Apparatus for manufacturing display device

Abstract

An apparatus for manufacturing a display device includes a pressing pad including a first fixing portion and a pressing portion on the first fixing portion. The pressing portion includes: a first surface on an opposite side with respect to the first fixing portion; a second surface between the first surface and the first fixed portion; and a third surface extending between the first surface and the second surface. And the second surface is a circular curved surface which is concave inwards.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0038234, filed on March 20, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to apparatus and methods for manufacturing display devices. Background Technology

[0004] With the development of the information society, the demand for display devices for displaying images in various forms is increasing. Display devices can be displays such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), field emission displays (FEDs), or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Light-emitting displays can include organic light-emitting display devices or inorganic light-emitting display devices. Organic light-emitting display devices include organic light-emitting diode elements as light-emitting elements, while inorganic light-emitting display devices include inorganic light-emitting diode elements as light-emitting elements.

[0005] The display device may include a display panel and a cover for protecting the display panel. The display panel may include driving elements, light-emitting elements, etc. The cover may be attached to at least one surface of the display panel. In this case, the display panel and the cover can be joined together when the display panel is pressed with a pressing pad. Utility Model Content

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing a display device that reduces or minimizes the occurrence of air bubbles between the cover window and the display panel during the process of combining the cover window and the display panel.

[0007] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing a display device that reduces or minimizes damage to the display device during the process of combining a cover window and a display panel.

[0008] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those set forth herein. These and other aspects and features of the disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the disclosure.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, an apparatus for manufacturing a display device includes: a pressing pad comprising a first fixing portion and a pressing portion on the first fixing portion. The pressing portion includes: a first surface on the opposite side of the first fixing portion; a second surface between the first surface and the first fixing portion; and a third surface extending between the first surface and the second surface. The second surface is an inwardly recessed circularly curved surface.

[0010] The first surface may be an outwardly convex circular curved surface.

[0011] The pressing pad can be configured to combine the display panel and the cover window, and the radius of curvature of the first surface can be smaller than the radius of curvature of the inner surface of the cover window.

[0012] The radius of curvature of the first surface may be 0.5 times or greater than the radius of curvature of the inner surface of the cover window.

[0013] The cover window may have a three-dimensional shape in a cross-sectional view, and the three-dimensional shape has curved edges.

[0014] The third surface can be an outwardly convex circular curved surface.

[0015] The first surface has an arc that is part of a first circle; the second surface has an arc that is part of a second circle; and the third surface has an arc that is part of a third circle. The third circle may contact each of the first circle and the second circle.

[0016] The third circle can be inscribed in the first circle and circumscribed with the second circle.

[0017] The first surface, the second surface, and the third surface may each have a single radius of curvature.

[0018] The first surface may have a first radius of curvature, the second surface may have a second radius of curvature, and the third surface may have three radii of curvature. The first radius of curvature may be larger than the second radius of curvature, and the second radius of curvature may be larger than the third radius of curvature.

[0019] The device may further include a platform configured to provide space for placing the pressing portion. The platform may include a second fixing portion configured to be coupled to the first fixing portion.

[0020] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, an apparatus for manufacturing a display device includes: a pressing pad including a first fixing portion and a pressing portion on the first fixing portion; and an alignment portion protruding from the first fixing portion. The alignment portion protrudes beyond the outer portions of the first fixing portion and the pressing portion in a plan view.

[0021] The pressing pad can be configured to combine the display panel and the cover window, and the alignment portion can protrude beyond the outer portion of the display panel in the plan view.

[0022] The alignment portion may include a first portion that protrudes beyond the outer portion of the display panel in the plan view and a second portion that is covered by the display panel.

[0023] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing a display device using an apparatus for manufacturing a display device is provided. The apparatus includes: a pressing pad including a first fixing portion and a pressing portion on the first fixing portion; an alignment portion protruding from the first fixing portion; and a platform forming a space for placing the pressing pad. The method includes: aligning a display panel and a cover window on the apparatus; and pressing the display panel and the cover window with the pressing pad.

[0024] In the alignment of the display panel and the cover window, the pressing pad, the display panel, and the cover window can be stacked in this order.

[0025] The device may further include a vision device on the cover window. The alignment portion may protrude beyond the outer portion of the display panel, and the vision device may be configured to identify the protrusion of the alignment portion.

[0026] The visual device can be configured to align the intersection of the diagonals of the diagonally arranged alignment portions with the center of the cover window.

[0027] The vision device can be configured to align the intersection of an alignment portion and a vertical line between the alignment portion and the side opposite to the alignment portion with the center of the cover window.

[0028] During the pressing of the display panel and the cover window, the pressing pad can contact the display panel.

[0029] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus and method for manufacturing a display device reduce or minimize the occurrence of air bubbles between the cover window and the display panel during the process of combining the cover window and the display panel.

