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

Abstract

The invention relates to a display device, an apparatus for manufacturing the display device, and a method of manufacturing the display device. The display device includes: a cover window; a display module disposed on the cover window and including a display panel; a driving board disposed on the display module and connected to the display panel; and an outer structure at least partially surrounding the display module and the driving board on the cover window. An external structure is in contact with the driver board.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0127493 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 22, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

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

[0004] With the development of the information society, the demand for display devices for displaying images has increased in various forms. The display device may be a flat panel display device, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, a field emission display device, and a light-emitting display device. The light-emitting display device may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display device including an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) element as a light-emitting element and a light-emitting diode display device including an inorganic light-emitting diode element (such as a light-emitting diode) as a light-emitting element.

[0005] A flexible display device having an edge portion bent to have a predetermined curvature has been introduced. Therefore, a cover window for such a display device may also be bent to have a predetermined curvature.

[0006] As technology advances, the cost and difficulty of manufacturing a display device increases, and a process of modularizing each component of the display device and individually assembling them is being actively used. Summary of the invention

[0007] The display device includes: a cover window; a display module disposed on the cover window and including a display panel; a driving board disposed on the display module and connected to the display panel; and an external structure at least partially surrounding the display module and the driving board on the cover window. The external structure contacts the driving board.

[0008] An inner surface of the outer structure may directly contact a side surface of the driving plate.

[0009] A boundary of the inner surface of the outer structure may coincide with a boundary of the side surface of the driving plate.

[0010] The outer structure may cover at least a portion of the lower surface of the driving plate.

[0011] The outer structure may include a first portion contacting a side surface of the driving board; and a second portion protruding from the first portion and contacting a lower surface of the driving board.

[0012] The external structure may overlap the display panel in a thickness direction of the display panel.

[0013] The display module may further include a cover spacer and / or a cover panel disposed between the display panel and the driving board.

[0014] The external structure may overlap the cover spacer and / or the cover panel in a thickness direction of the display panel.

[0015] The display device may further include an intermediate frame at least partially surrounding the display module. The external structure may be at least partially surrounded by the intermediate frame.

[0016] The middle frame may include a middle plate and middle side walls provided on side surfaces of the middle plate.The outer structure may be at least partially surrounded by the middle side walls.

[0017] The intermediate sidewall may include a first intermediate sidewall connected to the intermediate plate and a second intermediate sidewall connected to the first intermediate sidewall. The first intermediate sidewall may be disposed below the outer structure, and the second intermediate sidewall may be disposed on an outer side of the outer structure.

[0018] The display device may further include a first coupling member disposed between the middle frame and the external structure. The first coupling member may include: a first coupling element disposed between the first middle side wall and the external structure; and a second coupling element disposed between the second middle side wall and the external structure.

[0019] The display panel may include a main area, a curved area disposed on one side of the main area, and a sub-area disposed on one side of the curved area. The outer structure may include: a first portion disposed on an outer side of the curved area; and a second portion disposed on an inner side of the curved area.

[0020] The outer structure may further include a third portion at least partially covering a sub-area of ​​the display panel.

[0021] The display module may further include a bending protection layer disposed on an outer side of the display panel in the bending area. The bending protection layer may extend to the sub-area.

[0022] One end portion of the bent protection layer may protrude more inwardly than one end portion of the third portion.

[0023] An apparatus for manufacturing a display device including a display module and a driving board connected to the display module includes an upper mold and a lower mold facing each other. An inner mold is disposed between the upper mold and the lower mold. The inner mold includes: an outer wall; an inner wall disposed inside the outer wall; a cavity disposed between the outer wall and the inner wall; and a receiving portion disposed inside the inner wall. The inner wall contacts the driving board.

[0024] A lower surface of the inner wall may contact a lower surface of the driving plate.

[0025] A method for manufacturing a display device (which includes a display module and a driving board connected to the display module) includes coupling a mold and a display device to each other, injecting a paste through an inlet of the mold, forming an external structure by curing the paste, and contacting the external structure with the driving board.

[0026] An inner surface of the outer structure contacts a side surface of the driving plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] These and / or other aspects will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 is a front view showing a deployed state of a display driving module according to an embodiment;

[0030] Figure 3 is a rear view showing an expanded state of a display driving module according to an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 4 is a rear view showing a bent state of a display driving module according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line X1-X1';

[0033] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a stacking structure of a display module according to an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 7 is a schematic rear view of a body according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line X2-X2';

[0036] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of region A;

[0037] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of region B;

[0038] Fig.11 is a schematic rear view of a body according to an embodiment;

[0039] Fig.12 It is along Fig.11 A cross-sectional view taken along line X3-X3';

[0040] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 An enlarged view of region C;

[0041] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view of a main body according to an embodiment;

[0042] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 An enlarged view of region D;

[0043] Fig.16 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0044] Fig.17 It is shown Fig.16 A perspective view of operation S100;

[0045] Fig.18 It is shown Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of operation S100;

[0046] Fig.19 It is shown Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of operation S200;

[0047] Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 An enlarged view of region E;

[0048] Fig.21 It is shown Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of operation S300;

[0049] Fig. 22 It is shown Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of operation S400;

[0050] Fig.23 It is shown Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of operation S500; and

[0051] Fig.24 It is shown Fig.16 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of operation S600 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Embodiments of the present invention will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in different forms and should not necessarily be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0053] It will also 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 also be present. The same reference numerals may refer to the same components throughout the specification and drawings.

[0054] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0055] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0056] refer to Figure 1 According to the embodiment, the display device 1 may include a main body BP and a wearable part BD. Although a smart watch is illustrated as an example of the display device 1 in this specification, the present disclosure is not necessarily 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 display screen.

[0057] The main body BP may include a display driving module 10 on which an image is displayed, a cover window 20, an external structure 30, a coupling member 40, an intermediate frame 50, and a bottom cover 60. In the main body BP, the bottom cover 60, the intermediate frame 50, the coupling member 40, the external structure 30, the display driving module 10, and the cover window 20 may be sequentially arranged. The cover window 20 may be considered as the top of the arrangement.

