Manufacturing apparatus for display devices

Abstract

This utility model discloses a manufacturing apparatus for a display device, comprising: a worktable for placing a display substrate; and an ink jetting unit arranged opposite to the worktable and used to jet ink onto the display substrate. The ink jetting unit includes: a head having a nozzle portion for dispensing ink and for opening and closing the nozzle portion; a suction housing having a first hole for inserting the nozzle portion and a suction channel communicating with the first hole for suctioning tiny droplets around the nozzle portion; a suction pipe connected to the suction channel for allowing the tiny droplets to flow; and a vacuum generating unit connected to the suction pipe for generating a vacuum.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this utility model relate to an apparatus for manufacturing a display device and a method for manufacturing a display device, and more specifically to an apparatus for manufacturing a display device and a method for manufacturing a display device that can improve the quality of inkjet printing. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile electronic devices are widely used. Besides small electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers have recently become increasingly common as mobile electronic devices.

[0003] In order to provide users with a variety of functions (i.e., visual information such as images or videos), such mobile electronic devices include display devices. Recently, the proportion of display devices in electronic devices has been increasing, and structures that can be bent at specified angles from a flat state are also being developed.

[0004] Furthermore, the display device may include multiple layers, and various processes can be used to form these multiple layers. In particular, at least one of the multiple layers of the display device or a structure can be formed by a printing process.

[0005] The following problem exists in the inkjet printing process: when ink droplets are ejected, the droplets are not completely separated from each other, resulting in undesirable tail-like shapes between the droplets, such as ligaments. Utility Model Content

[0006] In order to solve various problems, including those mentioned above, the purpose of this utility model embodiment is to provide a display device manufacturing apparatus and a display device manufacturing method that can prevent defects such as ties during ink droplet ejection.

[0007] However, this topic is illustrative, and the problem to be solved by this utility model is not limited to this.

[0008] According to one aspect of this utility model, a manufacturing apparatus for a display device is disclosed, comprising: a worktable for placing a display substrate; and an ink jetting unit arranged opposite to the worktable and used to jet ink onto the display substrate, the ink jetting unit comprising: a head having a nozzle portion for dispensing ink and for opening and closing the nozzle portion; a suction housing having a first hole for inserting the nozzle portion and a suction channel communicating with the first hole and for suctioning tiny droplets around the nozzle portion; a suction pipe connected to the suction channel and for allowing the tiny droplets to flow; and a vacuum generating unit connected to the suction pipe and for generating a vacuum.

[0009] In one embodiment, a portion of the suction channel may be arranged in a ring shape to surround the first hole.

[0010] In one embodiment, the suction housing may further include connecting holes, which are respectively arranged on a first side of the inner surface of the first hole and a second side opposite to the first side, with the center of the first hole as a reference, and connect the first hole and the suction channel.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least three of the connecting holes may be arranged side by side on the first side, and at least three of the connecting holes may be arranged side by side on the second side.

[0012] In one embodiment, the connection hole may be configured as an ellipse that extends elongated around the inner side of the first hole.

[0013] In one embodiment, the suction housing may further include connecting holes that are arranged at equal angular intervals around the inner side of the first hole and connect the first hole and the suction channel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first hole may be configured as a cylinder, the nozzle portion is housed in the first hole, and the diameter gradually decreases as it tends toward the ink ejection direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the nozzle portion in a top view may be set as a polygon.

[0016] In one embodiment, the diameter of the nozzle portion may be smaller than the diameter of the first hole, such that the inner side of the first hole is separated from the outer side of the nozzle portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the distance between the inner side of the first hole and the outer side of the nozzle portion may be 0.2 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

[0018] In one embodiment, the injection unit may further include a separation and collection section connected between the suction pipe and the vacuum generating section, the separation and collection section being used to separate the tiny droplets around the suctioned nozzle section from the air.

[0019] In one embodiment, the separation and collection section may include: a collection body into which tiny droplets around the nozzle portion are drawn in; a blocking wall disposed inside the collection body and used to condense the tiny droplets; and a collection container detachably attached to the collection body into which the condensed tiny droplets are collected.

[0020] In one embodiment, a maintenance housing may be further included, the maintenance housing being arranged opposite the suction housing and having a second hole corresponding to the first hole, through which the suction housing and the suction pipe are cleaned.

[0021] According to another aspect of this utility model, a method for manufacturing a display device is disclosed, comprising the following steps: placing a display substrate on a worktable; ejecting ink onto the display substrate through an ejection unit; and, while ejecting the ink, drawing in tiny droplets around a nozzle through the ejection unit, wherein the step of drawing in tiny droplets around the nozzle includes the following steps: operating a vacuum generating unit to draw in air; receiving the nozzle and drawing in tiny droplets around the nozzle through a first hole in a suction housing connected to the vacuum generating unit; and measuring and monitoring the pressure of the vacuum generating unit, the suction housing, and the suction pipe connecting the vacuum generating unit and the suction housing through an observation sensor.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method may further include the following steps: allowing a mixture of tiny droplets and air drawn into the nozzle portion in the first hole to flow into a separation and collection portion, whereby the separation and collection portion separates the tiny droplets as liquid and the air as gas.

[0023] In one embodiment, the separation and collection unit can collect the tiny droplets into a detachable, independent collection container.

[0024] In one embodiment, the method may further include the following steps: when the pressure measured by the observation sensor is lower than a set pressure, moving the injection unit toward the maintenance section; and cleaning the interior of the suction housing and the suction pipe in the maintenance section.

[0025] In one embodiment, the steps may further include: mounting a maintenance housing onto the suction housing in the maintenance section; and providing cleaning pressure through the maintenance housing to suction impurities from inside the suction housing and the suction pipe.

[0026] In one embodiment, the step may further include: measuring the cleaning pressure inside the suction housing and the suction pipe using the observation sensor in the maintenance unit.

[0027] In one embodiment, the process may further include the following steps: continuously cleaning the interior of the suction housing and the suction pipe until the cleaning pressure measured by the observation sensor reaches a set pressure.

[0028] Other aspects, features, and advantages, besides those described above, will become clear from the specific embodiments, claims, and accompanying drawings.

[0029] According to embodiments of the present invention, a manufacturing apparatus and a method for manufacturing a display device can be provided that can improve the ink ejection quality during ink ejection to prevent defects such as droplet entanglement.

[0030] The effects of this utility model are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned based on the description in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing each pixel of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 Indicative Figure 2 Color conversion - optical components of the transmission layer.

[0034] Figure 4 This is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a light-emitting diode and a pixel circuit electrically connected to the light-emitting diode in a display device included in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a manufacturing apparatus for a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the spraying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a suction system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a perspective view schematically showing a suction housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic bottom cross-sectional view of the suction housing of an embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to a cross-section taken along line A-A'.

[0041] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a schematic bottom cross-sectional view of the suction housing of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 13 This is a schematic bottom cross-sectional view of the suction housing of an embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to a cross-section taken along line A-A'.

[0043] Figure 14 and Figure 15This is a schematic bottom cross-sectional view of the suction housing of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figures 16 to 19 This is a schematic front view of the connection hole in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figures 20 to 21 This is a diagram schematically illustrating a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0047] 1: Manufacturing apparatus for display devices

[0048] 10: Support section

[0049] 20: Gantry Frame

[0050] 30: First Moving Unit

[0051] 40: Second Moving Unit

[0052] 50: Injection Unit

[0053] 60: Maintenance Department

[0054] 90: Control Department

[0055] 51: Head

[0056] 52: Piezoelectric element

[0057] 53: Conversion Module

[0058] 54: Pole

[0059] 55: Nozzle section

[0060] 56: Suction housing

[0061] 57: Suction pipe

[0062] 58: Separation and Collection Section

[0063] 59: Vacuum Generation Section

[0064] 61: Repairing the casing Detailed Implementation

[0065] This utility model can be modified in many ways and has many embodiments. Specific embodiments are schematically shown in the accompanying drawings, and detailed descriptions are provided in the specific embodiments. The effects and features of this utility model, as well as the methods of implementing them, will become clear with reference to the accompanying drawings and the embodiments described in detail below. However, this utility model is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in many other forms.

[0066] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding structural elements will be given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these elements will be omitted.

[0067] In the following embodiments, the terms "first," "second," etc., are not used in a limiting sense, but are used for the purpose of distinguishing one structural element from another.

[0068] In the following embodiments, the singular expression includes the plural expression, provided that it does not clearly indicate a different meaning in the context.

[0069] In the following embodiments, terms such as "comprising" or "having" indicate the presence of features or structural elements described in the specification, rather than precluding the possibility of adding more than one other feature or structural element.