[0030] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the apparatus and methods for manufacturing a display device reduce or minimize damage to the display device during the process of combining the cover window and the display panel.

[0031] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those set forth herein. The above and other aspects and features of the embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the claims and detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The above and other aspects and features of this disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description of embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment;

[0034] Figures 2 to 3 A cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 5 For example Figure 4 A side view of the equipment used to manufacture the display device shown in the figure;

[0037] Figure 6 For along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the equipment used to manufacture the display device, taken by line X1-X1' in the diagram;

[0038] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of region A in the image;

[0039] Figure 8 A plan view illustrating the process of aligning the cover window, display panel, and pressing pad according to one embodiment is shown.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a plan view of a pressure pad according to one embodiment;

[0041] Figure 10 This is a plan view of a pressing pad according to another embodiment;

[0042] Figure 11 This is a plan view of a pressure pad according to another embodiment; and

[0043] Figure 12 This is a flowchart describing a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0044] This disclosure will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated. However, this disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be exhaustive and complete, and will fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0045] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to," or "linked to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or linked to another element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to," or "directly linked to" another element or layer, no intermediary element or layer is present. For example, when a first element is described as being "linked" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly linked to or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly linked to or connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0046] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be enlarged for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals denote the same elements. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, the use of “may” in describing embodiments of this disclosure refers to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.” Expressions such as “at least one of…” and “any one of…” modify the entire list of elements when used after the list of elements, without modifying any individual element in the list. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, or c” means only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, all a, b, and c, or variations thereof. As used herein, the terms “use” and “utilized” may be considered synonymous with the terms “exploit” and “utilized,” respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to describe inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0047] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another element, component, region, layer, or segment. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0048] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above” may be used herein to describe the relationship of an element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings, the spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” or “above” other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or otherwise), and the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0049] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form “a” is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used in this specification expressly indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0050] In view of the full contents of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that each suitable feature of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be combined in part or in whole or in combination with each other, and may be technically interlocked and operated in a variety of suitable ways, and each embodiment may be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other in any suitable way, unless otherwise stated or implied.

[0051] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all subranges with the same numerical precision falling within the described range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the described minimum value of 1.0 and the described maximum value of 10.0, i.e., a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits falling within it, and any minimum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all higher numerical limits falling within it. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to explicitly describe any subrange falling within the scope explicitly described herein. All such ranges are intended to be described inherently in this specification such that amendments to explicitly describe any such subrange will be required.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a plan view of a display device according to an embodiment.

[0053] refer to Figure 1 Display devices (DDs) can be applied to a variety of electronic devices, such as small and medium-sized electronic devices, such as tablet PCs, smartphones, car navigation units, cameras, central information displays (CIDs) in cars, watch-style electronic devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), and game consoles, as well as medium and large electronic devices, such as televisions, billboards, monitors, personal computers, and laptops. For example, Figure 1 Examples of display devices DD applied to smartwatches are shown, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. These example electronic devices are presented by way of example only, and display devices DD can be used in other electronic devices as long as they do not depart from the concept of this disclosure.

[0054] The display device DD may include a display panel DP, a printed circuit board FPC, a driver chip IC, and a cover window CW.

[0055] A display panel DP can display an image. The display panel DP can have a display area DA and a non-display area NDA surrounding at least a portion of the display area DA (e.g., extending around at least a portion of the outer periphery of the display area DA). The display area DA can be the area where an image is displayed. The non-display area NDA can be the area where no image is displayed.

[0056] The non-display area NDA can be divided into a first area A1 surrounding the display area DA (e.g., extending around the outer periphery of the display area DA) and a second area A2 protruding from the first area A1. The second area A2 can protrude outward from the first area A1 and can have a width narrower than the width of the first area A1, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0057] The connection section (PD) can be located on the side of the non-display area (NDA). Multiple pads electrically connected to various signal lines can be located on the connection section (PD).

[0058] In one embodiment, the display panel DP may have a circular shape with one side protruding (e.g., a protruding side) in a plan view. In such an embodiment, the display area DA may have a circular shape in a plan view. However, the configuration of the embodiments of this disclosure is not limited to this, and the display area DA may have a quadrilateral shape, a shape formed by straight lines and curves, etc. in a plan view.

[0059] The printed circuit board (FPC) can be mounted on the display panel (DP) to overlap with the second area (A2). The FPC is electrically connected to the display panel (DP) via the connection section (PD). The printed circuit board (PCB) can generate signals to drive the display area (DA) and can send signals to the display area (DA).

[0060] In some embodiments, the printed circuit board (FPC) can be flexible (e.g., it can be a flexible printed circuit board). In such embodiments, the FPC can be bent and folded.

