Bending device and bending method for display device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a bending device and a bending method for a display device. The bending device includes: a table portion, including first to fourth tables capable of placing first to fourth display devices respectively; an arm portion, including a first fixture capable of adsorbing a portion of the first display device or the third display device and a second fixture capable of adsorbing a portion of the second display device or the fourth display device, and capable of simultaneously bending the first display device and the second display device or the third display device and the fourth display device; a support portion, supporting the table portion and the arm portion; a first table moving portion, located between the support portion and the table portion, and moving the first and second tables in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a second table moving portion, located between the support portion and the table portion, and moving the third and fourth tables in the first direction and the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bending device and a bending method for a display device, and more particularly to a bending device for bending a display device and a method for bending a display device using the bending device. Background Art

[0002] The display device may include a display panel that displays an image and a flexible printed circuit board (flexible printed circuit board) that is bonded to the display panel to transmit a signal to the display panel. Manufacturing the display device may include a process of bending the flexible printed circuit board or the display panel to which the flexible printed circuit board is bonded. Therefore, the space utilization rate of the electronic device to which the display device is applied can be increased, and the bezel can be reduced.

[0003] As the technology of display devices develops, the shapes of display panels, flexible printed circuit boards, and the like are becoming complicated, and curved tracks for corresponding thereto are also becoming complicated. Summary of the invention

[0004] Since the bending process of the display device requires precise control, it is difficult to bend a plurality of display devices through a single bending operation. When the bending speed is increased in order to improve the equipment efficiency of the bending device, the possibility of cracks on the flexible printed circuit board or the display panel may increase.

[0005] Embodiments are provided to provide a bending device and a bending method capable of improving bending efficiency of a display device without damaging the display device.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a bending device for a display device includes: a table portion, including first to fourth tables capable of placing first to fourth display devices, respectively; an arm portion, including a first fixture capable of adsorbing a portion of the first display device or the third display device and a second fixture capable of adsorbing a portion of the second display device or the fourth display device, and capable of simultaneously bending the first display device and the second display device or the third display device and the fourth display device; a supporting portion, supporting the table portion and the arm portion; a first table moving portion, located between the supporting portion and the table portion, and moving the first and second tables in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a second table moving portion, located between the supporting portion and the table portion, and moving the third and fourth tables in the first direction and the second direction.

[0007] The first stage moving portion may move the first stage and the second stage together to be adjacent to the arm portion, and the second stage moving portion may move the third stage and the fourth stage together to be adjacent to the arm portion.

[0008] The arm may further include: a first fixture aligning portion aligning the first fixture; and a second fixture aligning portion aligning the second fixture.

[0009] The first fixture aligning portion and the second fixture aligning portion may include UVW driving portions, respectively.

[0010] The arm part may further include: a bending arm, the first fixture and the second fixture are located on the bending arm; and a rotation driving part to rotate the bending arm. The first fixture and the second fixture may rotate together when the bending arm rotates.

[0011] The first stage moving part may include: a first moving block carrying the first stage and the second stage; and a guide part located at the support part. The second stage moving part may include: a second moving block carrying the third stage and the fourth stage; and a guide part.

[0012] The support portion may include: a first support portion extending in the first direction; and a second support portion extending in the second direction. The guide portion may include: a first guide portion located at the first support portion and extending in the first direction; and a second guide portion located at the second support portion and extending in the second direction.

[0013] The stage portion may further include: a first stage alignment portion, located on the first moving block and aligned with the first stage; a second stage alignment portion, located on the first moving block and aligned with the second stage; a third stage alignment portion, located on the second moving block and aligned with the third stage; and a fourth stage alignment portion, located on the second moving block and aligned with the fourth stage.

[0014] The first to fourth stage alignment parts may include UVW driving parts, respectively.

[0015] The arm may further include a remote input / output module for wirelessly transmitting a signal for operating the first fixture alignment portion and the second fixture alignment portion to an external remote input / output base, and wirelessly receiving a signal from the input / output base.

[0016] According to one embodiment, a method for bending a display device includes: a step of loading a first display device and a second display device onto a first table and a second table; a step of moving the first table and the second table to be adjacent to a bending arm including a first fixture and a second fixture and loading a third display device and a fourth display device onto the third table and a fourth table; a step of simultaneously bending the first display device and the second display device; a step of moving the first table and the second table away from the bending arm; a step of moving the third table and the fourth table to be adjacent to the bending arm; and a step of simultaneously bending the third display device and the fourth display device.

[0017] After moving the first stage and the second stage to be adjacent to the bending arm, the flexible printed circuit board of the first display device may be located on the first jig, and the flexible printed circuit board of the second display device may be located on the second jig.

[0018] The step of simultaneously bending the first display device and the second display device may include rotating the bending arm to rotate the first fixture and the second fixture.

