Display device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a display device. The display device may include: a display panel including at least one curved region; the wrapping layer is arranged below the display panel and overlaps with the curved area of the display panel, the wrapping layer is provided with a plurality of metal layers which are combined in a wrapping mode, the metal layers comprise different metals, and the surface, adjacent to the display panel, of the wrapping layer overlaps with the whole display panel.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0061331, filed on May 9, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a display device and a method of manufacturing the display device, wherein a region (e.g., a single region) of the display device is curved. Background Technology

[0004] Recently, with increasing interest in information display and continued efforts to achieve wider display areas, research and development are ongoing on display devices that curve one of the areas and methods for manufacturing such display devices. Utility Model Content

[0005] The objective of this disclosure is to provide a display device that has a wide display area and whose display panel does not deform.

[0006] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a method for manufacturing a display device, which molds a display panel without deforming the display panel.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is not limited to the above-described purposes, and other technical purposes not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0008] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device may include: a display panel including a curved region; and a covering layer disposed under the display panel, overlapping the curved region of the display panel, and having a plurality of metal layers that overlap and bond with each other, the plurality of metal layers including different metals, and the surface of the covering layer adjacent to the display panel may overlap the entire display panel.

[0009] In an implementation, the display panel may include: a main area; a plurality of auxiliary areas that curve downward from the edge of the main area; and a corner area disposed at the intersection of adjacent auxiliary areas among the plurality of auxiliary areas.

[0010] In implementation, the covering layer may overlap with multiple auxiliary areas and corner areas.

[0011] In an embodiment, the coating layer may include: a first metal layer comprising a first metal; a second metal layer disposed on the first metal layer and comprising a second metal different from the first metal; and a third metal layer disposed on the second metal layer and comprising the first metal.

[0012] In this implementation, the strength of the first metal can be greater than the strength of the second metal.

[0013] In this embodiment, the ductility of the second metal can be greater than that of the first metal.

[0014] In an implementation, the first metal may include at least one of nickel and stainless steel.

[0015] In an implementation, the second metal may include copper.

[0016] In this embodiment, the first metal layer, the second metal layer, and the third metal layer may overlap with the entire display panel.

[0017] In the implementation, the first metal layer and the third metal layer may overlap with the entire display panel, and the second metal layer may overlap with multiple auxiliary areas and corner areas of the display panel in the plan view, but not with the main area.

[0018] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a display device may include: forming a display panel; forming a cover layer under the display panel, the cover layer including a plurality of metal layers that cover and bond to each other, the plurality of metal layers including different metals; and forming a curved region by thermoforming the display panel and the cover layer, wherein the surface of the cover layer adjacent to the display panel may overlap the entire display panel.

[0019] In an embodiment, the method may further include attaching the coating layer to the display panel after the coating layer has been formed.

[0020] In one embodiment, when forming the curved area, the display panel includes: a main area; a plurality of auxiliary areas that curve downward from the edge of the main area; and a corner area disposed at the intersection of adjacent auxiliary areas among the plurality of auxiliary areas.

[0021] In implementation, the covering layer may overlap with multiple auxiliary areas and corner areas.

[0022] In one embodiment, forming the coating layer may include: forming a first metal layer; forming a second metal layer on the first metal layer; forming a third metal layer on the second metal layer; and coating the first metal layer, the second metal layer, and the third metal layer together by rolling the first metal layer, the second metal layer, and the third metal layer.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first metal layer may include a first metal, the second metal layer may include a second metal different from the first metal, and the third metal layer may include the first metal.

[0024] In this implementation, the strength of the first metal can be greater than the strength of the second metal.

[0025] In this embodiment, the ductility of the second metal can be greater than that of the first metal.

[0026] In this embodiment, the first metal layer, the second metal layer, and the third metal layer may overlap with the entire display panel.

[0027] In the implementation, the first metal layer and the third metal layer may overlap with the entire display panel, and the second metal layer may overlap with multiple auxiliary areas and corner areas of the display panel in the plan view, but not with the main area.

[0028] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0029] According to the above embodiment, since a cover layer consisting of two or more metal layers is provided and thermoformed under the display panel, deformation of the display panel can be prevented when the cover layer is thermoformed. Therefore, since the display panel can remain undeformed and can be curved with a relatively high curvature, the dead zone at the edge portion of the display panel can be reduced in a planar view.

[0030] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those illustrated above, and further various effects are included in the specification. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The above and other features of this disclosure will become more apparent from a more detailed description of embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the display device according to the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of one implementation of a sub-pixel;

[0034] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the display device;

[0035] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A schematic plan view of an embodiment of the display device;

[0036] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view taken by line I-I';

[0037] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the display panel;

[0038] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the display panel and the covering layer;

[0039] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the covering layer;

[0040] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the display panel and the covering layer;

[0041] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the covering layer;

[0042] Figures 11 to 20 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0043] Figures 21 to 23 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an overlay layer for a display device according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0044] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for purposes of explanation in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments or implementations of this disclosure. As used herein, “implementation” and “method” are interchangeable terms and are non-limiting examples of the apparatus or methods disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent, however, that various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. Herein, the various embodiments are not necessarily exclusive or limiting of this disclosure. For example, a particular shape, configuration, and characteristic of an embodiment may be used or implemented in another embodiment.

