Display device and method for manufacturing display device

Abstract

The invention provides a display device and a method for manufacturing the same. The display device includes: a display driving module including a display panel, a cover spacer disposed below the display driving module, and a step compensation portion disposed on the display panel and the cover spacer; and an external structure surrounding the display driving module, in which an edge portion of the display panel protrudes beyond an edge portion of the cover spacer, a recessed portion is provided at the edge portion of the cover spacer and below the display panel, and the step compensation portion overlaps the recessed portion.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0132764 filed on October 5, 2023 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display device and a method for manufacturing the display device. Background Art

[0004] With the development of the information society, more and more demands are put forward for display devices related to the way in which images can be displayed. The display device can be a flat panel display device such as a liquid crystal display, a field emission display or a light-emitting display. The light-emitting display device can include an organic light-emitting display device or a light-emitting diode display device, wherein the organic light-emitting display device includes an organic light-emitting diode element as a light-emitting element, and the light-emitting diode display device includes an inorganic light-emitting diode element as a light-emitting element, such as a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0005] In addition, the display device may be a flexible display device in which an edge portion of the display device may be bent to have a predetermined curvature. In conjunction with the development of flexible display devices, research on a cover window including a curved surface has been proposed.

[0006] Meanwhile, since the cost and difficulty level of a display device manufacturing process increases with the development of technology, a process of modularizing components of a display device and individually assembling them has been proposed. Summary of the invention

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a display device and a method for manufacturing the display device in which a dead zone between a display driving module and a middle frame may be reduced or eliminated.

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure also provide a display device and a method for manufacturing the display device, in which a slurry for forming an outer structure is suppressed or prevented from penetrating into a display driving module.

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure also provide a display device and a method of manufacturing the display device in which a slurry for forming a step compensation portion effectively permeates into a concave portion.

[0010] However, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the contents set forth herein. For those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains, the above and other aspects of the present disclosure will become more apparent by referring to the detailed description of the present disclosure given below.

[0011] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display driving module, the display driving module including a display panel, a cover spacer arranged below the display panel, and a step compensation portion arranged on the display panel and the cover spacer; and an external structure surrounding the display driving module, wherein an edge portion of the display panel protrudes beyond an edge portion of the cover spacer, a recessed portion is arranged at the edge portion of the cover spacer and below the display panel, and the step compensation portion overlaps with the recessed portion.

[0012] In an embodiment, the step compensation portion may be disposed at an inner side of the outer structure.

[0013] In an embodiment, the step compensation portion may be spaced apart from the external structure.

[0014] In an embodiment, the display device may include a cover window, wherein the display panel may include a first portion disposed on the cover window and a second portion disposed on the first portion and including an edge portion of the display panel, and the step compensation portion overlaps the edge portion of the second portion.

[0015] In an embodiment, a step compensation portion may be filled in the concave portion.

[0016] In an embodiment, the step compensation portion may contact at least one of a bottom surface, a side surface, and a top surface of a first end portion of the display panel, the first end portion being disposed at an edge portion of the display panel.

[0017] In an embodiment, the step compensation portion may contact a side surface of an edge portion of the cover spacer defining an end portion of the concave portion.

[0018] In an embodiment, the display panel may include a through hole that completely penetrates the display panel and exposes at least a portion of the concave portion.

[0019] In an embodiment, the through hole may be provided at an edge portion of the display panel, and the edge portion may have a comb shape or a sawtooth shape.

[0020] In an embodiment, the through hole may be spaced apart from an edge portion of the display panel, and may be disposed at a first end portion of the display panel, the first end portion being disposed at the edge portion of the display panel.

[0021] In an embodiment, the first end portion of the display panel may have a stepped shape.

[0022] In an embodiment, the through hole may include a plurality of holes spaced apart from each other and disposed adjacent to an edge portion of the display panel.

[0023] In an embodiment, the through hole may include a single hole extending adjacent to an edge portion of the display panel.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a display device includes: a display panel, which is defined by a main area, a curved area arranged on one side of the main area, and a sub-area arranged on one side of the curved area, and includes a first part arranged in the main area and a second part arranged in the sub-area, the display panel being able to bend in the curved area so that the second part of the display panel is arranged on the bottom side of the first part of the display panel; a cover spacer arranged between the first part and the second part; a step compensation part arranged on the display panel; and an external structure arranged to surround the display panel, the cover spacer and the step compensation part, wherein an edge portion of the second part protrudes beyond an edge portion of the cover spacer, a recessed portion is arranged between the edge portion of the second part and the cover spacer, and the step compensation part overlaps with the recessed portion.

[0025] In an embodiment, the step compensation portion may be disposed in the concave portion and under at least a portion of the second portion.

[0026] In an embodiment, the outer structure may include: an outer portion disposed at an outer side of the display panel in the bending area; and an inner portion disposed at an inner side of the display panel in the bending area.

[0027] In an embodiment, the display device may further include a bending protection layer disposed on an outer side of the display panel in the bending area, wherein the outer portion contacts the bending protection layer.

[0028] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a display device, the display device includes a display module and a cover window arranged on the display module, the method including: forming a step compensation portion that encapsulates a reverse step included in the display module; and forming an external structure arranged to surround the display module, wherein the step compensation portion is formed by curing a first slurry, the external structure is formed by curing a second slurry, and the step compensation portion is arranged to be spaced apart from the external structure.

[0029] In an embodiment, the viscosity of the second slurry may be greater than the viscosity of the first slurry.

[0030] In an embodiment, a display module may include a display panel and a cover spacer disposed below the display panel and defining a reverse step, wherein a step compensation portion forming the package reverse step may include: depositing a first slurry on the display panel and the cover spacer formed below the display panel through a through hole formed in the display panel.

[0031] According to the display device and the method for manufacturing the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it may be possible to reduce or eliminate a dead zone between a display driving module and a middle frame.

[0032] According to the display device and the method for manufacturing the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it may be possible to suppress or prevent the slurry for forming the outer structure from penetrating into the display driving module.

[0033] According to the display device and the method for manufacturing the display device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the paste for forming the step compensation portion may effectively penetrate into the concave portion.

[0034] However, the embodiments of the present disclosure and the effects thereof are not limited to the contents described herein, and various other effects are incorporated herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 2 is a front view showing a state where a display driving module according to an embodiment is unfolded;

[0038] Figure 3 is a rear view showing a state in which a display driving module according to an embodiment is unfolded;

[0039] Figure 4 is a rear view showing a state in which a display driving module according to an embodiment is bent;

[0040] Figure 5 is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line X1-X1';

[0041] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a stacking structure of a display module according to an embodiment;

[0042] Figure 7 is a schematic rear view showing a main body unit according to the embodiment;

[0043] Figure 8 is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line X2-X2';

[0044] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 An enlarged view of area A;

[0045] Fig.10 is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line X3-X3';

[0046] Fig.11 is along Fig. 9A cross-sectional view taken along line X4-X4';

[0047] Fig.12 is an enlarged view of a region A of a main body unit according to another embodiment;

[0048] Fig.13 is an enlarged view of a region A of a main body unit according to yet another embodiment;

[0049] Fig.14 is an enlarged view of a region A of a main body unit according to yet another embodiment;

[0050] Fig.15 is an enlarged view of a region A of a main body unit according to yet another embodiment;

[0051] Fig.16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0052] Fig.17 It is shown Fig.16 Flow chart of step S100;

[0053] Fig.18 It is shown Fig.17 A cross-sectional view of step S110;

[0054] Fig.19 It is shown Fig.17 A cross-sectional view of step S120;

[0055] Fig. 20 It is shown Fig.16 Flow chart of step S200;

[0056] Fig.21 It is shown Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of step S210;

[0057] Fig. 22 It is shown Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of step S220;

[0058] Fig.23 It is shown Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of step S230;

[0059] Fig.24 It is shown Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of step S240; and

[0060] Fig.25 It is shown Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of step S250. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments may be provided in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0062] 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. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there may be no intervening elements. Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the specification.

[0063] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0064] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0065] refer to Figure 1 According to the embodiment, the display device 1 may include a main body unit BP and a wearable part BD. In this specification, the case where the display device 1 is a smart watch is described as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the display device 1 may be a different display device such as a smart phone, a television, a computer, etc.

[0066] The main body unit BP may include a display driving module 10 that can display an image, a cover window 20, an external structure 30, a coupling member 40, an intermediate frame 50, and a lower cover 60. In the main body unit BP, the lower 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.