[0019] The bending method may include individually aligning the first display device and the second display device by individually moving the first jig and the second jig before bending the first display device and the second display device.

[0020] The bending method may include: using a remote input output module to wirelessly receive and transmit signals in order to align the first fixture and the second fixture.

[0021] The bending method may include individually aligning the first display device and the second display device by individually moving the first stage and the second stage before bending the first display device and the second display device.

[0022] The step of simultaneously bending the third display device and the fourth display device may include rotating the bending arm to rotate the first fixture and the second fixture.

[0023] The bending method may include individually aligning the third display device and the fourth display device by individually moving the first jig and the second jig before bending the third display device and the fourth display device.

[0024] The bending method may include individually aligning the third display device and the fourth display device by individually moving the third stage and the fourth stage before bending the third display device and the fourth display device.

[0025] The first stage and the second stage may be mounted on the first moving block to move together along the guide portion, and the third stage and the fourth stage may be mounted on the second moving block to move together along the guide portion.

[0026] According to the embodiment, the bending efficiency of the display device can be improved without damaging the display device, and the equipment efficiency can be improved by shortening the process time. In addition, according to the embodiment, by using the wireless module, the risk of cable disconnection can be reduced. In addition, according to the embodiment, there are advantageous effects that can be recognized from the entire specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a bending device according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 is a plan view schematically showing the arrangement of a table and an arm in a bending device according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3a to Figure 3c is a plan view schematically showing a bending step of a display device in a bending device for a display device according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figures 4a to 4d is a plan view schematically illustrating steps of aligning and bending a display device in a bending device for a display device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 is a side view schematically illustrating a process of bending a display device in a bending device for a display device according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Each of them is a plan view schematically showing a bending step of a display device in a bending device for a display device according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 is a perspective view schematically showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0034] Description of Reference Numerals

[0035] 1, 1', 1": Curved device for display device

[0036] AAU: Arm Alignment Unit

[0037] AM: Bonding components

[0038] AR, AR1, AR2: Bend Arm

[0039] ARU: Arm

[0040] DD, DD1, DD2, DD3, DD4, DD5, DD6: Display device

[0041] DP: Display Panel

[0042] FB: Flexible Printed Circuit Board

[0043] FP, FP1, PF2: Fixed part

[0044] GU, GU1, GU2: Guidance

[0045] JAU1, JAU2: fixture alignment unit

[0046] JG1, JG2, JG3, JG4: fixture

[0047] M1, M2: Alignment marks

[0048] MB1, MB2: moving blocks

[0049] RDU: Rotary Drive Unit

[0050] RM: Remote Input and Output Module

[0051] SAU1, SAU2, SAU3, SAU4: stage alignment unit

[0052] SP, SP1, SP2: Supporting part

[0053] ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, ST6:

[0054] STU: Taiwan Department Specific embodiments

[0055] Each embodiment is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that a person skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention.

[0056] When a layer, film, region, plate or the like is referred to as being "on" or "over" another component, it includes not only the case where the component is "directly on" another component, but also the case where another component exists in between. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly on" another component, it means that no other component exists in between.

[0057] Throughout the specification, unless there is a contrary description that a certain part “includes” a certain constituent element, it means that other constituent elements may also be included.

[0058] Throughout the specification, "connected" does not mean that two or more constituent elements are only directly connected. "Connected" can include not only the situation where two or more constituent elements are indirectly connected through other constituent elements, the situation where they are physically connected or electrically connected, but also the situation where parts that are called different names according to their positions or functions but are actually integrated are connected to each other.

[0059] In the drawings, the signs “x”, “y” and “z” are used to represent directions, where “x” is a first direction, “y” is a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and “z” is a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.

[0060] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a bending device for a display device according to an embodiment, Figure 2 is a plan view schematically showing the arrangement of a stage unit and an arm unit in a bending device for a display device according to an embodiment.

[0061] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2A bending device 1 for a display device (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “bending device”) may include a table portion STU, an arm portion ARU, and the like.

[0062] The stage unit STU may include stages ST1 - ST4 , stage alignment units SAU1 - SAU4 , and moving blocks MB1 and MB2 .

[0063] The stages ST1-ST4 may include a first stage ST1, a second stage ST2, a third stage ST3, and a fourth stage ST4 that may be aligned independently. A display device DD1-DD4 as a bending object may be placed on each stage ST1-ST4. The stages ST1-ST4 may adsorb the display devices DD1-DD4 in a vacuum and / or electrostatic manner. The first stage ST1 and the second stage ST2 may constitute a first group of stages, and the third stage ST3 and the fourth stage ST4 may constitute a second group of stages.

