Apparatus and method for manufacturing a display device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a manufacturing apparatus for a display device and a method for manufacturing a display device. The present invention comprises a stage on which a display panel is mounted, a mounting portion on which a display circuit board connected to the display panel is mounted, a gap adjustment portion for adjusting the gap between the stage and the mounting portion, and a rotary driving portion for rotating the mounting portion, wherein the gap adjustment portion applies force to the display circuit board while the rotary driving portion rotates the mounting portion.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to devices and methods, and more specifically, to a device for manufacturing a display device and a method for manufacturing a display device. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile-based electronic devices are being widely used. In addition to small electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablet PCs have recently become widely used as mobile electronic devices.

[0003] Such portable electronic devices include a display device to provide visual information, such as images or videos, to the user in order to support various functions. Recently, as other components for driving the display device have become smaller, the proportion of the display device in the electronic device is gradually increasing, and structures that can be bent to a predetermined angle from a flat state are also being developed.

[0004] The above-described display device may include a display panel and a display driving circuit board connected to the display panel. In this case, when manufacturing the display device, the display driving circuit board may be placed on the rear side of the display panel in order to place the display panel in a confined space. The problem to be solved

[0005] Generally, when bending a display panel, it is necessary to bend it to have a preset radius of curvature in the bending area. However, depending on errors in the device itself, material properties, working environment, etc., the display panel may not be bent to have a preset radius of curvature in the actual process, or the display panel may be damaged during bending. Embodiments of the present invention provide a device for manufacturing a display device and a method for manufacturing a display device that enable bending to a desired radius of curvature while preventing damage to the display panel during bending. means of solving the problem

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention discloses a manufacturing apparatus for a display device comprising a stage on which a display panel is mounted, a mounting portion on which a display circuit board connected to the display panel is mounted, a gap adjustment portion for adjusting the gap between the stage and the mounting portion, and a rotary driving portion for rotating the mounting portion, wherein the gap adjustment portion applies force to the display circuit board while the rotary driving portion rotates the mounting portion.

[0007] In this embodiment, a lifting / lowering drive unit connected to the rotary drive unit and raising / lowering the rotary drive unit may be further included.

[0008] In this embodiment, a guide portion on which the stage is seated may be further included.

[0009] In this embodiment, the gap adjustment unit may include a cylinder or a linear motor connected to the seating unit to cause the seating unit to move linearly.

[0010] In the present embodiment, the spacing adjustment unit may include a movable block connected to and moving with the seating unit, a block guide on which the movable block is seated and guided, a storage unit in which the movable block is stored, and a force applying unit disposed between the storage unit and the movable block to apply force to the movable block in one direction.

[0011] In the present embodiment, the spacing adjustment unit may include a movable block connected to and moving with the seating unit, a block guide on which the movable block is seated and guided, a storage unit in which the movable block is stored, and a linear driving unit on which the movable block is seated and which moves the movable block.

[0012] In this embodiment, a support member may be further included that is disposed on the stage and supports at least one of the display panel and the display circuit board.

[0013] In the present embodiment, a method for manufacturing a display device is disclosed, comprising the steps of: arranging a display panel and a display circuit board on a stage and a mounting portion, respectively; moving the mounting portion linearly to maintain a constant tension applied to at least one of the display panel and the display circuit board; and rotating the mounting portion to bend a portion of the display panel.

[0014] In this embodiment, the display area of ​​the display panel may be positioned to face the stage.

[0015] In this embodiment, the step of placing an adhesive member on the display panel may be further included.

[0016] In this embodiment, the display panel can rotate around the end of the adhesive member.

[0017] In this embodiment, the step of linearly moving the seating portion may be further included.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the step of supporting at least one of the display panel and the display circuit board after mounting the display panel on the stage may be further included.

[0019] In this embodiment, the step of aligning the position of the display panel may be further included.

[0020] In this embodiment, the step of adjusting the gap between the seating portion and the stage may be further included.

[0021] In this embodiment, the seating portion can be linearly moved through a spacing adjustment portion connected to the seating portion and causing the seating portion to move linearly.

[0022] In this embodiment, the gap adjustment unit may include a cylinder or a linear motor connected to the seating unit to cause the seating unit to move linearly.

[0023] In the present embodiment, the spacing adjustment unit may include a movable block connected to and moving with the seating unit, a block guide on which the movable block is seated and guided, a storage unit in which the movable block is stored, and a linear driving unit on which the movable block is seated and which moves the movable block.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the spacing adjustment unit may include a movable block connected to and moving with the seating unit, a block guide on which the movable block is seated and guided, a storage unit in which the movable block is stored, and a force applying unit disposed between the storage unit and the movable block to apply force to the movable block in one direction.

[0025] In this embodiment, the tension of the display circuit board can be maintained by adjusting the gap between the stage and the mounting portion.

[0026] Other aspects, features, and advantages other than those described above will become clear from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the invention.

[0027] These general and specific aspects may be implemented using a system, method, computer program, or any combination of a system, method, or computer program. Effects of the invention

[0028] The manufacturing apparatus and method of a display device according to the embodiments of the present invention make it possible to attach a display circuit board at an accurate location.

[0029] The manufacturing apparatus and method of a display device according to embodiments of the present invention make it possible to bend the substrate of a display panel while maintaining the tension of the display circuit board.

[0030] The manufacturing apparatus and method for manufacturing a display device according to the embodiments of the present invention can achieve a certain quality. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a manufacturing apparatus for a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the bending of a display panel and a display circuit board using a manufacturing device for a display device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIGS. 3a to 3d are cross-sectional views showing parts of a manufacturing apparatus for a display device according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4a is a plan view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4b is a plan view showing a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV′ of Figures 4a and 4b. Figures 6a and 6b are circuit diagrams showing the display device illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the display device illustrated in FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b in a bent state. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the display device illustrated in FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b in a bent state. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the display device illustrated in FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b in a bent state. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0032] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various forms.

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0034] In the following embodiments, terms such as first, second, etc. are used not in a limiting sense, but for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

[0035] In the following examples, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] In the following embodiments, terms such as "include" or "have" mean that the features or components described in the specification are present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0037] In the following embodiments, when a part such as a film, region, or component is described as being on or above another part, it includes not only cases where it is directly on top of another part, but also cases where another film, region, or component is interposed in between.

[0038] In the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, so the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated.

[0039] In the following embodiments, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are not limited to three axes in an orthogonal coordinate system and can be interpreted in a broader sense that includes them. For example, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be orthogonal to each other, but they may also refer to different directions that are not orthogonal to each other.

[0040] Where an embodiment can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed differently from the order described. For example, two processes described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously or proceed in the reverse order of the description.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a manufacturing apparatus for a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the bending of a display panel and a display circuit board using the manufacturing apparatus for a display device shown in FIG. 1.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the manufacturing device (100) of the display device may include a stage (110), a guide section (121), a second motion block (122), a lifting / lowering drive section (130), a support block (141), a rotational drive section (142), a force applying section (150), a seating section (160), a gap adjustment section (not shown), and a vision section (190).

[0043] The stage (110) may include a first motion block (111) that moves linearly while seated on a guide part (121), a control part (112) that is positioned on the first motion block (111) and controls the position of a display panel mounting part (113) to be described later in at least two directions, and a display panel mounting part (113) that is positioned on the control part (112) and on which a display panel (1) is seated. The stage (110) may include a panel vision unit (114) positioned on the side of the display panel mounting unit (113) and capturing the end of the display panel (1), a vision driving unit (115) connected to the panel vision unit (114) and varying the position of the panel vision unit (114), an optical system (116) attached to the display panel mounting unit (113) or the control unit (112) and refracting the path of light incident on the panel vision unit (114), and a support unit (117) positioned on the display panel mounting unit (113) or the control unit (112) and supporting one of the parts of the display panel (1) or the display circuit board (51).