[0058] 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 interfaces, etc. are displayed as images. The display panel 100 may be, but is not necessarily limited to, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel or a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. The display panel 100 may include a display area DA that displays an image, and a non-display area NDA disposed around the display area DA. Figure 1 As shown, the display panel 100 may be substantially circular in a plan view. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the display panel 100 may also have various shapes, for example, may have a polygonal shape such as a quadrilateral or an elliptical shape.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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 sapphire glass and / or chemically strengthened glass (such as GORILLA GLASS developed and manufactured by Corning Inc.), or may have a stacked structure of sapphire glass and chemically strengthened glass. In an embodiment, the cover window 20 may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyethersulfone (PES), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and / or polynorbornene (PNB). Considering scratches and transparency, the cover window 20 may be made of tempered glass.

[0061] The cover window 20 may overlap with the display driving module 10 and cover the front surface of the display driving module 10. The cover window 20 may have a shape substantially similar to that of the display driving module 10 in a plan view. However, the cover window 20 may be larger in size than the display driving module 10. For example, the cover window 20 may protrude much more outward 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 BP. For example, the cover window 20 may be substantially circular in a plan view. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the cover window 20 may also have various shapes, for example, may have a polygonal shape such as a quadrilateral or an elliptical shape.

[0062] In some embodiments, as shown in the figure, the cover window 20 may be a flat type window. For example, the cover window 20 may have a substantially flat plate shape. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and in an embodiment, the cover window 20 may be a three-dimensional window of a three-dimensional or dome type. In this case, the cover window 20 may include a central portion and a curved portion bent from the central portion.

[0063] The external structure 30 may be disposed between the cover window 20 and the middle frame 50. The external structure 30 may couple the display driving module 10, the cover window 20, the coupling member 40, and the middle frame 50 together.

[0064] The external structure 30 may be disposed along the edge of the display driving module 10. In some embodiments, the external structure 30 may be in a ring shape with a central hole in a plan view. For example, the external structure 30 may have a donut shape or a ring shape in a plan view. In a plan view, the shape and size of the external structure 30 may correspond to the shape and size of the cover window 20. For example, when the cover window 20 has a circular shape in a plan view, the external structure 30 may also have a circular shape.

[0065] In some embodiments, the external structure 30 may include a resin. For example, the external structure 30 may be made of an optically transparent resin (OCR), but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. The external structure 30 may be applied to the outside of the display driving module 10 in a liquid or paste state. For example, the external structure 30 may be formed by injecting a paste into a mold MLD (see FIG. 1 ) to be described later. Fig.17 ) is formed in a mold. Then, the outer structure 30 can be formed by using ultraviolet light or heat to cure the paste. Fig.16 etc. describe the process of forming the outer structure 30.

[0066] The coupling member 40 may be provided between the outer structure 30 and the middle frame 50. The coupling member 40 may couple the outer structure 30 and the middle frame 50 to each other. The coupling member 40 may be an adhesive tape having an adhesive material applied to both sides and having a waterproof or dustproof function.

[0067] The coupling member 40 may be disposed along the inner edge of the intermediate frame 50. In some embodiments, the coupling member 40 may be in a ring shape with a central hole in a plan view. For example, in a plan view, the coupling member 40 may have a circular ring shape or an annular shape. 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.

[0068] The middle frame 50 may be disposed between the cover window 20 and the bottom cover 60. The middle frame 50 may be a middle coupling member for coupling the cover window 20 and the bottom cover 60. For example, the middle frame 50 may include a bracket.

[0069] The bottom cover 60 may be disposed at the bottom of the body 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.

[0070] In some embodiments, the bottom cover 60 may include a central cover portion 61 and a peripheral portion 62 .

[0071] The central cover portion 61 may be disposed at the center of the bottom cover 60 and may be substantially flat. The central cover portion 61 may be a region corresponding to the cover window 20.

[0072] The peripheral portion 62 may be disposed around the central cover portion 61. The peripheral portion 62 may at least partially surround the central cover portion 61. The peripheral portion 62 may be a portion bent from the central cover portion 61. In some embodiments, a portion of the peripheral portion 62 may include a curved surface having a predetermined curvature, and another portion may be flat. The degree (or angle) at which the peripheral portion 62 is bent from the central cover portion 61 may be an obtuse angle. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the degree (or angle) may also be a right angle or an acute angle.

[0073] The bottom cover 60 may be disposed on the outermost rear surface of the display device 1. The bottom cover 60 may include a plastic material, a metal and / or a glass material, and may include a colored coating. In an embodiment, the bottom cover 60 may be a flat glass with a transparent, translucent or opaque colored coating.

[0074] In an embodiment, the bottom cover 60 may have the same shape as the cover window 20 and may include a glass material with a colored coating. For example, the bottom cover 60 according to the example may be symmetrical with the cover window 20 with respect to the middle frame 50 interposed therebetween and may include a transparent, translucent or opaque colored coating.

[0075] The wearable portion BD may be a portion for fixing the main body BP to the user's wrist, etc. For example, the wearable portion BD may be a band, a chain, and / or a bracelet.

[0076] 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 a deployed state of a display driving module according to an embodiment. Figure 4 is a rear view illustrating a bent state of a display driving module according to an embodiment. Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line X1-X1'.

[0077] refer to Figures 2 to 5 The display driving module 10 may include a display module DM, a driving chip DIC and a driving board PCB.

[0078] The display module DM may include a display panel 100. Examples of the display panel 100 may include an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel, a micron 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. The following will describe a case where an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel is applied as an example of the display panel 100, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to this case, and other display panels may also be applied as long as the same technical spirit can be applied.

[0079] 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 where an image is displayed, and the non-display area NDA may refer to a portion where an image is not displayed.

[0080] The display area DA may have a circular shape in a plan view. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily 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.

[0081] 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 at least partially surround the display area DA. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily 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.

[0082] A signal line or a driving circuit for sending a signal to the display area DA (eg, a display area or 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 such as a pressure sensor may be provided in the portion.

[0083] 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. Each of the pixels may be rectangular or square in a plan view. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and each of the pixels may also have a rhombus shape in which each side thereof is 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, and a circle.