[0067] The display driving module 10 may include a display panel 100. The display panel 100 may be a display screen on which various information, content, user interface, etc. may be displayed as images. The display panel 100 may be an organic light emitting display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, etc., but is not limited thereto. The display panel 100 may include a display area DA on which an image may be displayed and a non-display area NDA disposed around the display area DA. Figure 1 As shown in , the planar shape of the display panel 100 may be a substantially circular shape, but is not limited thereto, and may be various shapes, for example, a polygonal shape such as a quadrangular shape or an elliptical shape.

[0068] The cover window 20 may be disposed on the display driving module 10. The cover window 20 may 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 that may block at least a portion of the light emitted from the display driving module 10.

[0069] The cover window 20 can be made of a transparent plastic material, a glass material or a tempered glass material. In an embodiment, the cover window 20 can be formed by a sapphire glass or a chemically strengthened glass, or a laminated structure of sapphire glass or a chemically strengthened glass. In another embodiment, the cover window 20 can include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyether sulfone (PES), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) or polynorbornene (PNB). The cover window 20 can be made of a tempered glass that is scratch-resistant while having good transparency.

[0070] The cover window 20 may be arranged to overlap with the display driving module 10 and cover the entire surface of the display driving module 10. In a plan view, the cover window 20 may have a shape substantially similar to that of the display driving module 10. The size of the cover window 20 may be larger than that of the display driving module 10. For example, the cover window 20 may protrude beyond the periphery of the display driving module 10. The cover window 20 may substantially have a planar shape. The planar shape of the cover window 20 may be substantially the same as the planar shape of the main body unit BP. For example, the planar shape of the cover window 20 may have a substantially circular shape, but is not limited thereto, and the cover window 20 may have various shapes, for example, a polygonal shape such as a quadrilateral shape or an elliptical shape.

[0071] In some embodiments, as shown in the accompanying drawings, the cover window 20 can be a flat window. For example, the cover window 20 can basically have a flat plate shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the cover window 20 can be a three-dimensional or dome-type three-dimensional window. In this case, the cover window 20 can include a central portion and a curved portion bent from the central portion. In addition, the cover window 20 can have a flat outer edge portion or an inclined outer edge portion.

[0072] The external structure 30 may be disposed between the cover window 20 and the middle frame 50. The external structure 30 may connect the display driving module 10, the cover window 20, the coupling member 40, and the middle frame 50 (see Figure 8 ).

[0073] The external structure 30 may be arranged along the edge portion of the display driving module 10. In some embodiments, the external structure 30 may have an annular shape with a central hole in a plan view. For example, the external structure 30 may have a donut shape or an annular 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 inner surface of the cover window 20. For example, when the inner surface of the cover window 20 has a circular shape in a plan view, the external structure 30 may also have a circular shape.

[0074] 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 is not limited thereto. The external structure 30 may be applied to the external portion of the display driving module 10 in a liquid or slurry state. For example, the external structure 30 may be applied by injecting the slurry into the mold unit MLD (see Fig.21 ) is formed. Thereafter, the outer structure 30 can be formed by using ultraviolet curing or thermal curing. Fig.16 etc. describe the formation process of the outer structure 30.

[0075] 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, for example, an adhesive tape having an adhesive material applied to each side thereof and having a waterproof or dustproof function.

[0076] The coupling member 40 may be disposed along an inner edge portion of the intermediate frame 50. In some embodiments, the coupling member 40 may have an annular shape with a central hole in a plan view. For example, the coupling member 40 may have a circular ring shape or an annular shape in a plan view. In a plan view, the shape and size of the coupling member 40 may correspond to the shape and size of the intermediate frame 50. For example, in a plan view, when the intermediate frame 50 has a circular shape, the coupling member 40 may also have a circular shape.

[0077] The middle frame 50 may be disposed between the cover window 20 and the lower cover 60. The middle frame 50 may be an intermediate coupling member for coupling the cover window 20 and the lower cover 60. For example, the middle frame 50 may include a bracket.

[0078] The lower cover 60 may be disposed at a lower (eg, lowermost) portion of the body unit BP. The lower cover 60 may be disposed below the middle frame 50. The lower cover 60 may be a housing coupled to the middle frame 50.

[0079] In some embodiments, the lower cover 60 may include a central cover portion 61 and a peripheral portion 62 .

[0080] The central cover portion 61 may be located at the center of the lower cover 60 and may be substantially flat. The central cover portion 61 may be a region corresponding to the cover window 20.

[0081] The peripheral portion 62 may be disposed around the central cover portion 61. The peripheral portion 62 may be disposed to 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 of the peripheral portion 62 may be flat. The angle (or angle) at which the peripheral portion 62 is bent from the central cover portion 61 may be an obtuse angle, but is not limited thereto, and may be a right angle or an acute angle.

[0082] The lower cover 60, which may be disposed on the outer (e.g., outermost) rear surface of the display device 1, may include at least one of a plastic material, a metal material, and a glass material, and may include a color coating layer. In an embodiment, the lower cover 60 may be a flat glass with a transparent, translucent, or opaque color coating layer.

[0083] In another embodiment, the lower cover 60 may have a shape substantially similar to that of the cover window 20, and may include a glass material having a color coating layer. For example, the lower cover 60 according to another example may have a structure symmetrical to the cover window 20, with the middle frame 50 interposed therebetween, and may include a transparent, translucent, or opaque color coating layer.

[0084] The wearable portion BD may be a portion for fixing the main body unit BP to a user's wrist, etc. For example, the wearable portion BD may be any of a belt, a chain, and a bracelet.

[0085] Figure 2 2 is a front view showing a state where a display driving module according to an embodiment is unfolded. Figure 3 is a rear view showing a state in which a display driving module according to an embodiment is unfolded. Figure 4 is a rear view illustrating a state in which a display driving module according to an embodiment is bent. Figure 5 is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line X1-X1'.

[0086] 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.

[0087] The display module DM may include a display panel 100. Examples of the display panel 100 may include an organic light emitting display panel, a micro 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, an electrowetting display panel, or the like. In the following description, an example of applying an organic light emitting display panel as an example of the display panel 100 will be exemplified, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and other display panels may be applied within the scope of the technical spirit.

[0088] 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 may be displayed, and the non-display area NDA may refer to a portion where an image is not displayed.

[0089] The display area DA may have a circular shape in a plan view. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display area DA may have various shapes such as a rectangular shape, a rectangular shape with rounded corners, a square shape, other polygonal shapes, or an elliptical shape in a plan view.

[0090] The non-display area NDA may be disposed around the peripheral area of ​​the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be a frame area. The non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, the non-display area NDA may not be disposed in at least a portion of the peripheral area of ​​the display area DA.

[0091] In the non-display area NDA, a signal line or a driving circuit for applying a signal to the display area DA (display area or touch area) may be provided. In another embodiment, the non-display area NDA may include a portion of the touch area, and a sensor member such as a force sensor may be provided in the area.

[0092] The display panel 100 may include a plurality of pixels disposed in a display area DA. The plurality of pixels may be arranged in a matrix. In a plan view, the shape of each pixel may be a rectangular shape or a square shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the shape of each pixel may be a rhombus shape in which each side may be inclined relative to the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2. Each pixel may include an emission area. Each emission area may be the same as or different from the shape of the pixel. For example, when the shape of the pixel is a rectangular shape, the emission area of ​​the corresponding pixel may have various shapes such as a rectangle, a rhombus, a hexagon, an octagon or a circle.

[0093] In the illustrated figures, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 intersect each other as horizontal directions. For example, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 may be orthogonal to each other. In addition, the third direction DR3 intersects the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, and may be, for example, orthogonal to the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. In this specification, the direction indicated by the arrows of the first direction DR1, the second direction DR2, and the third direction DR3 may be referred to as one side, and the direction opposite thereto may be referred to as the other side.

[0094] The display driving module 10 may further include a touch member that can detect a touch input. The touch member may be a touch layer TSL (see FIG. 1 ) disposed on the display panel 100. Figure 6 ) is set in the form of. 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 limited thereto, and the touch member may be provided as a panel or film separated from the display panel 100 and may be attached to the display panel 100. In the embodiment, the touch layer TSL (see Figure 6 ), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0095] The touch area may be an area where a touch input may be detected. The touch area may overlap with the display area DA. In other words, the display area DA may be an area where an image may be displayed and a touch input may be detected.