[0044] The display panel mounting portion (113) described above may include a vacuum chuck or an adhesive chuck. For convenience of explanation, the display panel mounting portion (113) will be described in detail below, focusing on the case where it is a vacuum chuck. A hole is formed on the surface of the display panel mounting portion (113), and the display panel (1) can be fixed by sucking in gas inside the hole. At this time, although not shown in the drawing, a pipe connecting a pump and a hole may be connected to the display panel mounting portion (113).

[0045] The panel vision unit (114) may include a camera. At this time, the panel vision unit (114) can capture an image that is refracted and incident through the optical system (116). For example, the panel vision unit (114) can capture an image of the end of the display panel (1) that is incident through the optical system (116). The image captured as described above can be transmitted from the panel vision unit (114) to a separate control unit (not shown), and the control unit can calculate the degree of bending of the display panel (1) based on the captured image.

[0046] The vision drive unit (115) can adjust the position of the panel vision unit (114). At this time, the vision drive unit (115) may be of various forms. For example, the vision drive unit (115) may include a cylinder connected to the panel vision unit (114). In another embodiment, the vision drive unit (115) may include a linear motor connected to the panel vision unit (114). In yet another embodiment, the vision drive unit (115) may include a screw connected to the panel vision unit (114), a motor that rotates the screw, and a linear motion guide disposed between the panel vision unit (114) and the control unit (112). At this time, the vision drive unit (115) is not limited to the above and may include any device and structure disposed in the control unit (112) that causes the panel vision unit (114) to move linearly.

[0047] In the above case, the vision driving unit (115) can focus the image incident on the panel vision unit (114) by varying the position of the panel vision unit (114). For example, depending on the size of the display panel (1), the vision driving unit (115) can adjust the distance between the panel vision unit (114) and the optical system (116) by arranging the panel vision unit (114) to correspond to different positions. In this case, it is possible to adjust the focus of the light incident from the optical system (116) to the panel vision unit (114).

[0048] The optical system (116) can guide light to the panel vision unit (114) by refracting or reflecting it. At this time, the panel vision unit (114) can photograph the end of the display panel (1) mounted on the display panel mounting unit (113) through the optical system (116). This optical system (116) may include a filter, a mirror, a prism, a lens, etc.

[0049] The support member (117) may be positioned adjacent to the optical system (116). In this case, the support member (117) may be positioned on the display panel mounting part (113) or the control part (112). In this case, the support member (117) may include a support member (117a) positioned from the display panel mounting part (113) or the control part (112) and a support plate (117b) that can be withdrawn from the support member (117a). In this case, the support plate (117b) may support the display circuit board (51) or the display panel (1) by selectively withdrawing it from the support member (117a) or by inserting it into the support member. As another embodiment, the support member (117) may also support the display circuit board (51) by rotating the support plate (117b) by rotatably connecting the support plate (117b) to the support member (117a). However, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on cases where the support plate (117b) is withdrawn from the support (117a) or inserted into the support (117a).

[0050] The guide section (121) is arranged in one direction, and the stage (110) and support block (141) are positioned to perform linear motion. At this time, the guide section (121) may separately be provided with a guide drive unit that moves the stage (110) and support block (141) linearly. The guide drive unit may include a linear motor.

[0051] The second motion block (122) is seated on the guide portion (121) and can move linearly along the guide portion (121) according to the operation of the guide drive portion. At this time, at least a portion of the second motion block (122) may protrude and be inserted into the guide portion (121), and the guide portion (121) may have a hole formed therein into which the protruding portion of the second motion block (122) is inserted. Additionally, the guide portion (121) may include a linear motion guide, and the second motion block (122) may be coupled to the rail of the linear motion guide.

[0052] The lifting / lowering drive unit (130) may be positioned on the second motion block (122). At this time, the lifting / lowering drive unit (130) can lift and lower the support block (141). This lifting / lowering drive unit (130) may be formed in various forms. For example, the lifting / lowering drive unit (130) may include a cylinder connected to the support block (141). As another embodiment, the lifting / lowering drive unit (130) may include a linear motor connected to the support block (141). As yet another embodiment, the lifting / lowering drive unit (130) may include a ball screw connected to the support block (141) and a motor connected to the ball screw. As yet another embodiment, the lifting / lowering drive unit (130) may include a rack gear connected to the support block (141), a spur gear connected to the rack gear, and a motor connected to the spur gear.

[0053] The support block (141) is connected to the lifting / lowering drive unit (130) and can be raised or lowered according to the operation of the lifting / lowering drive unit (130). At this time, a rotational drive unit (142) may be disposed in the support block (141).

[0054] The rotary drive unit (142) may include a rotational force generating unit (142a) that generates rotational force fixed to the support block (141) and a rotating body (142b) that rotates according to the rotational force generating unit (142a). At this time, the rotational force generating unit (142a) may include a motor or a motor and a reduction gear. The rotating body (142b) may be connected to the rotational force generating unit (142a). At this time, the rotating body (142b) may rotate according to the operation of the rotational force generating unit (142a).

[0055] The power application unit (150) may be connected to the rotational drive unit (142). At this time, the power application unit (150) may include a power driving force generating unit (151) fixed to the rotating body (142b) and a power plate (152) connected to the power driving force generating unit (151) to power the display circuit board (51). At this time, since the power driving force generating unit (151) is similar to the lifting / lowering drive unit (130) described above, a detailed description is omitted.

[0056] The mounting portion (160) may be placed on the rotating body (142b). At this time, the mounting portion (160) may be mounted on the display circuit board (51). This mounting portion (160) may be formed in the form of an adhesive chuck or a vacuum chuck. For convenience of explanation, the mounting portion (160) will be described in detail below, focusing on the case where it includes a vacuum chuck.

[0057] The gap adjustment unit (170) is positioned on the rotating body (142b) and can cause the seating unit (160) to move linearly. In this case, the gap adjustment unit (170) may include various devices and structures that cause the rotating body (142b) to move linearly. This will be described in detail below.

[0058] The vision unit (190) is positioned above the guide unit (121) to photograph the display panel (1). Subsequently, the position of the display panel (1) photographed by the vision unit (190) is transmitted to the control unit, and the control unit can compare the position of the display panel (1) with a preset position. Based on the comparison result, the control unit controls the adjustment unit (112) to vary the position of the display panel mounting unit (113), thereby making the position of the display panel (1) correspond to the preset position.

[0059] When manufacturing a display device (DP) through the above-described manufacturing device (100), a display panel (1) and a display circuit board (51) are manufactured and prepared, and then the display panel (1) and the display circuit board (51) can be connected to each other.

[0060] After manufacturing the display panel (1) and the display circuit board (51) as described above, they can be connected to each other and placed on the display panel mounting portion (113). At this time, the display area (DA) of the display panel (1) can be positioned to face the display panel mounting portion (113). That is, the surface on which the image of the display panel (1) is implemented can be mounted on the display panel mounting portion (113).

[0061] In the above case, the support plate (117b) can support a part of the display circuit board (51) by being drawn out from the outside of the support (117a). Subsequently, the control unit can align the position of the display panel (1) based on the position of the display panel (1) captured by the vision unit (190). In the above case, an alignment mark, etc., is placed on the display panel (1), and the control unit can calculate the position of the display panel (1) by comparing the alignment mark with a pre-set position. In addition, the control unit can accurately align the position of the display panel (1) by comparing the difference between the alignment mark and the pre-set position.