[0084] In the drawings, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 are horizontal directions intersecting 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 intersecting (e.g., 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.

[0085] The display driving module 10 may further include a touch sensor for detecting a touch input. The touch sensor may be formed of a touch layer TSL (see Figure 6 ) is provided in the display panel 100. In this case, the touch layer TSL (see Figure 6 ) may be provided integrally with the display panel 100. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the touch sensor may also be provided as a panel or film separated from and attached to the display panel 100. Although the touch sensor is described in the following embodiments as being provided as the touch layer TSL (see Figure 6 ), but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to this.

[0086] The touch area may be an area where a touch input is detected. The touch area may overlap with 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.

[0087] 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 curved, bent, folded, or rolled.

[0088] 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 on a first side of the bending area BA in the second direction DR2. The sub-area SA may be disposed on a second side of the bending area BA in the second direction DR2.

[0089] 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 necessarily limited thereto, and the bending area BA and / or the sub-area SA may also include the display area DA.

[0090] The main area MA may have a shape substantially similar to the outer shape of the display driving module 10 in a plan view. The main area MA may be a flat area disposed in one plane. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily 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.

[0091] 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 portion. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the curved surface or the curved portion of the edge may be a non-display area that does not display an image, or the display area and the non-display area may coexist in the portion.

[0092] 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. For example, the width of the bending area BA 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 cut shape.

[0093] The bending area BA may be an area where the display panel 100 is bent. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, 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.

[0094] The bending area BA may have a constant curvature radius. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the bending area BA may also have a different curvature radius in each section. When the display panel 100 is bent in the bending area BA, the surface of the display panel 100 may be inverted. For example, Figure 5 As shown, the display panel 100 may be bent in a direction opposite to the first surface 100a being the display surface. Therefore, among the second surfaces 100b opposite to the display surface, the second surfaces 100b of the main area MA and the second surfaces 100b of the sub-area SA may face each other in the third direction DR3.

[0095] The sub-region SA may be disposed on 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 cut shape.

[0096] In some embodiments, the size of the sub-area SA may be smaller than the main area MA of the display panel 100. For example, Figure 4 As shown, when the display panel 100 is bent, the sub-region SA may completely overlap with the main region MA. When the display panel 100 is bent, the outer edge of the sub-region SA may be at least partially surrounded by the outer edge of the main region MA in a plan view. The outer edge of the sub-region SA may be disposed inside the outer edge of the main region MA in a plan view.

[0097] like Figure 5 As shown, when the display panel 100 is bent, the sub-region SA may overlap the main region MA in the thickness direction (eg, in the third direction DR3) of the display panel 100. The sub-region SA may be disposed under the main region MA in the third direction DR3.

[0098] 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 embodiments, as shown in the drawings, the driving chip DIC may be directly mounted on the display panel 100 using a chip on glass (COG) or a chip on plastic (COP) method. In embodiments, the driving chip DIC may be mounted on a flexible film using a chip on film (COF) method.

[0099] 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 sensor. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the integrated circuit for a display and the integrated circuit for a touch sensor may also be provided as separate chips, or may be integrated into one chip.

[0100] The driving board PCB may be disposed on one end of the sub-area SA of the display panel 100. A pad may be disposed at one end of the sub-area SA of the display panel 100. The pad may include a plurality of display signal wiring pads and a touch signal wiring pad. The driving board PCB may be connected to the pad at one end of the sub-area SA of the display panel 100. A conductive adhesive such as an anisotropic conductive film or an anisotropic conductive adhesive may be used to attach the driving board PCB to the pad. The driving board PCB may be a flexible printed circuit board or a flexible film (such as a chip on film).

[0101] When the display panel 100 is bent, the driving chip DIC and the driving board PCB may be disposed opposite to the main area MA of the display panel 100 with the sub-area SA of the display panel 100 interposed therebetween. 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, may be disposed on a side away from the main area MA in the third direction DR3.

[0102] In some embodiments, the size of the driving board PCB may be smaller than the size of the main area MA of the display panel 100. Figure 4 As shown, 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, the outer edge of the driving board PCB may be at least partially 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 in a plan view.

[0103] However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and in an embodiment, a portion of the outer edge of the driving board PCB may coincide with a portion of the outer edge of the display panel 100, or may be disposed outside a portion of the outer edge of the display panel 100. In this case, the arc radius of the driving board PCB may be equal to or greater than the arc radius of the display panel 100.

[0104] 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 necessarily limited thereto, and the shape of the driving board PCB may be variously changed.

[0105] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a stacked structure of a display module according to an embodiment.

[0106] refer to Figure 6 The display module DM may include a display panel 100, an anti-reflection layer 200, an adhesive layer 300, a cover panel 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.

[0107] 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 necessarily limited thereto, and the substrate SUB may also include a plastic such as polyimide, and may have flexible properties such that it may be bent, curved, folded, or curled to a significant degree without breaking or otherwise being damaged.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] The encapsulation layer ENL may be disposed on the light emitting element layer EML. The encapsulation layer ENL may include an inorganic layer, or may include a stacked layer of an inorganic layer and an organic layer. For example, the encapsulation layer ENL may include glass or an encapsulation film.

[0111] 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 a function of a touch sensor. The touch layer TSL may include a plurality of sensing regions and sensing electrodes.

[0112] The anti-reflection layer 200 may be disposed on the display panel 100. The anti-reflection layer 200 may reduce reflection of external light. The anti-reflection layer 200 may be a polarizing film. In this case, the anti-reflection layer 200 may polarize light passing therethrough. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the anti-reflection layer 200 may also be 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.

[0113] The adhesive layer 300 may be disposed on the anti-reflection layer 200. The adhesive layer 300 may be formed on the 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 in the drawings, the adhesive layer 300 is included in the display module DM, the present disclosure is not necessarily 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 the cover window 20 (see Figure 1 ) together.