[0096] In some embodiments, the display panel 100 may include a flexible substrate including a flexible polymer material such as polyimide, etc. Thus, the display panel 100 may be, for example, curved, bent, folded, or rolled.

[0097] 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 along the second direction DR2. For example, the bending area BA may connect an end of the main area MA and an end of the sub-area SA. The main area MA may be disposed on one side of the bending area BA along the second direction DR2. The sub-area SA may be disposed on the other side of the bending area BA along the second direction DR2.

[0098] The display area DA of the display panel 100 may be disposed in the main area MA. In an embodiment, the peripheral edge portion of the display area DA in the main area MA, the entire bending area BA, and the entire sub-area SA may correspond to the non-display area NDA. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the bending area BA and / or the sub-area SA may also include at least a portion of the display area DA.

[0099] 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 located on one plane. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and at least a portion of an edge portion of the main area MA may be bent along the third direction DR3 to form a curved surface, or may be bent in a vertical direction.

[0100] When at least a portion of the edge portion of the main area MA is bent along the third direction DR3 to form a curved surface or is bent in the vertical direction, the display area DA may also be disposed at the corresponding edge portion. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a non-display area NDA that does not display an image may be disposed on a curved or bent edge portion. Alternatively, both the display area DA and the non-display area NDA may be disposed on the edge portion.

[0101] The bending area BA may be connected to the other side of the main area MA along the second direction DR2. For example, the bending area BA may be connected to the main area MA through the lower short side of the main area MA. The width of the bending area BA (for example, the width along the first direction DR1) may be smaller than the width of a portion of the main area MA adjacent to the bending area BA (for example, the width along the first direction DR1). For example, the connection portion between the main area MA and the bending area BA may have an L-shaped cut portion.

[0102] The bending area BA may be an area where the display panel 100 is bent. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the display panel 100 may be bent downward with a curvature in the thickness direction in the bending area BA. For example, the display panel 100 may be bent toward the other side in the third direction DR3 in the bending area BA.

[0103] The bending area BA may have a constant curvature radius. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the bending area BA may have different curvature radii for different portions thereof. When the display panel 100 is bent in the bending area BA, the surface of the display panel 100 may be reversed. For example, Figure 5 As shown in , the display panel 100 may be bent in a direction opposite to the first surface 100a as a display surface. Therefore, in the second surface 100b opposite to the display surface, the second surface 100b at the main area MA and the second surface 100b at the sub-area SA may face themselves in the third direction DR3.

[0104] The sub-region SA may be disposed at the other side of the bending region BA along the second direction DR2. The sub-region SA may extend from the bending region BA. The width of the sub-region SA (eg, the width along the first direction DR1) may be greater than the width of the bending region BA (eg, the width along the first direction DR1). The connection portion between the sub-region SA and the bending region BA may have an L-shaped cut portion.

[0105] In some embodiments, the size of the sub-area SA of the display panel 100 may be smaller than the size of the main area MA of the display panel 100. Figure 4 As shown in , in a state where the display panel 100 is bent, the sub-area SA may completely overlap the main area MA. When the display panel 100 is bent, an outer portion of the sub-area SA may be surrounded by an outer portion of the main area MA in a plan view. The outer portion of the sub-area SA may be disposed inwardly from an outer portion of the main area MA in a plan view.

[0106] like Figure 5 As shown in , in a state where the display panel 100 is bent, the sub-region SA may overlap the main region MA in a thickness direction of the display panel 100 (ie, in the third direction DR3). The sub-region SA may be disposed below the main region MA in the third direction DR3.

[0107] The driving chip DIC may be disposed on the display panel 100 in the sub-area SA of the display panel 100. In some embodiments, the driving chip DIC may be disposed on the first surface 100a of the display panel 100 in the sub-area SA of the display panel 100. In an embodiment, as shown in the figure, the driving chip DIC may be directly mounted on the display panel 100 by a chip on glass (COG) or a chip on plastic (COP) method. In another embodiment, the driving chip DIC may be mounted on a flexible film by a chip on film (COF) method.

[0108] The driving chip DIC may generate and output a data voltage, a power supply voltage, a scanning timing signal, etc. The driving chip DIC may include an integrated circuit for driving the display panel 100. The integrated circuit may include a display integrated circuit and / or a touch unit integrated circuit. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the display integrated circuit and the touch unit integrated circuit may be provided as separate chips, or may be provided as an integrated chip.

[0109] The driving board PCB may be disposed on the end of the sub-area SA of the display panel 100. The pad portion may be disposed at the end of the sub-area SA of the display panel 100. The pad portion may include a plurality of display signal wiring pads and touch signal wiring pads. The driving board PCB may be connected to the pad portion at the end of the sub-area SA of the display panel 100. The driving board PCB may be attached to the pad portion by using a conductive adhesive member such as an anisotropic conductive film or an anisotropic conductive adhesive. The driving board PCB may be a flexible printed circuit board or a flexible film implemented as, for example, a chip on a film.

[0110] In a state where the display panel 100 is bent, the driving chip DIC and the driving board PCB may be opposite to the main area MA of the display panel 100 with the sub area SA of the display panel 100 interposed therebetween. That is, the driving chip DIC and the driving board PCB may be disposed on the first surface 100a in the sub area SA and may be located at a side away from the main area MA in the third direction DR3 when the display panel 100 is bent.

[0111] 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 in , in a state where the display panel 100 is bent, the driving board PCB may completely overlap the main area MA of the display panel 100. In a state where the display panel 100 is bent, an outer portion of the driving board PCB may be surrounded by an outer portion of the main area MA of the display panel 100 in a plan view. In a plan view, the outer portion of the driving board PCB may be disposed inside the outer portion of the main area MA of the display panel 100.

[0112] 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 has a circular planar shape, at least a portion of the driving board PCB may have a circular shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications may be made to the shape of the driving board PCB.

[0113] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a stacked structure of a display module according to an embodiment.

[0114] 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 plate 400, and a cover spacer 500. The display panel 100 may include a substrate SUB, a circuit driving layer DRL, a light emitting element layer EML, an encapsulation layer ENL, and a touch layer TSL.

[0115] The substrate SUB may support one or more 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, quartz, etc. The substrate SUB may be a rigid substrate. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the substrate SUB may include a plastic such as polyimide, etc., and may have a flexible property so that the substrate SUB may be, for example, twisted, bent, folded, or rolled up.

[0116] The circuit driving layer DRL may be disposed on a first surface of the substrate SUB (eg, a top surface of the substrate SUB). The circuit driving layer DRL may include a circuit that may drive the light emitting element layer EML of the pixel. The circuit driving layer DRL may include a plurality of thin film transistors.

[0117] 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 having various brightness levels according to a driving signal transmitted from the circuit driving layer DRL.

[0118] The encapsulation layer ENL may be disposed on the light emitting element layer EML. The encapsulation layer ENL may include an inorganic layer or a laminated layer of an inorganic layer and an organic layer. As another example, the encapsulation layer ENL may include glass or an encapsulation film.

[0119] The touch layer TSL may be disposed on the encapsulation layer ENL. The touch layer TSL may be a layer for recognizing a touch input and may be used as a touch member. The touch layer TSL may include a plurality of sensing regions and sensing electrodes.

[0120] 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 attached in the form of a polarizing film. In this case, the anti-reflection layer 200 may polarize light passing therethrough. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the anti-reflection layer 200 may be laminated in the form of a color filter layer. In this case, the anti-reflection layer 200 may include a color filter, etc., for selectively transmitting light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range.

[0121] The adhesive layer 300 may be disposed on the anti-reflection layer 200. The adhesive layer 300 may cover the window 20 (see Figure 1 ) is adhered to the display panel 100 or the anti-reflection layer 200. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer 300 may be an optically clear adhesive (OCA) film or a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) film. Although the adhesive layer 300 is shown in the drawings as being included in the display module DM, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the adhesive layer 300 may not be included in the display module DM and may be attached to the cover window 20 (see Figure 1 ) are arranged together and attached to the cover window 20 (see Figure 1 ).

[0122] The cover plate 400 may be disposed on the second surface of the substrate SUB (e.g., the bottom surface of the substrate SUB). The cover plate 400 may include at least one functional layer that may perform a heat dissipation function, an electromagnetic shielding function, a buffering function, a strength enhancement function, a support function, and / or an adhesive function. For example, the functional layer of the cover plate 400 may be a sheet layer made of a sheet, a film layer made of a film, a film layer, a coating layer, a panel, a plate, or the like. The functional layer may include a single layer, or a stack of multiple films or coating layers. The functional layer may be, for example, a supporting member, a heat dissipation layer, an electromagnetic shielding layer, an impact absorbing layer, a bonding layer, or the like.