[0045] Unless otherwise indicated, the described embodiments should be understood as providing features of this disclosure. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions and / or aspects (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as “elements”) of various embodiments may be combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged in other ways without departing from this disclosure.

[0046] The use of crosshairs and / or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, unless specified, the presence or absence of crosshairs or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material properties, size, scale, commonalities between the elements shown, and / or any other characteristics, properties, or characteristics of the elements. Furthermore, in the drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When embodiments can be implemented differently, a particular process sequence may be performed differently than the described sequence. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of their description. Moreover, the same reference numerals and / or figure marks denote the same elements.

[0047] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "attached to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly attached to the other element or layer, or an intermediary element or layer may be present. However, when an element or layer is referred to as being "directly" on, directly connected to, or directly attached to another element or layer, an intermediary element or layer is not present. Therefore, the term "connection" can refer to a physical connection, electrical connection, and / or fluid connection with or without an intermediary element. Furthermore, the DR1, DR2, and DR3 axes are not limited to the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system (such as the x, y, and z axes) and can be interpreted in a broader sense. For example, the DR1, DR2, and DR3 axes can be perpendicular to each other, or they can be different directions that are not perpendicular to each other.

[0048] For the purposes of this disclosure, "at least one of A and B" can be interpreted as only A, only B, or any combination of A and B. Furthermore, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z" can be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0049] Although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element.

[0050] For descriptive purposes, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “down,” “above,” “above,” “higher,” “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”), etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another (or multiple elements) as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will consequently be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and therefore, the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0051] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, when used in this specification, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including” specify the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree, and are therefore used to allow for inherent deviations in measurements, calculated values, and / or provided values ​​that will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0052] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional views and / or exploded views as schematic diagrams of implementations and / or intermediate structures. Therefore, variations in the shapes shown in the drawings should be expected, for example, due to manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Consequently, the embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to the specific shapes shown for a particular area, but should include, for example, deviations in shape due to manufacturing processes. In this way, the areas shown in the drawings may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these areas may not reflect the actual shapes of the areas of the device, and this is not necessarily intended to be limiting.

[0053] As is customary in the art, some embodiments are described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings for functional blocks, portions, and / or modules. Those skilled in the art will understand that these blocks, portions, and / or modules are physically implemented by electrical circuits (or optical circuits) such as logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hardwired circuits, memory elements, wiring connections, etc., which can be formed using semiconductor-based manufacturing techniques or other manufacturing techniques. Where blocks, portions, and / or modules are implemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware, they can be programmed and controlled using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the various functions discussed herein, and can be selectively driven by firmware and / or software. It is also contemplated that each block, portion, and / or module can be implemented by dedicated hardware, or can be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware for performing some functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmable microprocessors and associated circuitry) for performing other functions. Furthermore, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, each block, portion, and / or module in some embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interactive and discrete blocks, portions, and / or modules. Furthermore, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, some implementation blocks, parts and / or modules may be physically combined into more complex blocks, parts and / or modules.

[0054] Unless otherwise defined or implied herein, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will also be understood that terms (such as those defined in common dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the relevant field and in the context of this disclosure, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the display device according to the present disclosure.

[0056] refer to Figure 1 The display device DD may include a display panel DP, a gate driver 120, a data driver 130, a voltage generator 140, and a controller 150.

[0057] The display panel DP may include sub-pixels SP. Sub-pixels SP can be connected to gate driver 120 via first gate line GL1 to m-th gate line GLm. Sub-pixels SP can be connected to data driver 130 via first data line DL1 to n-th data line DLn.

[0058] Subpixels (SPs) can produce two or more colors of light. For example, each subpixel SP can produce one of various colors of light, such as red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, and yellow.

[0059] Two or more subpixel SPs can be configured with pixels (e.g., a single pixel) PXL. For example, as Figure 1 As shown, pixel PXL can include three sub-pixels SP. As described above, pixel PXL can emit light of various colors and brightnesses based on the combination of light emitted from the sub-pixels SP included in pixel PXL.

[0060] Gate driver 120 can be connected to sub-pixels SP arranged in the row direction via first gate lines GL1 to m-th gate lines GLm. Gate driver 120 can output gate signals to first gate lines GL1 to m-th gate lines GLm in response to gate control signal GCS. In an embodiment, gate control signal GCS may include a start signal indicating the start of each frame, a horizontal synchronization signal, etc.

[0061] The gate driver 120 may be disposed on one side (e.g., a single side) of the display panel DP. However, the implementation is not limited to this. For example, the gate driver 120 may be divided into two or more physically and / or logically separate drivers, and the drivers may be disposed on one side of the display panel DP and on the opposite side of the display panel DP. As described above, according to the implementation, the gate driver 120 may be disposed around the display panel DP in various forms.

[0062] The data driver 130 can be connected to the sub-pixels SP arranged in the column direction via the first data line DL1 to the nth data line DLn. The data driver 130 can receive image data DATA and data control signal DCS from the controller 150. The data driver 130 operates in response to the data control signal DCS. In an embodiment, the data control signal DCS may include a source start signal, a source shift clock, a source output enable signal, etc.