[0062] When the above process is completed, the guide unit (121) can linearly move the stage (110) and the second movement block (122) so that the stage (110) and the second movement block (122) are close to each other. At this time, when the distance between the stage (110) and the second movement block (122) becomes equal to a preset distance, the positions of the stage (110) and the second movement block (122) can be fixed.

[0063] The display circuit board (51) can be placed on the mounting portion (160). In particular, the mounting portion (160) can be positioned lower than the lower surface of the display circuit board (51), and the mounting portion (160) can be raised to support the display circuit board (51) in accordance with the operation of the lifting / lowering drive unit (130). At this time, the upper surface of the mounting portion (160) can be positioned lower than the upper surface of the display panel mounting portion (113). Afterward, when the mounting portion (160) adsorbs and fixes the display circuit board (51), the support plate (117b) can be inserted into the support (117a).

[0064] An adhesive member (90) may be placed on the display panel (1) as described above. At this time, the adhesive member (90) may be placed on the display panel (1) after the display circuit board (51) is fixed to the mounting portion (160) as described above. As another embodiment, the adhesive member (90) may be placed on the display panel (1) after the display panel (1) is placed on the display panel mounting portion (113) and before alignment. As yet another embodiment, the adhesive member (90) may be placed on the display panel (1) after the alignment of the display panel (1) is completed and before adjusting the gap between the stage (110) and the second motion block (122).

[0065] When the display panel (1) and the display circuit board (51) are placed at a preset position as described above, the spacing adjustment unit can adjust the spacing between the mounting unit (160) and the display panel mounting unit (113). Specifically, the spacing adjustment unit can apply a constant force to the mounting unit (160) or, if a motor is provided, operate the motor so that the torque generated by the motor corresponds to a preset torque. This will be explained in detail below.

[0066] In the above case, the mounting portion (160) can vary the gap between the display panel mounting portion (113) and the mounting portion (160) by performing linear motion. In this case, the mounting portion (160) can apply force to the display circuit board (51) and the display panel (1), respectively, and the display circuit board (51) can have a constant tension. In particular, in the above case, the display panel (1) and the display circuit board (51) can be flattened so that no curved parts exist due to the tension.

[0067] Specifically, when the mounting portion (160) and the display panel mounting portion (113) are placed at the pre-set positions as described above, the display circuit board (51) and the display panel (1) may not be able to maintain a flat state due to errors occurring during the assembly of the display device manufacturing device (100), or because the display circuit board (51) and the display panel (1) differ from each other in each process. In particular, if a bend occurs in at least one part of the display panel (1) and the display circuit board (51) placed between the display panel mounting portion (113) and the mounting portion (160), the display panel (1) may not be able to bend along the designed path. In such cases, the display panel (1) may be damaged, or the display circuit board (51) may be damaged because the movement path of the display circuit board (51) differs from the actual path designed. To solve this problem, it is important to bend the display panel (1) while maintaining a constant tension on the display circuit board (51). To this end, as described above, the spacing adjustment unit can generate a constant tension on the display circuit board (51) by varying the position of the seating unit (160).

[0068] As described above, the display circuit board (51) can be rotated by operating the rotation drive unit (142) to rotate the rotating body (142b) while maintaining the tension of the display circuit board (51). For example, the mounting unit (160) can be rotated counterclockwise based on FIG. 2. At this time, depending on the case, it is also possible to vary the position of the support block (141) by operating the lifting / lowering drive unit (130).

[0069] As described above, the display circuit board (51) can be rotated by rotating the mounting portion (160) while maintaining the tension of the display circuit board (51) at a constant level. At this time, the bending area (BA) of the display panel (1) can rotate together with the rotation of the display circuit board (51). In this case, the display panel (1) can rotate based on the adhesive member (90).

[0070] When the display circuit board (51) rotates within a certain range, the force driving force generating unit (151) can apply force to the display circuit board (51) using the force plate (152). At this time, although the force plate (152) is not shown in the drawing, it can apply force to the display circuit board (51) at the end portion of the adhesive member (90) based on FIG. 2. In this case, the display panel (1) can be bent to have a preset radius of curvature.

[0071] When the above process is completed, the bent parts of the display panel (1) can be fixed to each other with an adhesive member (90). In this case, a portion of the first surface (1-1) of the display panel (1) may be placed on the display panel mounting portion (113), and another portion of the first surface (1-1) of the display panel (1) may be placed to face upward. In this case, the first surface (1-1) may be a surface on which the display area (DA), which will be described later, is placed. Additionally, a portion of the second surface (1-2) of the display panel (1) may be placed to face upward, and another portion of the second surface (1-2) of the display panel (1) may be placed to face a portion of the second surface (1-2) of the display panel (1). In this case, an adhesive member (90) may be placed between the bent second surfaces (1-2).

[0072] The third side (51-1) of the display circuit board (51) moves from the lower side to the upper side according to the movement of the mounting portion (160), and the fourth side (51-2) of the display circuit board (51) can move from the upper side to the lower side.

[0073] Therefore, the manufacturing device (100) and the manufacturing method of the display device can fix the display panel (1) by bending it while maintaining the tension of the display circuit board (51), so that damage to at least one of the display panel (1) and the display circuit board (51) can be prevented.

[0074] The manufacturing method of the display device of the manufacturing device (100) of the display device makes it possible to ensure that the actual path and the design path do not differ during bending of the display panel (1) due to design errors of the device, properties of the material, and conditions of the surrounding environment (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.) by maintaining the tension of the display circuit board (51) constant.

[0075] FIGS. 3a to 3d are cross-sectional views showing parts of a manufacturing apparatus for a display device according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 3a to 3d, the spacing adjustment part (170) can be of various shapes.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 3a, the gap adjustment unit (170) may include a connecting unit (171) connected to the seating unit (160) and a linear motor (172) connected to the connecting unit (171) and causing the connecting unit (171) to move linearly.

[0078] In this case, the linear motor (172) can be fixed to the rotating body (142b), and the connecting part (171) can move linearly according to the operation of the linear motor (172).

[0079] In the above case, the control unit can move the connection part (171) by applying power to the linear motor (172). At this time, the position of the connection part (171) can be measured by an encoder or the like, and the control unit can determine that the tension of the display circuit board (51) is constant if the position of the connection part (171) calculated through the encoder value does not vary.

[0080] In this case, the mounting portion (160) can be rotated to rotate the display circuit board (51), and the display panel (1) can be bent according to the rotation of the display circuit board (51). At this time, the linear motor (172) can fix the position of the connecting portion (171) so that the position of the connecting portion (171) is constant, or adjust the position of the connecting portion (171) so that the position of the connecting portion (171) being monitored in real time is constant.

[0081] As described above, the display panel (1) can be bent by rotating the mounting portion (160) while maintaining a constant tension of the display circuit board (51).

[0082] Referring to FIG. 3b, the gap adjustment unit (170) may include a connecting unit (171) connected to the seating unit (160) and a cylinder (172) connected to the connecting unit (171) and causing the connecting unit (171) to move linearly. At this time, the cylinder (172) may be fixed to the rotating body (142b), and the seating unit (160) may be separated from the rotating body (142b). Additionally, the connecting unit (171) may be positioned inside the rotating body (142b) to move linearly.