[0070] In the following embodiments, when a portion referred to as a membrane, region, structural element, etc. is located above or on another portion, this includes not only the case where it is directly above the other portion, but also the case where there are other membranes, regions, structural elements, etc. in between.

[0071] For ease of illustration, the size of structural elements may be exaggerated or reduced in the accompanying drawings. For example, the size and thickness of the structures shown in the drawings are arbitrarily depicted for ease of illustration, therefore the present invention is not necessarily limited to the depicted content.

[0072] In the following embodiments, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to the three axes of a Cartesian coordinate system, and can be interpreted in a broad sense, including this case. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis can be orthogonal to each other, but can also refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

[0073] When an embodiment can be implemented in different ways, a particular process sequence can be performed in a different order than that described. For example, two processes described consecutively can be performed substantially simultaneously, or they can be performed in the reverse order of that described process.

[0074] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Reference Figure 1A display device (DV) may include a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA) outside the display area (DA). The display device (DV) can provide an image on the display area (DA) by means of an array of multiple pixels arranged in a two-dimensional plane on the xy plane. The multiple pixels include a first pixel, a second pixel, and a third pixel. For ease of explanation, the following description will use the case where the first pixel is a red pixel (Pr), the second pixel is a green pixel (Pg), and the third pixel is a blue pixel (Pb).

[0076] The red pixel Pr, green pixel Pg, and blue pixel Pb are areas that can emit red, green, and blue light, respectively. The display device DV can use the light emitted by the pixels to provide an image.

[0077] The non-display area (NDA) is a region that does not provide an image and may surround the entire display area (DA). Drivers or main voltage lines for providing electrical signals or power to pixel circuits may be arranged within the NDA. The NDA may also include pads, which are areas that can be electrically connected to electronic components or printed circuit boards.

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, the display area DA can have a polygonal shape, including quadrilaterals. For example, the display area DA can have a rectangular shape with a horizontal length greater than its vertical length, or a rectangular shape with a horizontal length less than its vertical length, or a square shape. Alternatively, the display area DA can have various shapes such as ellipses or circles.

[0079] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing each pixel of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Reference Figure 2 The display device DV may include a circuit layer 200 on the substrate 100. The circuit layer 200 may include first to third pixel circuits PC1, PC2, and PC3, which may be electrically connected to the first to third light-emitting diodes LED1, LED2, and LED3 of the light-emitting diode layer 300, respectively.

[0081] The first to third light-emitting diodes (LEDs) LED1, LED2, and LED3 can be organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) containing organic materials. Alternatively, the first to third LEDs LED1, LED2, and LED3 can be inorganic light-emitting diodes (LEDs) containing inorganic materials. Inorganic LEDs can include PN junction diodes containing materials based on inorganic semiconductors. When a forward voltage is applied to the PN junction diode, holes and electrons are injected, and light of a specified color can be emitted by converting the energy generated from the recombination of these holes and electrons into light energy. The aforementioned inorganic LEDs can have a width of several micrometers to hundreds of micrometers or several nanometers to hundreds of nanometers. Alternatively, the LED can be a light-emitting diode containing quantum dots. As mentioned above, the light-emitting layer of the LED can contain organic materials, or inorganic materials, or quantum dots, or a combination of organic materials and quantum dots, or a combination of inorganic materials and quantum dots.

[0082] The first to third light-emitting diodes LED1, LED2, and LED3 can emit light of the same color. For example, the light emitted by the first to third light-emitting diodes LED1, LED2, and LED3 (e.g., blue light Lb) can pass through the sealing layer 400 on the light-emitting diode layer 300 and through the color conversion-transmission layer 500.

[0083] The color conversion-transmission layer 500 may include an optical section for converting the light emitted by the light-emitting diode layer 300 (e.g., blue light Lb) to another color or transmitting it without color conversion. For example, the color conversion-transmission layer 500 may include: a color conversion section for converting the light emitted by the light-emitting diode layer 300 (e.g., blue light Lb) to another color; and a transmission section 530 for transmitting the light emitted by the light-emitting diode layer 300 (e.g., blue light Lb) without color conversion. The color conversion-transmission layer 500 may include a first color conversion section 510 corresponding to a red pixel Pr, a second color conversion section 520 corresponding to a green pixel Pg, and a transmission section 530 corresponding to a blue pixel Pb. The first color conversion section 510 can convert blue light Lb to red light Lr, and the second color conversion section 520 can convert blue light Lb to green light Lg. The transmission section 530 can transmit the light without converting blue light Lb.

[0084] Color layer 600 may be disposed on color conversion-transmission layer 500. Color layer 600 may include first to third color filters 610, 620, and 630 of different colors. For example, first color filter 610 may be a red color filter, second color filter 620 may be a green color filter, and third color filter 630 may be a blue color filter.

[0085] In the color conversion-transmission layer 500, the color-converted light and the transmitted light can pass through the first to third color filters 610, 620, and 630 respectively, while improving color purity. In addition, the color layer 600 can prevent or minimize the phenomenon that is visually perceived by the user due to reflection of external light (e.g., light incident on the display device DV from the outside of the display device DV).

[0086] A light-transparent substrate layer 700 may be included on the color layer 600. The light-transparent substrate layer 700 may contain glass or a light-transparent organic material. For example, the light-transparent substrate layer 700 may contain a light-transparent organic material such as an acrylic resin.

[0087] As an example, the light-transmitting substrate layer 700 can be a substrate, and after the color layer 600 and the color conversion-transmission layer 500 are formed on the light-transmitting substrate layer 700, the color conversion-transmission layer 500 is integrated with the sealing layer 400 in such a way that they are opposite each other.

[0088] Alternatively, the color conversion-transmission layer 500 and the color layer 600 can be sequentially formed on the sealing layer 400, and then the light-transmitting substrate layer 700 can be directly coated onto the color layer 600 and cured. Alternatively, the light-transmitting substrate layer 700 can be placed on the color layer 600 as a rigid substrate. Although not shown, other optical films, such as anti-reflection (AR) films, can be disposed on the light-transmitting substrate layer 700.

[0089] Display devices (DV) with the aforementioned structure may include televisions, billboards, cinema screens, monitors, tablet computers, laptop computers, etc.

[0090] Figure 3 Indicative Figure 2 Color conversion - optical components of the transmission layer.

[0091] Reference Figure 3 The first color conversion unit 510 can convert the incident blue light Lb into red light Lr. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the first color conversion unit 510 may include a first photosensitive polymer 1151, a first quantum dot 1152 dispersed in the first photosensitive polymer 1151, and a first scattering particle 1153.

[0092] The first quantum dot 1152 can be excited by blue light Lb to isotropically emit red light Lr with a wavelength longer than that of blue light Lb. The first photosensitive polymer 1151 can be an organic material with light transmittance. The first scattering particle 1153 can increase the color conversion efficiency by scattering blue light Lb that has not been absorbed by the first quantum dot 1152, thereby exciting more first quantum dots 1152. The first scattering particle 1153 can be, for example, titanium oxide (TiO2) or metal particles. The first quantum dot 1152 can be selected from group II-VI compounds, group III-V compounds, group IV-VI compounds, group IV elements, group IV compounds, and combinations thereof.

[0093] The second color conversion unit 520 can convert the incident blue light Lb into green light Lg. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the second color conversion unit 520 may include a second photosensitive polymer 1161, a second quantum dot 1162 dispersed in the second photosensitive polymer 1161, and a second scattering particle 1163.

[0094] The second quantum dot 1162 can be excited by blue light Lb to isotropically emit green light Lg with a wavelength longer than that of blue light Lb. The second photosensitive polymer 1161 can be an organic material with light transmittance.

[0095] The second scattering particle 1163 can increase the color conversion efficiency by scattering blue light Lb that has not been absorbed by the second quantum dot 1162, thereby exciting more second quantum dots 1162. The second scattering particle 1163 can be, for example, titanium oxide (TiO2) or metal particles. The second quantum dot 1162 can be selected from group II-VI compounds, group III-V compounds, group IV-VI compounds, group IV elements, group IV compounds, and combinations thereof.

[0096] In one embodiment, the first quantum dot 1152 and the second quantum dot 1162 may be made of the same material. In this case, the size of the first quantum dot 1152 may be larger than the size of the second quantum dot 1162.

[0097] The transmission section 530 can transmit blue light Lb without converting the blue light Lb incident onto the transmission section 530. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the transmissive portion 530 may include a third photosensitive polymer 1171 in which third scattering particles 1173 are dispersed. The third photosensitive polymer 1171 may be, for example, a light-transmitting organic material such as silicone resin or epoxy resin, and may be the same material as the first and second photosensitive polymers 1151 and 1161. The third scattering particles 1173 may scatter and emit blue light Lb, and the third scattering particles 1173 may be the same material as the first and second scattering particles 1153 and 1163.