[0063] The data driver 130 can receive voltage from the voltage generator 140. The data driver 130 can use the received voltage to apply a data signal having a grayscale voltage corresponding to the image data DATA to the first data lines DL1 to the nth data line DLn. When a gate signal is applied to each of the first gate lines GL1 to the mth gate line GLm, a data signal corresponding to the image data DATA can be applied to the data lines DL1 to DLn. Therefore, the sub-pixel SP can generate light corresponding to the data signal, and the display panel DP can display an image.

[0064] In one embodiment, the gate driver 120 and the data driver 130 may include complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuit elements.

[0065] Voltage generator 140 can operate in response to a voltage control signal (VCS) from controller 150. Voltage generator 140 can be configured to generate multiple voltages and provide the generated voltages to components of display device DD, such as gate driver 120, data driver 130, and controller 150. Voltage generator 140 can generate voltages by receiving input voltages from outside the display device DD and adjusting the received voltages.

[0066] Voltage generator 140 can generate a first electrical voltage and a second electrical voltage. The generated first and second electrical voltages can be supplied to the sub-pixel SP via the power line PL. In an embodiment, at least one of the first and second electrical voltages can be supplied from outside the display device DD.

[0067] Voltage generator 140 can provide various voltages and / or signals. For example, voltage generator 140 can provide at least one initialization voltage applied to sub-pixel SP. For example, during sensing operations for sensing the electrical characteristics of the transistors and / or light-emitting elements of sub-pixel SP, a reference voltage (e.g., a predetermined or selectable reference voltage) can be applied to first data lines DL1 to nth data lines DLn, and voltage generator 140 can generate the reference voltage and transmit it to data driver 130. For example, during display operations for displaying an image on display panel DP, a common pixel control signal can be applied to sub-pixel SP, and voltage generator 140 can generate the pixel control signal. In an embodiment, voltage generator 140 can provide pixel control signals to sub-pixel SP via pixel control line PXCL. Figure 1 In this embodiment, the pixel control line PXCL can be connected between the voltage generator 140 and the display panel DP, but the implementation is not limited to this. For example, the pixel control line PXCL can be connected between the gate driver 120 and the display panel DP. Pixel control signals can be transmitted from the voltage generator 140 to the pixel control line PXCL through the gate driver 120.

[0068] The controller 150 controls the overall operation of the display device DD. The controller 150 can receive input image data IMG and its corresponding control signal CTRL from an external source. In response to the control signal CTRL, the controller 150 can provide a gate control signal GCS, a data control signal DCS, and a voltage control signal VCS.

[0069] The controller 150 can convert the input image data IMG so that it can be adapted to a display device DD or a display panel DP, and output image data DATA. In one embodiment, the controller 150 can output image data DATA by aligning the input image data IMG so that it can be adapted to the sub-pixels SP of the row portion.

[0070] Two or more of the components—data driver 130, voltage generator 140, and controller 150—may be mounted on an integrated circuit (e.g., a single integrated circuit). Figure 1 As shown, the data driver 130, voltage generator 140, and controller 150 may be included in a driver integrated circuit (DIC). The data driver 130, voltage generator 140, and controller 150 may be functionally separate components within the driver integrated circuit (DIC) (e.g., a single driver integrated circuit). In other embodiments, at least one of the data driver 130, voltage generator 140, and controller 150 may be configured as a component distinct from the driver integrated circuit (DIC).

[0071] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of one implementation of a sub-pixel. Figure 2 In the example shown Figure 1 The sub-pixels SPij in the sub-pixel SP are arranged in the i-th row (i can be an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to m) and the j-th column (j can be an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to n).

[0072] refer to Figure 2 Subpixel SPij may include subpixel circuit SPC and light-emitting element LD.

[0073] The light-emitting element (LD) can be connected between the first power voltage node VDDN and the second power voltage node VSSN. The first power voltage node VDDN can be connected to... Figure 1 One of the power lines PL can receive the first power voltage. The second power voltage node VSSN can be connected to Figure 1 The first power line (PL) is another power line that can receive a second power voltage. The first power voltage can have a higher voltage level than the second power voltage.

[0074] The light-emitting element (LD) can be connected between the anode electrode AE ​​and the cathode electrode CE. The anode electrode AE ​​can be connected to the first power voltage node VDDN via a sub-pixel circuit SPC. For example, the anode electrode AE ​​can be connected to the first power voltage node VDDN via at least one transistor included in the sub-pixel circuit SPC. The cathode electrode CE can be connected to a second power voltage node VSSN. The light-emitting element LD can be configured to emit light according to the current flowing from the anode electrode AE ​​to the cathode electrode CE.

[0075] Sub-pixel circuits (SPCs) can be connected to Figure 1 The first gate line GL1 to the m-th gate line GLm, including the i-th gate line GLi and Figure 1 The first data line DL1 to the nth data line DLn, specifically the j-th data line DLj. In response to the gate signal received via the i-th gate line GL1, the sub-pixel circuit SPC can control the light-emitting element LD to emit light based on the data signal received via the j-th data line DLj. In an embodiment, the sub-pixel circuit SPC may be further connected to... Figure 1 The pixel control line PXCL. The sub-pixel circuit SPC can further control the light-emitting element LD in response to the pixel control signal received through the pixel control line PXCL.

