Substrate loading unit

Abstract

A substrate loading unit includes: a first frame; a second frame spaced apart from the first frame in the first direction; and a plurality of fixing members disposed between the first frame and the second frame and spaced apart from each other in a second direction crossing the first direction. The plurality of fixing members include: a plurality of first support bars extending in a first direction; and a plurality of support members disposed on a plurality of side surfaces of the plurality of first support bars, the plurality of side surfaces facing each other. A state in which the plurality of support members extend in a third direction crossing a plane defined by the first direction and the second direction is defined as a first state, and a state in which the plurality of support members extend in the first direction is defined as a second state, and when the plurality of support members change from the first state to the second state, the plurality of support members extend in the third direction. A distance between support members adjacent to each other in the first direction among the plurality of support members changes.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and all benefits from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0045934 filed on April 4, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Embodiments of the disclosure described herein relate to a substrate loading unit and a method of manufacturing a display device by using the substrate loading unit. BACKGROUND

[0004] A display device is a device that provides an image to a user and is used in various multimedia devices such as a television, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, and a game console. The display device includes various modules for displaying an image. In addition, the display device includes a window for protecting the modules of the display device.

[0005] Meanwhile, the window can be prevented from being easily damaged due to an external impact by a strengthening process. The strengthening process can be performed after the window is loaded on a substrate loading unit. SUMMARY

[0006] Embodiments of the disclosure provide a substrate loading unit that prevents a window from being damaged when the window is loaded on the substrate loading unit and a process of strengthening the window is performed, and a method of manufacturing a display device by using the substrate loading unit.

[0007] According to an embodiment, a substrate loading unit includes a first frame, a second frame spaced apart from the first frame in a first direction, and a plurality of fixing members disposed between the first frame and the second frame and spaced apart from each other in a second direction crossing the first direction, the plurality of fixing members including a plurality of first support bars extending in the first direction, and a plurality of support members disposed on a plurality of side surfaces of the plurality of first support bars, the plurality of side surfaces facing each other, a state in which the plurality of support members extend in a third direction crossing a plane defined by the first direction and the second direction is defined as a first state, and a state in which the plurality of support members extend in the first direction is defined as a second state, and when the plurality of support members change from the first state to the second state, a distance between support members adjacent to each other in the first direction among the plurality of support members changes.

[0008] According to an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a display device includes: cutting a mother substrate and providing a preliminary substrate; loading the preliminary substrate onto a first substrate loading unit and etching the preliminary substrate; after etching the preliminary substrate, loading the preliminary substrate onto a second substrate loading unit and reinforcing the preliminary substrate; after reinforcing the preliminary substrate, loading the preliminary substrate onto a third substrate loading unit and etching the preliminary substrate, and bonding the substrate manufactured by the etching to a display module. Each of the first substrate loading unit, the second substrate loading unit, and the third substrate loading unit includes: a plurality of first support rods extending in a first direction and disposed on opposite sides of the preliminary substrate, the plurality of first support rods being opposite to each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a plurality of first support members disposed on side surfaces of the first support rods defined as facing each other; and the plurality of support members being configured to rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the second direction. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The above and other aspects and features of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description of embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1A and Figure 1B It is a base loading unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The base loading unit shown in Figure 1 is illustrated.

[0012] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a perspective view of a base loading unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a perspective view of a base loading unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5A This is a perspective view showing an electronic device manufactured using a substrate-mounted unit.

[0015] Figure 5B It is shown Figure 5A The image shows a view of the electronic device in its folded state.

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 5A An exploded perspective view of the electronic device shown in the image.

[0017] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the display device.

[0018] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a window shown in FIG. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a window shown in FIG.

[0019] Figure 9 is a perspective view for describing a mother substrate of a cutting process.

[0020] Figure 10A and Figure 10B is a perspective view for describing loading of a preliminary substrate.

[0021] Figures 11A-11C is a sectional view for describing a process of strengthening a preliminary substrate, viewed in a second direction.

[0022] Figure 12A and Figure 12B is a sectional view for describing an operation of combining a window with a display module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In this specification, when it is referred to that a component (or a region, a layer, or a part, etc.) is "disposed on" another component, "connected to" or "coupled to" another component, it means that the former component can be directly disposed on, connected or coupled to the latter component, or a third component can be disposed between the components. The expression "directly disposed" can mean that no layer, film, region, and plate are added between a component (such as a layer, film, region, and plate) and another component. For example, the expression "directly disposed" can mean that two layers or two members are disposed while an additional member (such as an adhesive member) is not used between the two layers or the two members.