[0083] In the above case, when a constant tension is applied to the display circuit board (51) through the mounting portion (160), the cylinder (172) can vary the position of the mounting portion (160) by varying the length of the shaft. At this time, it is possible to check whether a constant tension has been generated on the display circuit board (51) through the change in pressure applied to the cylinder (172). Specifically, when pressure is applied to the cylinder (172), if the display circuit board (51) becomes completely flat, the internal pressure of the cylinder (172) may become constant at some point. In this case, the control unit determines that a constant tension has been generated on the display circuit board (51) and can fix the position of the cylinder (172) shaft without operating the cylinder (172) any further. As another embodiment, it is also possible for the control unit to maintain a constant pressure inside the cylinder (172). As yet another example, it is also possible to apply pressure to the cylinder (172) and maintain the pressure of the cylinder (172) constant after the user visually checks the display circuit board (51). As another embodiment, it is also possible to control the cylinder (172) by varying the internal pressure of the cylinder (172) and checking the degree of flatness of the display circuit board (51) through an image captured via the vision unit (190).

[0084] When it is determined that a constant tension is formed on the above-mentioned display circuit board (51), the mounting portion (160) can be rotated.

[0085] At this time, the control unit can detect the extended length of the shaft of the cylinder (172) and control the cylinder (172) so that the shaft is positioned at a certain position. Specifically, if it is determined that the extended length of the shaft of the cylinder (172) is greater than the extended length when a certain tension is formed on the display circuit board (51) as described above, the control unit can control the cylinder (172) to decrease the extended length of the shaft of the cylinder (172). On the other hand, if it is determined that the extended length of the shaft of the cylinder (172) is smaller than the extended length when a certain tension is formed on the display circuit board (51), the control unit can control the cylinder (172) to increase the extended length of the shaft of the cylinder (172) so that excessive force is not applied to the display circuit board (51).

[0086] The above operation can be performed by detecting the extended length of the shaft of the cylinder (172) in real time until the bending of the display panel (1) is completed. At this time, the extended length of the shaft of the cylinder (172) can be detected through a separate sensor or calculated based on the pressure inside the cylinder (172). For example, the sensor may be a distance measuring sensor. Additionally, the extended length of the shaft according to the pressure inside the cylinder (172) is stored in the control unit in the form of a table, and a pressure measuring sensor that measures the pressure inside the cylinder (172) can be placed in the cylinder (172) to transmit the measured value to the control unit.

[0087] Therefore, in the above case, it is possible to rotate the mounting part (160) while maintaining the tension of the display circuit board (51) in a constant state during rotation of the mounting part (160).

[0088] Referring to FIG. 3c as another embodiment, the spacing adjustment unit (170) may include a moving block (171), a block guide (172), a storage unit (173), and a block force unit (174).

[0089] The movable block (171) can be connected to the seating portion (160). At this time, the movable block (171) can be joined to the seating portion (160) by means of bolts, screws, etc., so as to be fixed. In another embodiment, the movable block (171) may also be formed integrally with the seating portion (160).

[0090] The block guide (172) can guide the movement of the moving block (171). At this time, the block guide (172) may include a linear motion guide.

[0091] The storage section (173) may have a space arranged inside, and a moving block (171) may be stored and a block guide (172) may be arranged. At this time, the storage section (173) may be formed integrally with the rotating body (142b) or formed separately and coupled to the rotating body (142b).

[0092] The block force member (174) may be positioned between the movable block (171) and the support member (117). At this time, the block force member (174) may be formed in various shapes. For example, the block force member (174) may include a coil spring. As another embodiment, the block force member (174) may be in the form of a bar made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone.

[0093] In the above case, the block applying unit (174) can apply force to the movable block (171). At this time, the block applying unit (174) can separate the mounting unit (160) from the display panel mounting unit (113) by applying force to the movable block (171) from the left to the right direction (Y-axis direction) of FIG. 3c.

[0094] As described above, when the mounting portion (160) moves, a constant tension may be generated in the display circuit board (51). Subsequently, when the mounting portion (160) rotates to bend the display panel (1), the block force applying portion (174) can maintain the position of the movable block (171) at a constant level by continuously applying force to the movable block (171).

[0095] Therefore, in the above case, tension is generated in the display circuit board (51), thereby preventing the display circuit board (51) from bending or crumpling.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 3d, the spacing adjustment unit (170) may include a moving block (171), a block guide (172), a storage unit (173), and a linear driving unit (174). At this time, the moving block (171), the block guide (172), and the storage unit (173) are identical or similar to those described in FIG. 3a, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0097] The linear drive unit (174) may include a ball screw (174a) and a motor (174b) connected to the ball screw (174a). In this case, the ball screw (174a) is connected to the moving block (171) and can convert the rotational force provided by the motor (174b) into linear motion of the moving block (171). As another embodiment, the linear drive unit (174) may include the linear motor shown in FIG. 3a. In this case, the linear drive unit (174) may be positioned around the block guide (172) or formed integrally with the block guide (172) to cause linear motion of the moving block (171). As yet another embodiment, the linear drive unit (174) may include the cylinder shown in FIG. 3b. In this case, the linear drive unit (174) is connected to the moving block (171) to cause linear motion of the moving block (171). At this time, the linear drive unit (174) is not limited to the above and may include any device connected to the moving block (171) to cause the moving block (171) to move linearly. However, for convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the case where the linear drive unit (174) includes a ball screw (174a) and a motor (174b).

[0098] In the above case, after placing the display circuit board (51) on the mounting portion (160), the tension of the display circuit board (51) can be maintained at a constant level by adjusting the gap between the mounting portion (160) and the display panel mounting portion (113). For example, power can be applied to the motor (174b) and the torque applied to the motor (174b) can be detected. At this time, power can be applied to the motor (174b) so that a preset torque is generated. Subsequently, if the current applied to the motor (174b) is increased to increase the torque applied to the motor (174b), and the display circuit board (51) is folded, the torque applied to the motor (174b) can gradually increase. Subsequently, if the current applied to the motor (174b) is continuously increased, the torque applied to the motor (174b) can be maintained at a constant value without changing. In this case, the control unit can determine that the tension on the display circuit board (51) is maintained at a constant level and that the display circuit board (51) is fully extended.

[0099] Afterward, the mounting portion (160) can be rotated to rotate the display circuit board (51) and a part of the display panel (1). In this case, the tension of the display circuit board (51) can be maintained constant by maintaining the torque applied to the motor (174b) so that it does not change. This operation can be performed in real time while the mounting portion (160) is rotating.

[0100] In the above case, by rotating the display circuit board (51) while tension is applied to the display circuit board (51), it is possible to bend the display panel (1) at a constant radius of curvature in the bending area (BA). In addition, in the above case, it is possible to prevent the radius of curvature in the bending area (BA) from becoming larger than the designed value when bending the display panel (1).

[0101] FIG. 4a is a plan view showing a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 4a, the display device (DP) may include a display panel (1), a display circuit board (51), a display driving unit (52), and a touch sensor driving unit (53). The display panel (1) may be a light-emitting display panel including a light-emitting element. For example, the display panel (1) may be an organic light-emitting display panel using an organic light-emitting diode including an organic light-emitting layer, a micro light-emitting diode display panel using a micro LED, a quantum dot light-emitting display panel using a quantum dot light-emitting diode including a quantum dot light-emitting layer, or an inorganic light-emitting display panel using an inorganic light-emitting element including an inorganic semiconductor.

[0103] The display panel (1) may be a flexible display panel that is flexible and can be easily bent, folded, or rolled. For example, the display panel (1) may be a foldable display panel that can be folded and unfolded, a curved display panel with a curved display surface, a bent display panel with a curved area other than the display surface, a rollable display panel that can be rolled or unfolded, and a stretchable display panel that can be extended.