[0114] The cover panel 400 may be disposed on the second surface (e.g., lower surface) of the substrate SUB. The cover panel 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 panel 400 may be a sheet layer made of a sheet, a film layer made of a film, a thin film layer, a coating, a panel, 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. For example, the functional layer may be a supporting substrate, a heat dissipation layer, an electromagnetic wave shielding layer, an impact absorbing layer, or a bonding layer.

[0115] The cover spacer 500 may be disposed on the cover panel 400. The cover spacer 500 may prevent the display driving module 10 from bending due to external force, or may reduce the degree of bending. The cover spacer 500 may keep the display driving module 10 relatively flat even when external force is applied.

[0116] The cover spacer 500 may include a rigid or semi-rigid material. For example, the cover spacer 500 may include a metal 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).

[0117] Figure 7 is a schematic rear view of a main body according to an embodiment. Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line X2-X2'. Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 Magnified view of area A. Fig.10 yes Figure 8 Magnified view of area B. Figure 7 1 is a diagram of the main body BP viewed from the rear side, in which the middle plate 51 and the first middle side wall 52 of the middle frame 50 are omitted to more clearly illustrate the structure of the display driving module 10 .

[0118] As reference Figure 1 As described, the main body BP may include the display driving module 10 , the cover window 20 , the external structure 30 , the coupling member 40 , the middle frame 50 , and the bottom cover 60 .

[0119] As mentioned above Figure 2 As described in the above reference, the display driving module 10 may include a display module DM, a driving chip DIC and a driving board PCB. Figure 6As described, the display module DM may include the display panel 100 , the anti-reflection layer 200 , the adhesive layer 300 , the cover panel 400 , and the cover spacer 500 .

[0120] The display module DM, the driving chip DIC and the driving board PCB of the display driving module 10, and the display panel 100, the anti-reflection layer 200, the adhesive layer 300, the cover panel 400 and the cover spacer 500 of the display module DM have been described above, and therefore, without describing an element in detail with respect to the figure, it can be understood that the element is at least similar to the corresponding element described elsewhere in the present disclosure.

[0121] The cover spacer 500 can compensate for the height difference between the sub-area SA of the display panel 100 and the cover panel 400, and between the drive board PCB and the cover panel 400. For example, the cover spacer 500 can be provided between the sub-area SA of the display panel 100 and the cover panel 400, and between the drive board PCB and the cover panel 400 in the third direction DR3. Therefore, the display panel 100 and the drive board PCB can be kept flat. In some embodiments, the display panel 100 and the drive board PCB can be attached to the bottom of the cover spacer 500 by a separate adhesive. Therefore, the display panel 100 and the drive board PCB can be kept fixed.

[0122] The display module DM may further include a curved protection layer PBL. The curved protection layer PBL may be disposed on an area of ​​the display panel 100. In an embodiment, the curved protection layer PBL may be disposed on the curved area BA of the display panel 100. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the curved protection layer PBL may also be disposed on an area other than the curved area BA.

[0123] The bending protection layer PBL may be made of a polymer compound such as polyimide, acrylate, or epoxy. The bending protection layer PBL may minimize cracks generated due to stress applied to the display panel 100 when the display panel 100 is bent, and may prevent the propagation of the cracks. Therefore, the durability of the display module DM may be improved.

[0124] The cover window 20 may be attached to the display driving module 10 through the adhesive layer 300 of the display module DM. The size of the cover window 20 may be greater than that of the display driving module 10. Therefore, the cover window 20 may protrude more outward than the display driving module 10.

[0125] The outer structure 30 may be disposed between the cover window 20 and the middle frame 50 in the third direction DR3. Figure 7 As shown, the external structure 30 may at least partially surround the display driving module 10 in a plan view. Figure 8As shown, the external structure 30 may at least partially surround the display driving module 10 in a horizontal direction defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Figure 7 As shown, the outer structure 30 may be at least partially surrounded by the second intermediate side wall 53 of the intermediate frame 50 in plan view. Figure 8 As shown, the outer structure 30 may be at least partially surrounded by the second middle sidewall 53 of the middle frame 50 in a horizontal direction defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0126] like Figure 8 As shown, the external structure 30 may be disposed between the display driving module 10, the cover window 20, the coupling member 40, and the middle frame 50. The external structure 30 may couple the display driving module 10, the cover window 20, the coupling member 40, and the middle frame 50 together.

[0127] like Fig. 9 As shown, the external structure 30 may be disposed in a space defined by one end of the display driving module 10 (e.g., the end away from the bending area BA), the lower surface of the cover window 20, the inner surface of the second intermediate side wall 53, and the upper surface of the first coupling member 41. For example, the inner surface 30a of the external structure 30 may directly contact the outer edge of the display driving module 10, the upper surface 30b of the external structure 30 may directly contact the lower surface of the cover window 20, the outer surface 30c of the external structure 30 may directly contact the inner surface of the second intermediate side wall 53, and at least a portion of the lower surface 30d of the external structure 30 may directly contact the upper surface of the first coupling member 41.

[0128] In the display device 1, according to the present embodiment, at least a portion of the boundary of the inner surface 30a of the outer structure 30 may be as follows: Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the outer structure 30 directly contacts the side surface PCBa of the driving board PCB. For example, in a plan view, at least a portion of the boundary of the inner surface 30a of the outer structure 30 may be as shown in FIG. Figure 7 The illustration coincides with a portion of the boundary of the arc corresponding to the driving board PCB.

[0129] Therefore, damage caused by pressing the display driving module 10 can be minimized. For example, when the inner surface 30a of the external structure 30 directly contacts the side surface PCBa of the driving board PCB, in the display device manufacturing method S1 described later (see Fig.16 ), mold MLD (see Fig.17 ) inner mold 3000 (see Fig.18 ) of the inner wall 3200 (see Fig.18 ) (the inner wall is used as a seal) can directly contact the driver board PCB. Therefore, the inner mold 3000 (see Fig.18 ) of the inner wall 3200 (see Fig.18 ) may not contact the cover panel 400 or the cover spacer 500 having relatively weak strength, but contact the driving board PCB having relatively strong strength, thereby minimizing damage caused by pressing of the display driving module 10. Fig.16 This is described in detail through the display device manufacturing method S1.