[0123] The cover spacer 500 may be disposed on the cover plate 400. The cover spacer 500 may prevent the display driving module 10 from being bent due to an external force, or may reduce the degree of bending of the display driving module 10. When an external force is applied, the cover spacer 500 may maintain the display driving module 10 in a relatively flat state.

[0124] The cover spacer 500 may include a rigid or semi-rigid material. Specifically, the cover spacer 500 may include a metal material such as stainless steel (SUS) or aluminum, or a polymer such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or the like.

[0125] Figure 7 is a schematic rear view showing a main body unit according to the embodiment. Figure 8 is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line X2-X2'.

[0126] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 , as referenced Figure 1 As described above, the main body unit BP may include a display driving module 10 , a cover window 20 , an external structure 30 , a coupling member 40 , a middle frame 50 , and a lower cover 60 .

[0127] As described herein, for example, reference Figure 2 The display driving module 10 may include a display module DM, a driving chip DIC and a driving board PCB. Figure 6 As described above, the display module DM may include a display panel 100 , an anti-reflection layer 200 , an adhesive layer 300 , a cover plate 400 , and a cover spacer 500 .

[0128] Since the display module DM, driving chip DIC and driving board PCB of the display driving module 10 and the display panel 100, anti-reflection layer 200, adhesive layer 300, cover plate 400 and cover spacer 500 of the display module DM have been described herein, repeated description may be omitted.

[0129] The cover spacer 500 may compensate for a height difference formed between the sub-area SA of the display panel 100 and the cover plate 400, and a height difference formed between the driving board PCB and the cover plate 400. For example, the cover spacer 500 may be disposed between the sub-area SA of the display panel 100 and the cover plate 400, and between the driving board PCB and the cover plate 400 along the third direction DR3, so that the sub-area SA of the display panel 100 and the driving board PCB may be maintained in a flat state. In some embodiments, the sub-area SA of the display panel 100 and the driving board PCB may be attached to the bottom of the cover spacer 500 by a separate adhesive member. Therefore, the sub-area SA of the display panel 100 and the driving board PCB may be maintained in a fixed state.

[0130] The display module DM may further include a curved protection layer PBL. The curved protection layer PBL may be disposed on the display panel 100 in a partial region of the display panel 100. In an embodiment, the curved protection layer PBL may be disposed in the curved area BA of the display panel 100. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the curved protection layer PBL may be disposed in a region other than the curved area BA.

[0131] The bending protection layer PBL may be made of a polymer compound such as polyimide, acrylate, epoxy resin, or the like. The bending protection layer PBL may suppress or prevent the occurrence of cracks due to stress that may be applied to the display panel 100 when the display panel 100 is bent. In addition, the bending protection layer PBL may suppress or prevent the expansion of cracks. Therefore, the durability of the display module DM may be improved.

[0132] 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 outward from the periphery of the display driving module 10.

[0133] The external structure 30 may be disposed between the cover window 20 and the middle frame 50 along the third direction DR3. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the external structure 30 may surround the display driving module 10 in a plan view. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the external structure 30 may surround the display driving module 10 in a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Figure 7As shown in , the external structure 30 may be surrounded by the vertical protrusion of the middle frame 50 in a plan view. The vertical protrusion of the middle frame 50 may extend from the horizontal portion of the middle frame 50 along the third direction DR3, extending substantially parallel to the display driving module 10. The vertical protrusion of the middle frame 50 may have an inner side wall facing inwardly toward the display driving module 10 and an outer side wall facing the outside of the main body unit BP. The external structure 30 may be surrounded by the vertical protrusion of the middle frame 50 in a plan view. As shown in Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 5 , the outer structure 30 may be surrounded by an inner sidewall of the middle frame 50 in a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 .

[0134] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , 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.

[0135] Referring to the external structure 30 located on the left side of the drawing, the external structure 30 may be disposed in a space defined by a first end portion of the display driving module 10 (e.g., an end portion adjacent to the main area MA), an inner surface of the cover window 20, an inner side wall of the middle frame 50, and a top surface of the first coupling member 41. For example, the inner surface of the external structure 30 may be in direct contact with an outer portion of the display driving module 10, the top surface of the external structure 30 may be in direct contact with an inner surface of the cover window 20, the outer surface of the external structure 30 may be in direct contact with an inner side wall of the middle frame 50, and at least a portion of the bottom surface of the external structure 30 may be in direct contact with a top surface of the first coupling member 41. Here, the first coupling member 41 may be disposed on a portion of the middle frame 50.

[0136] In some embodiments, the external structure 30 may overlap the display driving module 10 along the third direction DR3. At least a portion of the external structure 30 may be disposed below the display driving module 10. At least a portion of the external structure 30 may cover at least a portion of the lower portion of the display driving module 10. For example, at least a portion of the external structure 30 may contact the bottom surface of the cover spacer 500.

[0137] Referring to the external structure 30 located on the right side of the drawing, the external structure 30 may be disposed in a space defined by the second end portion (e.g., the end portion adjacent to the bending area BA) of the display driving module 10, the inner surface of the cover window 20, the inner side wall of the middle frame 50, and the top surface of the first coupling member 41. For example, the inner surface of the external structure 30 may be in direct contact with the outer portion of the display driving module 10 adjacent to the bending area BA, the top surface of the external structure 30 may be in direct contact with the inner surface of the cover window 20, the outer surface of the external structure 30 may be in direct contact with the inner side wall of the middle frame 50, and at least a portion of the bottom surface of the external structure 30 may be in direct contact with the top surface of the first coupling member 41.

[0138] Despite Figure 8 , the first end and the second end of the display driving module 10 are shown, but as described above, the external structure 30 may be disposed in a space defined by the outer portion of the display driving module 10, the inner surface of the cover window 20, the inner side wall of the middle frame 50, and the top surface of the first coupling member 41 to surround the display driving module 10. Therefore, the external structure 30 may have an annular shape with a central hole in a plan view, i.e., a circular ring shape or an annular shape.

[0139] In the display device 1 according to the embodiment, since the external structure 30 is disposed in a space defined by the outer portion of the display driving module 10, the inner surface of the cover window 20, the inner side wall of the middle frame 50, and the top surface of the first coupling member 41, the attachment area of ​​the first coupling member 41 can be expanded, which can improve the coupling force between the middle frame 50 and the cover window 20. Therefore, the attachment surface of the first coupling member 41 can be fully fixed by the external structure 30, and the attachment tolerance for coupling the cover window 20 and the middle frame 50 can be reduced. When the attachment tolerance for coupling the cover window 20 and the middle frame 50 is reduced, the dead zone between the middle frame 50 and the display driving module 10 can be reduced. In addition, since the external structure 30 having a certain level of elasticity and strength can be disposed in a space defined by the outer portion of the display driving module 10, the inner surface of the cover window 20, the inner side wall of the middle frame 50, and the top surface of the first coupling member 41, the impact resistance of the display device 1 can be improved.

[0140] In some embodiments, the outer structure 30 may include an outer portion 30a and an inner portion 30b.

[0141] The outer portion 30a may be disposed outward from the outer portion of the display driving module 10. For example, the outer portion 30a may directly contact the outer surface of the curved protection layer PBL, the inner surface of the cover window 20, the inner sidewall of the middle frame 50, and the top surface of the first coupling member 41.

[0142] The inner portion 30b may be disposed inside the curved area BA of the display panel 100. For example, the inner portion 30b may be in direct contact with the rear surface of the display panel 100, the side surface of the cover plate 400, and the side surface of the cover spacer 500 in the curved area BA of the display panel 100. In an embodiment, the inner portion 30b may be formed in a space formed by the curved area BA of the display panel 100. The inner portion 30b may be formed to fill the entire space formed by the curved area BA of the display panel 100. The inner portion 30b may maintain the curved state of the display panel 100.

[0143] 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 each side thereof and having a waterproof or dustproof function. The first coupling member 41 and the second coupling member 42 may include the same material, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0144] The first coupling member 41 may be disposed on the top surface of the middle frame 50. The first coupling member 41 may be disposed on the top surface of the horizontal portion of the middle frame 50, extending substantially parallel to the display driving module 10. The horizontal portion of the middle frame 50 may have a stepped structure, and the top surface of the middle frame 50 may include an upper top surface and a lower top surface disposed at a height below the height of the upper top surface. The upper top surface of the middle frame 50 may be a peripheral portion disposed around the lower top surface of the middle frame 50.