[0061] A cover window (CW) can be disposed on the display panel (DP) to protect the display panel (DP). The cover window (CW) can transmit light emitted from the display panel (DP). In some embodiments, the cover window (CW) may have a light-blocking portion in the bezel area to block some of the light emitted from the display panel (DP).

[0062] As will be referred to later Figure 2 As described, the cover window (CW) can be set on the front surface of the display panel (DP). The cover window (CW) can be set to overlap with the display panel (DP) and can cover the front surface of the display panel (DP).

[0063] The cover window (CW) can be made of transparent plastic, glass, or tempered glass. In one embodiment, the cover window (CW) can be made of either sapphire (e.g., Al₂O₃) glass or Gorilla Glass (a registered trademark of Corning Incorporated) (e.g., ion-exchange strengthened glass) and / or may have its laminated structure. In another embodiment, the cover window (CW) can comprise any of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyethersulfone (PES), polyethylene naphthalate (PEG), and polynorbornene (PNB). Considering its scratch resistance and transparency, the cover window (CW) can be made of tempered glass.

[0064] The cover window CW can have a shape corresponding to the shape of the display panel DP. For example, in an embodiment where the display panel DP has a circular shape in the plan view, the cover window CW can also have a circular shape in the plan view.

[0065] Figures 2 to 3 A cross-sectional view illustrating the steps of a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 2 For example, here is a view showing the previous state of the cover window (CW) and the display panel (DP). Figure 3 This is a view showing the state after the cover window (CW) and the display panel (DP) are combined.

[0066] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The cover window (CW) can be set on the display panel (DP). The cover window (CW) can be set to overlap with the display panel (DP) and cover the upper surface (DP_US) of the display panel (DP).

[0067] In some embodiments, the cover window CW may have a three-dimensional shape. The cover window CW may have a shape with curved edges in a cross-sectional view. For example, the cover window CW may have a dome shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] The cover window (CW) can form a receiving portion (OP). The receiving portion (OP) can have a depth (e.g., a predetermined depth) H. Accordingly, the cover window (CW) can accommodate the display panel (DP), the driver chip IC, and the printed circuit board (FPC).

[0069] In some embodiments, the cover window CW may have an outwardly convex shape (e.g., on the third direction DR3). For example, the upper surface CW_US and the lower surface CW_DS of the cover window CW may each have a convex shape on the third direction DR3. The display surface may be the surface of the cover window CW in the direction in which light emitted from the display panel DP is transmitted through the cover window CW and exits (e.g., the upper surface CW_US in the figures).

[0070] In the accompanying drawings, the third direction DR3 can be a vertical direction. For example, the third direction DR3 can be the thickness direction of the display panel DP. The first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 can be horizontal directions that intersect (e.g., cross) and, for example, are orthogonal to the third direction DR3. The first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, each being a horizontal direction, can intersect (e.g., cross) each other. For example, the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 can be orthogonal to each other. In this specification, the direction indicated by the arrows from the first direction to the third direction DR1, DR2, and DR3 can be referred to as one side, and its opposite direction can be referred to as the other side. When only the first direction to the third direction DR1, DR2, and DR3 are specified without mentioning one side or the other side, both one side and the other side can be referred to, or at least one side or the other side can be referred to.

[0071] In some embodiments, the cover window CW may include a first cover portion CW1 and a second cover portion CW2. The first cover portion CW1 may be located at the center of the cover window CW. The second cover portion CW2 may be disposed around the first cover portion CW1. For example, the second cover portion CW2 may surround the first cover portion CW1 in a plan view.

[0072] The first cover portion CW1 can extend horizontally in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2, and the second cover portion CW2 can extend vertically in the third direction DR3.

[0073] The curvature of the first cover portion CW1 and the curvature of the second cover portion CW2 can be different. For example, based on the boundary (e.g., the boundary surface) between the first cover portion CW1 and the second cover portion CW2, the curvature of the upper surface CW_US and the lower surface CW_DS in the first cover portion CW1 of the cover window CW can be different from the curvature of the upper surface CW_US and the lower surface CW_DS in the second cover portion CW2 of the cover window CW.

[0074] The apparatus 1000 for manufacturing display devices can combine a display panel (DP) and a cover window (CW). The apparatus 1000 for manufacturing display devices can be a laminating apparatus.

[0075] The apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device can be moved onto DR3 by a third party. The apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device may include a pressure pad 100 (e.g., see...). Figure 4 The equipment 1000 used to manufacture the display device can be moved on the DR3 by a third party to press the lower surface DP_DS of the display panel DP.

[0076] Therefore, the display panel (DP) and the cover window (CW) can be combined. For example, the upper surface (DP_US) of the display panel (DP) can be attached to the lower surface (CW_DS) of the cover window (CW).