[0024] The same reference numerals indicate the same components. Also, in the drawings, the thickness, ratio, size of components are exaggerated for effective description of the technical content. The term "and / or" includes one or more combinations that can be defined by the related components.

[0025] Also, in describing various components, terms such as "first" and "second" can be used, but the disclosure is not limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish components. For example, a first component can be named as a second component, and similarly, a second component can also be named as a first component without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Unless the context clearly describes an exception, a singular expression includes a plural expression.

[0026] Also, terms such as "under", "below", "on", and "above" are used to describe the relationship between components shown in the drawings. The terms are relative concepts and are described with respect to the direction indicated in the drawing.

[0027] Unless specifically defined otherwise herein, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted according to the ordinary meaning of those terms in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a substrate loading unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2A and Figure 2B illustrates the substrate loading unit shown in FIG. 1.

[0030] For example, Figure 1A and Figure 2A is a perspective view, and Figure 1B and 2B is a plan view.

[0031] Referring to Figure 1A , the substrate loading unit CST can include a main frame MF and fixed parts FP1 and FP2. The main frame MF can include a first frame MF1, a second frame MF2, and a plurality of lower frames MF3.

[0032] The first frame MF1 and the second frame MF2 can be arranged in a first direction DR1. The lower frames MF3 can be disposed between the first frame MF1 and the second frame MF2. The lower frames MF3 can be disposed on a lower side of the first frame MF1 and the second frame MF2. Basically, the first frame MF1, the second frame MF2, and the lower frames MF3 can be integrally formed.

[0033] The lower frames MF3 can extend in the first direction DR1 and can be arranged in a second direction DR2 crossing the first direction DR1. The lower frames MF3 can extend from the first frame MF1 toward the second frame MF2. The lower frames MF3 can be connected to the first frame MF1 and the second frame MF2.

[0034] Hereinafter, a direction crossing substantially perpendicularly to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 is defined as a third direction DR3. Further, in the present specification, "when viewed in a plane" can be defined as viewed in the third direction DR3 and has the same meaning as "in a plan view".

[0035] The first frame MF1 can have a rectangular frame shape parallel to a plane defined by the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3. The second frame MF2 can be spaced apart from the first frame MF1 in the first direction DR1. The second frame MF2 can have a rectangular frame shape parallel to a plane defined by the second direction DR2 and the third direction DR3.

[0036] The fixing parts FP1 and FP2 can be disposed between the first frame MF1 and the second frame MF2. The fixing parts FP1 and FP2 can be placed on the lower frame MF3.

[0037] The fixing parts FP1 and FP2 can include a first fixing part FP1 and a second fixing part FP2. The first fixing part FP1 can be disposed between the first frame MF1 and the second frame MF2 in the second direction DR2. The second fixing part FP2 can be disposed between the first frame MF1 and the second frame MF2 in the second direction DR2. The first fixing part FP1 and the second fixing part FP2 can be disposed in the third direction DR3. The first fixing part FP1 can be disposed on the second fixing part FP2.

[0038] The first fixing part FP1 can include a plurality of first support bars SPB1, a plurality of support parts SPT, and a plurality of rotation pins RP. The first support bars SPB1 can extend in the first direction DR1 and be disposed in the second direction DR2. The first support bars SPB1 can extend from the first frame MF1 to the second frame MF2 in the first direction DR1. Each of the plurality of first support bars SPB1 can include opposite sides facing each other in the first direction DR1 and coupled to opposite sides of the first frame MF1 and the second frame MF2.

[0039] The support parts SPT can be disposed on the opposite sides facing each other in the second direction DR2 among opposite side surfaces of the first support bars SPB1. The support parts SPT can be disposed on the side surfaces of the first support bars SPB1 in the first direction DR1. Among the opposite side surfaces of the first support bars SPB1, the side surfaces of the first support bars SPB1 facing each other in the second direction DR2 can be defined as side surfaces facing each other.

[0040] The support parts SPT can face each other in the second direction DR2. The support parts SPT of either one of the two first fixing parts FP1 can be disposed to correspond to the support parts SPT of the other first fixing part FP1.

