accommodating portion 3500 can be completely isolated, and the display driving module 10 can be completely sealed in the second accommodating portion 3500.

[0198] In the mold unit MLD as the display device manufacturing apparatus according to the current embodiment and the display device manufacturing method S1 according to the current embodiment, since the lower surface of the inner wall 3200 contacts the inner surface of the cover window 20 , damage caused by pressing the display driving module 10 can be minimized.

[0199] In the drawings, when the mold unit MLD is assembled, the lower surface of the first outer wall 2100 of the upper mold 2000 contacts the upper surface of the base 1100. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. When the mold unit MLD is assembled, the lower surface of the first outer wall 2100 of the upper mold 2000 may not contact the upper surface of the base 1100.

[0200] In addition, in the drawings, when the mold unit MLD is assembled, the lower surface of the second outer wall 3100 of the inner mold 3000 does not contact the upper surface of the base 1100 of the lower mold 1000. For example, an empty space may be formed between the lower surface of the second outer wall 3100 of the inner mold 3000 and the upper surface of the base 1100 of the lower mold 1000. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. When the mold unit MLD is assembled, the lower surface of the second outer wall 3100 of the inner mold 3000 may also contact the upper surface of the base 1100 of the lower mold 1000.

[0201] In addition, since the cavity 3400 does not overlap the display driving module 10, an additional dispensing process is not required, thus improving process efficiency.

[0202] like Fig.28 As shown in FIG. 3 , in the step of injecting the paste through the inlet (operation S300 ), the paste PST may be injected into the cavity 3400 using the head HD.

[0203] The head HD may be an injection device such as an inkjet device or a dispenser device that can inject the paste PST in a liquid state.

[0204] The paste PST may include a liquid resin. For example, the paste PST may include, but is not limited to, an optically transparent resin in liquid form.

[0205] The paste PST may be discharged from the head HD and injected into the cavity 3400 through the inlet 3610. Since the cavity 3400 surrounds the display driving module 10 along the inner wall 3200, the paste PST injected into the cavity 3400 may move clockwise and counterclockwise to fill the entire cavity 3400.

[0206] In some embodiments, when the cavity 3400 is filled with an amount of the paste PST exceeding the volume of the cavity 3400, the excess paste PST may be discharged through the outlet 3620. The excess paste PST may remain in the inlet 3610 and the outlet 3620.

[0207] In the mold unit MLD as the display device manufacturing apparatus according to the current embodiment and the display device manufacturing method S1 according to the current embodiment, since the inner wall 3200 is provided between the display driving module 10 and the bent portion 22 of the cover window 20, the size of the cavity 3400 can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of the paste PST injected into the cavity 3400 can be minimized, and thus, the process efficiency is improved.

[0208] like Fig.29 As shown in FIG. 4 , in the step of forming the outer structure by curing the paste PST (operation S400 ), the paste PST may be cured by thermal curing or ultraviolet curing to form the outer structure 30 .

[0209] In some embodiments, in order to thermally heat the paste PST, the mold unit MLD may further include a heater 4000. For example, the heater 4000 may include a first heater 4100 disposed above the upper mold 2000 and a second heater 4200 disposed below the lower mold 1000. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a heater surrounding the entire mold unit MLD may also be provided to apply heat from all directions. In other words, additional heaters may be provided on the left and right sides of the mold unit MLD.

[0210] Excess paste PST remaining in the inlet 3610 and the outlet 3620 may form a tip 30_T.

[0211] like Fig.30 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the step of disassembling the mold unit and collecting the object (operation S500 ), the lower mold 1000 , the object, the inner mold 3000 , and the upper mold 2000 may be separated and separated from each other. The object separated from the mold unit MLD may be collected in a separate space for further processing.

[0212] like Fig.31 As shown in FIG. 5 , in the step of removing the tip of the object (operation S600 ), the tip 30_T located on the outer structure 30 may be removed using a cutting device.

[0213] Despite Fig.30 The middle tip 30_T overlaps with the outer structure 30 in the third direction DR3, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the tip 30_T may not overlap with the outer structure 30 in the third direction DR3. In this case, the inlet 3610 and the outlet 3620 may not overlap with the cavity 3400 in the third direction DR3. Therefore, when the tip 30_T is removed, it is possible to prevent a step from being formed on the lower surface of the outer structure 30.