[0076] For this operation, the subpixel circuit SPC may include circuit elements, such as transistors and at least one capacitor.

[0077] The transistors in the sub-pixel circuit SPC may include P-type transistors and / or N-type transistors. In one embodiment, the transistors in the sub-pixel circuit SPC may be metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). In another embodiment, the transistors in the sub-pixel circuit SPC may include amorphous silicon semiconductors, monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon semiconductors, oxide semiconductors, etc.

[0078] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the display device. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A plan view of an implementation of the display device.

[0079] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The display panel DP can include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA. The display panel DP can display images through the display area DA. The non-display area NDA can be set around the display area DA and can be a dead zone where no image is displayed.

[0080] The display panel DP can include multiple sub-pixels SP in the display area DA. The sub-pixels SP can be arranged on a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2 intersecting the first direction DR1. For example, the sub-pixels SP can be arranged in a matrix on the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. As another example, the sub-pixels SP can be arranged in a zigzag pattern on the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The arrangement of the sub-pixels SP can vary depending on the implementation. The first direction DR1 can be a row direction, and the second direction DR2 can be a column direction. Furthermore, in an implementation, the third direction DR3 can be the thickness direction of the display device DD.

[0081] Two or more sub-pixels SP can be configured with pixel PXL (e.g., a single pixel PXL). Figure 4 In this embodiment, pixel PXL can be represented as including a first sub-pixel SP1, a second sub-pixel SP2, and a third sub-pixel SP3, but the implementation is not limited thereto. For example, pixel PXL may include two sub-pixels SP. For example, each of the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, and the third sub-pixel SP3 can produce light of one of various colors such as red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, and yellow.

[0082] The components used to control the subpixel SP can be located in the non-display area NDA. Lines connected to the subpixel SP (e.g., Figure 1 The first gate line GL1 to the m-th gate line GLm, the first data line DL1 to the n-th data line DLn, the power line PL, and the pixel control line PXCL can be set in the non-display area NDA.

[0083] Figure 1 At least one of the gate driver 120, data driver 130, voltage generator 140, and controller 150 can be disposed in the non-display area NDA of the display panel DP. In an embodiment, the gate driver 120 can be disposed in the non-display area NDA. The data driver 130, voltage generator 140, and controller 150 can be implemented as separate from the display panel DP. Figure 1 The driver integrated circuit DIC can be connected to a line disposed in the non-display area NDA. In other embodiments, the gate driver 120 can be implemented together with the data driver 130, voltage generator 140 and controller 150 as an integrated circuit (e.g., a single integrated circuit) separate from the display panel DP.

[0084] In this implementation, the display area DA can have various shapes. The display area DA can have a closed-loop shape with sides including straight lines and / or curves. For example, the display area DA can have shapes such as polygons, circles, semicircles, ellipses, etc.

[0085] In an embodiment, the display panel DP may have at least one region that is curved. In this case, the curved region of the display panel DP can refer to a region having curvature. The curved region of the display panel DP may include both a single curved surface and multiple curved surfaces. A single curved surface may refer to a portion forming one curvature (e.g., a single curvature), and multiple curved surfaces may refer to portions forming multiple curvatures. The display panel DP may include a main region MA, an auxiliary region SA, and a corner region CA.

[0086] The main region MA can include pixels PXL and is set to a substantially flat area, and can display images.

[0087] The auxiliary region SA can curve downwards from at least one edge (e.g., a single edge) of the main region MA, can partially or wholly include the pixel PXL, and can display an image. The auxiliary region SA can be a single curved surface.

[0088] For example, the auxiliary region SA may include a first auxiliary region SA1, a second auxiliary region SA2, a third auxiliary region SA3, and a fourth auxiliary region SA4. The first auxiliary region SA1, the second auxiliary region SA2, the third auxiliary region SA3, and the fourth auxiliary region SA4 may bend downwards from the four edges of the main region MA, respectively.

[0089] A corner region CA can be located at the intersection of adjacent auxiliary regions SA, and can partially or completely include pixels PXL, and can display an image. The corner region CA can be multiple curved surfaces. For example, the corner region CA can include a first corner region CA1, a second corner region CA2, a third corner region CA3, and a fourth corner region CA4. The first corner region CA1 can be located at the intersection of the first auxiliary region SA1 and the second auxiliary region SA2; the second corner region CA2 can be located at the intersection of the second auxiliary region SA2 and the third auxiliary region SA3; the third corner region CA3 can be located at the intersection of the third auxiliary region SA3 and the fourth auxiliary region SA4; and the fourth corner region CA4 can be located at the intersection of the fourth auxiliary region SA4 and the first auxiliary region SA1.

[0090] Therefore, with the same planar area of ​​the display panel DP, as the curvature of the auxiliary area SA increases (or the radius of curvature of the auxiliary area SA decreases), the area of ​​the auxiliary area SA and the area of ​​the corner area CA in the planar diagram can decrease, and the area of ​​the main area MA can increase.