[0098] Figure 4 This is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a light-emitting diode and a pixel circuit electrically connected to the light-emitting diode in a display device included in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Reference Figure 4 The first electrode (e.g., anode) of a light-emitting diode, such as an LED, can be connected to a sub-pixel circuit PC, and the second electrode (e.g., cathode) of the LED can be connected to a common voltage line VSL that provides a common power supply voltage ELVSS. The LED can emit light with a brightness corresponding to the amount of current supplied by the sub-pixel circuit PC.

[0100] Figure 4 The light-emitting diode (LED) can be equivalent to the front Figure 2 Each of the first to third light-emitting diodes LED1, LED2, and LED3 shown is an example of a light-emitting diode. Figure 4 The sub-pixel circuit PC can be equivalent to the front Figure 2 Each pixel circuit in the first to third pixel circuits PC1, PC2, and PC3 shown.

[0101] The sub-pixel circuit PC can control the amount of current flowing from the driving power supply voltage ELVDD through the light-emitting diode LED to the common power supply voltage ELVSS in response to the data signal. The sub-pixel circuit PC may include a driving transistor M1, a switching transistor M2, a sensing transistor M3, and a storage capacitor Cst.

[0102] The driving transistor M1, the switching transistor M2, and the sensing transistor M3 can each be an oxide semiconductor thin-film transistor comprising a semiconductor layer made of oxide semiconductor, or a silicon semiconductor thin-film transistor comprising a semiconductor layer made of polycrystalline silicon. The driving transistor M1, the switching transistor M2, and the sensing transistor M3 can each include a source electrode (or source region) and a drain electrode (or drain region).

[0103] The source electrode (or source region) of the driving transistor M1 can be connected to the driving power line VDL supplying the driving power supply voltage ELVDD, and the drain electrode (or drain region) can be connected to the first electrode (e.g., the anode) of the light-emitting diode (LED). The gate electrode of the driving transistor M1 can be connected to the first node N1. The driving transistor M1 can control the amount of current flowing through the LED from the driving power supply voltage ELVDD according to the voltage of the first node N1. However, the positions of the source electrode (or source region) and the drain electrode (or drain region) can be interchanged.

[0104] Switching transistor M2 can be a switching transistor. The source electrode (or source region) of switching transistor M2 can be connected to the data line DL, and the drain electrode (or drain region) can be connected to the first node N1. The gate electrode of switching transistor M2 can be connected to the scan line SL. When a scan signal is supplied to the scan line SL, switching transistor M2 can be turned on to electrically connect the data line DL and the first node N1. However, the positions of the source electrode (or source region) and the drain electrode (or drain region) can be interchanged.

[0105] The sensing transistor M3 can be an initialization transistor and / or a sensing transistor. The drain electrode (or drain region) of the sensing transistor M3 can be connected to the second node N2, and the source electrode (or source region) can be connected to the sensing line SEL. The gate electrode of the sensing transistor M3 can be connected to the control line CL. However, the positions of the source electrode (or source region) and the drain electrode (or drain region) can be interchanged.

[0106] The storage capacitor Cst can be connected between the first node N1 and the second node N2. For example, the first capacitor electrode of the storage capacitor Cst can be connected to the gate electrode of the driving transistor M1, and the second capacitor electrode of the storage capacitor Cst can be connected to the first electrode (e.g., the anode) of the light-emitting diode LED.

[0107] Although Figure 4 The driving transistor M1, switching transistor M2, and sensing transistor M3 are illustrated as N-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least one of the driving transistor M1, switching transistor M2, and sensing transistor M3 may be formed of P-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (PMOS).

[0108] Although Figure 4 The diagram shows three transistors, but the invention is not limited thereto. The subpixel circuit PC may include four or more transistors.

[0109] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Reference Figure 5 The display device DV may include a substrate 100, an inorganic insulating layer IIL, an organic insulating layer OIL, a sub-pixel circuit PC, a connecting electrode CM, an organic light-emitting diode OLED, a barrier layer BNL, a sealing layer 400, a color conversion-transmission layer 500, a color layer 600, and a light-transmitting substrate layer 700. That is, the substrate 100, inorganic insulating layer IIL, organic insulating layer OIL, sub-pixel circuit PC, connecting electrode CM, organic light-emitting diode OLED, barrier layer BNL, sealing layer 400, color conversion-transmission layer 500, color layer 600, and light-transmitting substrate layer 700 may be arranged on the display area DA of the display device DV.

[0111] The substrate 100 may include a first base layer 100a, a first barrier layer 100b, a second base layer 100c, and a second barrier layer 100d. In one embodiment, the first base layer 100a, the first barrier layer 100b, the second base layer 100c, and the second barrier layer 100d may be stacked sequentially along the thickness direction of the substrate 100.

[0112] At least one of the first substrate layer 100a and the second substrate layer 100c may contain a polymeric resin such as polyethersulfone, polyarylate, polyetherimide, polyethylene naphthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyimide, polycarbonate, cellulose triacetate, cellulose acetate propionate, etc.

[0113] The first barrier layer 100b and the second barrier layer 100d are barrier layers to prevent the penetration of external impurities, and may contain materials such as silicon nitride (SiN). X ), silicon oxide (SiO2) and / or silicon oxynitride (SiON) inorganic single-layer or multi-layer structures.

[0114] A buffer layer 111 may be disposed on the substrate 100. The buffer layer 111 may contain materials such as silicon nitride (SiN). X Inorganic insulators of silicon oxynitride (SiON) and silicon oxide (SiO2), and may be single-layer or multi-layer structures containing the aforementioned inorganic insulators.

[0115] The inorganic insulating layer IIL can be disposed on the buffer layer 111. The inorganic insulating layer IIL may include a first inorganic insulating layer 112, a second inorganic insulating layer 113 and a third inorganic insulating layer 114.

[0116] A sub-pixel circuit PC may be arranged in the display area DA. The sub-pixel circuit PC may include a thin-film transistor (TFT) and a storage capacitor Cst. The thin-film transistor (TFT) may include a semiconductor layer Act, a gate electrode GE, a source electrode SE, and a drain electrode DE.

[0117] The semiconductor layer Act may be disposed on the buffer layer 111. The semiconductor layer Act may contain polycrystalline silicon. Alternatively, the semiconductor layer Act may contain amorphous silicon, or may contain oxide semiconductors, or may contain organic semiconductors, etc. The semiconductor layer Act may include a channel region and drain and source regions disposed on both sides of the channel region, respectively.

[0118] A gate electrode GE may be disposed on the semiconductor layer Act. The gate electrode GE may overlap with the channel region. The gate electrode GE may contain a low-resistance metallic material. The gate electrode GE may contain conductive materials including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc., and may be formed as a multilayer or single-layer structure containing the aforementioned materials.

[0119] A first inorganic insulating layer 112 may be disposed between the semiconductor layer Act and the gate electrode GE. The first inorganic insulating layer 112 may contain materials such as silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN). X ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO) x It can be an inorganic insulator such as ZnO and / or ZnO2.

[0120] A second inorganic insulating layer 113 may be disposed on the gate electrode GE. The second inorganic insulating layer 113 may be configured to cover the gate electrode GE. The second inorganic insulating layer 113 may contain materials such as silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN). X ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO) x It can be an inorganic insulator such as ZnO and / or ZnO2.

[0121] An upper electrode CE2 of a storage capacitor Cst may be disposed on the second inorganic insulating layer 113. The upper electrode CE2 may overlap with the gate electrode GE disposed below it. In this case, the gate electrode GE and the upper electrode CE2, which overlap through the second inorganic insulating layer 113, can form the storage capacitor Cst. That is, the gate electrode GE can function as the lower electrode CE1 of the storage capacitor Cst.

[0122] Thus, the storage capacitor Cst and the thin-film transistor TFT can be formed overlapping. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the storage capacitor Cst can be formed without overlapping with the thin-film transistor TFT. That is, the lower electrode CE1 of the storage capacitor Cst can be a structural element independent of the gate electrode GE of the thin-film transistor TFT, and is configured to be separated from the gate electrode GE of the thin-film transistor TFT.

[0123] The upper electrode CE2 may contain aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W) and / or copper (Cu), and may be a single-layer or multi-layer structure of the aforementioned materials.

[0124] A third inorganic insulating layer 114 may be disposed on the upper electrode CE2. The third inorganic insulating layer 114 may cover the upper electrode CE2. The third inorganic insulating layer 114 may contain silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN). X ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2) or zinc oxide (ZnO) x (It can be ZnO and / or ZnO2, etc.) The third inorganic insulating layer 114 can be a single-layer or multi-layer structure containing the aforementioned inorganic insulating material.