[0077] In some embodiments, the contact surface (e.g., the lower surface DP_DS of the display panel DP) that contacts the upper surface 1000a of the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing the display device may be a curved surface. For example, the contact surface that contacts the upper surface 1000a of the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing the display device may have an outwardly convex shape (e.g., on the third direction DR3). The upper surface 1000a of the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing the display device may have an outwardly convex shape corresponding to the shapes of the upper surface CW_US and the lower surface CW_DS of the cover window CW.

[0078] When the upper surface CW_US and lower surface CW_DS of the cover window CW are each convex in the third direction DR3 and the upper surface 1000a of the device 1000 used to manufacture the display device is flat, the outer periphery of the portion P1 can be joined first, instead of starting the joining from the portion P1 that is the center of the cover window CW. In this case, air bubbles may form between the lower surface CW_DS of the cover window CW and the upper surface DP_US of the display panel DP.

[0079] Because the upper surface 1000a of the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is formed as a curved surface corresponding to the shape of the upper surface CW_US and the lower surface CW_DS of the cover window CW, it can be bonded from the portion P1 to the outer peripheral portion, thereby reducing or minimizing bubble formation.

[0080] In some embodiments, the side surface 1000b of the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device may be a curved surface. For example, the side surface 1000b of the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device may have an inwardly concave (or recessed) shape.

[0081] When the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device presses the display panel DP, the display panel DP and the cover window CW come into close contact, such that the display panel DP can be in contact with the cover window CW while at least a portion of it is bent. For example, the display panel DP can be bent to have a curved surface that follows the internal curvature of the cover window CW by means of the pressing pad 100 (see, for example, see...). Figure 4 The device 1000, used for manufacturing display devices, can be extended in the horizontal direction due to its elasticity and pressing force.

[0082] Because the side surface 1000b of the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has an inwardly concave shape, an empty space can be formed between the side surface 1000b of the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing the display device and the printed circuit board FPC. Therefore, even if the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing the display device expands, the printed circuit board FPC can avoid contacting the side surface 1000b of the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing the display device at a portion P2. Accordingly, the occurrence of cracks and defects in the display device DD can be reduced or minimized.

[0083] In some embodiments, the corner surface 1000c disposed between the upper surface 1000a and the side surface 1000b of the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device may be a curved surface. For example, the corner surface 1000c of the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device may have a circular curved shape.

[0084] As described above, the curvature of the lower surface CW_DS of the cover window CW can vary based on the boundary surface between the first cover portion CW1 and the second cover portion CW2 of the cover window CW. Therefore, the stress applied to the display panel DP can be greater near the boundary surface between the first cover portion CW1 and the second cover portion CW2 (such as portion P3) than in other portions.

[0085] Because the corner surface 1000c of the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a circular curved shape, the stress applied to the display panel DP at part P3 can be reduced or minimized.

[0086] Please refer to later Figure 7 A design method is described for the upper surface 1000a, side surface 1000b, and corner surface 1000c of an apparatus 1000 used to manufacture a display device.

[0087] The detailed structure of the apparatus 1000 used to manufacture the display device will be described below.

[0088] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment. Figure 5 for Figure 4 The device shown is a side view.

[0089] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 ,Apart from Figures 1 to 3 In addition, the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing the display device may include a pressing pad 100 and a table 200.

[0090] The pressing pad 100 may include a pressing portion 110, a first fixing portion 120, and an alignment portion 130.

[0091] The pressing portion 110 may be disposed on the first fixing portion 120. The pressing portion 110 may be in direct contact with the display panel DP during the bonding process. The pressing portion 110 may contain an elastic material. The pressing portion 110 may contain at least one of silicone, urethane, rubber, and synthetic resin. However, the pressing portion 110 is not limited to these, and may contain other elastic materials in addition to those listed above.

[0092] During the bonding process, the pressing portion 110 can be deformed in shape by applying pressure. After bonding is completed, the pressing portion 110 can return to its initial shape due to elastic force.

[0093] In some embodiments, the pressing portion 110 may have a uniform density overall. For example, the mass of the elastic material per unit volume at any point on the pressing portion 110 may be the same as the mass of the elastic material per unit volume at any other point on the pressing portion 110. Accordingly, because the pressing force applied to the display panel DP can be uniformly distributed, damage to the display panel DP can be reduced or minimized, and the occurrence of air bubbles at the interface between the display panel DP and the cover window CW can be reduced or minimized.

[0094] The first fixing part 120 can be disposed below the pressing part 110. The first fixing part 120 can fix the pressing pad 100 to the platform 200. The first fixing part 120 can be connected to the second fixing part 220 of the platform 200 to fix the pressing pad 100.