[0064] Each stage ST1-ST4 may be a UVW stage that can move in a first direction x, a second direction y, and a rotational direction θ. The stage alignment unit SAU1-SAU4 may align the stages ST1-ST4 by driving the U axis, the V axis, and the W axis of the stages ST1-ST4. The stage alignment unit SAU1-SAU4 may include a first stage alignment unit SAU1 located below the first stage ST1, a second stage alignment unit SAU2 located below the second stage ST2, a third stage alignment unit SAU3 located below the third stage ST3, and a fourth stage alignment unit SAU4 located below the fourth stage ST4. Each stage alignment unit SAU1-SAU4 includes a UVW drive unit to control the movement of the corresponding stage ST1-ST4 in the first direction x, the second direction y, and the rotational direction θ, respectively. The UVW drive unit, as a component of a parallel structure that can realize x, y, and θ motions by arranging and driving three drive shafts on a plane so as to realize the linear motion of the drive shaft, can adjust and determine the position with high accuracy. The UVW drive unit may include a servo motor, and may also include screws, nuts, rails, and the like.

[0065] The moving blocks MB1 and MB2 can carry the stages ST1-ST4, and can linearly move the stages ST1-ST4. The moving blocks MB1 and MB2 may include a first moving block MB1 provided with a first stage alignment portion SAU1 and a second stage alignment portion SAU2, and a second moving block MB2 provided with a third stage alignment portion SAU3 and a fourth stage alignment portion SAU4. The bending device 1 may include a guide portion GU configured to guide linear motion together with the moving blocks MB1 and MB2. The guide portion GU may include a first guide portion GU1 extending in a first direction x and a second guide portion GU2 extending in a second direction y. The moving blocks MB1 and MB2 and the guide portion GU may be fastened to be relatively movable. The guide portion GU may be a linear rail. The moving blocks MB1 and MB2 and the guide portion GU may constitute a stage moving portion. The first moving block MB1 and the guide portion GU may constitute a first stage moving portion SMU1, and the second moving block MB2 and the guide portion GU may constitute a second stage moving portion SMU2. The stage moving section may further include a driving device (not shown) such as a motor for moving the moving blocks MB1 and MB2.

[0066] The first moving block MB1 can move in the first direction x along the first guide part GU1, and can move in the second direction y along the second guide part GU2. The second moving block MB2 can move in the first direction x along the first guide part GU1, and can move in the second direction y along the second guide part GU2. Since the first station ST1 and the second station ST2 are mounted on the first moving block MB1, the first station ST1 and the second station ST2 can move linearly together in the first direction x, and can move linearly together in the second direction y. Since the third station ST3 and the fourth station ST4 are mounted on the second moving block MB2, the third station ST3 and the fourth station ST4 can move linearly together in the first direction x, and can move linearly together in the second direction y. Optionally, the first station ST1 and the second station ST2 can be mounted on different moving blocks, and different moving blocks can also be configured to move together. The third station ST3 and the fourth station ST4 can be mounted on different moving blocks, and different moving blocks can also be configured to move together.

[0067] On the first moving block MB1, the first stage ST1 and the second stage ST2 can be moved in the first direction x, the second direction y, and the rotation direction θ respectively by the first stage alignment unit SAU1 and the second stage alignment unit SAU2. On the second moving block MB2, the third stage ST3 and the fourth stage ST4 can be moved in the first direction x, the second direction y, and the rotation direction θ respectively by the third stage alignment unit SAU3 and the fourth stage alignment unit SAU4. Therefore, the display device DD1-DD4 placed on each stage ST1-ST4 can be moved in the first direction x and the second direction y in the bending device 1, and can be aligned to a position suitable for bending on each stage ST1-ST4.

[0068] The table unit STU may include a support SP on which a guide unit GU is located. The support SP may include a first support SP1 extending in a first direction x and a second support SP2 extending in a second direction y. When viewed from a plan view, the first support SP1 and the second support SP2 may be roughly combined into a "T" shape. The first guide GU1 may be located on the first support SP1, and the second guide GU2 may be located on the second support SP2. The first guide GU1 and the second guide GU2 may be located on the first support SP1 and the second support SP2, but differently from this, may be located on the side surfaces of the first support SP1 and the second support SP2, etc. The moving blocks MB1 and MB2 may be movable along the first guide GU1 on the first support SP1 in the first direction x, and may be movable along the second guide GU2 on the second support SP2 in the second direction y.

[0069] The arm ARU may include an arm alignment unit AAU, a bending arm AR, a fixing part FP, a rotation driving unit RDU, jigs JG1 and JG2, and jig alignment units JAU1 and JAU2.

[0070] The arm alignment unit AAU may be combined with the second support portion SP2. The arm alignment unit AAU may include a UVW drive unit and may control the movement of the upper plate of the arm alignment unit AAU in the first direction x, the second direction y, and the rotational direction θ. The arm alignment unit AAU may also be configured to move in the second direction y along the second guide GU2 located at the second support portion SP2.