[0125] The drain electrode DE and the source electrode SE can be located on the third inorganic insulating layer 114. The drain electrode DE and the source electrode SE can be connected to the semiconductor layer Act through contact holes provided in the first inorganic insulating layer 112, the second inorganic insulating layer 113, and the third inorganic insulating layer 114, respectively. The drain electrode DE and the source electrode SE can contain materials with good conductivity. The drain electrode DE and the source electrode SE can contain conductive materials including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc., and can be formed into a multilayer or single-layer structure containing the aforementioned materials. For example, the drain electrode DE and the source electrode SE can have a Ti / Al / Ti multilayer structure.

[0126] An organic insulating layer (OIL) may be disposed on an inorganic insulating layer (IIL). The organic insulating layer (OIL) may include a first organic insulating layer 115 and a second organic insulating layer 116. Although in Figure 5 The illustration shows two organic insulating layers (OIL), but the invention is not limited to this. The organic insulating layers (OIL) can also be three or four.

[0127] The first organic insulating layer 115 may cover the drain electrode DE and the source electrode SE. The first organic insulating layer 115 may contain an organic insulating material, such as common general-purpose polymers such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polystyrene (PS), polymer derivatives having phenolic groups, acrylic polymers, imide polymers, aryl ether polymers, amide polymers, fluorinated polymers, p-xylene polymers, vinyl alcohol polymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0128] A connection electrode CM may be disposed on the first organic insulating layer 115. In this case, the connection electrode CM can be connected to the drain electrode DE or the source electrode SE through the contact holes of the first organic insulating layer 115. The connection electrode CM may contain a material with good conductivity. The connection electrode CM may contain conductive materials including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc., and may be formed as a multilayer or single-layer structure containing the aforementioned materials. For example, the connection electrode CM may have a Ti / Al / Ti multilayer structure.

[0129] A second organic insulating layer 116 may be disposed on the connecting electrode CM. The second organic insulating layer 116 may cover the connecting electrode CM. The second organic insulating layer 116 may be made of the same material as the first organic insulating layer 115, or it may be made of a different material than the first organic insulating layer 115.

[0130] A light-emitting diode (LED) may be disposed on the second organic insulating layer 116. For example, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) may be disposed on the second organic insulating layer 116. Alternatively, although not shown, an inorganic light-emitting diode or the like may also be disposed on the second organic insulating layer 116.

[0131] A first electrode 150 of a light-emitting diode may be disposed on the second organic insulating layer 116. Relatedly, Figure 5 The first electrode 150 of the first organic light-emitting diode OLED1 is shown. In this case, the first electrode 150 can be the anode.

[0132] The first electrode 150 may comprise a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium oxide (In2O3), indium gallium oxide (IGO), or aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). Alternatively, the first electrode 150 may comprise a reflective film comprising silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), or compounds thereof. Alternatively, the first electrode 150 may further comprise a film formed of ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3 above / below the aforementioned reflective film. For example, the first electrode 150 may be a three-layer structure consisting of an ITO layer, a silver (Ag) layer, and an ITO layer stacked together.

[0133] The dam layer BNL may cover the edge of the first electrode 150 and may include a first dam opening B-OP1 that overlaps with the central portion of the first electrode 150 (or exposes at least a portion of the first electrode 150). The dam layer BNL may contain an organic insulator such as polyimide.

[0134] The intermediate layer 160 can contact the first electrode 150 through the first dam opening B-OP1 of the dam layer BNL. The stacked structure of the first electrode 150, intermediate layer 160, and second electrode 170 located at the first dam opening B-OP1 can emit light of a specified color. The first dam opening B-OP1 of the dam layer BNL can correspond to the light-emitting region EA. For example, the size (or width) of the first dam opening B-OP1 of the dam layer BNL can correspond to the size (or width) of the light-emitting region EA.

[0135] The intermediate layer 160 may include a light-emitting layer 162. The light-emitting layer 162 may contain a high-molecular-weight organic compound or a low-molecular-weight organic compound that emits light of a specified color. (See previous reference...) Figure 2 To explain, when the light-emitting diode layer 300 (refer to...) Figure 2 When emitting blue light, the light-emitting layer 162 may contain high-molecular-weight organic matter or low-molecular-weight organic matter that emits blue light.

[0136] In one embodiment, the intermediate layer 160 may include at least one functional layer located above or below the light-emitting layer 162. For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the intermediate layer 160 may include a first functional layer 161 disposed below the light-emitting layer 162 and / or a second functional layer 163 disposed above the light-emitting layer 162. The first functional layer 161 may exist between the first electrode 150 and the light-emitting layer 162, and the second functional layer 163 may exist between the light-emitting layer 162 and the second electrode 170 described later.

[0137] The first functional layer 161 may include a hole transport layer (HTL) and / or a hole injection layer (HIL). The second functional layer 163 may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and / or an electron injection layer (EIL).

[0138] A second electrode 170 may be disposed on the intermediate layer 160. The second electrode 170 may be, for example, a cathode. The second electrode 170 may be formed of a conductive material with a low work function. For example, the second electrode 170 may contain a (semi-)transparent layer including silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), calcium (Ca), or alloys thereof. Alternatively, the second electrode 170 may further include a layer such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3 above the (semi-)transparent layer containing the aforementioned materials.

[0139] In one embodiment, a sealing layer 400 may be disposed on the second electrode 170. The sealing layer 400 may include at least one inorganic sealing layer and at least one organic sealing layer. In one embodiment, the sealing layer 400 may include a first inorganic sealing layer 410, an organic sealing layer 420, and a second inorganic sealing layer 430. The organic sealing layer 420 may be disposed between the first inorganic sealing layer 410 and the second inorganic sealing layer 430.

[0140] The first inorganic sealing layer 410 and the second inorganic sealing layer 430 may each contain one or more inorganic insulators. The inorganic insulators may contain aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, tantalum oxide, hafnium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride and / or silicon oxynitride.

[0141] The organic sealant 420 may contain polymer-based materials. Polymer-based materials may include acrylic resins, epoxy resins, polyimides, and polyethylene. For example, the organic sealant 420 may contain acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate and polyacrylic acid. The organic sealant 420 can be formed by curing monomers or coating a polymer.

[0142] An intermediate material layer 501 may be disposed on the sealing layer 400. The intermediate material layer 501 may contain inorganic and / or organic insulators. A color conversion-transmission layer 500 may be disposed on the intermediate material layer 501. Relatedly, Figure 5 The diagram shows a first light-shielding portion 540, which serves as a light-shielding portion of a color conversion-transmission layer 500, and a first color conversion portion 510 located in an opening area defined by the first light-shielding portion 540.

[0143] A barrier layer 550 may be formed on the color conversion-transmission layer 500. The barrier layer 550 may contain an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and / or silicon oxynitride.

[0144] Color layer 600 can be arranged on color conversion-transmission layer 500. Relatedly, Figure 5 The diagram shows a second light-shielding portion 640, which serves as a light-shielding portion of the color layer 600, and a first color filter 610 located in the opening area defined by the second light-shielding portion 640. The first light-shielding portion 640 and the second light-shielding portion 640 may be arranged to overlap each other.

[0145] The first light-blocking portion 540 and the second light-blocking portion 640 may each contain a light-blocking substance. For example, the first light-blocking portion 540 and the second light-blocking portion 640 may each contain an organic compound having a specified color such as black. For example, the first light-blocking portion 540 and the second light-blocking portion 640 may each contain a polyimide (PI) binder and a mixture of red, green, and blue pigments. Alternatively, the first light-blocking portion 540 and the second light-blocking portion 640 may each contain a cardo-based binder resin and a mixture of lactam black pigment and blue pigment. Alternatively, the first light-blocking portion 540 and the second light-blocking portion 640 may each contain carbon black.

[0146] As one embodiment, the first light-blocking portion 540 and the second light-blocking portion 640 may contain the same material. Alternatively, the second light-blocking portion 640 may be configured as a structure in which at least two color filters forming the color layer 600 overlap. For example, the second light-blocking portion 640 may not contain the aforementioned light-blocking material, but may be configured as a structure composed of color filters selected from the first to third color filters 610, 620, 630 (… Figure 2 A structure consisting of two or more layers of filter material.

[0147] The light-transparent substrate layer 700 may contain glass or a light-transparent organic material. For example, the light-transparent substrate layer 700 may contain a light-transparent organic material such as an acrylic resin.