[0104] The display panel (1) may be a transparent display panel that is implemented transparently so that an object or background placed on the lower surface of the display panel (1) can be seen on the upper surface of the display panel (1). Alternatively, the display panel (1) may be a reflective display panel that can reflect an object or background on the upper surface of the display panel (1).

[0105] The display panel (1) described above may include a display area (DA) that implements an image and a peripheral area (PA) arranged to surround the display area (DA). A separate driving circuit, pad, etc. may be arranged in this peripheral area (PA).

[0106] Additionally, the display panel (1) may include a first area (1A) placed in a display area (DA), a bending area (BA) that is bent around a bending axis (BAX), and a second area (2A) that is connected to the bending area (BA) and connected to a display circuit board (51). In this case, the second area (2A) and the bending area (BA) may be included in a surrounding area (PA), and an image may not be implemented.

[0107] A display circuit board (51) may be attached to one edge of the display panel (1). One side of the display circuit board (51) may be attached to one edge of the display panel (1) using an anisotropic conductive film.

[0108] The display driving unit (52) may be placed on the display circuit board (51). The display driving unit (52) receives control signals and power voltages and can generate and output signals and voltages to drive the display panel (1). The display driving unit (52) may be formed as an integrated circuit (IC).

[0109] The display circuit board (51) can be attached to the display panel (1). At this time, the display circuit board (51) and the display panel (1) can be attached to each other using an anisotropic conductive film. The display circuit board (51) may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that can be bent, or a composite printed circuit board that includes both a rigid printed circuit board (PCB) that is hard and does not bend well and a flexible printed circuit board.

[0110] A touch sensor driver (53) may be disposed on the display circuit board (51). The touch sensor driver (53) may be formed as an integrated circuit. The touch sensor driver (53) may be attached to the display circuit board (51). The touch sensor driver (53) may be electrically connected to the touch electrodes of the touchscreen layer of the display panel (1) through the display circuit board (51).

[0111] The touchscreen layer of the display panel (1) can detect a user's touch input using at least one of various touch methods, such as a resistive method or a capacitive method. For example, when the touchscreen layer of the display panel (1) detects a user's touch input using a capacitive method, the touch sensor driving unit (53) can determine whether a user has touched by applying driving signals to driving electrodes among the touch electrodes and detecting voltages charged in the mutual capacitance (hereinafter referred to as "mutual capacitance") between the driving electrodes and the sensing electrodes through the sensing electrodes among the touch electrodes. A user's touch may include a contact touch and a proximity touch. A contact touch refers to an object such as a user's finger or a pen directly contacting a cover member placed on the touchscreen layer. A proximity touch refers to an object such as a user's finger or a pen being positioned close to the cover member, such as hovering. The touch sensor driving unit (53) transmits sensor data to the main processor according to the detected voltages, and the main processor can calculate the touch coordinates where the touch input occurred by analyzing the sensor data.

[0112] A power supply unit for supplying driving voltages to drive the pixels of the display panel (1), the scan driving unit, and the display driving unit (52) may be additionally disposed on the display circuit board (51). Alternatively, the power supply unit may be integrated with the display driving unit (52), in which case the display driving unit (52) and the power supply unit may be formed as a single integrated circuit.

[0113] FIG. 4b is a plan view showing a display device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 4b, the display device (DP) may include a display panel (1), a display circuit board (51), a display driving unit (52), a touch sensor driving unit (53), and a flexible film (54). At this time, the display panel (1), the display driving unit (52), and the touch sensor driving unit (53) may be similar to those described in FIG. 4a.

[0115] The display panel (1) includes a display area (DA) and a surrounding area (PA), and may include a first area (1A) where the display area (DA) is placed, a bending area (BA) that is bent, and a second area (2A) connected to the bending area (BA). At this time, the bending area (BA) connected to the first area (1A) may be formed to be smaller than the length of one side of the first area (1A). That is, the width of the bending area (BA) measured in the X-axis direction of FIG. 4b may decrease as it goes from the first area (1A) toward the second area (2A), and then remain constant in a certain area.

[0116] A flexible film (54) may be attached to one edge of the display panel (1). One side of the flexible film (54) may be attached to one edge of the display panel (1) using an anisotropic conductive film. The flexible film (54) may be a flexible film that can be bent.

[0117] The display driving unit (52) can be placed on the flexible film (54). The display driving unit (52) receives control signals and power voltages and can generate and output signals and voltages to drive the display panel (1). The display driving unit (52) can be formed as an integrated circuit (IC). At this time, the display driving unit (52) may be placed directly on the flexible film (54), or it may be connected to each other through an anisotropic conductive film.

[0118] The display circuit board (51) can be attached to the other side of the flexible film (54). The other side of the flexible film (54) can be attached to the upper surface of the display circuit board (51) using an anisotropic conductive film. The display circuit board (51) may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that can be bent, a rigid printed circuit board (PCB) that is rigid and does not bend easily, or a composite printed circuit board that includes both a rigid printed circuit board and a flexible printed circuit board.

[0119] In the case of the display device (DP) as described above, the display panel (1) can be bent through the manufacturing device (100) of the display device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3d. In this case, at least one of a display circuit board (51) or a flexible film (54) may be placed on the mounting portion (160), and the tension of one of the display circuit board (51) or the flexible film (54) can be maintained at a constant level by adjusting the position of the mounting portion (160).

[0120] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV′ of Figures 4a and 4b.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 5, the display panel (1) may be provided with a substrate (10), a buffer layer (11), a circuit layer (not shown), and a display element layer (not shown) stacked thereon.

[0122] As described above, the substrate (10) may be made of an insulating material such as glass, quartz, or polymer resin. The substrate (10) may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate capable of bending, folding, rolling, etc.

[0123] A buffer layer (11) is positioned on a substrate (10) to reduce or block the penetration of foreign matter, moisture, or outside air from the bottom of the substrate (10) and to provide a flat surface on the substrate (10). The buffer layer (11) may include an inorganic material such as an oxide or a nitride, an organic material, or an organic-inorganic composite, and may be composed of a single layer or a multilayer structure of inorganic and organic materials. A barrier layer (not shown) that blocks the penetration of outside air may be further included between the substrate (10) and the buffer layer (11). In some embodiments, the buffer layer (11) is silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN X It may be provided as follows. The buffer layer (11) may be provided such that the first buffer layer (11a) and the second buffer layer (11b) are stacked.

[0124] The circuit layer is disposed on the buffer layer (11) and may include a pixel circuit (PC), a first gate insulating layer (12), a second gate insulating layer (13), an interlayer insulating layer (15), and a planarization layer (17). The main pixel circuit (PC) may include a main thin-film transistor (TFT) and a main storage capacitor (Cst).

[0125] A main thin-film transistor (TFT) may be disposed on the upper part of the buffer layer (11). The main thin-film transistor (TFT) includes a first semiconductor layer (A1), a first gate electrode (G1), a first source electrode (S1), and a first drain electrode (D1), and the auxiliary thin-film transistor (TFT) includes a second semiconductor layer (A2), a second gate electrode (G2), a second source electrode (S2), and a second drain electrode (D2). The main thin-film transistor (TFT) is connected to a main organic light-emitting diode (OLED) to drive the main organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

[0126] The first semiconductor layer (A1) is disposed on the buffer layer (11) and may include polysilicon. In another embodiment, the first semiconductor layer (A1) may include amorphous silicon. In another embodiment, the first semiconductor layer (A1) may include an oxide of at least one material selected from the group comprising indium (In), gallium (Ga), stanium (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), and zinc (Zn). The first semiconductor layer (A1) may include a channel region, an impurity-doped source region, and a drain region.