[0041] The support parts SPT can extend in the third direction DR3. The support parts SPT can have a polygonal column shape. For example, the support parts SPT can have a triangular prism shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the support parts SPT can have various shapes. The shape of the support parts SPT will be described in detail in Figures 3A-4B

[0042] The rotation pin RP can be inserted into an insertion opening SOP defined in the first support bar SPB1. The rotation pin RP can rotate in the insertion opening SOP about a rotation axis parallel to the second direction DR2. The rotation pin RP can pass through the first support bar SPB1 and be coupled to the support part SPT. The rotation pin RP can be coupled to the support part SPT through the insertion opening SOP.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B , a state in which the support parts SPT extend in the third direction DR3 can be defined as a first state. As shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2B , a state in which the support parts SPT extend in the first direction DR1 can be defined as a second state.

[0044] The rotation pin RP can be rotated about a rotation axis parallel to the second direction DR2 by a user or a motor. When the rotation pin RP is rotated, the support part SPT connected to the rotation pin RP can be rotated about a rotation axis parallel to the second direction DR2. Accordingly, the support part SPT can change from the first state to the second state, or from the second state to the first state.

[0045] When viewed on a plane, a length of the support part SPT in the first direction DR1 in the first state can be less than a length of the support part SPT in the first direction DR1 in the second state. When the first state changes to the second state, a distance between the support parts SPT adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 can change.

[0046] In detail, a minimum distance between the support parts SPT adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 in the first state can be defined as a first distance L1. A minimum distance between the support parts SPT adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 in the second state can be defined as a second distance L2. The first distance L1 can be greater than the second distance L2. As used herein, the minimum distance is a distance in the first direction DR1 between adjacent end portions of the adjacent support parts SPT.

[0047] The substrate BD can be loaded on the substrate loading unit CST. For example, the substrate BD can be loaded with a plurality of support parts SPT in the first direction DR1. Figure 6 ​The windows WM in the substrate BD are identical. Hereinafter, the substrate BD will be described as the window WM. The window WM can be loaded between the support members SPT adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1.

[0048] When the window WM is loaded on the substrate loading unit CST, as the distance between the support members SPT adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 becomes smaller, the risk that the corner of the window WM collides with the support members SPT can increase. Accordingly, the corner of the window WM can be damaged, and defects can occur in the display device DD (see Figure 6 ).

[0049] In addition, as the distance between the support members SPT adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 increases, the bending or shaking of the window WM can increase between the support members SPT during the process of strengthening the window WM, and accordingly, defects can occur in the strengthening process.

[0050] However, in the embodiment of the disclosure, when the window WM (see Figure 6 ) is loaded on the substrate loading unit CST, the support members SPT can be in the first state. The distance between the support members SPT adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 can relatively increase. Accordingly, when the window WM is loaded between the support members SPT, the risk that the window WM collides with the support members SPT can effectively decrease. Accordingly, the window WM can not be damaged, and the display device DD (see Figure 6 ) can not have defects.

[0051] In addition, after the window WM is inserted, the support members SPT can be rotated. As the support members SPT are rotated, the distance between the support members SPT adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 can vary. The distance between the support members SPT adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 can decrease. Accordingly, during the process of strengthening the window WM, the bending or shaking of the window WM between the support members SPT decreases, and defects in the strengthening process can be effectively prevented.

[0052] Referring to Figure 1A , the second fixing part FP2 can be provided on the lower side of the first fixing part FP1. The second fixing part FP2 can include a second support bar SPB2, a plurality of support members SPT, and a plurality of rotation pins RP. Since the second fixing part FP2 has substantially the same structure as that of the first fixing part FP1, the description of the second fixing part FP2 will be omitted.

[0053] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a perspective view of a substrate loading unit according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0054] For example, Figure 3Athe support member SPTa in the first state, and Figure 3B the support member SPTa in the second state.

[0055] In Figure 3A and Figure 3B among the components shown in

[0056] Referring to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , the support member SPTa can have a hexahedral shape. When the support member SPTa is in the first state, the support member SPTa can extend in the third direction DR3. When the support member SPTa is in the second state, the support member SPTa can extend in the first direction DR1.