[0071] The bending arm AR and the fixing part FP may be located above the arm alignment part AAU. The fixing part FP may include a first fixing part FP1 and a second fixing part FP2 located at one side and the other side of the bending arm AR, respectively. The first fixing part FP1 and the second fixing part FP2 may be combined with the upper plate of the arm alignment part AAU. One side and the other side of the bending arm AR may be respectively combined with the first fixing part FP1 and the second fixing part FP2 to be rotatable in the R direction. The first fixing part FP1 may be provided with a rotation drive part RDU capable of rotating the bending arm AR in the R direction. The rotation drive part RDU may include a driving device such as a motor. The rotation drive part RDU may also be provided at the second fixing part FP2.

[0072] The jigs JG1 and JG2 may be located on the bending arm AR. The jigs JG1 and JG2 may be combined with and aligned with the bending arm AR on the bending arm AR. The jigs JG1 and JG2 may include a first jig JG1 and a second jig JG2 that may be independently aligned. The first jig JG1 and the second jig JG2 may be matched with the first station ST1 and the second station ST2, respectively, and may be matched with the third station ST3 and the fourth station ST4, respectively. That is, the first jig JG1 may adsorb and align the flexible printed circuit board FB of the first display device DD1 located on the first station ST1 or the flexible printed circuit board FB of the third display device DD3 located on the third station ST3. The second jig JG2 may adsorb and align the flexible printed circuit board FB of the second display device DD2 located on the second station ST2 or the flexible printed circuit board FB of the fourth display device DD4 located on the fourth station ST4. The first jig JG1 and the second jig JG2 may adsorb the flexible printed circuit boards FB of the display devices DD1-DD4 in a vacuum and / or electrostatic manner.

[0073] When the bending arm AR moves, the first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2 may also move together. For example, when the bending arm AR moves in the first direction x, the second direction y and / or the rotational direction θ by the operation of the arm alignment unit AAU, the first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2 may move in the first direction x, the second direction y and / or the rotational direction θ. When the bending arm AR rotates in the R direction by the drive of the rotation drive unit RDU, the first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2 may rotate in the R direction. Therefore, through the rotation operation of one bending arm AR, two display devices (DD1 and DD2; DD3 and DD4) may be bent at the same time.

[0074] The fixture alignment parts JAU1 and JAU2 can align the first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2 by driving the U axis, V axis and W axis of the first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2. The fixture alignment parts JAU1 and JAU2 may include a first fixture alignment part JAU1 located below the first fixture JG1 and a second fixture alignment part JAU2 located below the second fixture JG2. Each fixture alignment part JAU1 and JAU2 may include a UVW driving part to individually control the movement of the first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2 in the first direction x, the second direction y and the rotation direction θ. Therefore, the two display devices (DD1 and DD2; DD3 and DD4) adsorbed to the first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2 can be aligned and can be bent in the same trajectory. The first fixture alignment part JAU1 and the second fixture alignment part JAU2 can be combined with the bending arm AR, and can rotate together in the R direction when the bending arm AR rotates in the R direction.

[0075] The arm ARU may further include a remote input / output module RM. The remote input / output module RM may be located on the bending arm AR and may be set to one or more. The position and number of the remote input / output module RM may be changed in various ways. The remote input / output module RM may be used to wirelessly send signals from the first fixture alignment portion JAU1 and the second fixture alignment portion JAU2 to an external remote input / output base and wirelessly receive signals from the input / output base, so that the first fixture alignment portion JAU1 and the second fixture alignment portion JAU2 operate. The signal output from the remote input / output module RM may include a signal about the position of the first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2. The signal input to the remote input / output module RM may include a signal for controlling the operation of the first fixture alignment portion JAU1 and the second fixture alignment portion JAU2. By including the remote input / output module RM, the number of signal cables that can be used to control multiple fixture alignment portions JAU1 and JAU2 can be reduced, and when the arm ARU is operated, especially when the bending arm AR rotates in the R direction, interference with such signal cables can be avoided, and disconnection caused by torsion of such cables, etc. can be prevented.

[0076] In addition, in order to arrange the stages ST1-ST4 adjacent to the jigs JG1 and JG2, it may be configured that the first moving block MB1 and the second moving block MB2 move in the second direction y, and simultaneously or alternatively, the arm ARU moves in the second direction y.

[0077] Figure 3a to Figure 3c is a plan view schematically showing a bending step of a display device in a bending device for a display device according to an embodiment.

[0078] Figure 3a to Figure 3c and Figure 2 Similarly, the arrangement of the table and the arm in the bending device according to an embodiment is schematically shown. Figure 3a , the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 as the bending object can be loaded onto the first table ST1 and the second table ST2 as the first set of tables. The loading of the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 can be performed simultaneously, or can be performed sequentially. The loaded first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 can be fixed to the first table ST1 and the second table ST2 by adsorption so that they do not move on the first table ST1 and the second table ST2.