[0095] Alignment portion 130 may be disposed on first fixing portion 120. For example, alignment portion 130 may be on at least a portion of the outer surface of first fixing portion 120. Alignment portion 130 may be alignment marks for aligning the device 1000 used to manufacture the display device with the display panel DP and cover window CW during the bonding process. Reference will be made later. Figure 8 Description of alignment part 130.

[0096] The stand 200 can provide space for mounting (or accommodating) the press pad 100. The stand 200 can be provided with a separate actuator to provide driving force for the press pad 100 and pressing force for pressing the display panel DP and cover window CW. For example, the stand 200 can provide driving force to move toward the press pad 100 on a third-party DR3.

[0097] The platform 200 can be located on the opposite side of the display panel DP, with the pressing pad 100 positioned therebetween. For example, the platform 200 can be positioned below the pressing pad 100. In the accompanying drawings, the platform 200 is illustrated in a plan view as having a square shape, but is not limited to this and can have various suitable shapes.

[0098] The platform 200 may include a base 210 and a second fixed part 220.

[0099] The base 210 can form the main body of the platform 200.

[0100] The second fixing part 220 can be on the base 210. The second fixing part 220 can fix the pressing pad 100 to the platform 200. The second fixing part 220 can be connected to the first fixing part 120 of the pressing pad 100 to fix the pressing pad 100.

[0101] In one embodiment, the second fixing portion 220 may have a groove recessed inside the base 210, and the first fixing portion 120 may be inserted into the second fixing portion 220 having a groove shape, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0102] In another embodiment, the groove may be provided on the lower surface of the first fixing portion 120, the second fixing portion 220 may have a shape that protrudes onto the base 210 in the third direction DR3, and the second fixing portion 220 may also be inserted into the groove of the first fixing portion 120.

[0103] In another embodiment, in addition to the physical connection of the protruding and recessed portions, the first fixing portion 120 and the second fixing portion 220 can be connected in various suitable ways, such as by using electromagnetic force or by using adhesive members.

[0104] In the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device according to this embodiment, the pressing portion 110 may have a contact surface 111 (e.g., a first surface), a side surface 112 (e.g., a second surface) and a corner surface 113 (e.g., a third surface).

[0105] The contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 may be the upper surface of the pressing portion 110. For example, the contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 may be the surface on the opposite side of the surface where the pressing portion 110 and the first fixing portion 120 intersect. For example, the contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 may be on the opposite side relative to the first fixing portion 120. During the bonding process, the contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 may be in direct contact with the lower surface DP_DS of the display panel DP. The contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 may typically extend horizontally in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0106] The contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 can be a curved surface. The contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 can (e.g., on the third direction DR3) have an outwardly convex shape. The contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 can have an outwardly convex shape corresponding to the shape of the upper surface CW_US and the lower surface CW_DS of the cover window CW. Accordingly, as described above, bonding can be made from portion P1 to the outer peripheral portion, thereby reducing or minimizing bubble formation.

[0107] The side surface 112 of the pressing portion 110 may be between the contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 and the first fixing portion 120. The side surface 112 of the pressing portion 110 may typically extend in a vertical direction (e.g., in the third direction DR3).

[0108] The side surface 112 of the pressing portion 110 can be a curved surface. The side surface 112 of the pressing portion 110 can have an inwardly concave (or recessed) shape. Accordingly, even if the elastic pressing portion 110 expands when pressed, the printed circuit board FPC can avoid contacting the side surface 112 of the pressing portion 110 at portion P2, and can reduce or minimize the occurrence of cracks and defects in the display device DD.

[0109] The corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 can be located between the contact surface 111 and the side surface 112 of the pressing portion 110. The corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 can connect the contact surface 111 and the side surface 112 of the pressing portion 110. That is, the contact surface 111, the side surface 112 and the corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 can be physically connected to each other.

[0110] The corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 can be a curved surface. The corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 can have a circular curved shape. Accordingly, the stress applied to the display panel DP can be reduced or minimized near the boundary surface (such as portion P3) between the first cover portion CW1 and the second cover portion CW2.

[0111] The design method of the contact surface 111, side surface 112 and corner surface 113 of the pressing part 110 will be described below.

[0112] Figure 6 For along Figure 4 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the equipment used to manufacture the display device, taken from line X1-X1'. Figure 7 for Figure 6 An enlarged view of region A in the image.

[0113] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 ,Apart from Figure 2 and Figure 3 In addition, the contact surface 111, side surface 112, and corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 can each be a circular curved surface. The contact surface 111, side surface 112, and corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 can each have a single curvature in a cross-sectional view. Having a single curvature means that the curve or curved surface is composed of a single circular arc in the cross-section.