[0057] When the support member SPTa changes from the first state to the second state, the distance between the support members SPTa adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 can decrease. In Figure 1B and Figure 2B the change in the distance between the support members SPT adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 has been described, and this can be equally applied to Figure 3A and Figure 3B .

[0058] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a perspective view of a substrate loading unit according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0059] For example, Figure 4A the support member SPTb in the first state, and Figure 4B the support member SPTb in the second state.

[0060] In Figure 4A and Figure 4B among the components shown in

[0061] Referring to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the support member SPTb can have a cylindrical shape. When the support member SPTb is in the first state, the support member SPTb can extend in the third direction DR3. When the support member SPTb is in the second state, the support member SPTb can extend in the first direction DR1.

[0062] When the support member SPTb changes from the first state to the second state, the distance between the support members SPTb adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 can decrease. In Figure 1B and Figure 2BThe variation of the distance between the support parts SPT adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 has been described in the foregoing, and this can equally apply to Figure 4A and Figure 4B .

[0063] Figure 5A is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device manufactured by using a substrate loading unit. Figure 5B is a view illustrating a folded state of the electronic device shown in Figure 5A .

[0064] Referring to Figure 5A , the electronic device ED according to an embodiment of the disclosure can have a rectangular shape having a short side extending in a first direction DR1 and a long side extending in a second direction DR2 in a plan view. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the electronic device ED can have various shapes such as a circular shape and a polygonal shape. The electronic device ED can be flexible.

[0065] The electronic device ED can include a folding area FA and a plurality of non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2. The non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 can include a first non-folding area NFA1 and a second non-folding area NFA2. The folding area FA can be disposed between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. The folding area FA, the first non-folding area NFA1, and the second non-folding area NFA2 can be arranged in the first direction DR1.

[0066] As an example, one folding area FA and two non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 are shown, but the number of folding areas FA and non-folding areas NFA1 and NFA2 is not limited thereto. For example, in another embodiment, the electronic device ED can include more than two non-folding areas and a plurality of folding areas disposed between the non-folding areas.

[0067] The upper surface of the electronic device ED can be defined as a display surface DS, and the display surface DS can have a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. An image IM created by the electronic device ED can be provided to a user through the display surface DS.

[0068] The display surface DS can include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding the display area DA. The display area DA can display an image, and the non-display area NDA can not display an image. The non-display area NDA can define a periphery of the electronic device ED surrounding the display area DA and printed in a certain color.

[0069] Referring to Figure 5B, the electronic device ED can be a foldable electronic device ED that is folded or unfolded. For example, the folding area FA can be bent with respect to a folding axis FX parallel to the second direction DR2, so that the electronic device ED can be folded. The folding axis FX can be defined as a long axis parallel to the long side of the electronic device ED. When the electronic device ED is folded, the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 can face each other, and the electronic device ED can be folded inward to prevent the display surface DS (refer to Figure 5A ) from being exposed to the outside. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For another example, the electronic device ED can be folded outward so that the display surface DS is exposed to the outside with respect to the folding axis FX. Also, although not shown, the electronic device ED can be simultaneously folded inward and outward.

[0070] Figure 6 is Figure 5A an exploded perspective view of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1.

[0071] Referring to Figure 6 , the electronic device ED can include a display device DD, an electronic module EM, a power supply module PSM, and a housing EDC. Although not shown, the electronic device ED can further include a mechanical structure (e.g., a hinge) for controlling the folding operation of the display device DD.

[0072] The display device DD can create an image and sense an external input. The display device DD can include a window WM and a display module DM. The window WM can provide a front surface of the electronic device ED. The window WM can be disposed on the display module DM to protect the display module DM. The window WM can transmit light generated in the display module DM and provide the light to a user.

[0073] The display module DM can include a display panel DP. Although Figure 6 only the display panel DP in the stacked structure of the display module DM is shown in FIG. 2, the display module DM can further include a plurality of components disposed on the upper and lower sides of the display panel DP. The display panel DP can include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA corresponding to the display area DA and the non-display area NDA of the electronic device ED of Figure 5A .

[0074] The display module DM can include a data driving part DDV disposed on the non-display area NDA of the display panel DP. The data driving part DDV can be manufactured in the form of an integrated circuit chip and can be mounted on the non-display area NDA. However, the data driving part DDV is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the data driving part DDV can be mounted on a flexible circuit board connected to the display panel DP.