[0148] Figure 6 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a manufacturing apparatus for a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0149] Reference Figure 6 The display device manufacturing apparatus 1 of one embodiment of the present invention can be used to manufacture the aforementioned display device DV. For example, the display device manufacturing apparatus 1 can spray ink to laminate at least one of a plurality of layers of the display device DV. For example, the display device manufacturing apparatus 1 can be used to laminate the color conversion-transmittance layer 500, or to coat an adhesive substance for attaching the light-transmitting substrate layer 700 to the color layer 600. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and of course, the display device manufacturing apparatus 1 can be used to spray various types of inks.

[0150] The manufacturing apparatus 1 for the display device may include a support unit 10, a gantry frame 20, a first moving part 30, a second moving part 40, an injection unit 50, a maintenance unit 60, and a control unit 90.

[0151] The support portion 10 is a component for housing other structural elements, and in one embodiment may have a first direction (e.g., Figure 6 (x direction) and a second direction that intersects the first direction (e.g., Figure 6 The plane defined by the y-direction in the equation. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the support portion 10 is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, it can have a quadrilateral plane, but the present invention is not limited to this. The support part 10 can have various shapes such as polygons or circles.

[0152] A worktable 11 may be further provided on the support portion 10. The worktable 11, arranged on the support portion 10, may have a plane defined by a first direction and a second direction. A display substrate DS may be placed on the worktable 11, and the worktable 11 may include alignment marks (not shown) for aligning the display substrate DS. Here, the display substrate DS is part of the display device under manufacture and may be the object to which ink is ejected by the inkjet unit 50. That is, the ejected ink may adhere to the display substrate DS to form a part of the display device. The worktable 11 may form the working area for the inkjet printing process.

[0153] A guide portion 12 may be further provided between the support portion 10 and the worktable 11. The guide portions 12 may be arranged on the support portion 10 and spaced apart from each other below the worktable 11. For example, two guide portions 12 may be provided and arranged spaced apart in a second direction, adjacent to both sides of the worktable 11. The guide portions 12 may extend in a first direction, and the extension length of each guide portion 12 in the first direction may be greater than the length of the worktable 11 in the first direction.

[0154] The guide section 12 can guide the worktable 11 to move linearly along the extension direction of the guide section 12. The guide section 12 may include, for example, a linear motion rail.

[0155] As one embodiment, the worktable 11 can move linearly back and forth along the guide portion 12. The worktable 11 can perform linear movement manually, or it can be equipped with a motor, cylinder, etc., to perform linear movement automatically. For example, the worktable 11 may include a linear motion block that moves along a linear motion track to perform linear movement automatically.

[0156] The gantry 20 can be arranged on the support 10 and may include a vertical member 21 and a horizontal member 22. Although in Figure 6 The vertical component 21 and the horizontal component 22 are shown to have a cuboid rod shape, but the shapes of the vertical component 21 and the horizontal component 22 are not limited to this.

[0157] The vertical component 21 of the gantry 20 can be along a third direction (e.g., intersecting the first and second directions respectively) Figure 6 (extending in the z direction). Vertical components 21 can be configured as two, for example, and can be arranged on both sides with a gap between them on the worktable 11.

[0158] The horizontal member 22 of the gantry 20 can extend along a second direction between the vertical members 21. The two ends of the horizontal member 22 can be connected to the upper part of each vertical member 21. The horizontal member 22 may include a first groove 23 extending along the extension direction of the horizontal member 22, i.e., the second direction. The first groove 23 can be arranged on one side surface of the horizontal member 22. For example, the first groove 23 can be arranged on the surface of the horizontal member 22 facing the first direction. The first groove 23 can guide the first moving part 30 to perform linear reciprocating motion along the extension direction of the first groove 23.

[0159] The above description focuses on the horizontal component 22, which spans the gantry 20 and is fixed to the support 10, and the worktable 11, which moves along the first direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In another embodiment, the worktable 11 can be fixed to the support 10, and the gantry 20 can move along the first direction on the support 10. In other words, the gantry 20 and the worktable 11 can move relative to each other along the first direction. Since the gantry 20 and the worktable 11 move relative to each other along the first direction, for ease of explanation, the following description assumes that the worktable 11 moves along the first direction.

[0160] The first moving part 30 can move linearly along a second direction. The first moving part 30 can be movably connected to one side of the horizontal member 22 of the gantry 20. For example, the first moving part 30 can be arranged on the surface of the horizontal member 22 where the first groove 23 is arranged. The first moving part 30 can move linearly reciprocatingly along the first groove 23 in the second direction. As one embodiment, the first moving part 30 may include a linear motor, etc.

[0161] As one embodiment, the second moving part 40 may be arranged on one side of the first moving part 30 and reciprocate linearly along a third direction. For example, the second moving part 40 may be arranged on the lower surface of the first moving part 30. Here, the lower surface of the first moving part 30 may be the surface of the first moving part 30 facing the worktable 11. As one embodiment, the second moving part 40 may include an air compressor cylinder or the like. Furthermore, the second moving part 40 may rotate about an axis extending along a third direction. For this purpose, the second moving part 40 may include, for example, an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, or the like.

[0162] In one embodiment, the spraying unit 50 may be arranged on the lower surface of the second moving part 40. The spraying unit 50 may move together with the movement of the first moving part 30 and the second moving part 40. That is, the first moving part 30 may move the spraying unit 50 along a second direction, and the second moving part 40 may move the spraying unit 50 along a third direction. For example, the range of movement of the spraying unit 50 may be substantially the same as the area of ​​the support part 10. The spraying unit 50 may also be rotated by the second moving part 40 about an axis extending along a third direction.

[0163] The ejection unit 50 can eject ink droplets onto the display substrate DS. In one embodiment, the ink can be a high- or low-molecular-weight organic material equivalent to the light-emitting layer of an organic light-emitting display device. In another embodiment, the ink can be liquid crystal, alignment liquid, or a red, green, or blue liquid mixed with pigment particles in a solvent. In yet another embodiment, the ink can contain a solution including inorganic particles such as quantum dot materials, but is not limited to the examples described above.

[0164] The maintenance unit 60 may be arranged on the support 10 and spaced apart from the worktable 11 in the second direction. The maintenance unit 60 may be arranged between the two vertical members 21 of the gantry 20. The maintenance unit 60 may be a worktable for maintaining the spraying unit 50. In one embodiment, the maintenance unit 60 may include a unit for removing ink residue from the spraying unit 50. This prevents ink ejection problems caused by ink residue in the spraying unit 50. The spraying unit 50 may move in the second direction via the horizontal member 22 of the gantry 20 and may move toward the maintenance unit 60.

[0165] The control unit 90 can be electrically connected to the worktable 11, guide unit 12, gantry 20, first moving part 30, second moving part 40, and spray unit 50. The control unit 90 can control the position and operation of each structural component. In addition, the control unit 90 can be electrically connected to the maintenance unit 60 to control the operation of the maintenance unit 60.

[0166] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the spraying unit of this utility model. For ease of explanation, Figure 7 The diagram is centered on the injection unit 50.

[0167] Reference Figure 7 The ink ejection unit 50 is a unit that ejects ink and may include an ejection system and a suction system. The ejection system will be described first.

[0168] The head 51 may accommodate a structure for dispensing ink. In one embodiment, the head 51 may be configured to eject ink using a piezoelectric effect. A piezoelectric element 52 may be arranged within the internal space of the head 51. The piezoelectric element 52 may be connected to a conversion module 53, and the conversion module 53 may be connected to a rod 54 extending in a third direction (e.g., the z-direction). Furthermore, an elastic member (e.g., a spring) may be arranged on the rod 54, the elastic member being arranged to surround the rod 54.

[0169] The nozzle section 55 may be arranged on one side (e.g., the lower side) of the head 51. The nozzle section 55 is in communication with the ink storage container IS, thereby receiving ink. Furthermore, ink can be ejected to the outside through the nozzle section 55. The nozzle section 55 may include an ejection orifice DH for ejecting ink. At this time, a rod 54 can be inserted into the nozzle section 55 to operate as a valve. Specifically, a power source can be connected to the piezoelectric element 52 to supply power. Thus, the piezoelectric element 52 can repeatedly contract and relax under the piezoelectric effect, thereby causing the conversion module 53 and the rod 54 connected to the conversion module 53 to rise or fall. The rod 54, through its vertical upward or downward movement, pushes out the ink solution located in the nozzle section 55 and ejects the ink through the ejection orifice DH.

[0170] Furthermore, to improve inkjet quality, complete separation of droplets (especially high-viscosity ink droplets) is essential when ejecting ink droplets through the nozzle section 55. Incomplete separation of droplets can lead to defects such as ligament formation (ink residue remaining as tails between droplets), contamination of the nozzle section 55 (ink residue accumulating around the ejection orifice DH of the nozzle section 55 as ink scatters), or partial scattering of droplets during ejection due to airflow, landing in unwanted areas of the ejection target; and so on.