[0091] For example, the entire main area MA, as well as a portion of the auxiliary area SA and the corner area CA, can correspond to the display area DA, and the remaining portions of the auxiliary area SA and the corner area CA can correspond to the non-display area NDA. However, embodiments according to this disclosure are not limited thereto, and the entire main area MA, the auxiliary area SA, and the corner area CA can correspond to the display area DA.

[0092] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view taken from line I-I'. Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the display panel.

[0093] refer to Figure 5 The display device DD may include a display panel DP, a protective layer PTL, a first adhesive layer AL1, an encapsulation layer CL, a second adhesive layer AL2, and a cover window CW.

[0094] The display panel DP can include Figure 4 The pixel PXL. Since the display device DD has at least one region that can be curved and can include a main region MA, an auxiliary region SA and a corner region CA, the display panel DP can also have at least one region that can be curved and can include a main region MA, an auxiliary region SA and a corner region CA.

[0095] In this embodiment, the display panel DP can be flexible, foldable, or rollable. In these cases, the display panel DP and / or the substrate of the display panel DP can include a material with flexible properties.

[0096] refer to Figure 6 The display panel DP may include a substrate SUB, a pixel circuit layer PCL, a light-emitting element layer LDL, and a polarizing plate POL.

[0097] The substrate SUB can be formed from an insulating material such as glass or resin. For example, the substrate SUB may include a glass substrate. As another example, the substrate SUB may include a polyimide (PI) substrate. As yet another example, the substrate SUB may include a silicon wafer substrate formed using semiconductor processes.

[0098] The pixel circuit layer (PCL) can be disposed on the substrate (SUB). The PCL may include an insulating layer and semiconductor and conductive patterns disposed between the insulating layers. The conductive patterns of the PCL can be used as circuit elements, lines, etc.

[0099] The circuit elements of the pixel circuit layer PCL may include sub-pixel circuits for each of the sub-pixels SP. In other words, the circuit elements of the pixel circuit layer PCL may be configured as transistors and at least one capacitor for the sub-pixel circuits.

[0100] The lines of the pixel circuit layer (PCL) may include lines connected to the sub-pixels (SP). The lines of the pixel circuit layer (PCL) may include various signal lines and / or voltage lines required to drive the light-emitting element layer (LDL).

[0101] The light-emitting element layer (LDL) can be disposed on the pixel circuit layer (PCL). In one embodiment, the LDL may include a light-emitting element. According to one embodiment, the light-emitting element may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). As another example, according to one embodiment, the light-emitting element may include an inorganic light-emitting element comprising inorganic materials. As another example, according to one embodiment, the LDL may include a liquid crystal light-emitting element. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0102] A polarizing plate (POL) can be disposed on the light-emitting element layer (LDL). The polarizing plate (POL) can be configured to reduce the reflection of external light. However, in embodiments according to this disclosure, the polarizing plate (POL) can be omitted.

[0103] Refer again Figure 5 The second adhesive layer AL2 and the cover window CW can be disposed on the display panel DP. The cover window CW can be attached to the display panel DP via the second adhesive layer AL2. The second adhesive layer AL2 may include an optically clear adhesive (OCA).

[0104] A cover window (CW) can cover the display panel (DP) and allow images displayed on the DP to be transmitted through it. The cover window (CW) protects the display panel (DP) from external impacts, etc. Therefore, the cover window (CW) can include transparent and rigid materials, such as glass or plastic. The area of ​​the cover window (CW) corresponding to the curved area of ​​the display panel (DP) can also be curved.

[0105] The protective layer PTL can be disposed beneath the display panel DP. The protective layer PTL protects the display panel DP during the manufacturing process of the display device DD. The protective layer PTL can overlap entirely with the display panel DP. The protective layer PTL can be attached to the display panel DP via an adhesive layer, but embodiments according to this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0106] The first adhesive layer AL1 and the overlay layer CL can be disposed beneath the protective layer PTL. The overlay layer CL can be attached to the protective layer PTL via the first adhesive layer AL1. The first adhesive layer AL1 may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). However, embodiments according to this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0107] The overlay layer CL can overlap the entirety of the display panel DP, including curved regions (e.g., auxiliary regions SA and corner regions CA of the display panel DP). Specifically, of the upper surface CLa and lower surface CLb of the overlay layer CL, the upper surface CLa of the overlay layer CL adjacent to the display panel DP can overlap the entirety of the display panel DP. This overlap of the overlay layer CL with the display panel DP can support the display panel DP and facilitates the formation of the display panel DP without deformation during the manufacturing process of the display device DD.

[0108] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the display panel and the covering layer. Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the covering layer.

[0109] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The cladding layer CL can have a structure in which two or more metal layers of different metals can be bonded together. Therefore, the cladding layer CL can have the properties of all the metals included in the cladding layer CL.