[0075] The electronic module EM and the power supply module PSM can be disposed on a lower side of the display device DD. Although not shown, the electronic module EM and the power supply module PSM can be connected to each other through a separate flexible circuit board. The electronic module EM can control an operation of the display device DD. The power supply module PSM can supply power to the electronic module EM.

[0076] The housing EDC can accommodate the display device DD, the electronic module EM, and the power supply module PSM. The housing EDC can include a first housing EDC1 and a second housing EDC2 to fold the display device DD. The first housing EDC1 and the second housing EDC2 can extend in a second direction DR2 and be arranged in a first direction DR1.

[0077] Although not shown, the electronic device ED can further include a hinge structure for connecting the first housing EDC1 and the second housing EDC2. The housing EDC can be coupled to the window WM. The housing EDC can protect the display device DD, the electronic module EM, and the power supply module PSM.

[0078] Figure 7 is Figure 6 a cross-sectional view of a display device shown in FIG.

[0079] Referring to Figure 7 , the display device DD can include a window WM and a display module DM. The display module DM can include a display panel DP, an input sensing part ISP, a reflection prevention layer RPL, and a panel protection film PPF.

[0080] The window WM can be loaded on a substrate loading unit CSP shown in FIG. Figure 1A A plurality of windows WM can be loaded on the substrate loading unit CSP shown in FIG. Figure 1A When the display device DD is manufactured, the window WM can be loaded on the substrate loading unit CSP, and the window WM can be supplied or strengthened. The loading and strengthening of the window WM will be described in detail in Figures 8-12B .

[0081] The display panel DP can be a flexible display panel. The display panel DP according to an embodiment of the disclosure can be a light emitting display panel, and is not particularly limited. For example, the display panel DP can be an organic light emitting display panel or an inorganic light emitting display panel. The light emitting layer of the organic light emitting display panel can include an organic light emitting material. The light emitting layer of the inorganic light emitting display panel can include quantum dots and quantum rods.

[0082] The input sensing part ISP can be disposed on the display panel DP. The input sensing part ISP can include a plurality of sensing units (not shown) for sensing an external input in a capacitive scheme. When the display device DD is manufactured, the input sensing part ISP can be directly manufactured on the display panel DP. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the input sensing part ISP can be manufactured as a separate panel from the display panel DP and can be attached to the display panel DP through an adhesive layer.

[0083] The anti-reflection layer RPL can be disposed on the input sensing part ISP. When the display device DD is manufactured, the anti-reflection layer RPL can be directly manufactured on the input sensing part ISP. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the anti-reflection layer RPL can be manufactured as a separate panel and can be attached to the input sensing part ISP through an adhesive layer.

[0084] The anti-reflection layer RPL can be defined as an external light anti-reflection film. The anti-reflection layer RPL can reduce the reflectance of external light input from the upper side of the display device DD toward the display panel DP. Due to the anti-reflection layer RPL, the external light can be invisible to the user.

[0085] When the external light traveling toward the display panel DP is reflected by the display panel DP and is provided again to the external user, the user can perceive the external light like a mirror. To prevent such a phenomenon, for example, the anti-reflection layer RPL can include a plurality of color filters that display the same color as the color of the pixels of the display panel DP.

[0086] The color filter can filter the external light in the same color as the color of the pixel. In this case, the external light can be invisible to the user. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and in another embodiment, the anti-reflection layer RPL can include a phase retarder and / or a polarizer to reduce the reflectance of the external light.

[0087] A window WM can be disposed on the anti-reflection layer RPL. The window WM can protect the display panel DP, the input sensing part ISP, and the anti-reflection layer RPL from external scratches and impacts.

[0088] A panel protection film PPF can be disposed on the lower side of the display panel DP. The panel protection film PPF can protect the lower side of the display panel DP. The panel protection film PPF can include a flexible plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate ("PET").

[0089] Although not shown, an adhesive layer can be disposed between the display panel DP and the panel protection film PPF, and the display panel DP and the panel protection film PPF can be combined with each other by the adhesive layer. Although not shown, an adhesive layer can be disposed between the window WM and the anti-reflection layer RPL, and the window WM and the anti-reflection layer RPL can be combined with each other by the adhesive layer.

[0090] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a window shown in Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a window shown in Figure 9 is a perspective view for describing a mother substrate of a cutting process.