[0145] The first coupling member 41 may be disposed between the middle frame 50 and the outer structure 30 along the third direction DR3. For example, the first coupling member 41 may couple the top surface of the middle frame 50 and the bottom surface of the outer structure 30. The first coupling member 41 may directly contact the outer structure 30.

[0146] The second coupling member 42 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the middle frame 50. The second coupling member 42 may be disposed between the middle frame 50 and the lower cover 60 along the third direction DR3. For example, the second coupling member 42 may couple the bottom surface of the middle frame 50 and the top surface of the peripheral portion 62 of the lower cover 60.

[0147] The middle frame 50 may serve as a bracket for fixing the cover window 20 and the lower cover 60 .

[0148] The display driving module 10 may be disposed between the middle frame 50 and the cover window 20. A horizontal portion of the middle frame 50 including the top surface of the middle frame 50 and a bottom surface of the display driving module 10 may face each other. The top surface of the middle frame 50 and the bottom surface of the display driving module 10 may be spaced apart from each other. The first storage space SS1 may be disposed between the lower top surface of the middle frame 50 and the bottom surface of the display driving module 10. The first storage space SS1 may provide a space for a peripheral circuit of an electronic device such as a host drive system, a memory, or a battery.

[0149] The lower cover 60 may be disposed below the middle frame 50. For example, the top surface of the lower cover 60 may face the bottom surface of the middle frame 50. At least a portion of the top surface of the lower cover 60 may be disposed to be spaced apart from at least a portion of the bottom surface of the middle frame 50. The second storage space SS2 may be disposed between at least a portion of the top surface of the lower cover 60 and at least a portion of the bottom surface of the middle frame 50. For example, one or more of the middle frame 50 and the lower cover 60 may have a concave portion. Figure 8 As shown in FIG, the middle frame 50 and the lower cover 60 each include a concave portion facing each other and forming the second storage space SS2. The second storage space SS2 may provide a space for storing peripheral circuits of the electronic device that are not disposed in the first storage space SS1.

[0150] In some embodiments, the lower cover 60 may include a central cover portion 61 and a peripheral portion 62 .

[0151] The central cover portion 61 may be disposed under the middle frame 50. The second storage space SS2 may accommodate one or more peripheral circuits in a space formed between a top surface of the central cover portion 61 and a bottom surface of the middle frame 50. In some embodiments, the second storage space SS2 may enclose a battery for supplying power to the display device 1.

[0152] The peripheral portion 62 may be located on a side surface of the central cover portion 61. The extending direction of the peripheral portion 62 may be different from the extending direction of the central cover portion 61. For example, the peripheral portion 62 may extend along the third direction DR3. The peripheral portion 62 may be supported by the middle frame 50. In an embodiment, the peripheral portion 62 may be coupled to the middle frame 50 by a second coupling member 42. Therefore, the waterproof performance of the display device 1 may be improved, and the penetration of foreign matter may be prevented.

[0153] In another embodiment, the lower cover 60 may be detachably coupled to the middle frame 50. For example, the second coupling member 42 between the middle frame 50 and the peripheral portion 62 may be omitted, and a mechanical coupling may be adopted. In this case, the battery replacement may be achieved by removing the lower cover 60 of the display device 1, and the display device 1 may be disassembled for repair.

[0154] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 Magnified view of area A. Fig.10 is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line X3-X3'. Fig.11 is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line X4-X4'.

[0155] exist Figures 9 to 11 In order to simplify the description, only the display driving module 10 and the cover window 20 are shown. Other components such as the external structure 30 may be omitted from the drawings.

[0156] Apart from Figure 7 and Figure 8 In addition, reference Figures 9 to 11 , the display panel 100 may include a first portion 101 and a second portion 102 located on opposite sides, and the cover plate 400 and / or the cover spacer 500 are interposed therebetween along the third direction DR3. The first portion 101 of the display panel 100 may be disposed in the main area MA (see Figure 5 ), and the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 may be disposed in the sub-area SA (see Figure 5 )middle.

[0157] The edge portion 102a of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 may protrude beyond the edge portion 500a of the cover spacer 500. Fig.10 and Fig.11 1 and 2 show the edge portion 102a of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 and the edge portion 500a of the cover spacer 500 in the cross section taken along the lines X3-X3' and X4-X4', but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, in some embodiments, all ends of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 may protrude beyond all ends of the cover spacer 500, or some ends of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 may protrude beyond some ends of the cover spacer 500.

[0158] The concave portion BAY may be provided between a portion of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 protruding beyond the cover spacer 500 and the cover plate 400. For example, the edge portion 500a of the cover spacer 500 may be provided below the lower surface of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100. The edge portion 102a of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 may extend beyond the edge portion 500a of the cover spacer 500. For example, the concave portion BAY may be an undercut region below the second portion 102 of the display panel 100. Here, the edge portion 500a of the cover spacer 500 may define an end of the concave portion BAY. The concave portion BAY may be a space concave from the edge portion 102a of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 toward the edge portion 500a of the cover spacer 500 in a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. A reverse step may be provided between the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 and the cover spacer 500 through the concave portion BAY.

[0159] The display device 1 may include a step region STA. The step region STA may refer to a region where a reverse step is formed. For example, the step region STA may be a region where the first end of the second portion 102 may be disposed. Fig. 9 , the step area STA is shown to extend in a diagonal direction, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0160] In the display device 1 according to the embodiment, the display driving module 10 may further include a step compensating portion CPS.

[0161] The step compensation portion CPS may be disposed on the cover plate 400, the cover spacer 500, and the second portion 102 of the display panel 100. The step compensation portion CPS may overlap the concave portion BAY along the third direction DR3. The step compensation portion CPS may be filled in the concave portion BAY (see Fig.10 ).

[0162] In some embodiments, the step compensation portion CPS may cover at least a portion of the top surface of the cover plate 400, the edge portion 500a of the cover spacer 500, and the edge portion 102a and the top surface of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100. For example, the step compensation portion CPS may encapsulate the first end portion of the second portion 102. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the step compensation portion CPS may not contact the side surface or the top surface of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100.

[0163] In some embodiments, the step compensation portion CPS may include a resin. For example, the step compensation portion CPS may be made of an optically transparent resin (OCR), but is not limited thereto. The step compensation portion CPS may be coated on the cover plate 400, the cover spacer 500, and the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 in a liquid or slurry state. For example, the step compensation portion CPS may be formed by coating the slurry along the third direction DR3 to overlap the concave portion BAY. Thereafter, the step compensation portion CPS may be formed by curing the slurry using ultraviolet rays or heat. For example, referring to Fig.16 A formation process of the step compensation portion CPS is described herein.

[0164] The step compensating portion CPS may compensate for the reverse step formed by the concave portion BAY.

[0165] More specifically, the display apparatus 1 according to the embodiment may include an outer structure arrangement area BSA and an inner mold contact area IMA.

[0166] The external structure arrangement area BSA may be an area where the external structure 30 may be disposed. Figures 9 to 11 In order to show the external structure arrangement area BSA, the external structure 30 is not shown. The external structure arrangement area BSA may overlap the display driving module 10 and the cover window 20 along the third direction DR3.

[0167] The inner mold contact area IMA may be disposed inside the outer structure arrangement area BSA. Fig.16 ), the inner mold contact area IMA may be the inner mold 3000 (see Fig. 22 ) is an area in contact with the display driving module 10. The inner mold contact area IMA and the outer structure arrangement area BSA may be arranged side by side without being spaced apart from each other (see Fig. 9 ).

[0168] The display device manufacturing method S1 described in this article (see Fig.16 ), inner mold 3000 (see Fig. 22 ) may be disposed in the inner mold contact area IMA, and the external structure arrangement area BSA and an area disposed inside the inner mold contact area IMA may be isolated from each other.

[0169] However, in the region where the inner mold contact area IMA and the step area STA overlap, the inner mold 3000 (see Fig. 22) may not completely seal the concave portion BAY. Therefore, the display device 1 according to the embodiment includes a step compensation portion CPS that can compensate for the reverse step of the concave portion BAY. The step compensation portion CPS may include a second slurry PST2 at the outer structure arrangement area BSA (see Fig.23 ). For example, the step compensation portion CPS may suppress or prevent the second slurry PST2 (see Fig.23 ) penetrates from the outer structure arrangement area BSA into the inner area of ​​the inner mold contact area IMA through the first penetration path L1.