[0110] For example, the cladding layer CL may include a first metal layer MTL1, a second metal layer MTL2, and a third metal layer MTL3. The first metal layer MTL1 may include a first metal. The second metal layer MTL2 may be disposed on the first metal layer MTL1 and may include a second metal different from the first metal. The third metal layer MTL3 may be disposed on the second metal layer MTL2 and may include the first metal. The first metal layer MTL1 and the third metal layer MTL3 may include the same material, and the second metal layer MTL2 may include a material different from the materials of the first metal layer MTL1 and the third metal layer MTL3. However, embodiments according to this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0111] In this implementation, to ensure both the strength and flexibility of the coating layer CL, one of the first metal and the second metal can be selected as a metal with relatively high strength, and the other of the first metal and the second metal can be selected as a metal with relatively high flexibility and high ductility. For example, the strength of the first metal can be greater than that of the second metal. The strength of each of the first metal layer MTL1 and the third metal layer MTL3 can be greater than that of the second metal layer MTL2. For example, the ductility of the second metal can be greater than that of the first metal. The ductility of the second metal layer MTL2 can be greater than that of each of the first metal layer MTL1 and the third metal layer MTL3.

[0112] Since the first metal layer MTL1 and the third metal layer MTL3 comprise the same metal, and only the second metal layer MTL2 may comprise a different metal, the cladding layer CL can have uniform properties on the third direction DR3, which intersects the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Therefore, when the cladding layer CL is formed during the manufacture of the display device DD, the cladding layer CL can be formed without biasing to one side (e.g., one side) and can be formed in a predetermined shape. Since the first metal layer MTL1 and the third metal layer MTL3 may comprise a first metal with high strength and since the second metal layer MTL2 may comprise a second metal with high ductility, the cladding layer CL can be easily molded and can have stable properties.

[0113] For example, the first metal may be at least one of nickel (Ni) and stainless steel, and the second metal may be copper. However, embodiments according to this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0114] In this embodiment, the first metal layer MTL1, the second metal layer MTL2, and the third metal layer MTL3 can completely overlap with the display panel DP. The cover layer CL and the display panel DP can completely overlap each other, and the first metal layer MTL1, the second metal layer MTL2, and the third metal layer MTL3 included in the cover layer CL can also completely overlap with the display panel DP. Therefore, the cover layer CL can completely support the display panel DP at its lower portion and can prevent deformation of the display panel DP during molding.

[0115] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 5 An exploded schematic perspective view of the implementation of the covering layer and the display panel. Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the covering layer.

[0116] The cladding layer CL' according to the embodiment may differ from the cladding layer CL described above in shape from the second metal layer MTL2'. Therefore, topics that are repeated above will be briefly described or will not be repeated.

[0117] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The cladding layer CL' can have a structure in which two or more metal layers of different metals are clad together.

[0118] For example, the cladding layer CL' may include a first metal layer MTL1, a second metal layer MTL2', and a third metal layer MTL3. The first metal layer MTL1 may include a first metal. The second metal layer MTL2' may be disposed on the first metal layer MTL1 and may include a second metal different from the first metal. The third metal layer MTL3 may be disposed on the second metal layer MTL2' and may include the first metal.

[0119] In this embodiment, the first metal layer MTL1 and the third metal layer MTL3 may overlap the entirety of the display panel DP. The second metal layer MTL2' may overlap only a portion of the display panel DP. Specifically, the second metal layer MTL2' may overlap the auxiliary region SA and corner region CA of the display panel DP in a plan view, and may be spaced apart from the main region MA. The covering layer CL' may overlap the entirety of the display panel DP, but the second metal layer MTL2' included in the covering layer CL' may overlap the display panel DP only in the auxiliary region SA and corner region CA, and may not overlap the display panel DP in the main region MA. In this case, the second metal layer MTL2' may define an opening OP that overlaps with the main region MA. However, the embodiments according to this disclosure are not limited to this, and the second metal layer MTL2' may have multiple plate shapes that overlap with the auxiliary region SA and corner region CA respectively.

[0120] In one embodiment, the first metal layer MTL1 may have a thinner thickness in the auxiliary region SA and the corner region CA than it does in the main region MA. The third metal layer MTL3 may also have a thinner thickness in the auxiliary region SA and the corner region CA than it does in the main region MA.

[0121] Since the cladding layer CL' overlaps with the entire display panel DP, but the second metal layer MTL2' only overlaps with the auxiliary area SA and the corner area CA, the thickness of the display device DD in the main area MA can be reduced, and the material cost of the second metal can be reduced.

[0122] Figures 11 to 20 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 11 to 20 The manufacturing process is shown according to the above reference. Figures 1 to 8 The method of the display device DD described in the embodiment. Figure 17 It is shown Figure 16 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the display panel DP, protective layer PTL, first adhesive layer AL1, and overlay layer CL. Figure 19 It is shown Figure 18 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the display panel DP, protective layer PTL, first adhesive layer AL1, and overlay layer CL. Topics already mentioned are briefly described or will not be repeated.

[0123] refer to Figure 11 A display panel (DP) can be formed. A display panel (DP) can be formed by... Figure 6 It is formed by a substrate SUB, a pixel circuit layer PCL on the substrate SUB, a light-emitting element layer LDL on the pixel circuit layer PCL, and a polarizer POL on the light-emitting element layer LDL.