[0079] Reference Figure 3b , the first table ST1 and the second table ST2 loaded with the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 can be moved to be adjacent to the bending arm AR. In addition, the third display device DD3 and the fourth display device DD4 can be loaded on the third table ST3 and the fourth table ST4 as the table of the second group, respectively. Cross Reference Figure 1 , the movement of the first station ST1 and the second station ST2 can be performed by moving the first moving block MB1 in the first direction x and the second direction y. When the first station ST1 and the second station ST2 are moved to be adjacent to the bending arm AR, the flexible printed circuit board FB of the first display device DD1 can be placed on the first fixture JG1, and the flexible printed circuit board FB of the second display device DD2 can be placed on the second fixture JG2. The movement of the first station ST1 and the second station ST2 and the loading of the third display device DD3 and the fourth display device DD4 can be performed simultaneously. Different from this, the loading of the third display device DD3 and the fourth display device DD4 can also be performed after or before the movement of the first station ST1 and the second station ST2. The loading of the third display device DD3 and the fourth display device DD4 can be performed simultaneously, and of course, can also be performed sequentially. In the state where the flexible printed circuit boards FB of the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 are placed on the first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2, the bending of the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 can be performed simultaneously.

[0080] Reference Figure 3c, the first station ST1 and the second station ST2 on which the bent first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 are placed are moved away from the bending arm AR, and the third station ST3 and the fourth station ST4 on which the third display device DD3 and the fourth display device DD4 to be bent are placed are moved to be adjacent to the bending arm AR. The movement of the first station ST1 and the second station ST2 can be performed by moving the first moving block MB1 in the second direction y and the first direction x, and the movement of the third station ST3 and the fourth station ST4 can be performed by moving the second moving block MB2 in the first direction x and the second direction y. When the third station ST3 and the fourth station ST4 are moved to be adjacent to the bending arm AR, the flexible printed circuit board FB of the third display device DD3 can be placed on the first jig JG1, and the flexible printed circuit board FB of the fourth display device DD4 can be placed on the second jig JG2. In the state where the flexible printed circuit boards FB of the third display device DD3 and the fourth display device DD4 are placed on the first jig JG1 and the second jig JG2, the bending of the third display device DD3 and the fourth display device DD4 can be performed simultaneously. The first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 that have been bent can be unloaded from the first station ST1 and the second station ST2. Then, the first station ST1 and the second station ST2 can be loaded with other display devices that need to be bent.

[0081] As described above, the display devices DD1-DD4 are loaded onto the first set of stages ST1 and ST2 and the second set of stages ST3 and ST4 that can be moved simultaneously, and two jigs JG1 and JG2 are used to bend two display devices (DD1 and DD2; DD3 and DD4) at the same time, so that the bending time can be shortened. For example, three bending devices including one stage and one jig are arranged in parallel, so that four display devices can be roughly bent during the bending of three display devices. In addition, since each stage ST1-ST4 and each jig JG1 and JG2 are configured to be individually aligned so that each display device can also be individually aligned, even if two display devices (DD1 and DD2; DD3 and DD4) are bent at the same time, they can be bent with a bending trajectory suitable for each display device DD1-DD4.

[0082] Figures 4a to 4d is a plan view schematically illustrating steps of aligning and bending a display device in a bending device for a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 5 is a side view schematically illustrating a process of bending a display device in a bending device for a display device according to an embodiment.

[0083] Reference Figure 4a, showing a state in which the flexible printed circuit board FB of the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 is located on the first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2 by moving the first stage ST1 and the second stage ST2 on which the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 are placed in the first direction x and the second direction y. The first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 may include alignment marks M1 and M2. The alignment marks M1 and M2 may include a first alignment mark M1 located at the display panel DP in the display devices DD1 and DD2 and a second alignment mark M2 located at the flexible printed circuit board FB. The positions of the display devices DD1 and DD2 may be calculated by a visual alignment device including a camera.

[0084] Reference Figure 4b By operating the first stage alignment unit SAU1, the first stage ST1 and the first display device DD1 placed on the first stage ST1 can be aligned, and by operating the second stage alignment unit SAU2, the second stage ST2 and the second display device DD2 placed on the second stage ST2 can be aligned. The position alignment of the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 can be performed by moving the first stage ST1 and the second stage ST2 in the first direction x, the second direction y and / or the rotation direction θ based on the position calculated by the visual alignment device. When aligned, the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 can be in a state of being adsorbed to the first stage ST1 and the second stage ST2, respectively, and can be in a state of not being adsorbed to the first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2 or being weakly adsorbed to the first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2. Since the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 can be aligned separately, the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 can be aligned so that they can be bent in the same bending trajectory when the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 are bent at the same time.