[0170] In some embodiments, the step compensation portion CPS may at least partially overlap with an area where the inner mold contact area IMA and the step area STA overlap. For example, the step compensation portion CPS may cover a portion where the inner boundary of the inner mold contact area IMA and the step area STA overlap along the third direction DR3. Therefore, the step compensation portion CPS may be configured to suppress or prevent the second slurry PST2 (see Fig.23 ) penetrates into the inner area of ​​the inner mold contact area IMA.

[0171] Although the step compensation portion CPS is shown in the drawings to have a water drop shape, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The shape of the step compensation portion CPS may be variously modified. In addition, although the step compensation portion CPS is shown to extend in a diagonal direction intersecting with the extension direction of the step area STA, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the step compensation portion CPS may have various shapes such as a circular shape, a quadrilateral shape, etc., depending on the coating method.

[0172] When the slurry is vertically coated along the third direction DR3 to form the step compensation portion CPS, the slurry may penetrate into the concave portion BAY. Depending on the width of the concave portion BAY, the slurry may not completely penetrate into the concave portion BAY. For example, a protrusion of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 located on the concave portion BAY serves as a cornice that may be suspended above the cover spacer 500, and the slurry may not completely penetrate into the concave portion BAY.

[0173] In the display device 1 according to the embodiment, the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 may include the through hole HOL. The paste for forming the step compensation portion CPS may effectively penetrate into the concave portion BAY at least partially through the through hole HOL.

[0174] For example, the through hole HOL may be a hole penetrating the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 along the third direction DR3. The through hole HOL may be a hole penetrating the top surface and the bottom surface of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 along the third direction DR3. For example, the through hole HOL may completely penetrate the second portion 102 of the display panel 100. The through hole HOL may be disposed in the step area STA. The through hole HOL may overlap the concave portion BAY along the third direction DR3. For example, the through hole HOL may expose at least a portion of the concave portion BAY. The step compensation portion CPS may overlap the through hole HOL along the third direction DR3.

[0175] In an embodiment, Fig. 9 As shown in , the through hole HOL may include a plurality of holes arranged along an extension direction of the step region STA, the extension direction being substantially perpendicular to the depth of the step region STA indicated by a double-headed arrow in the drawing. The plurality of holes may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the edge portion 102a of the second portion 102. In some embodiments, as Fig. 9 As shown in , each of the plurality of holes may have a quadrilateral shape in a plan view.

[0176] In an embodiment, the through hole HOL may be directly disposed at the edge portion 102a of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 located in the step area STA. For example, the through hole HOL may have a structure that is recessed inward from the edge portion 102a of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100. Therefore, the edge portion 102a of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 may have, for example, a comb shape or a sawtooth shape.

[0177] In the display device 1 according to the embodiment, the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 may include a through hole HOL so that the paste for forming the step compensation portion CPS can effectively penetrate into the concave portion BAY. In addition, ultraviolet rays and heat for curing the paste can effectively penetrate into the paste located in the concave portion BAY through the through hole HOL, and under-curing of the paste can be prevented.

[0178] Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the display device 1 will be described. Throughout the present disclosure, the same reference numerals refer to the same components, and redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0179] Fig.12 is an enlarged view of a region A of a main body unit according to another embodiment. Fig.13 is an enlarged view of a region A of a body unit according to still another embodiment. Fig.14 is an enlarged view of a region A of a body unit according to still another embodiment. Fig.15 is an enlarged view of a region A of a body unit according to still another embodiment.

[0180] refer to Figures 12 to 15 The display device 1 according to the embodiment is different from the display device 1 according to the reference Fig. 9 The display device 1 of the embodiment described above is different in that the through hole HOL may be spaced apart from the end of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 .

[0181] More specifically, at the first end of the second portion 102, the through hole HOL may be disposed to be spaced apart from the edge portion 102a of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 located in the step area STA. For example, the through hole HOL may be disposed in an island shape while being spaced apart from the edge portion 102a of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100. Therefore, the edge portion 102a of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100 may have a stepped shape.

[0182] Meanwhile, in the embodiment, Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown in , the through hole HOL may include a plurality of holes arranged along the extension direction of the step area STA. The plurality of holes arranged along the extension direction of the step area STA may be arranged linearly, or there may be an offset between at least some adjacent holes in the holes. The plurality of holes may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the extension direction of the step area STA.

[0183] In some embodiments, Fig.12 As shown in , each of the plurality of holes may have a quadrilateral shape in plan view. In another embodiment, as Fig.13 As shown in , each of the plurality of holes may have a circular shape in a plan view. As described above, the shape of each of the plurality of holes is not limited to a quadrangular shape or a circular shape, and may be modified to various shapes such as a diamond shape, an elliptical shape, and the like.

[0184] In another embodiment, if Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown in , the through hole HOL may be provided as a single hole extending along the extending direction of the step area STA.

[0185] In some embodiments, Fig.14 As shown in , a single hole can have a rectangular shape. In another embodiment, as Fig.15 As shown in , a single hole can have a rectangular shape with two rounded ends. As described above, the shape of a single hole is not limited to a rectangular shape or a rectangular shape with rounded ends, and can be modified to various shapes such as an elliptical shape, a parallelogram shape, a trapezoidal shape, etc.

[0186] Although not shown in the drawings, even in accordance with the present invention (for example, reference Fig. 9) In the case of the display device 1 of the embodiment described in the drawings, the shape of each of the plurality of holes may be modified to various shapes other than the quadrilateral shape, such as a circular shape, a diamond shape, etc.

[0187] 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.

[0188] Fig.16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0189] refer to Fig.16 , the display device manufacturing method S1 according to the embodiment may include forming a step compensation portion (step S100) and forming an external structure (step S200). Figures 17 to 19 The step S100 of forming the step compensation portion will be described with reference to Figure 20 to Figure 25 The step S200 of forming the outer structure is described.

[0190] Fig.17 It is shown Fig.16 Flow chart of step S100. Fig.18 It is shown Fig.17 A cross-sectional view of step S110. Fig.19 It is shown Fig.17 A cross-sectional view of step S120.

[0191] refer to Figures 17 to 19 , the step S100 of forming the step compensation portion may include coating a first slurry (step S110); and curing the first slurry to form the step compensation portion (step S120). The step S100 of forming the step compensation portion may include encapsulating a reverse step of the display panel 100. The reverse step may be an undercut region under the second portion 102 of the display panel 100, the undercut region defining the concave portion BAY.

[0192] like Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the step S110 of coating the first slurry, the first slurry PST1 may be coated using a first coating device AHD1 .

[0193] The first coating device AHD1 may be a coating device capable of coating the first slurry PST1 in a liquid state, such as an inkjet device or a dispenser device. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first coating device AHD1 may include any type of coating device capable of coating the first slurry PST1.

[0194] The first slurry PST1 may include a resin in a liquid state. For example, the first slurry PST1 may include an optically transparent resin (OCR) in a liquid state, but is not limited thereto.

[0195] The first slurry PST1 may be discharged from the first coating device AHD1 and coated on the cover substrate 400, the cover spacer 500, and the second portion 102 of the display panel 100. The first slurry PST1 may effectively penetrate into the concave portion BAY through the through hole HOL included in the second portion 102 of the display panel 100. At least a portion of the first slurry PST1 may penetrate into the concave portion BAY at the first end portion of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100.

[0196] like Fig.19 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the step S120 of curing the first slurry to form the step compensation portion, the step compensation portion CPS may be formed by curing the first slurry PST1 using the first curing device CHD1 .

[0197] The first curing device CHD1 may be a curing device capable of curing the first slurry PST1, such as an ultraviolet (UV) curing device, a thermal curing device, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first curing device CHD1 may include any type of curing device capable of curing the first slurry PST1.

[0198] The first slurry PST1 may be cured by ultraviolet rays, heat, etc. generated from the first curing device CHD1 to become the step compensation portion CPS. The ultraviolet rays, heat, etc. generated from the first curing device CHD1 may effectively penetrate into the first slurry PST1 located in the concave portion BAY through the through hole HOL, and undercuring of the first slurry PST1 may be prevented.

[0199] Fig. 20 It is shown Fig.16 Flow chart of step S200. Fig.21 It is shown Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of step S210. Fig. 22 It is shown Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of step S220. Fig.23 It is shown Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of step S230. Fig.24 It is shown Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of step S240. Fig.25 It is shown Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of step S250.