[0091] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , a preliminary substrate PBD can be provided by a cutting process (S10) (see Figure 10A ). The cutting process (S10) can include an operation of alternately stacking the mother substrate MBD and the adhesive layer RS along a third direction DR3.

[0092] The mother substrate MBD can include a material having a flexible characteristic. For example, the mother substrate MBD can include glass. An upper surface of the mother substrate MBD can include a substrate area PBA and a peripheral area CA. A boundary between the substrate area PBA and the peripheral area CA can be defined by a cutting line CLI.

[0093] The adhesive layer RS can function to fix the stacked mother substrate MBD. The adhesive layer RS can include a material having an adhesive characteristic. For example, the adhesive layer RS can include at least one of a resin, an optically clear adhesive, rosin, and wax.

[0094] The stacked mother substrate MBD and the adhesive layer RS can be cut. The stacked mother substrate MBD and the adhesive layer RS can be cut together by a cutting member CM. For example, the mother substrate MBD and the adhesive layer RS can be cut by computer numerical control ("CNC").

[0095] As the stacked mother substrate MBD and the adhesive layer RS are cut, the substrate area PBA can be separated from the peripheral area CA. An area of the substrate area PBA separated from the peripheral area CA can be substantially the same as an area of the window WM shown in Figure 6 As the substrate area PBA is separated from the peripheral area CA, the preliminary substrate PBD can be provided (see Figure 10A ).

[0096] Figure 10A and Figure 10B is a perspective view for describing loading of a preliminary substrate.

[0097] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 10AThe preliminary substrate PBD can be loaded on the first substrate loading unit CST1. The first substrate loading unit CST1 can be substantially identical to the substrate loading unit CST of Figure 1A .

[0098] When the preliminary substrate PBD is loaded on the first substrate loading unit CST1, the support members SPT can be in the first state. As the distance between the adjacent support members SPT in the first direction DR1 is relatively increased, the danger of collision of the preliminary substrate PBD with the support members SPT can be effectively reduced.

[0099] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 10B , after the preliminary substrate PBD is loaded on the first substrate loading unit CST1, the support members SPT can be changed to the second state. The distance between the support members SPT adjacent to each other in the first direction DR1 can be reduced.

[0100] Although not shown, after the preliminary substrate PBD is loaded on the first substrate loading unit CST1, an etching and cleaning operation (S30) can be performed. The etching operation can be defined as an operation of processing the cut surface of the preliminary substrate PBD. The cleaning operation can be defined as an operation of removing residues generated during the etching operation. Then, since the support members SPT of the first substrate loading unit CST1 are in the second state, the preliminary substrate PBD can not be bent or shaken.

[0101] Figures 11A-11C is a cross-sectional view taken in the second direction for describing a process of strengthening the preliminary substrate.

[0102] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 11A , after the etching and cleaning operation (S30) is completed, the preliminary substrate PBD can be loaded on the second substrate loading unit CST2 (S40). The second substrate loading unit CST2 can be substantially identical to the first substrate loading unit CST1 of Figure 10A .

[0103] In Figure 10A and Figure 10B , the principle of changing the support members SPT of the first substrate loading unit CST1 from the first state to the second state has been described, and this can be equally applied to changing the support members SPT (referring to Figure 10A ) of the second substrate loading unit CST2 from the first state to the second state.

[0104] After the preliminary substrate PBD is loaded on the second substrate loading unit CST2, a strengthening process (S50) of strengthening the preliminary substrate PBD can be performed. The strengthening process (S50) can include an operation of connecting the driving unit DU to the second substrate loading unit CST2. The second substrate loading unit CST2 connected to the driving unit DU can be moved in the third direction DR3.

[0105] The strengthening furnace RF can be provided on the lower side of the driving unit DU and the second substrate loading unit CST2. The strengthening furnace RF can provide an accommodation space ACS inside thereof. The molten salt MS can be accommodated in the accommodation space ACS. Although not shown, a heating module for heating the molten salt MS can be included in the accommodation space ACS. The heating module can heat the molten salt MS.

[0106] Referring to Figure 11B , after the molten salt MS is heated, the second substrate loading unit CST2 can be moved in the third direction DR3 by the driving unit DU and can be immersed in the molten salt MS. Then, because the support part SPT (see Figure 10A ) of the second substrate loading unit CST2 is in the second state, the preliminary substrate PBD can not be bent or shaken.