[0127] A first gate insulating layer (12) may be provided to cover the first semiconductor layer (A1). The first gate insulating layer (12) may be silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN x It may include inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO2). The first gate insulating layer (12) may be a single layer or a multilayer containing the aforementioned inorganic insulating material.

[0128] A first gate electrode (G1) is disposed on the upper portion of the first gate insulating layer (12) so as to overlap with the first semiconductor layer (A1). The first gate electrode (G1) may be composed of a single layer or multiple layers, including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc. As an example, the first gate electrode (G1) may be a single layer of Mo.

[0129] The second gate insulating layer (13) may be provided to cover the first gate electrode (G1). The second gate insulating layer (13) may be silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN x It may include inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO2). The second gate insulating layer (13) may be a single layer or a multilayer containing the aforementioned inorganic insulating material.

[0130] A first upper electrode (CE2) of a main storage capacitor (Cst) may be placed on the upper part of the second gate insulating layer (13).

[0131] In the display area (DA), the first upper electrode (CE2) can overlap with the first gate electrode (G1) below it. The first gate electrode (G1) and the first upper electrode (CE2), which overlap with the second gate insulating layer (13) in between, can form a main storage capacitor (Cst). The first gate electrode (G1) may be the first lower electrode (CE1) of the main storage capacitor (Cst).

[0132] The first upper electrode (CE2) may include 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 a multilayer of the aforementioned materials.

[0133] The interlayer insulating layer (15) may be formed to cover the first upper electrode (CE2). The interlayer insulating layer (15) may be silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiN x It may include silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO2), etc. The interlayer insulating layer (15) may be a single layer or a multilayer containing the aforementioned inorganic insulating material.

[0134] The first source electrode (S1) and the first drain electrode (D1) are disposed on the interlayer insulating layer (15). The first source electrode (S1) and the first drain electrode (D1) may include a conductive material including molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), etc., and may be formed as a multilayer or single layer including the above materials. As an example, the first source electrode (S1) and the first drain electrode (D1) may be formed as a multilayer structure of Ti / Al / Ti.

[0135] A flattening layer (17) may be disposed to cover the first source electrode (S1) and the first drain electrode (D1). The flattening layer (17) may have a flat upper surface so that the pixel electrode (21) disposed thereon can be formed flatly.

[0136] The flattening layer (17) may include organic or inorganic materials and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. Such a flattening layer (17) may include general-purpose polymers such as BCB (Benzocyclobutene), polyimide, HMDSO (Hexamethyldisiloxane), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), or polystyrene, polymer derivatives having phenolic groups, acrylic polymers, imide polymers, aryl ether polymers, amide polymers, fluorine polymers, p-xylene polymers, or vinyl alcohol polymers. Meanwhile, the flattening layer (17) may include silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiNx It may include inorganic insulating materials such as silicon oxynitride (SiON), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2), tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), hafnium oxide (HfO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO2). When forming the flattening layer (17), chemical mechanical polishing may be performed on the upper surface of the layer to provide a flat upper surface after forming the layer.

[0137] The planarization layer (17) has a via hole that exposes either the first source electrode (S1) or the first drain electrode (D1) of the main thin film transistor (TFT), and the pixel electrode (21) can be electrically connected to the main thin film transistor (TFT) by contacting the first source electrode (S1) or the first drain electrode (D1) through this via hole.

[0138] The pixel electrode (21) may include a 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). The pixel electrode (21) may include 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 a compound thereof. For example, the pixel electrode (21) may have a structure having films formed of ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3 above and below the aforementioned reflective film. In this case, the pixel electrode (21) may have a stacked structure of ITO / Ag / ITO.

[0139] The pixel defining film (19) may have a first opening (OP1) on the flattening layer (17) that covers the edge of the pixel electrode (21) and exposes the central part of the pixel electrode (21). The size and shape of the light-emitting region of the organic light-emitting diode (OLED), i.e., the subpixel (Pm), are defined by the first opening (OP1).

[0140] The pixel defining film (19) can prevent arcs from occurring at the edge of the pixel electrode (21) by increasing the distance between the edge of the pixel electrode (21) and the opposing electrode (23) above the pixel electrode (21). The pixel defining film (19) can be formed by a method such as spin coating using an organic insulating material such as polyimide, polyamide, acrylic resin, benzocyclobutene, HMDSO (hexamethyldisiloxane), and phenolic resin.

[0141] A light-emitting layer (22b) formed to correspond to each pixel electrode (21) is disposed inside the first opening (OP1) of the pixel defining film (19). The light-emitting layer (22b) may include a high-molecular-weight material or a low-molecular-weight material and may emit red, green, blue, or white light.

[0142] An organic functional layer (22e) may be disposed on the upper and / or lower portion of the light-emitting layer (22b). The organic functional layer (22e) may include a first functional layer (22a) and / or a second functional layer (22c). The first functional layer (22a) or the second functional layer (22c) may be omitted.

[0143] The first functional layer (22a) may be disposed below the light-emitting layer (22b). The first functional layer (22a) may be a single layer or a multilayer made of organic material. The first functional layer (22a) may be a hole transport layer (HTL) having a single-layer structure. Alternatively, the first functional layer (22a) may include a hole injection layer (HIL) and a hole transport layer (HTL). The first functional layer (22a) may be integrally formed to correspond to organic light-emitting diodes (OLED, OLED') included in the display area (DA) and the component area (CA).

[0144] A second functional layer (22c) may be disposed on top of the light-emitting layer (22b). The second functional layer (22c) may be a single layer or a multilayer made of organic material. The second functional layer (22c) may include an electron transport layer (ETL) and / or an electron injection layer (EIL). The second functional layer (22c) may be integrally formed to correspond to organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) included in the display area (DA).

[0145] A counter electrode (23) is disposed on the upper portion of the second functional layer (22c). The counter electrode (23) may include a conductive material with a low work function. For example, the counter electrode (23) may include 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 counter electrode (23) may further include a layer such as ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3 on the (semi)transparent layer including the aforementioned materials. The counter electrode (23) may be integrally formed to correspond to organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) included in the display area (DA).

[0146] The layers from the pixel electrode (21) formed in the display area (DA) to the counter electrode (23) can form a main organic light-emitting diode (OLED).

[0147] An upper layer (50) containing an organic material may be formed on the counter electrode (23). The upper layer (50) may be a layer provided to protect the counter electrode (23) while simultaneously increasing light extraction efficiency. The upper layer (50) may contain an organic material with a higher refractive index than the counter electrode (23). Alternatively, the upper layer (50) may be provided by stacking layers with different refractive indices. For example, the upper layer (50) may be provided by stacking a high refractive index layer, a low refractive index layer, and a high refractive index layer. In this case, the refractive index of the high refractive index layer may be 1.7 or higher, and the refractive index of the low refractive index layer may be 1.3 or lower.

[0148] The upper layer (50) may additionally include LiF. Alternatively, the upper layer (50) may additionally include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiO2) or silicon nitride (SiNx). This upper layer (50) may be omitted as needed. However, for the convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the case where the upper layer (50) is placed on the opposing electrode (23).

[0149] The display device (DP) described above may also include a thin film encapsulation layer (not shown) that shields the upper layer (50), although this is not shown in the drawing.

[0150] Such a thin film encapsulation layer may be positioned to be in direct contact with the upper layer (50). At this time, the thin film encapsulation layer may cover a portion of the display area (DA) and the surrounding area (NDA) to prevent the penetration of external moisture and oxygen. The thin film encapsulation layer may include at least one organic encapsulation layer and at least one inorganic encapsulation layer. For convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the case where the thin film encapsulation layer includes a first inorganic encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer that are sequentially stacked on the upper surface of the upper layer (50).