[0085] Reference Figure 4cBy operating the first fixture alignment part JAU1, the first fixture JG1 and the first display device DD1 placed on the first fixture JG1 can be aligned, and by operating the second fixture alignment part JAU2, the second fixture JG2 and the second display device DD2 placed on the second fixture JG2 can be aligned. The position alignment of the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 can be performed by moving the first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2 in the first direction x, the second direction y and / or the rotation direction θ based on the position calculated by the visual alignment device. When in the aligned position, the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 can be in a state of being adsorbed to the first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2, respectively, and can be in a state of not being adsorbed to the first stage ST1 and the second stage ST2 or being weakly adsorbed to the first stage ST1 and the second stage ST2. Since the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 can be aligned separately, the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 can be aligned so that they can be bent in the same bending trajectory when the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 are bent at the same time.

[0086] Figure 4b The alignment of the display devices DD1 and DD2 shown in FIG. Figure 4c The alignment method of the display devices DD1 and DD2 shown in the figure can be selectively performed, but the two alignment methods can also be performed in combination. After the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 are aligned, the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 can be in a state of being adsorbed to the first stage ST1 and the second stage ST2 and the first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2. Figure 1 and Figure 5, after the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 are aligned, when the bending arm AR is rotated about 180 degrees in the R direction, the first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2 located on the bending arm AR can also be rotated at the same angle in the R direction. Therefore, the flexible printed circuit boards FB of the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 adsorbed to the first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2 can be rotated together, and the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 can be bent at the same time. At this time, the flexible printed circuit boards FB of the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 can be closely attached to the rear surface of the display panel DP of the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2. The adhesive member AM can be located between the display panel DP and the flexible printed circuit board FB of each of the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2, and the flexible printed circuit board FB can be adhered to the rear surface of the display panel DP by the adhesive member AM, so that the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 can maintain a bent state. After the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 are bent, the adsorption with the first jig JG1 and the second jig JG2 may be released, and the adsorption with the first stage ST1 and the second stage ST2 may be maintained.

[0087] Reference Figure 4d , showing the state after the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 are aligned. After the first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 are bent, the bending arm AR and the first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2 combined with the bending arm AR can be rotated in the opposite direction to the bending direction to return to the original position. After the bending is completed, a visual inspection device can be used to detect the positions of the first alignment mark M1 and the second alignment mark M2, thereby confirming the bending state of the display devices DD1 and DD2, and determining whether there are defects. Then, the first station ST1 and the second station ST2 can be moved away from the bending arm AR, and the bent first display device DD1 and the second display device DD2 can be unloaded from the first station ST1 and the second station ST2.

[0088] Although the alignment and bending of the first and second stages ST1 and ST2 and the first and second display devices DD1 and DD2 are described, the alignment and bending of the third and fourth stages ST3 and ST4 and the third and fourth display devices DD3 and DD4 may also be performed in the above manner.

[0089] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Each of them is a plan view schematically showing a bending step of a display device in a bending device for a display device according to an embodiment.

[0090] Reference Figure 6, the bending device 1' may include a table STU and an arm ARU. The table STU may include three sets of tables (ST1 and ST2; ST3 and ST4; ST5 and ST6), and the arm ARU may include a bending arm AR. The first fixture JG1 and the second fixture JG2 may be located at the bending arm AR. That is, compared with the aforementioned embodiment, the table STU may also include a fifth table ST5 and a sixth table ST6, and the fifth display device DD5 and the sixth display device DD6 as bending objects may be located on the fifth table ST5 and the sixth table ST6, respectively. The fifth table ST5 and the sixth table ST6 may also be configured to be aligned separately like the other tables ST1-ST4, and the bending device 1' may also include a fifth table alignment part and a sixth table alignment part for aligning the fifth table ST5 and the sixth table ST6, and a third moving block for carrying the fifth table ST5 and the sixth table ST6. Thus, three pairs of tables (ST1 and ST2; ST3 and ST4; ST5 and ST6) may be combined with a pair of fixtures (JG1 and JG2). That is, a pair of stages (ST1 and ST2; ST3 and ST4; ST5 and ST6) of each group are alternately positioned adjacent to the bending arm AR, so that they can be operated together with a pair of jigs JG1 and JG2 to simultaneously bend a pair of display devices (DD1 and DD2; DD3 and DD4; DD5 and DD6). In this way, the stage unit STU can include more than three groups of stages, and as the stages ST1-ST6 are increased, the loading time and unloading time of the display devices DD1-DD6 are shortened, so that the process time can be shortened.