[0107] The molten salt MS can strengthen the preliminary substrate PBD. For example, ions on the surface of the preliminary substrate PBD can be replaced with ions having a relatively large diameter included in the molten salt MS. The surface of the preliminary substrate PBD can be strengthened by replacing the ions having a relatively large diameter.

[0108] Referring to Figure 11C , the second substrate loading unit CST2 can be moved in the third direction DR3 by the driving unit DU and can be separated from the molten salt MS.

[0109] Figure 12A and Figure 12B are cross-sectional views for describing operations of combining the window with the display module.

[0110] Referring to Figure 8 , although not shown in the cross-sectional view, after the strengthening process (S50) is completed, etching and cleaning operations (S60) can be performed after being loaded on the third substrate loading unit. The loading operation on the third substrate loading unit and the etching and cleaning operations are substantially the same as the loading operation (S20) and the etching and cleaning operations (S30) on the first substrate loading unit CST1 (see Figure 10A ) and the description thereof will be omitted. Because the support part SPT (see Figure 10A) in the second state, the preliminary base PBD can not be bent or shaken. When the preliminary base PBD is etched and cleaned (S30), the window WM can be manufactured (see Figure 6 ).

[0111] Referring to Figure 8 , Figure 12A and Figure 12B , after the etching and cleaning operation (S60) is completed, the inspection operation (S70) can be performed. As a result of the inspection, when the window WM meets the set quality standard, it can be combined with the display module DM. As the window WM is combined with the display module DM, the display device DD can be manufactured.

[0112] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, when the window is loaded between the support members adjacent to each other in the first direction, the distance between the support members adjacent to each other in the first direction can be relatively increased. Thus, when the window is loaded, the possibility that the window contacts the support members can be reduced, and the possibility that the window is damaged can be effectively reduced.

[0113] Further, after the window is loaded, the support members can be rotated about the rotation axis parallel to the second direction, and the distance between the support members adjacent to each other in the first direction can be relatively reduced. Thus, it can be effectively prevented that the window is bent or shaken during the window strengthening process.

[0114] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure, within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the detailed description of the specification, but all technical ideas included in the claims and equivalents thereof fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A substrate loading unit, characterized in that, The substrate loading unit includes: First framework; The second frame is spaced apart from the first frame in a first direction; and Multiple fixing components are disposed between the first frame and the second frame, and the multiple fixing components are spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The plurality of fixing components include: Multiple first support rods extend in the first direction; and Multiple support components are disposed on multiple side surfaces of the multiple first support rods, the multiple side surfaces facing each other. Specifically, the state in which the plurality of support members extend upwards at a third point intersecting the plane defined by the first direction and the second direction is defined as a first state, and the state in which the plurality of support members extend in the first direction is defined as a second state. When the plurality of support components change from the first state to the second state, the distance between the support components that are adjacent to each other in the first direction changes.

2. The substrate loading unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the plurality of support components change from the first state to the second state, each of the plurality of support components rotates about a rotation axis parallel to the second direction.

3. The substrate loading unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first state, the distance between the support members that are adjacent to each other in the first direction is defined as a first distance. In the second state, the distance between the support members that are adjacent to each other in the first direction is defined as a second distance, and Wherein, the first distance is greater than the second distance.

4. The substrate loading unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the plurality of support members are in the first state, the base loading unit is configured to load the base between the support members that are adjacent to each other in the first direction, and The plurality of support members are configured to change to the second state after the base is loaded between the support members that are adjacent to each other in the first direction.

5. The substrate loading unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of fixed components also include: Multiple rotating pins pass through the multiple first support rods and are respectively coupled to the multiple support components, and Each of the plurality of support components is configured to rotate about the axis parallel to the second direction when the corresponding rotating pin rotates about the axis parallel to the second direction.

6. The substrate loading unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of support components has a triangular prism shape, a hexahedral shape, or a cylindrical shape.

7. The substrate loading unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The substrate loading unit further includes: A lower frame is disposed between the first frame and the second frame, and the lower frame is disposed on the underside of the plurality of fixed components.

8. The substrate loading unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of fixed components also include: A plurality of second support rods extend in the first direction and are disposed on the underside of the plurality of first support rods, and Multiple additional support components are disposed on multiple side surfaces of the multiple second support rods, the multiple side surfaces facing each other.

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