[0114] For example, the contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 may be a curved surface with a first radius of curvature R1, the side surface 112 of the pressing portion 110 may be a curved surface with a second radius of curvature R2, and the corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 may be a curved surface with a third radius of curvature R3. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature R1 may be greater than the second radius of curvature R2, and the second radius of curvature R2 may be greater than the third radius of curvature R3.

[0115] In some embodiments, the contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 may be an arc of a first circle with a radius of a first radius of curvature R1, the side surface 112 of the pressing portion 110 may be an arc of a second circle C2 with a radius of a second radius of curvature R2, and the corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 may be an arc of a third circle C3 with a radius of a third radius of curvature R3.

[0116] In an apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first radius of curvature R1 of the contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 may be smaller than the radius of curvature of the lower surface CW_DS (e.g., the inner surface) of the cover window CW. In some embodiments, the first radius of curvature R1 of the contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 may be about 0.5 times or greater than the radius of curvature of the lower surface CW_DS of the cover window CW.

[0117] [Table 1]

[0118]

[0119] Table 1 above illustrates how the pressure difference between the center and outer portions varies during the bonding process based on the relative dimensions of the first radius of curvature R1 of the contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 with respect to the radius of curvature of the lower surface CW_DS of the cover window CW. Here, the center may refer to... Figure 3 The portion shown is near P1, and the outer portion can be referred to as... Figure 3 The area near P3 is shown in the image.

[0120] Referring to Table 1 above, when the first radius of curvature R1 of the contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 is 0.5 times the radius of curvature of the lower surface CW_DS of the cover window CW, the pressing pressure difference between the center and the outer portion can be approximately 0.122 MPa. When the first radius of curvature R1 of the contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 is 0.6 times the radius of curvature of the lower surface CW_DS of the cover window CW, the pressing pressure difference between the center and the outer portion can be approximately 0.121 MPa. On the other hand, when the first radius of curvature R1 of the contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 is 0.4 times the radius of curvature of the lower surface CW_DS of the cover window CW, the pressing pressure difference between the center and the outer portion can rapidly increase to approximately 0.147 MPa.

[0121] As the pressure difference between the center and outer portions decreases, the occurrence of air bubbles at the interface between the cover window CW and the display panel DP can be reduced or minimized. Therefore, in the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device according to this embodiment, the first radius of curvature R1 of the contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 is about 0.5 times or greater than the radius of curvature of the lower surface CW_DS of the cover window CW, thus reducing or minimizing the occurrence of air bubbles at the interface between the cover window CW and the display panel DP.

[0122] In the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device according to this embodiment, the second distance D2 of the recess depth of the side surface 112, which is the pressing part 110, can be adjusted by adjusting the second radius of curvature R2.

[0123] By adjusting the second radius of curvature R2 according to the pressing pressure applied during the bonding process and the elastic force of the pressing portion 110, and adjusting the second distance D2, which is the recess depth of the side surface 112 of the pressing portion 110, contact with the printed circuit board FPC can be prevented.

[0124] Furthermore, in the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device according to this embodiment, by making the side surface 112 of the pressing portion 110 a curved surface with a single curvature, the corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 can be formed to be relatively non-sharp.

[0125] For example, when the side surface 112 of the pressing portion 110 has a hyperbolic shape, the corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 can be sharply formed as the second distance D2 increases. In such an embodiment, it is possible to... Figure 3 The stress is induced in part P3 shown in the figure.

[0126] On the other hand, in the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device according to this embodiment, since the side surface 112 of the pressing portion 110 is an arc of a second circle C2 with a curved surface having a single curvature, the corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 can be formed to be relatively blunt even if the second distance D2 becomes deeper. Therefore, it is possible to reduce or minimize Figure 3 The stress in part P3 is shown in the figure.

[0127] In some embodiments, a third circle C3, which includes the corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 as an arc, can contact a first circle, which includes the contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 as an arc, and a second circle C2, which includes the side surface 112 of the pressing portion 110 as an arc, respectively.

[0128] For example, a third circle C3, which includes the corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 as an arc, can be inscribed in a first circle, which includes the contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 as an arc. The third circle C3, which includes the corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 as an arc, can be circumscribed with a second circle C2, which includes the side surface 112 of the pressing portion 110 as an arc.

[0129] The contact surface 111 and corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 can be smoothly connected without including vertices or edges. The side surface 112 and corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 can be smoothly connected without including vertices or edges.

[0130] Therefore, when the contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 is compressed to the inside of the pressing portion 110 due to pressing pressure during the bonding process, and the side surface 112 of the pressing portion 110 extends to the outside of the pressing portion 110, the shape change of the corner surface 113 can be reduced or minimized. Accordingly, the shape change of the corner surface 113 can be reduced or minimized. Figure 3 The stress in part P3 is shown in the figure.