[0200] refer to Figure 20 to Figure 25, the step S200 of forming the external structure may include: providing a mold unit and an object (step S210); connecting the mold unit and the object (step S220); injecting a second slurry through an injection port (step S230); curing the second slurry to form the external structure (step S240); and removing the tip of the object (step S250).

[0201] like Fig.21 As shown in FIG. 2 , in step S210 of providing a mold unit and an object, a mold unit MLD and an object may be provided.

[0202] The object may be any of the foregoing (e.g., reference Figure 1 ) is a main unit BP of a display device 1 described in detail. Fig. 22 As shown in FIG. 1 , the main body unit BP may have a state in which the display driving module 10 and the cover window 20 are coupled, and the main body unit BP may be an object of the display device manufacturing method S1 according to the embodiment.

[0203] like Fig. 22 As shown in FIG. 1 , the mold unit MLD may be a display device manufacturing apparatus for forming the outer structure 30. The mold unit MLD may include a lower mold 1000, an upper mold 2000, and an inner mold 3000.

[0204] The lower mold 1000 may be disposed below the body unit BP as an object. The lower mold 1000 may include a base 1100 and a mounting portion 1200.

[0205] The base 1100 may be the main body of the lower mold 1000. The area of ​​the base 1100 may be larger than the area of ​​the object. Fig.21 100. It is shown in FIG. 10 that four objects may be mounted on the base 1100, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to the number of objects mounted on the base 1100, the area of ​​the base 1100 may vary.

[0206] The mounting portion 1200 may be disposed on the base 1100. The mounting portion 1200 may be a portion protruding from the base 1100 along the third direction DR3 (see Fig. 22 ). The mounting portion 1200 and the base 1100 may be physically one component, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Fig.21 1100, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to the number of objects mounted on the base 1100, the number of mounting portions 1200 disposed on the base 1100 may vary. In addition, although the size of the mounting portion 1200 is shown in the drawings to be smaller than the size of the cover window 20, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The size of the mounting portion 1200 may be the same as the size of the cover window 20, or larger than the size of the cover window 20.

[0207] The upper mold 2000 may be disposed above the lower mold 1000. The upper mold 2000 may be disposed above the body unit BP as an object. The upper mold 2000 may include a first outer wall 2100, a first upper plate 2200, a first receiving portion 2300, a first coupling pipe 2410, and a second coupling pipe 2420.

[0208] The first outer wall 2100 and the first upper plate 2200 may constitute a body of the upper mold 2000. An outer shape of the upper mold 2000 defined by the first outer wall 2100 and the first upper plate 2200 may substantially correspond to an outer shape of the base 1100 of the lower mold 1000, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0209] The first receiving portion 2300 may be a space surrounded by the first outer wall 2100 and the first upper plate 2200. The first receiving portion 2300 may provide a space for receiving the inner mold 3000. Fig.21 2 shows a case where the number of the first receiving parts 2300 is 4, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. To simplify the description, Figure 22 to Figure 24 And the following description will describe the case where the number of the first receiving part 2300 is one as an example.

[0210] The first coupling pipe 2410 and the second coupling pipe 2420 may be provided on the first upper plate 2200. The first coupling pipe 2410 and the second coupling pipe 2420 may include through holes that penetrate the top and bottom surfaces of the first upper plate 2200 and completely pass through the first upper plate 2200. The first coupling pipe 2410 may include a hole for coupling the injection port 3610 of the inner mold 3000, and the second coupling pipe 2420 may include holes for coupling the injection port 3610 and the discharge port 3620 of the inner mold 3000.

[0211] In some embodiments, the lower mold 1000 and the upper mold 2000 may include at least one of stainless steel (SUS) and aluminum (Al), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0212] 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 accurately seal the object. The inner mold 3000 may include a second outer wall 3100, an inner wall 3200, a second upper plate 3300, a cavity 3400, a second receiving portion 3500, an injection port 3610, and a discharge port 3620.

[0213] The second outer wall 3100 and the second upper plate 3300 may constitute a body of the inner mold 3000. The outer shape of the inner mold 3000 may be defined by the second outer wall 3100 and the second upper plate 3300 and may substantially correspond to the outer shape of the first receiving portion 2300 of the upper mold 2000, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0214] The inner wall 3200 may be located inside the second outer wall 3100. The inner wall 3200 may be surrounded by the second outer wall 3100. The inner wall 3200 may be a partition wall for isolating the cavity 3400 and the second receiving portion 3500. The inner wall 3200 may, but need not necessarily, extend substantially along the third direction DR3, and may extend in a diagonal direction.

[0215] The mold cavity 3400 may be located between the second outer wall 3100 and the inner wall 3200. The mold cavity 3400 may be a space surrounded by the second outer wall 3100, the inner wall 3200, and the second upper plate 3300. The mold cavity 3400 may provide a space for forming the outer structure 30.

[0216] The second receiving portion 3500 may be located inside the inner wall 3200. The second receiving portion 3500 may be a space surrounded by the inner wall 3200 and the second upper plate 3300. In a state where the mold unit MLD is coupled, the second receiving portion 3500 may be isolated from the cavity 3400 by the inner wall 3200. Therefore, leakage of the second slurry PST2 into the second receiving portion 3500 may be suppressed or prevented.

[0217] The injection port 3610 and the discharge port 3620 may be provided on the second upper plate 3300. The injection port 3610 and the discharge port 3620 may be passages penetrating the second upper plate 3300. The injection port 3610 and the discharge port 3620 may be passages penetrating the top and bottom surfaces of the second upper plate 3300 and completely passing through the second upper plate 3300. The injection port 3610 and the discharge port 3620 may protrude further than the second upper plate 3300 in the third direction DR3. The protrusions of the injection port 3610 and the discharge port 3620 may be respectively coupled to the first coupling pipe 2410 and the second coupling pipe 2420 of the upper mold 2000.

[0218] The injection port 3610 may be a channel through which the second slurry PST2 may be injected. The discharge port 3620 may be a channel through which the over-injected second slurry PST2 may be discharged. The injection port 3610 and the discharge port 3620 may be channels that connect the mold cavity 3400 and the outside so that the second slurry PST2 may be injected into the mold cavity 3400 or discharged from the mold cavity 3400.

[0219] like Fig. 22As shown in FIG. 2 , in step S220 of coupling the mold unit and the object, the upper mold 2000, the inner mold 3000, the object and the lower mold 1000 may be sequentially arranged. When the upper mold 2000, the inner mold 3000 and the lower mold 1000 become close to each other with the object interposed therebetween, the mold unit MLD may be coupled.

[0220] In the state where the mold unit MLD is connected, the object can be completely sealed by the mold unit MLD. For example, the top surface of the cover window 20 can be in contact with the lower mold 1000, the side surface of the cover window 20 can be in contact with the inner surface of the second outer wall 3100, and the bottom surface of the display driving module 10 can be in contact with the bottom surface of the inner wall 3200. Therefore, the cavity 3400 can be completely sealed by the bottom surface of the cover window 20, the inner surface of the second outer wall 3100, the bottom surface of the second upper plate 3300, the outer surface of the inner wall 3200, and the outer part of the display driving module 10.

[0221] Although the drawings show that the bottom surface of the first outer wall 2100 of the upper mold 2000 may contact the top surface of the base 1100 when the mold unit MLD is coupled, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. When the mold unit MLD is coupled, the bottom surface of the first outer wall 2100 of the upper mold 2000 may not contact the top surface of the base 1100.

[0222] In addition, although it is shown in the drawings that the bottom surface of the second outer wall 3100 of the inner mold 3000 may not contact the top surface of the base 1100 of the lower mold 1000 in a state where the mold unit MLD is coupled, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In a state where the mold unit MLD is coupled, the bottom surface of the second outer wall 3100 of the inner mold 3000 may contact the top surface of the base 1100 of the lower mold 1000.

[0223] In some embodiments, the inner mold 3000 may include a material having appropriate strength and elasticity so that the shape of the inner mold 3000 can be maintained in a normal state but can be partially changed when the mold unit MLD is connected. For example, the inner mold 3000 may include silicon, but is not limited thereto. Therefore, even if a step is formed at a portion to be contacted with the inner mold 3000, the shape of the inner mold 3000 can be changed to correspond to the shape of the step, and the effect of sealing the cavity 3400 can be improved.