[0124] refer to Figure 12 A protective layer PTL can be formed under the display panel (DP). The protective PTL can be attached to the lower part of the display panel (DP).

[0125] refer to Figure 13 A first adhesive layer AL1 and an overlay layer CL can be formed beneath the protective layer PTL. The overlay layer CL can be formed to overlap the entire area of ​​the display panel DP, including the auxiliary area SA and the corner area CA. Specifically, of the upper surface CLa and the lower surface CLb of the overlay layer CL, the upper surface CLa of the overlay layer CL adjacent to the display panel DP can be formed to completely overlap with the display panel DP. The overlay layer CL can be attached to the protective layer PTL via the first adhesive layer AL1. The first adhesive layer AL1 can be formed of pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). However, embodiments according to this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0126] The cladding layer CL can be pre-formed before being attached to the lower portion of the protective layer PTL. In an embodiment, the cladding layer CL can be formed by overlaying (or overlaying) two or more metal layers comprising different metals.

[0127] refer to Figure 14 The first metal layer MTL1, the second metal layer MTL2, and the third metal layer MTL3 can be sequentially stacked to form the preliminary coating layer PRCL. The first metal layer MTL1, the second metal layer MTL2, and the third metal layer MTL3 can be formed in a manner consistent with... Figure 13 The display panel DP overlaps completely.

[0128] The first metal layer MTL1 can be formed of a first metal, the second metal layer MTL2 can be formed of a second metal different from the first metal, and the third metal layer MTL3 can be formed of the first metal. In this case, the strength of the first metal can be greater than the strength of the second metal, and the ductility of the second metal can be greater than the ductility of the first metal. For example, the first metal can be either nickel or stainless steel, and the second metal can be copper.

[0129] refer to Figure 15The cladding layer CL can be formed by roll forming a preliminary cladding layer PRCL comprising a first metal layer MTL1, a second metal layer MTL2, and a third metal layer MTL3. By roll forming the preliminary cladding layer PRCL, the metals included in the first metal layer MTL1, the second metal layer MTL2, and the third metal layer MTL3 can be bonded together. The first metal layer MTL1, the second metal layer MTL2, and the third metal layer MTL3 can be bonded together to form a cladding layer CL comprising three metal layers. Since the cladding layer CL can be formed by combining two or more metals, the cladding layer CL can possess all the properties of two or more metals.

[0130] refer to Figures 16 to 19 The curved area can be formed by thermoforming the display panel DP, protective layer PTL, first adhesive layer AL1 and covering layer CL that are attached to each other.

[0131] Specifically, the display panel DP, protective layer PTL, first adhesive layer AL1, and overlay layer CL can be molded by pressing between the lower mold LM and the upper mold UM.

[0132] The lower mold LM can have the same shape as the lower surface of the display device to be formed. For example, the lower mold LM can include components corresponding to... Figure 4 The main area MA of the display device DD has a first basically flat portion FP1 and a first curved portion CP1 corresponding to the auxiliary area SA and the corner area CA. The upper surface of the lower mold LM may have a shape that protrudes in the direction of the upper mold UM (i.e., in the third direction DR3).

[0133] The upper mold UM can have the same shape as the upper surface of the display device to be formed. For example, the upper mold UM can include the same shape as the upper surface of the display device to be formed. Figure 4 The main area MA of the display device DD corresponds to the second basically flat portion FP2 and the second curved portion CP2 corresponds to the auxiliary area SA and the corner area CA. The lower surface of the upper mold UM can have a recessed shape in the third direction DR3.

[0134] The display panel DP, protective layer PTL, first adhesive layer AL1, and overlay layer CL can be disposed between the lower mold LM and the upper mold UM on the lower mold LM. Subsequently, by engaging the lower mold LM and the upper mold UM, pressure can be applied to the display panel DP, protective layer PTL, first adhesive layer AL1, and overlay layer CL. At this time, the lower mold LM and the upper mold UM can not only apply pressure but also apply heat to the display panel DP, protective layer PTL, first adhesive layer AL1, and overlay layer CL.

[0135] Therefore, the display panel DP, the protective layer PTL, the first adhesive layer AL1, and the overlay layer CL can be thermoformed into the shapes of the lower mold LM and the upper mold UM, and thus a curved region can be formed in each of the display panel DP, the protective layer PTL, the first adhesive layer AL1, and the overlay layer CL. A main region MA, an auxiliary region SA curving downwards from the edge of the main region MA, and a corner region CA located at the intersection of adjacent auxiliary regions SA can be formed in each of the display panel DP, the protective layer PTL, the first adhesive layer AL1, and the overlay layer CL.

[0136] refer to Figure 20 After thermoforming, a second adhesive layer AL2 and a cover window CW can be formed on the display panel DP. The cover window CW can be attached to the display panel DP via the second adhesive layer AL2. The second adhesive layer AL2 can be formed of an optically transparent adhesive, and the cover window CW can be formed of glass or plastic.

[0137] The area of ​​the cover window CW corresponding to the curved area of ​​the display panel DP (e.g., auxiliary area SA and corner area CA) can also be curved, and therefore the cover window CW can be easily attached to the display panel DP.