[0151] In the above case, the first inorganic sealing layer covers the opposing electrode (23) and may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride and / or silicon oxynitride, etc. Since the first inorganic sealing layer is formed along the underlying structure, the upper surface of the inorganic sealing layer is not flat. The organic sealing layer covers the first inorganic sealing layer, and unlike the first inorganic sealing layer, its upper surface can be made approximately flat. Specifically, the upper surface of the organic sealing layer can be made approximately flat in the portion corresponding to the display area (DA). The organic sealing layer may include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyethylene sulfonate, polyoxymethylene, polyarylate, and hexamethyldisiloxane. The second inorganic sealing layer covers the organic sealing layer and may include silicon oxide, silicon nitride and / or silicon oxynitride, etc.

[0152] A touchscreen layer can be disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer as described above.

[0153] Figures 6a and 6b are circuit diagrams showing the display device illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the pixel circuit (PC) is connected to the light-emitting element (ED) to enable light emission of subpixels. The pixel circuit (PC) includes a driving thin-film transistor (T1), a switching thin-film transistor (T2), and a storage capacitor (Cst). The switching thin-film transistor (T2) is connected to a scan line (SL) and a data line (DL), and transmits a data signal (Dm) input through the data line (DL) to the driving thin-film transistor (T1) according to a scan signal (Sn) input through the scan line (SL).

[0155] The storage capacitor (Cst) is connected to the switching thin-film transistor (T2) and the driving voltage line (PL), and stores a voltage corresponding to the difference between the voltage received from the switching thin-film transistor (T2) and the driving voltage (ELVDD) supplied to the driving voltage line (PL).

[0156] The driving thin-film transistor (T1) is connected to the driving voltage line (PL) and the storage capacitor (Cst), and can control the driving current flowing from the driving voltage line (PL) to the light-emitting element (ED) in correspondence with the voltage value stored in the storage capacitor (Cst). The light-emitting element (ED) can emit light having a predetermined brightness by the driving current.

[0157] FIG. 6a describes a case where the pixel circuit (PC) includes two thin-film transistors and one storage capacitor, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0158] Referring to FIG. 6b, the pixel circuit (PC) may include a driving thin-film transistor (T1), a switching thin-film transistor (T2), a compensation thin-film transistor (T3), a first initialization thin-film transistor (T4), an operation control thin-film transistor (T5), a light emission control thin-film transistor (T6), and a second initialization thin-film transistor (T7).

[0159] FIG. 6b illustrates a case in which signal lines (SL, SL-1, SL+1, EL, DL), an initialization voltage line (VL), and a driving voltage line (PL) are provided for each pixel circuit (PC), but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, at least one of the signal lines (SL, SL-1, SL+1, EL, DL), or / and the initialization voltage line (VL) may be shared among neighboring pixel circuits.

[0160] The drain electrode of the driving thin-film transistor (T1) can be electrically connected to the light-emitting element (ED) via the light-emitting control thin-film transistor (T6). The driving thin-film transistor (T1) receives a data signal (Dm) according to the switching operation of the switching thin-film transistor (T2) and supplies a driving current to the light-emitting element (ED).

[0161] The gate electrode of the switching thin-film transistor (T2) is connected to the scan line (SL), and the source electrode is connected to the data line (DL). The drain electrode of the switching thin-film transistor (T2) is connected to the source electrode of the driving thin-film transistor (T1) and can be connected to the driving voltage line (PL) via the operation control thin-film transistor (T5).

[0162] The switching thin-film transistor (T2) is turned on according to the scan signal (Sn) received through the scan line (SL) and performs a switching operation to transmit the data signal (Dm) transmitted through the data line (DL) to the source electrode of the driving thin-film transistor (T1).

[0163] The gate electrode of the compensation thin-film transistor (T3) can be connected to the scan line (SL). The source electrode of the compensation thin-film transistor (T3) is connected to the drain electrode of the driving thin-film transistor (T1) and can be connected to the pixel electrode of the light-emitting element (ED) via the light-emitting control thin-film transistor (T6). The drain electrode of the compensation thin-film transistor (T3) can be connected together with one electrode of the storage capacitor (Cst), the source electrode of the first initialization thin-film transistor (T4), and the gate electrode of the driving thin-film transistor (T1). The compensation thin-film transistor (T3) is turned on according to the scan signal (Sn) received through the scan line (SL) to connect the gate electrode and the drain electrode of the driving thin-film transistor (T1) to each other, thereby making the driving thin-film transistor (T1) diode-connected.

[0164] The gate electrode of the first initialization thin film transistor (T4) can be connected to the previous scan line (SL-1). The drain electrode of the first initialization thin film transistor (T4) can be connected to the initialization voltage line (VL). The source electrode of the first initialization thin film transistor (T4) can be connected together with one electrode of the storage capacitor (Cst), the drain electrode of the compensation thin film transistor (T3), and the gate electrode of the driving thin film transistor (T1). The first initialization thin film transistor (T4) can be turned on according to the previous scan signal (Sn-1) received through the previous scan line (SL-1) to transmit an initialization voltage (Vint) to the gate electrode of the driving thin film transistor (T1) and perform an initialization operation to initialize the voltage of the gate electrode of the driving thin film transistor (T1).

[0165] The gate electrode of the operation control thin film transistor (T5) can be connected to the light emission control line (EL). The source electrode of the operation control thin film transistor (T5) can be connected to the driving voltage line (PL). The drain electrode of the operation control thin film transistor (T5) is connected to the source electrode of the driving thin film transistor (T1) and the drain electrode of the switching thin film transistor (T2).

[0166] The gate electrode of the light-emitting control thin film transistor (T6) can be connected to the light-emitting control line (EL). The source electrode of the light-emitting control thin film transistor (T6) can be connected to the drain electrode of the driving thin film transistor (T1) and the source electrode of the compensation thin film transistor (T3). The drain electrode of the light-emitting control thin film transistor (T6) can be electrically connected to the pixel electrode of the light-emitting element (ED). The operation control thin film transistor (T5) and the light-emitting control thin film transistor (T6) are simultaneously turned on according to the light-emitting control signal (En) received through the light-emitting control line (EL), so that the driving voltage (ELVDD) is transmitted to the light-emitting element (ED) and the driving current flows to the light-emitting element (ED).

[0167] The gate electrode of the second initialization thin film transistor (T7) can be connected to the scan line (SL+1). The source electrode of the second initialization thin film transistor (T7) can be connected to the pixel electrode of the light-emitting element (ED). The drain electrode of the second initialization thin film transistor (T7) can be connected to the initialization voltage line (VL). The second initialization thin film transistor (T7) can be turned on according to the scan signal (Sn+1) received through the scan line (SL+1) to initialize the pixel electrode of the light-emitting element (ED).

[0168] FIG. 5b illustrates a case where the first initialization thin film transistor (T4) and the second initialization thin film transistor (T7) are connected to the previous scan line (SL-1) and the subsequent scan line (SL+1), respectively, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the first initialization thin film transistor (T4) and the second initialization thin film transistor (T7) are both connected to the previous scan line (SLn-1) and can be driven according to the previous scan signal (Sn-1).

[0169] Another electrode of the storage capacitor (Cst) can be connected to the driving voltage line (PL). Any one electrode of the storage capacitor (Cst) can be connected together to the gate electrode of the driving thin-film transistor (T1), the drain electrode of the compensation thin-film transistor (T3), and the source electrode of the first initialization thin-film transistor (T4).