[0130] like Fig.10 As shown, the external structure 30 may be disposed in a space defined by the other end of the display driving module 10 (e.g., the end adjacent to the bending area BA), the lower surface of the cover window 20, the inner surface of the second intermediate side wall 53, and the upper surface of the first coupling member 41. For example, the inner surface 30a of the external structure 30 may be in direct contact with the outer edge of the display driving module 10 adjacent to the bending area BA, the upper surface 30b of the external structure 30 may be in direct contact with the lower surface of the cover window 20, the outer surface 30c of the external structure 30 may be in direct contact with the inner surface of the second intermediate side wall 53, and at least a portion of the lower surface 30d of the external structure 30 may be in direct contact with the upper surface of the first coupling member 41.

[0131] Although only the two ends of the display driving module 10 are shown in the drawings, as described above, the external structure 30 may be disposed in a space defined by the outer edge of the display driving module 10, the lower surface of the cover window 20, the inner surface of the second intermediate side wall 53, and the upper surface of the first coupling member 41. Therefore, in a plan view, the external structure 30 may have an annular shape having a hole in the center, such as a circular ring shape or an annular shape.

[0132] In the display device 1, according to the current embodiment, since the external structure 30 is disposed in a space defined by the outer edge of the display driving module 10, the lower surface of the cover window 20, the inner surface of the second intermediate side wall 53, and the upper surface of the first coupling member 41, the attachment area of ​​the first coupling member 41 can be increased, thereby increasing the adhesion between the middle frame 50 and the cover window 20. Therefore, since a sufficient attachment surface of the first coupling member 41 can be fixed by the external structure 30, the attachment tolerance for coupling the cover window 20 and the middle frame 50 together can be minimized. Therefore, the dead space between the middle frame 50 and the display driving module 10 can be minimized. In addition, since the external structure 30 having a certain level of elasticity and strength is formed in the space defined by the outer edge of the display driving module 10, the lower surface of the cover window 20, the inner surface of the second intermediate side wall 53, and the upper surface of the first coupling member 41, the impact resistance of the display device 1 can be increased.

[0133] In some embodiments, the outer structure 30 may include a first portion 31 , a second portion 32 , and a third portion 33 .

[0134] The first portion 31 may be disposed outside the outer edge of the display driving module 10. For example, the first portion 31 may directly contact the outer surface of the curved protection layer PBL, the lower surface of the cover window 20, the inner surface of the second intermediate sidewall 53, and the upper surface of the first coupling member 41.

[0135] The second portion 32 may be disposed within the bending area BA of the display panel 100. For example, the second portion 32 may directly contact the rear surface of the display panel 100, the side surface of the cover panel 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 fills the entire space formed by the bending area BA. The second portion 32 may keep the display panel 100 bent.

[0136] The third portion 33 may overlap 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. The third portion 33 may directly contact the curved protection layer PBL.

[0137] In some embodiments, one end PBLa of the curved protection layer PBL may protrude more inward than one end 33a of the third portion 33. Therefore, damage caused by pressing the display driving module 10 may be minimized. For example, in the display device manufacturing method S1 (see Fig.16 ) in the mold 3000 (see Fig.18 ) of the inner wall 3200 (see Fig.18 ) does not contact the cover panel 400 or the cover spacer 500 having relatively weak strength, and contacts the bent protection layer PBL having relatively strong strength, and thus damage caused by pressing the display driving module 10 may be minimized.

[0138] The coupling member 40 may include a first coupling member 41 and a second coupling member 42. 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 necessarily limited thereto.

[0139] The first coupling member 41 may be disposed on an upper surface of the middle frame 50 (e.g., an upper surface of the first middle side wall 52). The first coupling member 41 may be disposed between the middle frame 50 and the external structure 30 in the third direction DR3. For example, the first coupling member 41 may couple the upper surface of the first middle side wall 52 of the middle frame 50 to the lower surface 30d of the external structure 30. The first coupling member 41 may be in direct contact with the external structure 30.

[0140] 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 first middle side wall 52 of the middle frame 50 to the upper surface of the peripheral portion 62 of the bottom cover 60.

[0141] The middle frame 50 may serve as a bracket for fixing the cover window 20 and the bottom cover 60 to each other.

[0142] 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 electronic devices such as a host driving system, a memory, and a battery.

[0143] In some embodiments, the middle frame 50 may include a middle plate 51 , a first middle side wall 52 , and a second middle side wall 53 .

[0144] 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 portion through which a cable for electrical connection between a display driving circuit connected to the display driving module 10 and a host driving system passes, and at least one concave portion in which various electronic circuit components mounted on the electronic device are disposed.

[0145] The first intermediate side wall 52 may be disposed on a side surface of the middle plate 51. The direction in which the first intermediate side wall 52 extends may be different from the direction in which the middle plate 51 extends. The first intermediate side wall 52 may support the external structure 30. For example, the first intermediate side wall 52 may be coupled to the external structure 30 by the first coupling member 41. Therefore, the waterproof performance of the display device 1 may be improved, and penetration of foreign matter may be prevented.

[0146] The second intermediate sidewall 53 may extend from the first intermediate sidewall 52. The second intermediate sidewall 53 may extend in the third direction DR3. The second intermediate sidewall 53 may at least partially surround the outer surface of the outer structure 30 and the side surface of the cover window 20. The second intermediate sidewall 53 may contact the outer surface 30c of the outer structure 30 and the side surface of the cover window 20.

[0147] 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 a space for storing peripheral circuits of the electronic device that are not placed in the first storage space SS1.

[0148] In some embodiments, the bottom cover 60 may include a central cover portion 61 and a peripheral portion 62 .

[0149] The central cover portion 61 may be disposed below the middle plate 51. Peripheral circuits of the electronic device that are not placed in the first storage space SS1 may be placed in the second storage space SS2 formed between the upper surface of the central cover 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.

[0150] The peripheral portion 62 may be disposed on a side surface of the central cover portion 61. The direction in which the peripheral portion 62 extends may be different from the direction in which the central cover portion 61 extends. The peripheral portion 62 may be supported by the first intermediate side wall 52. In an embodiment, the peripheral portion 62 may be coupled to the first intermediate side wall 52 by a second coupling member 42. Therefore, the waterproof performance of the display device 1 may be improved, and penetration of foreign matter may be prevented.