[0138] Therefore, a display device DD can be formed, comprising a cover window CW, a second adhesive layer AL2, a display panel DP, a protective layer PTL, a first adhesive layer AL1, and an encapsulation layer CL.

[0139] In this embodiment, since a cladding layer CL, in which two or more metal layers are bonded, is disposed beneath the display panel DP and is thermoformed, deformation of the display panel DP can be prevented during the thermoforming of the cladding layer CL. Because the cladding layer CL can be completely disposed beneath the display panel DP, the thickness of the thermoformed structure can be increased, and thus the critical load can be increased. Therefore, warping of the display panel DP can be prevented. Since the cladding layer CL has resistance to deformation during thermoforming, deformation of the display panel DP due to thermal shrinkage can be prevented. Therefore, the display panel DP can be bent with a relatively high curvature without deformation, and thus the area occupied by the non-display area at the edge of the display panel DP in the plan view can be reduced.

[0140] Figures 21 to 23 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an overlay layer for a display device according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 21 to 23 The manufacturing process is shown according to the above reference. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The described embodiment is a method for covering the display device with a CL'.

[0141] Manufacturing basis Figures 9 to 10Method and manufacturing of the overlay layer CL' of the display device DD according to the embodiment. Figures 7 to 8 The difference in the method of covering the display device DD with the above-mentioned CL may lie in the shape of the second metal layer MTL2. Therefore, the topic that is repeated above will be briefly described or will not be repeated.

[0142] refer to Figure 21 The first metal layer MTL1, the second metal layer MTL2' and the third metal layer MTL3 can be stacked sequentially to form the preliminary coating layer PRCL'.

[0143] The first metal layer MTL1 and the third metal layer MTL3 can be formed to overlap the entire display panel. Conversely, the second metal layer MTL2' can be formed to overlap the display panel (e.g., in the plan view) with the display panel. Figure 20 The auxiliary area SA and corner area CA of the display panel DP overlap and can be formed to be spaced apart from the main area MA. An opening OP that does not overlap with the auxiliary area SA and corner area CA of the display panel and corresponds to the main area MA of the display panel can be formed in the second metal layer MTL2'.

[0144] refer to Figure 22 and Figure 23 The cladding layer CL' can be formed by rolling a preliminary cladding layer PRCL' comprising a first metal layer MTL1, a second metal layer MTL2, and a third metal layer MTL3. By rolling the preliminary cladding layer PRCL', the metals included in the first metal layer MTL1, the second metal layer MTL2', and the third metal layer MTL3 can bond together. The first metal layer MTL1, the second metal layer MTL2', and the third metal layer MTL3 can bond together to form the cladding layer CL'. Therefore, the areas of the cladding layer CL' corresponding to the auxiliary area SA and the corner area CA of the display panel can be formed as a three-layer cladding metal layer in which the first metal layer MTL1, the second metal layer MTL2', and the third metal layer MTL3 can be rolled, and the area of ​​the cladding layer CL' corresponding to the main area MA can be formed as a two-layer cladding metal layer in which the first metal layer MTL1 and the third metal layer MTL3 can be rolled.

[0145] Therefore, the thickness of each region of the cladding layer CL' can be different from each other, and the characteristics of each region (e.g., strength, ductility, etc.) can also be different from each other. By providing the second metal layer MTL2' only in the auxiliary region SA and the corner region CA where both strength and ductility are required, the thickness of the display device DD corresponding to the main region MA can be reduced, and the material cost can be reduced. In the auxiliary region SA and the corner region CA where molding may be required, the cladding layer CL' can be easily formed by the second metal layer MTL2' with high ductility, and the display panel can be prevented from deforming while being molded by the support of the first metal layer MTL1 and the third metal layer MTL3.

[0146] Although the technical concept of this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, it should be noted that the above embodiments are for description and not limitation. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure.

[0147] The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the details described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the claims. It should be understood that all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents are included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that, The display device includes: Display panel, including curved areas; and A covering layer, disposed beneath the display panel, overlapping the curved area of ​​the display panel, and having multiple metal layers that overlap and bond with each other, the multiple metal layers comprising different metals. The surface of the covering layer adjacent to the display panel overlaps with the entire display panel.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display panel includes: Main area; Multiple auxiliary regions curve downwards from the edge portion of the main region; and The corner area is located at the intersection of adjacent auxiliary areas among the plurality of auxiliary areas.

3. The display device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The covering layer overlaps with the plurality of auxiliary regions and the corner region.

4. The display device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The coating layer includes: A first metal layer, comprising a first metal; A second metal layer, disposed on the first metal layer and comprising a second metal different from the first metal; and A third metal layer is disposed on the second metal layer and includes the first metal.

5. The display device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The strength of the first metal is greater than the strength of the second metal.

6. The display device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second metal has greater ductility than the first metal.

7. The display device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first metal includes at least one of nickel and stainless steel.

8. The display device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second metal includes copper.

9. The display device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first metal layer, the second metal layer, and the third metal layer overlap with the entire display panel.

10. The display device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first metal layer and the third metal layer overlap the entire display panel, and The second metal layer overlaps with the plurality of auxiliary areas and the corner areas of the display panel in the plan view, but does not overlap with the main area.

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