[0131] In the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device according to this embodiment, the protrusion depth or degree of the corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 can be adjusted by adjusting the third radius of curvature R3.

[0132] For example, when the third circle C3, which includes the corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 as an arc, contacts the first circle, which includes the contact surface 111 of the pressing portion 110 as an arc, and the second circle C2, which includes the side surface 112 of the pressing portion 110 as an arc, the corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 can be on the outside as the third radius of curvature R3 decreases, and the corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 can be closer to the inside as the third radius of curvature R3 increases.

[0133] For example, the number of third circles C3 that contact the first and second circles C2 is infinite, and in the attached figure, the third radius of curvature R3 can decrease towards the upper left and increase towards the lower right.

[0134] As an example, as the third radius of curvature R3 decreases, the third circle C3 moves towards the upper left end of the drawing. Therefore, the third distance D3, which is the horizontal distance between the corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 and the outermost surface of the pressing pad 100, can decrease, and the first distance D1, which is the vertical distance between the corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 and the outermost surface of the pressing pad 100, can decrease. Accordingly, because the corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 moves further outward, the contact area increases, thereby improving the bonding performance during the bonding process.

[0135] As another example, when the third radius of curvature R3 increases, the third circle C3 moves towards the lower right end of the drawing. Therefore, the third distance D3 can be increased and the first distance D1 can be increased. Accordingly, the corner surface 113 of the pressing portion 110 moves further inward, thereby... Figure 3 The stress is minimized in part P3 shown in the figure.

[0136] Figure 8 A plan view illustrating the process of aligning the cover window, display panel, and pressing pad according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 9 A plan view of a pressing pad according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 10 A plan view of a pressing pad according to another embodiment is shown. Figure 11 A plan view of a pressing pad according to another embodiment is shown.

[0137] refer to Figures 8 to 11 During the assembly process, the cover window (CW), the display panel (DP), and the equipment 1000 for manufacturing the display device can be arranged to overlap each other on a third-party DR3. For example, the cover window (CW) can be positioned on top, the display panel (DP) can be positioned below the cover window (CW), and the equipment 1000 for manufacturing the display device can be positioned below the display panel (DP).

[0138] Before assembly, an alignment process can be performed to align the center of the cover window CW, the display panel DP, and the equipment 1000 used to manufacture the display device. For example, the alignment process can be a process of aligning the points of the display panel DP and the points of the equipment 1000 used to manufacture the display device with the center C0 of the cover window CW.

[0139] In some embodiments, the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device may further include a separate vision device. During the alignment process, the vision device may be on the cover window (CW).

[0140] The display panel DP may include at least one alignment mark DP_A to indicate a point aligned with the center C0 of the cover window CW. For example, as illustrated in the figures, the number of alignment marks DP_A may be four, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The number and shape of the alignment marks DP_A can be modified in various ways.

[0141] In some embodiments, the point on which the display panel DP is aligned with the center C0 of the cover window CW may be the intersection of the connecting lines of the alignment marks DP_A set diagonally, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0142] Because the cover window CW at the top is transparent during the alignment process, the alignment mark DP_A of the display panel DP can be easily seen. On the other hand, because most of the equipment 1000 for manufacturing the display device, which is located below the display panel DP, may be covered by the display panel DP, the equipment 1000 for manufacturing the display device may not be visible from the top.

[0143] In some embodiments, in order to prevent the pressure pad 100 from expanding and contacting the printed circuit board FPC during the bonding process, the size of the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing the display device may be smaller than the size of the display panel DP in a plan view.

[0144] The apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device according to this embodiment can improve the accuracy of the alignment process by including an alignment portion 130.

[0145] The alignment portion 130 may protrude beyond the outer portion of the first fixing portion 120 and the outer portion of the pressing pad 110 in a plan view. The alignment portion 130 may protrude outward beyond the outer boundary (or outer portion) of the display panel DP in a plan view. For example, the alignment portion 130 may include a first portion 130a that is visible from the top during the bonding process but is not covered by the display panel DP, and a second portion 130b that is covered by the display panel DP.

[0146] In one embodiment, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9As illustrated, the number of alignment portions 130 may be four, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, such as Figure 10 As illustrated, the number of alignment portions 130 can be three, but in another embodiment, such as Figure 11 As illustrated in the figures, the number of alignment portions 130 can be five. The number of alignment portions 130 is not limited to those illustrated in the figures and can be modified in various ways.

[0147] The shape of the graphic connecting the vertices of each alignment portion 130 can also be varied. For example, the shape connecting the vertices of each alignment portion 130 can be as follows: Figure 9 The square shown in the example can be, for example, like Figure 10 The triangle shown in the example can be, and can be, as shown in the example. Figure 11 The pentagon shown is an example. Additionally, the shape connecting the vertices of each aligned portion 130 can be as follows: Figure 10 and Figure 11 The regular polygon shown in the example, and may not be as shown Figure 9 The example shown is a regular polygon. The shape of the figure connecting the vertices of each aligned portion 130 can be modified in various ways.