[0151] In an embodiment, the bottom cover 60 may be detachably coupled to the first intermediate side wall 52. For example, the second coupling member 42 between the first intermediate 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, and the display device 1 may be easily disassembled for repair.

[0152] Embodiments of the display device will now be described. In the subsequent embodiments, elements identical to those of the embodiments described above may be indicated by the same reference numerals, and in the absence of a detailed description of an element for that figure, it is understood that the element is at least similar to the corresponding element described elsewhere in the present disclosure.

[0153] Fig.11 is a schematic rear view of a main body according to an embodiment. Fig.12 It is along Fig.11 A cross-sectional view taken along line X3-X3'. Fig.13 yes Fig.12 Magnified view of area C. Fig.111 is a view of the main body BP viewed from the rear side, in which the middle plate 51 and the first middle side wall 52 of the middle frame 50 are omitted to illustrate the structure of the display driving module 10 .

[0154] refer to Figures 11 to 13 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 embodiment described in FIG. 1 is different in that the external structure 30 overlaps the driving board PCB in the third direction DR3 .

[0155] For example, in the display device 1 according to the current embodiment, the external structure 30 may include a first portion 31 and a second portion 32 .

[0156] The first portion 31 may be disposed outside the outer edge of the display driving module 10. For example, the inner surface 31a of the first portion 31 may be in direct contact with the outer edge of the display driving module 10, the upper surface 31b of the first portion 31 may be in direct contact with the lower surface of the cover window 20, the outer surface 31c of the first portion 31 may be in direct contact with the inner surface of the second intermediate side wall 53, and the lower surface 31d of the first portion 31 may be in direct contact with the upper surface of the first coupling member 41. In the display device 1, according to the current embodiment, as Fig.13 As shown, at least a portion of the inner surface 31 a of the first portion 31 may be in direct contact with the side surface PCBa of the driving board PCB.

[0157] The second portion 32 may be disposed on a first side of the first portion 31. The second portion 32 may be disposed on an inner surface 31a of the first portion 31. For example, the second portion 32 may protrude from at least a portion of the inner surface 31a of the first portion 31.

[0158] The second portion 32 may be disposed on the driving board PCB. In some embodiments, the second portion 32 may be disposed between the driving board PCB and the first coupling member 41 (or the first intermediate side wall 52) in the third direction DR3. For example, the upper surface 32a of the second portion 32 may contact the lower surface PCBb of the driving board PCB, and the lower surface 32b of the second portion 32 may contact the upper surface of the first coupling member 41.

[0159] In the display device 1 of the present embodiment, as Figures 11 to 13 As shown, the external structure 30 may overlap the driving board PCB in the third direction DR3. The external structure 30 may cover at least a portion of the lower surface PCBb of the driving board PCB. Fig.13 As shown, the second portion 32 may overlap the driving board PCB in the third direction DR3. The second portion 32 may cover at least a portion of the lower surface PCBb of the driving board PCB.

[0160] In addition, if Fig.11 As shown, at least a portion of the boundary of the side surface PCBa of the driving board PCB may protrude more outward in a plan view than at least a portion of the boundary of the inner surface 30a of the external structure 30. For example, the boundary of a portion corresponding to the arc of the driving board PCB may be disposed outside at least a portion of the boundary of the inner surface 30a of the external structure 30 in a plan view. Therefore, at least a portion of the driving board PCB may overlap with the external structure 30 in the third direction DR3.

[0161] Therefore, damage caused by pressing the display driving module 10 can be minimized. For example, when the second portion 32 covers at least a portion of the lower surface PCBb of the driving board PCB, in the display device manufacturing method S1 (see Fig.16 ), inner mold 3000 (see Fig.18 ) can be in direct contact with the driver board PCB. Therefore, the inner mold 3000 (see Fig.18 ) of the inner wall 3200 (see Fig.18 ) may not contact the cover panel 400 or the cover spacer 500 having relatively weak strength but contact the driving board PCB having relatively strong strength, thereby minimizing damage caused by pressing the display driving module 10.

[0162] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view of a main body according to an embodiment. Fig.15 yes Fig.14 Magnified view of area D.

[0163] refer to Fig.14 and Fig.15 The display device 1 according to the present embodiment is different from the display device 1 according to the above reference Figure 7 and Fig.11 The display device 1 of the embodiment described above is different in that the first coupling member 41 includes a first coupling element 41_1 and a second coupling element 41_2 .

[0164] For example, the first coupling member 41 may include a first coupling element 41_1 and a second coupling element 41_2 .

[0165] The first coupling element 41_1 may be disposed on an upper surface of the middle frame 50, for example, on an upper surface of the first middle side wall 52. The first coupling element 41_1 may be disposed between the middle frame 50 and the external structure 30 in the third direction DR3. For example, the first coupling element 41_1 may couple the upper surface of the first middle side wall 52 of the middle frame 50 and the lower surface 30d of the external structure 30. The first coupling element 41_1 may be in direct contact with the lower surface 30d of the external structure 30. In one embodiment, the first coupling element 41_1 may extend in a horizontal direction defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0166] The second coupling element 41_2 may be disposed on the inner surface of the second intermediate sidewall 53. The second coupling element 41_2 may be disposed between the intermediate frame 50 and the external structure 30 and between the intermediate frame 50 and the cover window 20 in the horizontal direction defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. For example, in the horizontal direction defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, the second coupling element 41_2 may couple a portion of the inner surface of the second intermediate sidewall 53 and the outer surface 30c of the external structure 30, and couple a portion of the inner surface of the second intermediate sidewall 53 and the side surface of the cover window 20. In one embodiment, the second coupling element 41_2 may extend in a direction different from the first coupling element 41_1. For example, the second coupling element 41_2 may extend in the third direction DR3.

[0167] In the display device 1, according to the current embodiment, since the first coupling member 41 further includes the second coupling element 41_2, adhesion between the display driving module 10, the cover window 20, the external structure 30 and the middle frame 50 can be increased. Therefore, the durability of the display device 1 can be improved.