[0171] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a suction system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a perspective view schematically showing a suction housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a schematic bottom cross-sectional view of the suction housing of an embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to a cross-section taken along line A-A'.

[0172] Auxiliary reference Figure 8 and Figure 7In embodiments of this invention, the spraying unit 50 can completely separate droplets and prevent contamination of the nozzle portion 55. Specifically, a suction housing 56 may be arranged on one side of the head 51. The suction housing 56 may be connected to the lower side of the head 51, i.e., the side where the nozzle portion 55 is arranged. In one embodiment, the suction housing 56 may be arranged to surround the nozzle portion 55. The suction housing 56 may have a first hole H1 to receive the nozzle portion 55. In other words, the nozzle portion 55 may be inserted into the first hole H1. Furthermore, the suction housing 56 may have a suction channel SC communicating with the first hole H1. In one embodiment, the suction channel SC may be connected to one and the other sides of the first hole H1, for example, in a first direction (x direction). The suction channels SC may extend from the first hole H1 along the first direction. Furthermore, the suction channels SC may be bent from the first direction to a third direction (z direction). Thus, the suction channels SC may have a generally "L"-shaped cross-section in a cross-sectional view viewed from the front. Furthermore, the suction housing 56, equipped with the suction channel SC, may have a roughly U-shaped cross-section. Ink droplets ejected from the nozzle section 55 can be drawn in through the suction channel SC, which communicates with the first hole H1. In this case, the larger portion of the droplet can be maintained and ejected, while the smaller portion can be drawn in through the suction channel SC. This prevents defects such as snagging caused by the smaller portion scattering.

[0173] Reference Figure 8 The suction housing 56 can also be connected to the suction pipe 57. Specifically, the suction pipe 57 can be connected to the suction channel SC. At both ends of the suction housing 56, the suction pipe 57 is connected to each suction channel SC, and the tiny droplets aspirated by the negative pressure generated by the vacuum generating unit 59 can flow in the suction pipe 57. In one embodiment, the two suction pipes 57 can be merged into one pipe and connected to the separation and collection unit 58. Furthermore, an observation sensor OS can be further arranged on the suction pipe 57. The observation sensor OS can be, for example, a pressure sensor, used to measure the pressure of the suction pipe 57 and the suction system connected to the suction pipe 57. By measuring the pressure of the suction system, the observation sensor OS can confirm whether the inside of the suction system needs cleaning when the pressure of the suction system drops.

[0174] Tiny droplets and air drawn from the suction channel SC of the suction housing 56 can flow into the separation and collection section 58 through the suction pipe 57 and be separated from each other in the separation and collection section 58. That is, the tiny droplets and air can be separated from each other, the air as a gas is drawn and flows toward the vacuum generation section 59, and the tiny droplets as a liquid flow toward the lower part of the separation and collection section 58.

[0175] In one embodiment, the separation and collection section 58 may include a collection body 58A, a blocking wall 58B, and a collection container 58C. The collection body 58A may be a housing providing a space for containing and separating a mixture of air and droplets flowing in from the suction pipe 57. The collection body 58A may have an inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlet may be an inlet connected to the aforementioned suction pipe 57 for the mixture to flow into. The first outlet may be an outlet for allowing gas (e.g., air) in the flowing mixture to flow and exit. The second outlet may be an outlet for allowing liquid (e.g., ink droplets) in the flowing mixture to flow and exit. The blocking wall 58B may be disposed inside the collection body 58A. The blocking wall 58B allows droplets to contact and condense, thereby collecting the condensed droplets at the lower part of the collection body 58A and exiting through the second outlet. The collection container 58C may be integrated with the second outlet. In one embodiment, the collection container 58C can be detachably attached to the collection body 58A (e.g., the second outlet). That is, after ink droplets discharged through the second outlet are collected by the collection container 58C, the collection container 58C can be separated from the collection body 58A. The detached collection container 58C can be packaged and moved to another workstation as a separate container from the collection body 58A.

[0176] The vacuum generating unit 59 can be connected to the separation and collection unit 58. The vacuum generating unit 59 can create a negative pressure by generating a vacuum to draw in the interior of the separation and collection unit 58, the suction pipe 57, and the suction housing 56, which are connected to the vacuum generating unit 59. Due to this suction force, tiny droplets around the nozzle portion 55 inserted in the suction housing 56 can be drawn in, and the inkjet quality can be improved. In one embodiment, the vacuum generating unit 59 may include an ejector. That is, fluid used to generate a vacuum can be injected through a narrow nozzle of the ejector, and as the fluid passes through the narrow nozzle, the outlet pressure of the ejector decreases, causing the suction system to draw in air and droplets. The principle of the ejector is similar to that of a conventional ejector, therefore a detailed description is omitted.

[0177] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10Upon closer inspection of the suction housing 56, in one embodiment, the suction housing 56 may have a generally cuboid shape. A first hole H1 may be provided in the center of the cuboid shape. The first hole H1 may be an opening that is cylindrical or cylindrical in shape. A plurality of connecting holes CH may be provided on the inner surface of the first hole H1. The first hole H1 may be an opening that is perpendicular to the central axis of the first hole H1 in a top view, and the connecting holes CH may be openings that are perpendicular to the radius of the first hole H1 in a top view. In one embodiment, the connecting holes CH may be arranged on one side and the other side of the first hole H1 in a first direction (x direction) in a top view. For example, at least one connecting hole CH may be arranged on one side of the first direction of the first hole H1 (e.g., the +x direction). In addition, at least one connecting hole CH may be arranged on the other side of the first direction of the first hole H1 (e.g., the -x direction). Figure 9 and Figure 10 In one embodiment, the illustration shows three connecting holes CH arranged side-by-side on one side and the other side of the first hole H1 in a first direction. Of course, three or fewer connecting holes CH can be provided on one side and the other side of the first hole H1 in the first direction. The connecting holes CH connect the first hole H1 and the suction channel SC. That is, the mixture of air and droplets drawn in by the first hole H1 can flow into the suction channel SC through the connecting holes CH. Furthermore, by having multiple connecting holes CH, tiny droplets around the nozzle portion 55 can be efficiently suctioned.

[0178] In other words, the suction channel SC can be a channel extending from the connecting hole CH. Therefore, the number of suction channels SC can correspond to the number of connecting holes CH. For example, three suction channels SC can be configured by extending from three connecting holes CH arranged on one side of the first hole H1 in the first direction to the other side of the first direction. Alternatively, three suction channels SC can be configured by extending from three connecting holes CH arranged on the other side of the first hole H1 in the first direction to the other side of the first direction.

[0179] The suction channels SC can be connected to the connecting holes CH respectively, and extend from the first hole H1 to one side and the other side in the first direction respectively. In addition, the suction channels SC can be bent from the first direction (x direction) to the third direction (z direction). At this time, viewed with the suction channel SC arranged on one side of the first hole H1 in the first direction as the center, the three suction channels SC extend along the first direction and can be merged into one channel before bending to the third direction.

[0180] Therefore, the suction channel SC can have a cross-section that is approximately "L"-shaped when viewed from the front. Furthermore, the suction housing 56 equipped with the suction channel SC can also have stepped protrusions at both ends of a generally cuboid shape. In this case, a head 51 can be provided in the space between the stepped protrusions at both ends of the suction housing 56. That is, the head 51 can be placed in the space between the two protrusions and can cover the first hole H1.

[0181] In addition, with Figure 9 Let's refer to it together. Figure 7 In the cross-sectional view, the nozzle portion 55, located below the head 51, can be inserted into the first hole H1 of the suction housing 56. In one embodiment, the nozzle portion 55 may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the first hole H1. That is, the outer surface of the nozzle portion 55 may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the first hole H1, and the diameter of the nozzle portion 55 may be smaller than the diameter of the first hole H1. In another embodiment, the nozzle portion 55 may taper in diameter as it moves towards the ink ejection direction, i.e., the downward direction (-z direction). This further ensures the spacing between the inner surface of the first hole H1 and the outer surface of the nozzle portion 55, making it easier to suction small droplets around the nozzle portion 55 without hindering the suction force based on the connecting hole CH. Furthermore, the cross-section of the nozzle portion 55 in the top view may be circular, but is not necessarily limited to this. In one embodiment, the cross-section of the nozzle portion 55 in the top view may be polygonal, such as a regular hexagon. When the nozzle portion 55 has a regular hexagonal cross-section, the inner surface of the first hole H1 and the outer surface of the nozzle portion 55 must be at least partially separated. This prevents the nozzle portion 55 from blocking the connecting hole CH located on the inner surface of the first hole H1, thus hindering smooth suction. In one embodiment, the distance between the inner surface of the first hole H1 and the outer surface of the nozzle portion 55 can be 0.2 mm or more and 1 mm or less. This range of distance is applicable to all cases where the nozzle portion 55 has a circular or polygonal cross-section. When the distance is greater than 1 mm, the suction force based on the connecting hole CH may be dispersed, making it difficult to suction small droplets. Furthermore, when the distance is less than 0.2 mm, the outer surface of the nozzle portion 55 may excessively obstruct the suction airflow, reducing suction efficiency.