[0091] Reference Figure 7 The bending device 1" may include a table STU and an arm ARU. The table STU may include three sets of tables ST1-ST6, and the arm ARU may include a first bending arm AR1 and a second bending arm AR2. Figure 6Compared to the embodiment of the present invention, the arm ARU may further include a second bending arm AR2 where the third fixture JG3 and the fourth fixture JG4 are located. The third jig JG3 and the fourth jig JG4 are the same as the first jig JG1 and the second jig JG2, and can be configured to be individually aligned, and the bending device 1" can also include a third stage alignment part and a fourth stage alignment part that align the third jig JG3 and the fourth jig JG4. Thus, three pairs of stages (ST1 and ST2; ST3 and ST4; ST5 and ST6) can be combined with two pairs of jigs (JG1 and JG2; JG3 and JG4). In this way, the stage unit STU can include more than three groups of stages ST1-ST6, and the arm unit ARU can include more than two bending arms AR1 and AR2, and the bending time and process time of the display device can be shortened. In addition, since each stage ST1-ST6 and each jig JG1-JG4 are configured to be individually aligned so that each display device can be individually aligned, even if two display devices (DD1 and DD2; DD3 and DD4; DD5 and DD6) are bent at the same time, bending can be performed with a bending trajectory suitable for each display device DD1-DD6.

[0092] Figure 8 is a perspective view schematically showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0093] Reference Figure 8 , a display device DD as a bending object is described. The display device DD may include a display panel DP, a flexible printed circuit board FB bonded to the display panel DP, and a driving device including an integrated circuit chip ICC and the like.

[0094] The display panel DP may include a display area DA corresponding to a screen displaying an image, and a non-display area NA where circuits and / or signal lines for generating and / or transmitting various signals applied to the display area DA are arranged. The non-display area NA may surround the display area DA.

[0095] In the display area DA of the display panel DP, the pixels PX can be arranged in a matrix. In addition, signal lines such as gate lines (also called scan lines), data lines, and driving voltage lines can be arranged in the display area DA. Each pixel PX can be connected to the gate line, the data line, the driving voltage line, etc., to receive a gate signal (also called a scan signal), a data voltage, a driving voltage (also called a first power supply voltage or a high potential power supply voltage) from these signal lines. The pixel PX can be the smallest unit that can display brightness. A pixel PX can correspond to a light-emitting area, and the plane shape of the pixel PX can be defined by the corresponding light-emitting area. Each pixel PX can display any one of the basic colors such as red, green and blue. The pixel PX can be realized by a light-emitting element such as an organic light-emitting diode or an inorganic light-emitting diode and a pixel circuit connected to the light-emitting element.

[0096] The display area DA may be provided with a touch sensor for sensing a user's contact touch and / or non-contact touch. Although the display area DA is shown as being substantially quadrilateral, the display area DA may have various shapes other than a quadrilateral, such as a polygon, a circle, an ellipse, etc.

[0097] A pad portion PP in which pads for receiving signals from the outside of the display panel DP are arranged may be located in the non-display area NA of the display panel DP. The pad portion PP may be arranged to be longer in the first direction x along one edge of the display panel DP. The flexible printed circuit board FB may be bonded to the pad portion PP, and the pads of the flexible printed circuit board FB may be electrically connected to the pads of the pad portion PP.

[0098] A driving unit that generates and / or processes various signals for driving the display panel DP may be located in the non-display area NA of the display panel DP. The driving device may include a data driver that applies a data voltage to a data line, a gate driver that applies a gate signal to a gate line, and a signal controller that controls the data driver and the gate driver. The pixel PX may receive a data voltage at a specified time according to a gate signal generated by the gate driver. The gate driver may be integrated into the display panel DP and may be located at least one side of the display area DA. The data driver and the signal controller may be provided as an integrated circuit chip (also referred to as a driver IC chip) ICC, and the integrated circuit chip ICC may be disposed in the non-display area NA of the display panel DP. The integrated circuit chip ICC may also be disposed at a flexible printed circuit board FB or the like to be electrically connected to the display panel DP.

[0099] The display panel DP may include a bending region BR. The bending region BR may be located in a non-display area NA between the display area DA and the pad portion PP. The bending region BR may be arranged to cross the display panel DP in a first direction x. In the bending region BR, the display panel DP may be bent with a prescribed radius of curvature based on a bending axis parallel to the first direction x. The display panel DP may be bent so that the pad portion PP and the flexible printed circuit board FB, which are farther from the display area DA than the bending region BR, are located on the rear surface of the display panel DP. Such bending may be performed using the above-mentioned bending device 1, 1' or 1". In an electronic device to which the display device DD is applied, the display panel DP may also be in a bent state. The bending region BR may span the display area DA and the non-display area NA, or may also be located in the display area DA.

[0100] The display panel DP may not include the bending area BR. In this case, the flexible printed circuit board FB is bent around the edge where the pad portion PP of the display panel DP is located, so that most of the flexible printed circuit board FB can be located on the rear surface of the display panel DP. This bending can be performed using the above-mentioned bending device 1, 1' or 1".