[0168] 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. Figure 7 The apparatus and method of the display device according to the embodiments described in the present invention are taken as examples.

[0169] Fig.16 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment. Fig.17 It is shown Fig.16 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of operation S100 . Fig.18 It is shown Fig.16 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of operation S100 . Fig.19 It is shown Fig.16 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of operation S200 . Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 Magnified view of area E. Fig.21 It is shown Fig.16 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of operation S300 . Fig. 22 It is shown Fig.16 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of operation S400 . Fig.23 It is shown Fig.16 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of operation S500 . Fig.24 It is shown Fig.16 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of operation S600 .

[0170] refer to Figures 16 to 24 , a display device manufacturing method S1 according to an embodiment may include: providing a mold and an object (operation S100); coupling the mold and the object together (operation S200); injecting a paste through an inlet (operation S300); forming an outer structure by curing the paste (operation S400); disassembling the mold and collecting the object (operation S500); and removing a tip of the object (operation S600).

[0171] like Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown, when providing the mold and the object (operation S100 ), a mold MLD and an object may be provided.

[0172] Each of the objects can be a reference to Figure 1 The main body 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 coupled to each other.

[0173] The mold MLD may be a display device manufacturing apparatus for forming the outer structure 30. The mold MLD may include a lower mold 1000, an upper mold 2000, and an inner mold 3000.

[0174] The lower mold 1000 may be disposed under the body BP as an object. The lower mold 1000 may include a base 1100 and a mounting portion 1200.

[0175] 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 necessarily limited thereto. The area of ​​the base 1100 may vary according to the number of objects mounted on the base 1100.

[0176] The mounting portion 1200 may be disposed 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 necessarily limited thereto. Although four mounting portions 1200 are disposed on the base 1100 in the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. The number of mounting portions 1200 disposed on the base 1100 may vary depending on the number of objects mounted on the base 1100. In addition, although each of the mounting portions 1200 is smaller than the cover window 20 in the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. The size of each of the mounting portions 1200 may also be equal to or greater than the size of the cover window 20.

[0177] The upper mold 2000 may be disposed on the lower mold 1000. The upper mold 2000 may be disposed on the body BP of the 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.

[0178] 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 generally correspond to the outer shape of the base 1100 of the lower mold 1000, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0179] Each of the first receiving parts 2300 may be a space at least partially 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.17 Four first receiving portions 2300 are shown as an example, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. Figures 18 to 24 In the description and in the following description, a case where there is only one first receiving portion 2300 will be described as an example.

[0180] 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 to the inlet 3610 of the inner mold 3000, and each of the second coupling holes 2420 may be a hole coupled to the outlet 3620 of the inner mold 3000.

[0181] In some embodiments, the lower mold 1000 and the upper mold 2000 may include stainless steel (SUS) and / or aluminum (Al), but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0182] The inner mold 3000 may be disposed between the lower mold 1000 and the upper mold 2000. The inner mold 3000 may be an additional mold disposed between the lower mold 1000 and the upper mold 2000 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 receiving portion 3500, an inlet 3610, and an outlet 3620.

[0183] 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 necessarily limited thereto.

[0184] The inner wall 3200 may be disposed within the second outer wall 3100. The inner wall 3200 may be at least partially surrounded by the second outer wall 3100. The inner wall 3200 may be a partition wall for isolating the cavity 3400 from the second accommodating portion 3500. The inner wall 3200 may extend substantially in the third direction DR3. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the inner wall 3200 may also extend in a diagonal direction.

[0185] The cavity 3400 may be disposed between the second outer wall 3100 and the inner wall 3200. The cavity 3400 may be a space at least partially 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.

[0186] The second receiving portion 3500 may be disposed within the inner wall 3200. The second receiving portion 3500 may be a space at least partially surrounded by the inner wall 3200 and the second top plate 3300. In a state where the mold MLD is coupled, the second receiving portion 3500 may be isolated from the cavity 3400 by the inner wall 3200. Therefore, the paste PST can be prevented from leaking into the second receiving portion 3500.

[0187] 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 protruding portions of the inlet 3610 and the outlet 3620 may be coupled to the first coupling hole 2410 and the second coupling hole 2420 of the upper mold 2000, respectively.

[0188] The inlet 3610 may be a passage through which the paste PST is injected. The outlet 3620 may be a passage through which an excess amount of the injected paste PST is discharged. The inlet 3610 and the outlet 3620 may be passages connecting the cavity 3400 and the outside so that the paste PST can be injected into or discharged from the cavity 3400.

[0189] In some embodiments, the inner mold 3000 may include a material having appropriate strength and elasticity so that the inner mold 3000 maintains its shape in normal time, but the shape of the inner mold 3000 changes when the mold MLD is coupled. For example, the inner mold 3000 may include silicon, but is not necessarily limited thereto. Therefore, even when a step is formed at the contact portion of the inner mold 3000, the shape of the inner mold 3000 changes to match the difference in the step, thereby increasing the effect of sealing the cavity portion 3400.

[0190] like Fig.19 and Fig. 20 As shown, when the mold and the object are coupled together (operation S200), the upper mold 2000, the inner mold 3000, the object and the lower mold 1000 may be arranged in sequence. The mold MLD may be assembled such that the upper mold 2000, the inner mold 3000 and the lower mold 1000 are close to each other with the object interposed therebetween.

[0191] When the mold MLD is assembled, the object can be completely sealed by the mold MLD. For example, the upper surface 20a of the cover window 20 can contact the lower mold 1000, the side surface 20c of the cover window 20 can contact the inner surface of the second outer wall 3100, and the lower surface PCBb of the driving board PCB can contact the lower surface 3200a of the inner wall 3200. Therefore, the cavity 3400 can be completely sealed by the lower surface 20b of the cover window 20, the inner surface of the second outer wall 3100, the lower surface of the second top plate 3300, the outer surface of the inner wall 3200, and the outer edge of the display driving module 10.