[0148] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As illustrated, when the diagonal intersection of the graphics connecting the vertices of each alignment portion 130 can be defined, alignment can be achieved by matching the diagonal intersection with the center C0 of the cover window CW.

[0149] In another embodiment, such as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As illustrated, when the intersection of the diagonals of the graphics connecting the vertices of each alignment portion 130 is not defined, alignment can also be achieved by drawing a vertical line from one vertex to the opposite side and matching the intersection of the vertical lines with the center C0 of the cover window CW.

[0150] As described above, the apparatus 1000 for manufacturing a display device according to this embodiment can improve the accuracy of the alignment process by including an alignment portion 130 that protrudes further outward from the outer boundary of the display panel DP.

[0151] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a display device according to one embodiment will be described.

[0152] Figure 12 This is a flowchart describing a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment.

[0153] refer to Figure 12 ,Apart from Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 8In addition, according to one embodiment, the method S1 for manufacturing a display device may include: providing a cover window, a display panel, and an apparatus for manufacturing a display device (S100); setting and aligning the display panel and the cover window on the apparatus for manufacturing a display device (S200); and pressing the display panel and the cover window with a pressing pad via a drive table (S300).

[0154] First, a cover window (CW), a display panel (DP), and equipment 1000 (S100) for manufacturing a display device are provided.

[0155] The cover window (CW), display panel (DP), and equipment 1000 for manufacturing the display device have already been described above and will not be repeated hereafter.

[0156] Secondly, the display panel DP and cover window CW can be set and aligned on the equipment 1000 used to manufacture the display device.

[0157] For example, such as Figure 2 As illustrated, the display panel DP can be positioned above the equipment 1000 used to manufacture the display device, and the cover window CW can be positioned above the display panel DP.

[0158] like Figure 8 As illustrated, a standalone visual device can align the display panel DP with the cover window CW using the alignment mark DP_A on the display panel DP, based on the center C0 of the cover window CW.

[0159] Alternatively, a separate visual device can use the alignment portion 130 of the device 1000 for manufacturing the display device to align the device 1000 with the cover window CW based on the center C0 of the cover window CW.

[0160] For example, such as Figure 8 As illustrated, the alignment portion 130 may include a first portion 130a that protrudes beyond the outer portion of the display panel DP, and a separate visual device may identify the protruding first portion 130a to confirm whether alignment has been achieved.

[0161] Third, the equipment 1000 used to manufacture the display device can press the display panel DP and the cover window CW.

[0162] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As illustrated, platform 200 can be driven on third-party DR3 to provide driving force to pressure pad 100. Pressure pad 100 can provide pressing force to display panel DP and cover window CW. Accordingly, display panel DP and cover window CW can be combined with each other.

[0163] In summarizing the detailed description, those skilled in the art will understand that many changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without substantially departing from this disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are used in a general and descriptive sense and are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing a display device, characterized by comprising: The device comprises: a press pad including a first fixed portion and a press portion on the first fixed portion, the press portion including: a first surface on an opposite side relative to the first fixed portion; a second surface between the first surface and the first fixed portion; and a third surface extending between the first surface and the second surface, and wherein the second surface is a concave curved surface inward.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The first surface is a convex curved surface outward.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The press pad is configured to be coupled with a display panel and a cover window, and wherein a radius of curvature of the first surface is smaller than a radius of curvature of an inner side surface of the cover window.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein: the first surface has an arc that is a portion of a first circle; the second surface has an arc that is a portion of a second circle; the third surface has an arc that is a portion of a third circle, and wherein the third circle is in contact with each of the first circle and the second circle.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The third circle is inscribed in the first circle and circumscribed about the second circle.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The first surface, the second surface, and the third surface each have a single radius of curvature.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The first surface has a first radius of curvature, wherein the second surface has a second radius of curvature, wherein the third surface has a third radius of curvature, and wherein the first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius of curvature, and the second radius of curvature is greater than the third radius of curvature.

8. An apparatus for manufacturing a display device, characterized by comprising: The device comprises: a press pad including a first fixed portion and a press portion on the first fixed portion; and an alignment portion protruding on the first fixed portion, wherein the alignment portion protrudes more than an outer portion of the first fixed portion and an outer portion of the press portion in a plan view.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The press pad is configured to be coupled with a display panel and a cover window, and wherein the alignment portion protrudes more than an outer portion of the display panel in the plan view.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein, The alignment portion includes a first portion that protrudes more than the outer portion of the display panel in the plan view and a second portion that is covered by the display panel.

Images