[0224] However, in some embodiments, in the case of a reverse step structure such as the concave portion BAY, complete sealing may not be obtained due to the protrusion of the second portion 102 of the display panel 100. Therefore, in the display device manufacturing method S1 according to the embodiment, by performing the step S100 of forming the step compensation portion before the step S200 of forming the outer structure, even the concave portion BAY can be completely sealed.

[0225] In some embodiments, although not shown in the drawings, the inner wall 3200 of the inner mold 3000 may overlap with the step compensation portion CPS. Fig. 9 The inner mold contact area IMA (see Fig. 9 ) may overlap with the step compensating portion CPS, so that the inner wall 3200 may overlap with the step compensating portion CPS.

[0226] In some embodiments, Fig.19 As shown in , the top surface of the step compensation portion CPS may not be flat. For example, the top surface of the step compensation portion CPS may be uneven or include a pattern. However, since the shape of the inner mold 3000 can be changed when the inner mold 3000 is pressed, a sealing effect can be achieved even by contacting the uneven top surface of the step compensation portion CPS.

[0227] like Fig.23 As shown in FIG. 3 , in the step S230 of injecting the second slurry through the injection port, the second slurry PST2 may be injected into the mold cavity 3400 using the second coating device AHD2.

[0228] The second coating device AHD2 may be an injection device capable of injecting the second slurry PST2 in a liquid state, such as an inkjet device, a dispensing device, or the like.

[0229] The second slurry PST2 may include a resin in a liquid state. For example, the second slurry PST2 may include an optically transparent resin (OCR) in a liquid state, but is not limited thereto.

[0230] In some embodiments, the first slurry PST1 and the second slurry PST2 may have different viscosities. For example, the viscosity of the second slurry PST2 may be greater than the viscosity of the first slurry PST1. For example, the viscosity of the second slurry PST2 may be 2000 centipoise (cPs) or higher, and the viscosity of the first slurry PST1 may be 1000 cPs or lower, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0231] The second slurry PST2 may be discharged from the second coating device AHD2 and injected into the cavity 3400 through the injection port 3610. Since the cavity 3400 surrounds the display driving module 10 along the inner wall 3200, the second slurry PST2 injected into the cavity 3400 moves in a clockwise direction and / or a counterclockwise direction, and the entire cavity 3400 may be filled.

[0232] In some embodiments, when the amount of second slurry PST2 exceeds the volume of cavity 3400, that is, when cavity 3400 is filled, excess second slurry PST2 may be discharged through discharge port 3620. Excess second slurry PST2 may remain at injection port 3610 and discharge port 3620.

[0233] In the display device manufacturing method S1 according to the embodiment, the mold cavity 3400 may be located in the outer structure arrangement area BSA described herein (see Fig. 9 ), and the inner wall 3200 may be located in the inner mold contact area IMA described herein (see Fig. 9 In this case, the inner wall 3200 may be at least partially aligned with the step area STA (see Fig. 9 ) overlaps with the concave portion BAY of the mold cavity 3400. The concave portion BAY may not be sealed by the inner wall 3200, but may be sealed by the step compensation portion CPS. Therefore, the second slurry PST2 injected into the mold cavity 3400 may not penetrate into the second accommodating portion 3500 while moving in the clockwise direction and / or in the counterclockwise direction in the mold cavity 3400.

[0234] like Fig.24 As shown in FIG. 2 , in the step S240 of curing the second slurry to form the outer structure, the second slurry PST2 may be cured by thermal curing or UV curing to form the outer structure 30 .

[0235] In some embodiments, the mold unit MLD may further include a second curing device CHD2.

[0236] The second curing device CHD2 may be a curing device capable of curing the second slurry PST2, such as a UV curing device or a thermal curing device. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second curing device CHD2 may include any type of curing device capable of curing the second slurry PST2.

[0237] For example, the second curing device CHD2 may include a first curing part CHD2_1 disposed above the upper mold 2000 and a second curing part CHD2_2 disposed below the lower mold 1000. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a separate second curing device CHD2 surrounding the entire mold unit MLD may be provided to apply ultraviolet rays, heat, etc. from all directions.

[0238] The excess second slurry PST2 remaining at the injection port 3610 and the exhaust port 3620 may be solidified to form the tip 30_T.

[0239] like Fig.25As shown in FIG. 2 , in step S250 of removing the tip of the object, a separate cutting device may be used to remove the tip 30_T located on the external structure 30 .

[0240] Although the tip 30_T is shown in the drawings to overlap with the external structure 30 along the third direction DR3, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the tip 30_T may not overlap with the external structure 30 along the third direction DR3. In this case, the injection port 3610 and the discharge port 3620 may not overlap with the cavity 3400 along the third direction DR3. Therefore, when the tip 30_T is removed, the formation of a step at the bottom surface of the external structure 30 may be blocked or prevented.

[0241] At the end of the detailed description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments without departing substantially from the principles of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for a limiting purpose.

Claims

1. Display equipment, including: A display driver module, the display driver module comprising: Display panel, a cover spacer disposed below the display panel, and a step compensation portion disposed on the display panel and the cover spacer; and An external structure surrounding the display driver module, wherein An edge portion of the display panel protrudes beyond an edge portion of the cover spacer, a concave portion is provided at the edge portion of the cover spacer and below the display panel, and The step compensation portion overlaps the concave portion.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The step compensation portion is disposed at an inner side of the outer structure.

3. The display device according to claim 2, wherein: The step compensation portion is spaced apart from the external structure.

4. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: Cover windows, Wherein, the display panel comprises: A first part is arranged on the cover window; and a second portion disposed on the first portion and including the edge portion of the display panel, and The step compensation portion overlaps the edge portion of the second portion.

5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The step compensation portion is filled in the concave portion.

6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: The step compensation portion contacts at least one of a bottom surface, a side surface, and a top surface of a first end portion of the display panel, the first end portion being disposed at the edge portion of the display panel.

7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The step compensation portion contacts a side surface of an edge portion of the cover spacer defining an end portion of the recessed portion.

8. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The display panel includes a through hole that completely penetrates the display panel and exposes at least a portion of the concave portion.

9. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The through hole is provided at the edge portion of the display panel, and the edge portion has a comb shape or a sawtooth shape.

10. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The through hole is spaced apart from the edge portion of the display panel and is disposed at a first end portion of the display panel, the first end portion being disposed at the edge portion of the display panel.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The first end portion of the display panel has a stepped shape.

12. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The through hole includes a plurality of holes spaced apart from each other and disposed adjacent to the edge portion of the display panel.

13. The display device according to claim 8, wherein: The through hole includes a single hole extending adjacent to the edge portion of the display panel.

14. Display equipment, including: A display panel, defining a main area, a bending area disposed at one side of the main area, and a sub-area disposed at one side of the bending area, and comprising a first portion disposed at the main area and a second portion disposed at the sub-area, wherein the display panel is bendable in the bending area such that the second portion of the display panel is disposed at a bottom side of the first portion of the display panel; a cover spacer disposed between the first portion and the second portion; A step compensation part is arranged on the display panel; as well as an outer structure disposed to surround the display panel, the cover spacer and the step compensation portion, wherein: The edge portion of the second portion protrudes beyond the edge portion of the cover spacer, A recessed portion is provided between the edge portion of the second portion and the cover spacer, and The step compensation portion overlaps the concave portion.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The step compensation portion is disposed in the concave portion and under at least a portion of the second portion.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: The external structure comprises: an outer portion disposed outside the display panel in the curved region; and An inner portion is disposed on an inner side of the display panel in the curved region.

17. The display device according to claim 16, further comprising a bending protection layer, the bending protection layer being disposed on the outer side of the display panel in the bending area, in, The outer portion is in contact with the bending protection layer.

18. A method for manufacturing a display device, the display device comprising a display module and a cover window disposed on the display module, the method comprising: forming a step compensation portion encapsulating a reverse step included in the display module; as well as An outer structure is formed to surround the display module, wherein: The step compensation portion is formed by curing the first slurry, The outer structure is formed by curing the second slurry, and The step compensating portion is disposed to be spaced apart from the external structure.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The viscosity of the second slurry is greater than the viscosity of the first slurry.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The display module includes a display panel and a cover spacer disposed below the display panel and defining the reverse step, and Wherein, forming the step compensation portion encapsulating the reverse step includes coating the first slurry on the display panel and the cover spacer formed under the display panel through a through hole formed in the display panel.

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