[0192] In the mold 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 lower surface PCBb of the driving board PCB, it is possible to minimize damage caused by pressing the display driving module 10. For example, since the lower surface of the inner wall 3200 does not contact the relatively weak cover panel 400 or the cover spacer 500 but contacts the relatively strong driving board PCB, it is possible to minimize damage caused by pressing the display driving module 10.

[0193] In the drawings, when the mold 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 necessarily limited thereto. When the mold 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.

[0194] In addition, in the drawings, when the mold 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. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. When the mold 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.

[0195] like Fig.21 As shown, when the paste is injected through the inlet (operation S300 ), the paste PST may be injected into the cavity portion 3400 using the head HD.

[0196] The head HD may be an injection device capable of injecting the liquid paste PST, such as an inkjet device or a dispenser device.

[0197] The paste PST may include a liquid resin. For example, the paste PST may include, but is not necessarily limited to, an optically transparent resin in a liquid form.

[0198] The paste PST may be discharged from the head HD and injected into the cavity 3400 through the inlet 3610. Since the cavity 3400 at least partially 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.

[0199] In some embodiments, when the cavity 3400 is filled with the paste PST in an amount 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.

[0200] like Fig. 22 As shown, when the outer structure is formed by curing the paste (operation S400 ), the paste PST may be cured by thermal curing or ultraviolet curing to form the outer structure 30 .

[0201] In some embodiments, in order to thermally cure the paste PST, the mold 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 necessarily limited thereto, and a heater surrounding the entire mold MLD may also be provided to apply heat from all directions.

[0202] Excess paste PST remaining in the inlet 3610 and the outlet 3620 may form a tip 30_T.

[0203] like Fig.23 As shown, when the mold is disassembled and the object is collected (operation S500), the lower mold 1000, the object, the inner mold 3000, and the upper mold 2000 may be no longer coupled to each other and separated. The object separated from the mold MLD may be collected in a separate chamber for further processing.

[0204] like Fig.24 As shown, when removing the tip of the object (operation S600), the tip 30_T provided on the external structure 30 may be removed using a cutting device.

[0205] Although the tip 30_T overlaps the external structure 30 in the third direction DR3 in the drawings, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. In some embodiments, the tip 30_T may not overlap the external structure 30 in the third direction DR3. In this case, the inlet 3610 and the outlet 3620 may not overlap the cavity 3400 in the third direction DR3. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a step from being formed on the lower surface of the external structure 30 when the tip 30_T is removed.

[0206] At the conclusion of the detailed description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without substantially departing from the principles of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, comprising: Covering windows; A display module, disposed on the cover window and comprising a display panel; A driving board, disposed on the display module and connected to the display panel; as well as an external structure at least partially surrounding the display module and the driving board on the cover window, Wherein, the external structure is in contact with the driving plate.

2. The display device according to claim 1, in, An inner surface of the outer structure directly contacts a side surface of the driving plate.

3. The display device according to claim 2, in, A boundary of the inner surface of the outer structure coincides with a boundary of the side surface of the driving plate.

4. The display device according to claim 2, in, The outer structure covers at least a portion of a lower surface of the driving board, the lower surface being a surface of the driving board farthest from the cover window.

5. The display device according to claim 4, in, The external structure comprises: a first portion in contact with the side surface of the driving plate; and A second portion protrudes from the first portion and contacts the lower surface of the driving plate.

6. The display device according to claim 1, in, The external structure overlaps the display panel in a thickness direction of the display panel.

7. The display device according to claim 6, in, The display module further includes a cover spacer and / or a cover panel disposed between the display panel and the driving board.

8. The display device according to claim 7, in, The external structure overlaps the cover spacer and / or the cover panel in the thickness direction of the display panel.

9. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: an intermediate frame, at least partially surrounding the display module, Wherein, the outer structure is at least partially surrounded by the intermediate frame.

10. The display device according to claim 9, in, The middle frame includes a middle plate and middle side walls provided on side surfaces of the middle plate, and Wherein, the outer structure is at least partially surrounded by the intermediate side wall.

11. The display device according to claim 10, in, The intermediate side wall includes a first intermediate side wall connected to the intermediate plate and a second intermediate side wall connected to the first intermediate side wall, wherein the first intermediate side wall is arranged below the outer structure, and Wherein, the second intermediate side wall is arranged on the outer side of the outer structure.

12. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising a first coupling member disposed between the middle frame and the outer structure, in, The first connecting member comprises: a first coupling element disposed between the first intermediate side wall and the outer structure; and A second coupling element is disposed between the second intermediate side wall and the outer structure.

13. The display device according to claim 1, in, The display panel includes a main area, a curved area disposed on one side of the main area, and a sub-area disposed on one side of the curved area, Wherein, the external structure comprises: A first portion disposed on an outer side of the bending region; and The second part is arranged on the inner side of the bending area.

14. The display device according to claim 13, in, The outer structure also includes a third portion at least partially covering the sub-region of the display panel.

15. The display device according to claim 14, in, The display module further includes a bending protection layer disposed on an outer side of the display panel in the bending area, and Wherein, the bending protection layer extends to the sub-region.

16. The display device according to claim 15, in, One end portion of the bending protection layer protrudes more inward than one end portion of the third portion.

17. An apparatus for manufacturing a display device, the display device comprising a display module and a driving board connected to the display module, the apparatus comprising: An upper mold and a lower mold facing each other; as well as An inner mold is arranged between the upper mold and the lower mold, Wherein, the inner mold comprises: outer wall; An inner wall, arranged inside the outer wall; a cavity portion disposed between the outer wall and the inner wall; and The accommodating portion is arranged inside the inner wall, Wherein, the inner wall is in contact with the driving plate.

18. The apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to claim 17, in, A lower surface of the inner wall contacts a lower surface of the driving plate.

19. A method for manufacturing a display device, the display device comprising a display module and a driving board connected to the display module, the method comprising: Connecting the mold to the display device; injecting a paste through an inlet of the mold; as well as The outer structure is formed by curing the paste, Wherein, the external structure is in contact with the driving plate.

20. The method according to claim 19, in, An inner surface of the outer structure contacts a side surface of the driving plate.

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