[0214] At the end of the detailed description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments without substantially departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments are used in a descriptive sense rather than for a limiting purpose.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: A display driver module, including a display panel; a cover window comprising a central portion overlapping the display driving module and a bent portion surrounding the display driving module; as well as an outer structure disposed between the display driving module and the curved portion and surrounding the display driving module, Wherein, the external structure is spaced apart from the display driving module.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The outer structure directly contacts the bent portion.

3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The outer structure is arranged away from the outer edge of the display driving module.

4. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The external structure does not directly contact the display driving module.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The lower surface of the outer structure and the lower surface of the curved portion are located in the same plane.

6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The outer structure includes: a first portion contacting an inner surface of the bent portion; and a second portion overlapping a lower surface of the first portion.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The second portion overlaps the first portion and the bent portion in a thickness direction of the display device.

8. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The second portion contacts a lower surface of the bent portion.

9. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: An outermost surface of the curved portion protrudes beyond an outer surface of the second portion adjacent to the outermost surface of the curved portion.

10. The display device according to claim 9, further comprising a middle frame, the middle frame being positioned opposite to the cover window, and the second portion of the outer structure being disposed between the middle frame and the cover window, in, The outer surface of the second portion is covered by the cover window or the middle frame.

11. The display device according to claim 10, further comprising a first coupling member disposed between the cover window and the middle frame, wherein: The middle frame includes a middle side wall facing the curved portion of the cover window, and The first coupling member contacts a lower surface of the second portion, a lower surface of the bent portion, and an upper surface of the intermediate sidewall.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein: The first coupling member includes a first coupling portion contacting the second portion, a second coupling portion contacting the bent portion, and a step portion between the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion.

13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: A lower surface of the outer structure is higher than a lower surface of the bent portion.

14. The display device according to claim 13, further comprising a middle frame located below the cover window, in, The middle frame includes a stepped portion overlapping the cover window in a horizontal direction.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: An upper surface of the step portion is higher than the lower surface of the bent portion.

16. The display device according to claim 14, further comprising a first combining member disposed between the cover window and the middle frame, in, The first coupling member includes a first coupling portion provided on the step portion and a second coupling portion provided on the lower surface of the bent portion.

17. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display driving module further includes a driving chip and a driving board disposed at one end of the display panel.

18. A display device, comprising: A display driver module, including a display panel; a cover window comprising a central portion overlapping the display driving module and a bent portion surrounding the display driving module; as well as an outer structure disposed between the display driving module and the curved portion and surrounding the display driving module, Wherein, the external structure overlaps with the display driving module in the thickness direction of the display panel.

19. The display device according to claim 18, wherein: The external structure directly contacts the display driving module.

20. The display device according to claim 18, wherein: The display panel includes: a main area; a curved area disposed on a first side of the main area; and a sub-area disposed on a second side of the curved area, and The outer structure includes: a first portion disposed outside the bending area; and a second portion disposed inside the bending area.

21. The display device according to claim 20, wherein: The outer structure also includes a third portion covering the sub-region of the display panel.

22. The display device according to claim 21, wherein: The outer structure further includes a fourth portion disposed on a lower surface of the third portion, and The fourth portion has a stepped shape.

23. An apparatus for manufacturing a display device, the apparatus comprising: An upper mold and a lower mold facing each other; as well as The inner mold is located between the upper mold and the lower mold, Wherein, the inner mold includes: an outer wall; an inner wall located inside the outer wall; a cavity arranged between the outer wall and the inner wall; a containing part arranged inside the inner wall; and an inlet and an outlet open to the cavity.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein: The apparatus is configured to manufacture the display device including a display driving module and a cover window, Wherein, the lower surface of the inner wall is located on the cover window.

25. A method for manufacturing a display device, the display device comprising a display driving module and a cover window, the method comprising the following steps: combining the mold unit and the display device together; injecting paste through an inlet of the mold unit; as well as The outer structure is formed by curing the paste, Wherein, the external structure is arranged between the display driving module and the cover window.

26. The method according to claim 25, further comprising: The tip formed on the outer structure is removed.

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