[0182] Alternatively, a sealing groove SG can be arranged around the first hole H1. As previously described, the head 51 can be mounted on the suction housing 56 to shield the first hole H1. In this case, as the interior of the first hole H1 is suctioned through the connecting hole CH, impurities may be drawn in together between the head 51 and the suction housing 56. Therefore, the suction housing 56 may have a sealing groove SG around the first hole H1, and a sealing member (not shown) is arranged in the sealing groove SG. In one embodiment, the sealing groove SG may be a recessed groove formed in a generally annular shape, and the sealing member may be an O-ring. The sealing groove SG and the sealing member can seal the space between the head 51 and the suction housing 56 to prevent impurities from flowing into the first hole H1.

[0183] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a schematic bottom cross-sectional view of the suction housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 and Figure 12 For ease of explanation, illustrations of other structural components have been omitted. Since the spray unit in this embodiment is similar to the aforementioned spray unit, the following description focuses solely on the differences.

[0184] Reference Figure 11 Multiple connecting holes CH can be arranged on the inner surface of the first hole H1. In one embodiment, the multiple connecting holes CH can be arranged on one and the other side of the first hole H1 in a first direction (e.g., the x-direction), and on one and the other side of the first hole H1 in a second direction (e.g., the y-direction) intersecting the first direction. That is, as... Figure 11 As shown, in the bottom cross-sectional view, the connecting holes CH can be arranged above, below, left, and right around the inner side of the first hole H1. The aforementioned suction channels SC can be connected to these connecting holes CH respectively. For example, the suction channels SC extending from the connecting holes CH arranged on the lower and right sides of the first hole H1 can extend to one side in the first direction. The suction channels SC extending from the connecting holes CH arranged on the upper and left sides of the first hole H1 can extend to the other side in the first direction. As previously mentioned, it should be understood that the suction channels SC can be bent from the first direction to a third direction. For example, viewed centered on the suction channel SC extending to one side of the first direction of the first hole H1, the suction channels SC can extend from the connecting holes CH arranged on the lower and right sides of the first hole H1 in the first direction and merge into a single channel before bending to a third direction.

[0185] Reference Figure 12 In one embodiment, the plurality of connecting holes CH may be arranged at equal angular intervals around the inner side of the first hole H1 in a bottom cross-sectional view. For example, as Figure 12As shown, eight connecting holes CH can be provided. In this case, the connecting holes CH can be arranged at equal angular intervals of 45°, with reference to the center of the first hole H1 and / or the injection hole DH located at the center of the nozzle portion 55. Of course, it should be understood that eight or fewer connecting holes CH can be provided. The aforementioned suction channels SC can be connected to these connecting holes CH respectively. For example, the suction channels SC extending from one side of the first hole H1 in the first direction can extend to one side in the first direction. The suction channels SC extending from the other side of the first hole H1 in the first direction can extend to the other side in the first direction. As mentioned above, it should be understood that the suction channels SC can be bent from the first direction to a third direction. For example, viewed with the suction channel SC extending to one side of the first hole H1 in the first direction as the center, the suction channels SC can extend from the connecting holes CH arranged on one side of the first hole H1 in the first direction in the first direction and merge into one channel before bending to a third direction.

[0186] Thus, with multiple connecting holes CH arranged around the inner side of the first hole H1, tiny droplets around the nozzle section 55, especially the ejection hole DH, can be drawn from multiple directions, thereby improving inkjet quality.

[0187] Figure 13 This is a schematic bottom cross-sectional view of the suction housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to a cross-section taken along line A-A'. The injection unit of this embodiment is similar to the aforementioned injection unit, therefore, the following description focuses only on the differences.

[0188] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 13 Upon close inspection of the suction housing 56, in one embodiment, the suction housing 56 may have a generally cuboid shape. A first hole H1 may be provided in the center of the cuboid shape. The first hole H1 may be an opening that is cylindrical or cylindrical in shape. A plurality of connecting holes CH may be provided on the inner surface of the first hole H1. The first hole H1 may be an opening that is perpendicular to the central axis of the first hole H1 in a top view, and the connecting holes CH may be openings that are perpendicular to the radius of the first hole H1 in a top view. In one embodiment, the connecting holes CH may be provided on one side and the other side of the first hole H1 in a first direction (x direction) in a top view. For example, at least one connecting hole CH may be arranged on one side of the first hole H1 in the first direction (e.g., +x direction). Furthermore, at least one connecting hole CH may be arranged on the other side of the first hole H1 in the first direction (e.g., -x direction). Figure 9 and Figure 10In one embodiment, the diagram shows three connecting holes CH arranged side-by-side on one side and the other side of the first hole H1 in a first direction. Of course, three or fewer connecting holes CH can be provided on one side and the other side of the first hole H1 in the first direction. The connecting holes CH connect the first hole H1 and the suction channel SC. That is, the mixture of air and droplets drawn in by the first hole H1 flows into the suction channel SC through the connecting holes CH. Furthermore, by having multiple connecting holes CH, tiny droplets around the nozzle portion 55 can be effectively drawn in.

[0189] The suction channels SC can be connected to the connecting holes CH respectively, and extend from the first hole H1 to one side and the other side in a first direction respectively. Furthermore, the suction channels SC can be bent from the first direction (x-direction) to a third direction (z-direction). Thus, the suction channels SC can have a cross-section that is approximately "L"-shaped when viewed from the front. Furthermore, the suction housing 56 equipped with the suction channels SC can also have stepped portions protruding at both ends of a generally cuboid shape. In this case, a head 51 can be provided in the space between the stepped portions at both ends of the suction housing 56. That is, the head 51 can be placed in the space between the two protruding portions and can cover the first hole H1.

[0190] In addition, such as in Figure 13 As shown in the detailed illustration, in one embodiment, the suction channel SC may include an annular portion CC, which is the portion surrounding the first hole H1. The annular portion CC may be configured as an annular (circular) shape surrounding the first hole H1 in a bottom cross-sectional view. The suction channel SC may extend laterally from the annular portion CC along a first direction and bend in a third direction. Tiny droplets around the nozzle portion 55 can be drawn through the connecting hole CH and flow along the suction channel SC via the annular portion CC.

[0191] Figure 14 and Figure 15 This is a schematic bottom cross-sectional view of the suction housing according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 and Figure 15 For ease of explanation, illustrations of other structural components have been omitted. The injection unit in this embodiment is similar to the aforementioned injection unit, therefore, the following description focuses only on the differences.

[0192] Reference Figure 14 Multiple connecting holes CH can be arranged on the inner surface of the first hole H1. In one embodiment, the multiple connecting holes CH can be arranged on one and the other side of the first hole H1 in a first direction (e.g., the x-direction), and on one and the other side of the first hole H1 in a second direction (e.g., the y-direction) intersecting the first direction. That is, as... Figure 14As shown in the bottom cross-sectional view, the connecting hole CH can be arranged above, below, left, and right around the inner side of the first hole H1. The suction channel SC may include an annular portion CC, which is the portion surrounding the first hole H1. The annular portion CC can communicate with the connecting hole CH, and the suction channel SC can extend from the annular portion CC to both sides in a first direction and bend in a third direction. Tiny droplets around the nozzle portion 55 can be drawn through the connecting hole CH and flow along the suction channel SC via the annular portion CC.

[0193] Reference Figure 15 In one embodiment, the plurality of connecting holes CH may be arranged at equal angular intervals around the inner side of the first hole H1 in a bottom cross-sectional view. For example, as Figure 15 As shown, the nozzle 55 may have eight connecting holes CH. In this case, the connecting holes CH may be arranged at equal intervals (45°) with reference to the center of the first hole H1 and / or the injection hole DH located at the center of the nozzle portion 55. Of course, it should be understood that there may be eight or fewer connecting holes CH. The suction channel SC may include an annular portion CC, which is the portion surrounding the first hole H1. The annular portion CC may communicate with the connecting holes CH, and the suction channel SC may extend from the annular portion CC to both sides in a first direction and bend in a third direction. Tiny droplets around the nozzle portion 55 can be drawn in through the connecting holes CH and flow along the suction channel SC via the annular portion CC.