Claims

1. A bending device for a display device, comprising: The table portion includes a first table, a second table, a third table and a fourth table capable of respectively placing a first display device, a second display device, a third display device and a fourth display device; an arm, comprising a first fixture capable of adsorbing a portion of the first display device or the third display device and a second fixture capable of adsorbing a portion of the second display device or the fourth display device, and capable of simultaneously bending the first display device and the second display device or the third display device and the fourth display device; A supporting portion, supporting the table portion and the arm portion; a first stage moving portion, located between the support portion and the stage portion, and moving the first stage and the second stage in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; as well as The second stage moving portion is located between the support portion and the stage portion, and moves the third stage and the fourth stage in the first direction and the second direction.

2. The bending device for a display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first stage moving section moves the first stage and the second stage together so that the first stage and the second stage are adjacent to the arm section, and the second stage moving section moves the third stage and the fourth stage together so that the third stage and the fourth stage are adjacent to the arm section.

3. The bending device for a display device according to claim 1, wherein: The arm also includes: A first fixture alignment portion, aligning the first fixture; and The second fixture aligning portion aligns the second fixture.

4. The bending device for a display device according to claim 3, wherein: The first fixture alignment portion and the second fixture alignment portion include UVW driving portions respectively.

5. The bending device for a display device according to claim 1, wherein: The arm also includes: a bending arm, wherein the first fixture and the second fixture are located on the bending arm; and A rotation driving unit is provided to rotate the bending arm. Wherein, the first fixture and the second fixture rotate together when the bending arm rotates.

6. The bending device for a display device according to claim 1, wherein: The first moving part comprises: a first moving block carrying the first stage and the second stage; and a guide portion located at the support portion, and The second moving part comprises: A second moving block carrying the third stage and the fourth stage; and The guide portion.

7. The bending device for a display device according to claim 6, wherein: The support portion comprises: A first supporting portion extending in the first direction; and a second supporting portion extending in the second direction, and The guide portion comprises: a first guide portion located at the first supporting portion and extending in the first direction; and The second guide portion is located at the second supporting portion and extends in the second direction.

8. The bending device for a display device according to claim 6, wherein: The platform also includes: a first stage alignment portion, located on the first moving block and aligned with the first stage; a second stage alignment portion, located on the first moving block and aligned with the second stage; a third stage alignment portion, located on the second moving block and aligned with the third stage; and The fourth stage alignment part is located on the second moving block and is aligned with the fourth stage.

9. The bending device for a display device according to claim 8, wherein: The first stage alignment part to the fourth stage alignment part respectively include UVW driving parts.

10. The bending device for a display device according to claim 3, wherein: The arm also includes: The remote input / output module wirelessly transmits a signal for operating the first fixture alignment part and the second fixture alignment part to an external remote input / output base, and wirelessly receives the signal from the input / output base.

11. A method for bending a display device, comprising: the step of loading the first display device and the second display device onto the first station and the second station; The steps of moving the first stage and the second stage so that the first stage and the second stage are adjacent to a bending arm including a first fixture and a second fixture and loading a third display device and a fourth display device onto the third stage and the fourth stage; a step of simultaneously bending the first display device and the second display device; the step of moving the first stage and the second stage away from the bending arm; a step of moving the third stage and the fourth stage so that the third stage and the fourth stage are adjacent to the bending arm; as well as The step of simultaneously bending the third display device and the fourth display device.

12. The method for bending a display device according to claim 11, wherein: After the first stage and the second stage are moved to be adjacent to the bending arm, the flexible printed circuit board of the first display device is located on the first fixture, and the flexible printed circuit board of the second display device is located on the second fixture.

13. The method for bending a display device according to claim 12, wherein: The step of simultaneously bending the first display device and the second display device includes rotating the bending arm to rotate the first fixture and the second fixture.

14. The method for bending a display device according to claim 12, comprising: Before bending the first display device and the second display device, the first display device and the second display device are individually aligned by individually moving the first jig and the second jig.

15. The method for bending a display device according to claim 14, comprising: In order to align the first fixture and the second fixture, a remote input and output module is used to wirelessly receive and transmit signals.

16. The method for bending a display device according to claim 12, comprising: Before bending the first display device and the second display device, the first display device and the second display device are individually aligned by individually moving the first stage and the second stage.

17. The method for bending a display device according to claim 12, wherein: The step of simultaneously bending the third display device and the fourth display device includes: rotating the bending arm to rotate the first fixture and the second fixture.

18. The method for bending a display device according to claim 12, comprising: Before bending the third display device and the fourth display device, the third display device and the fourth display device are individually aligned by individually moving the first jig and the second jig.

19. The method for bending a display device according to claim 12, comprising: Before bending the third display device and the fourth display device, the third display device and the fourth display device are individually aligned by individually moving the third stage and the fourth stage.

20. The method for bending a display device according to claim 11, wherein: The first stage and the second stage are mounted on a first moving block so as to move together along a guide portion, and the third stage and the fourth stage are mounted on a second moving block so as to move together along the guide portion.

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