[0194] Thus, with multiple connecting holes CH arranged around the inner side of the first hole H1, tiny droplets around the nozzle section 55, especially the ejection hole DH, can be drawn from multiple directions, thereby improving inkjet quality.

[0195] Figures 16 to 19 This is a schematic front view of the connection hole in an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figures 16 to 19 This diagram shows the view taken from the center of the first hole H1 along the direction of the observation connection hole CH, i.e., the radial direction. The injection unit in this embodiment is similar to the aforementioned injection unit, so the following description focuses only on the differences.

[0196] Figure 16 Related to the embodiment described above, where three connecting holes CH are arranged side-by-side on one side and the other side of the first hole H1 in a first direction (e.g., the x-direction), the figure illustrates three connecting holes CH arranged on one side of the first hole H1 in the first direction. In one embodiment, the connecting holes CH may be arranged side-by-side around the inner side of the first hole H1. In this case, the diameter of the connecting holes CH may be, for example, more than 1 mm and less than 2 mm, particularly 1.5 mm.

[0197] Reference Figure 17The illustration shows that, in one embodiment, as previously described, three or more connecting holes CH can be arranged side by side on one side of the first hole H1 in the first direction, for example, five connecting holes CH.

[0198] Reference Figure 18 The illustration shows that, in one embodiment, as described above, no more than three connecting holes CH may be arranged on one side of the first hole H1 in the first direction, for example, one connecting hole CH. In this case, the diameter of the connecting hole CH may be, for example, more than 2 mm and less than 4 mm, particularly 3 mm.

[0199] Reference Figure 19 The shape of the connecting hole CH is not limited to a circle. In one embodiment, the connecting hole CH may be configured as an ellipse extending elongated around the inner side of the first hole H1. In this case, the extension length of the connecting hole CH may be, for example, more than 4 mm and less than 6 mm, particularly 5 mm.

[0200] Figures 20 to 21 This diagram schematically illustrates a method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention can utilize the aforementioned display device manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0201] As referenced above Figure 6 As described, a method for manufacturing a display device may include an inkjet printing step for laminating at least one of a plurality of layers of a display device DV. Specifically, a display substrate DS is first placed on a worktable 11, and an inkjet unit 50 is moved to a desired position on the display substrate DS by a movable part arranged on a gantry 20 to eject ink droplets.

[0202] Reference Figure 20 The suction system can be activated while ejecting ink droplets. The suction system may include, as described above... Figure 8 The system described includes a suction housing 56, a suction pipe 57, a separation and collection unit 58, a vacuum generation unit 59, and an observation sensor OS.

[0203] First, the vacuum generating unit 59 can be continuously operated while ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle section 55. Thus, the vacuum generating unit 59 can create a negative pressure by generating a vacuum to draw air from inside the pipe connected to it.

[0204] As the vacuum generating unit 59 generates a vacuum, it can draw in tiny ink droplets from the first hole H1 of the suction housing 56. The drawn-in droplets can flow into the suction channel SC through the connecting hole CH located on the inner side of the first hole H1 and move to the separation and collection unit 58 along the suction channel SC and the suction pipe 57 connected to the suction channel SC.

[0205] The separation and collection section 58 can separate the micro-droplets and air from the incoming mixture of ink micro-droplets and air. The air, as a gas, can rise and be drawn in by the vacuum generation section 59. The micro-droplets, as liquid, can condense upon contact with the blocking wall 58B of the separation and collection section 58 and be collected in the collection container 58C.

[0206] Furthermore, during the operation of the suction system, i.e., the vacuum generating unit 59, the observation sensor OS can measure the pressure inside the suction system. Therefore, during the operation of the vacuum generating unit 59, it is possible to monitor whether the pressure of the suction system (e.g., the line connecting the suction pipe 57 to the vacuum generating unit 59) remains at a set pressure. When the pressure inside the suction system measured by the observation sensor OS is lower than the set pressure, the control unit 90 can determine that impurities have accumulated in the suction system (e.g., the suction housing 56, the suction pipe 57, etc.).

[0207] Reference Figure 21 If the control unit 90 determines that impurities have accumulated inside the suction system, the suction system can be cleaned. Specifically, the spray unit 50 equipped with the suction system can move along the gantry 20 and move to the maintenance unit 60.

[0208] After the injection unit 50 moves to the maintenance section 60, a maintenance housing 61 can be installed on the suction housing 56. The maintenance housing 61 may include a second hole H2, which is an opening that is perforated at a position corresponding to the first hole H1. The maintenance housing 61 can be arranged on the suction housing 56 with the second hole H2 opposite to the first hole H1 and is sealed in place. Although not shown in the figure, a pipe and a vacuum generating unit can be connected to the maintenance housing 61 similarly to the aforementioned suction system. Therefore, the vacuum generating unit can create a vacuum and draw air through the maintenance housing 61. As a result, impurities accumulated in the channels and suction pipes 57 within the suction housing 56 can be cleaned by suction through the second hole H2 of the maintenance housing 61. At this time, to facilitate cleaning, the valve on the connecting pipe CP from the suction pipe 57 to the separation collection section 58 can be closed. Thus, as indicated by the arrow with a single dotted line, impurities within the suction pipe 57 and the suction housing 56 can be cleaned through the maintenance housing 61.

[0209] Furthermore, after the injection unit 50 moves to the maintenance unit 60, the observation sensor OS measures the cleaning pressure to determine whether further cleaning of the suction housing 56 and the suction pipe 57 is necessary. That is, after the maintenance housing 61 is installed on the suction housing 56, the valve on the connecting pipe CP from the suction pipe 57 to the separation and collection unit 58 can be closed to block flow. Next, a vacuum is created by operating the vacuum generating unit connected to the maintenance housing 61, at which time the observation sensor OS measures the cleaning pressure inside the suction pipe 57 and the suction housing 56. When the pressure measured by the observation sensor OS is lower than the cleaning pressure set by the vacuum generating unit, the control unit 90 determines that the cleaning of the inside of the suction housing 56 and the suction pipe 57 is insufficient. Therefore, the control unit 90 determines that further cleaning of the inside of the suction housing 56 and the suction pipe 57 is necessary and controls the continuation of the aforementioned cleaning process. The cleaning process can continue until the pressure measured by the observation sensor OS is the same as the set pressure.

[0210] The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures, but this is merely an example. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible based on these embodiments. Therefore, the true scope of protection of this invention should be determined based on the technical concept of the claims.

Claims

1. A manufacturing apparatus of a display device, characterized by comprising: include: A workbench for placing the display substrate; as well as An ink jetting unit is arranged opposite the worktable and is used to jet ink onto the display substrate. The injection unit includes: The head has a nozzle for dispensing ink and is used to open and close the nozzle. The suction housing has a first hole for inserting the nozzle portion and a suction channel communicating with the first hole and is used to suction tiny droplets around the nozzle portion; A suction conduit, connected to the suction channel and for the flow of the micro-droplets; and A vacuum generating unit is connected to the suction pipe and is used to generate a vacuum.

2. The manufacturing apparatus for the display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A portion of the suction channel is arranged in a ring shape to surround the first hole.

3. The manufacturing apparatus for the display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction housing further includes connecting holes, which are respectively arranged on a first side of the inner surface of the first hole and a second side opposite to the first side, with the center of the first hole as a reference, and connect the first hole and the suction channel.

4. The manufacturing apparatus for the display device according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least three of the connecting holes are arranged side-by-side on the first side, and at least three of the connecting holes are arranged side-by-side on the second side; or, The connection hole is configured as an ellipse extending around the inner side of the first hole.

5. The manufacturing apparatus for the display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction housing further includes connecting holes, which are arranged at equal angles around the inner side of the first hole and connect the first hole and the suction channel.

6. The manufacturing apparatus for the display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first hole is cylindrical, the nozzle portion is housed in the first hole, and the diameter gradually decreases as it moves toward the ink ejection direction.

7. The manufacturing apparatus for the display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the nozzle portion is smaller than the diameter of the first hole, such that the inner side of the first hole is separated from the outer side of the nozzle portion.

8. The manufacturing apparatus for the display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The injection unit further includes a separation and collection section connected between the suction pipe and the vacuum generating section. The separation and collection section is used to separate the tiny droplets around the nozzle section that are drawn in from the air.

9. The manufacturing apparatus for a display device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The separation and collection unit includes: The tiny droplets around the nozzle portion that are drawn into the collection body flow into the collection body; A blocking wall is arranged inside the collecting body and is used to coagulate the tiny droplets; and A collection container, detachably attached to the collection body, collects the condensed micro-droplets into the collection container.

10. The manufacturing apparatus for a display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes a maintenance housing arranged opposite the suction housing and having a second hole corresponding to the first hole, through which the suction housing and the suction pipe are cleaned.

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