[0170] The counter electrode (e.g., cathode) of the light-emitting element (ED) is provided with a common voltage (ELVSS). The light-emitting element (ED) receives a driving current from a driving thin-film transistor (T1) and emits light.

[0171] The pixel circuit (PC) is not limited to the number and circuit design of the thin-film transistors and storage capacitors described with reference to FIGS. 6a and 6b, and the number and circuit design can be varied.

[0172] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the display device illustrated in FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b in a bent state.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 7, when the display panel (1) as described above is bent, an adhesive member (90) may be placed on the substrate (10) of the display panel (1). That is, the adhesive member (90) is placed on the part of the substrate (10) that is bent, so that one side of the first region (1A) and one side of the second region (2A) of the display panel (1) of the adhesive member (90) can be attached to each other and fixed.

[0174] In another embodiment, a protective film (75) is disposed on the substrate (10), and it is also possible for the protective film (75) of the first region (1A) and the protective film (75) of the second region (2A) to be attached and fixed to each other through an adhesive member (90). For convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the case where a protective film (75) is disposed on the substrate (10) and the protective film (75) of the first region (1A) and the protective film (75) of the second region (2A) are each attached to the adhesive member (90).

[0175] The protective film (75) may include a protective film base (70) and an adhesive layer (80). In this case, the protective film base (70) may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI). Additionally, the adhesive layer (80) may include various adhesive materials. In this case, the adhesive layer (80) may be placed on the front surface of the substrate (10), and after the protective film base (70) is placed on the adhesive layer (80), a portion may be removed to form an opening (75OP). As another embodiment, although not shown in the drawings, it is also possible to form an opening (75OP) by removing a portion of the protective film base (70) and a portion of the adhesive layer (80). In this case, neither the protective film base (70) nor the adhesive layer (80) may be present in the opening (75OP).

[0176] The substrate (10) can be bent in the bending area (BA). The protective film base (70) of the protective film (75) serves to protect the lower surface of the substrate (10), so it can have its own rigidity. Accordingly, if the flexibility of the protective film base (70) is low, delamination may occur between the protective film base (70) and the substrate (10) as the substrate (10) is bent. However, in the case of the display device according to the present embodiment, the protective film (75) has an opening (75OP) corresponding to the bending area (BA), so that such delamination can be effectively prevented.

[0177] Up until now, it has been described that the protective film (75) has an opening (75OP) corresponding to the bending area (BA) and that such a protective film (75) is attached to the lower surface of the substrate (10) in the first area (1A) and the second area (2A), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the protective film (75) may correspond only to at least a part of the first area (1A) of the substrate (10). That is, the protective film (75) may not exist in the second area (2A) of the substrate (10).

[0178] Additionally, embodiments of the present invention are illustrated such that a substrate (10) is bent around a bending axis so that a portion of the lower surface in the first region (1A) and at least a portion of the lower surface in the second region (2A) face each other, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For instance, various modifications are possible, such as having a smaller curvature in the bending region (BA) than shown in the drawings, or having a narrower area in the bending region (BA) even if there is no significant change in the curvature in the bending region (BA), so that the lower surface in the second region (2A) does not face the lower surface in the first region (1A).

[0179] In the above case, the substrate (10) can be bent by rotating the display circuit board (51) while generating tension on the display circuit board (51) as described above.

[0180] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the display device illustrated in FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b in a bent state.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 8, after bending the substrate (10), etc., a cushion layer (91) can be further placed in the area where the first region (1A) and the second region (2A) face each other. That is, a cushion layer (91) that contacts the portion on the first region (1A) of the protective film base (70) and the second region (2A) of the protective film base (70) can be placed. After bending the substrate (10), etc., the cushion layer (91) can be placed in the space where the first region (1A) and the second region (2A) are separated, and can serve to support the display panel and absorb shock. The cushion layer (91) can be provided with an elastic material. At this time, the display device is not limited to the above, and it is also possible for the cushion layer (91) to be attached to the protective film base (70) before bending.

[0182] In the above case, an adhesive member (90) is placed between the cushion layer (91) and the protective film base (70) of the second region (2A) to fix the cushion layer (91) and the protective film base (70).

[0183] In the above case, the substrate (10) can be bent by rotating the display circuit board (51) while generating tension on the display circuit board (51) as described above.

[0184] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the display device illustrated in FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b in a bent state.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 9, the display device (DP) may further include a filler (93) placed in the opening (75OP) portion. The filler (93) may also be used together with a cushion layer (91). In this case, the filler (93) and the cushion layer (91) can be placed after bending. As another embodiment, it is also possible to place the filler (93) and the cushion layer (91) before bending and then bend the substrate (10). At this time, the present invention is not limited to the above, and the filler (93) and the cushion layer (91) can be placed in various ways.

[0186] As described above, an adhesive member (90) is disposed on the cushion layer (91) as described above and can be fixed to the protective film base (70) of the second region (2A) by the adhesive member (90).

[0187] In the above case, the substrate (10) can be bent by rotating the display circuit board (51) while generating tension on the display circuit board (51) as described above.

[0188] As such, the present invention has been described with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the drawings, but this is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0189] 1: Display panel 142: Rotary drive unit 10: Substrate 150: Force application part 100: Manufacturing device for display device 170: Gap adjustment unit 110: Stage 190: Vision Department 111: First motion block 51: Display circuit board 112: Control unit 52: Display drive unit 113: Display panel mounting part 53: Touch sensor driving part 114: Panel Vision Unit 54: Flexible Film 115: Vision drive unit 70: Protective film base 116: Optical system 75: Protective film 117: Support part 80: Adhesive layer 121: Guide part 90: Adhesive member 122: Second Motion Block 91: Cushion Layer 130: Lifting / lowering drive unit 93: Filler material 141: Support block

Claims

Claim 1 A manufacturing apparatus for a display device comprising: a stage on which a display panel is mounted; a mounting portion on which a display circuit board connected to the display panel is mounted; a gap adjustment portion connected to the mounting portion and causing the mounting portion to move linearly to adjust the gap between the stage and the mounting portion; and a rotary drive portion for rotating the mounting portion; wherein the rotary drive portion rotates the mounting portion while the gap adjustment portion applies force to the display circuit board, and the gap adjustment portion comprises: a moving block connected to the mounting portion and moving; a block guide on which the moving block is mounted and guided; a storage portion in which the moving block is stored; and a linear drive portion on which the moving block is mounted and which moves the moving block. Claim 2 A manufacturing apparatus for a display device according to claim 1, further comprising a lifting / lowering drive unit connected to the rotary drive unit and raising / lowering the rotary drive unit. Claim 3 A manufacturing apparatus for a display device, further comprising: a guide portion on which the stage is seated in claim 1. Claim 4 In claim 1, the gap adjustment unit is connected to the seating unit and is a manufacturing device comprising a cylinder or linear motor that causes the seating unit to move linearly. Claim 5 A manufacturing apparatus for a display device comprising: a stage on which a display panel is mounted; a mounting portion on which a display circuit board connected to the display panel is mounted; a gap adjustment portion connected to the mounting portion and causing the mounting portion to move linearly to adjust the gap between the stage and the mounting portion; and a rotary drive portion for rotating the mounting portion; wherein the rotary drive portion rotates the mounting portion while the gap adjustment portion applies force to the display circuit board, and the gap adjustment portion comprises: a moving block connected to the mounting portion and moving; a block guide on which the moving block is mounted and guided; a storage portion in which the moving block is stored; and a force applying portion disposed between the storage portion and the moving block to apply force to the moving block in one direction. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 A manufacturing apparatus for a display device according to claim 1, further comprising a support member disposed on the stage and supporting at least one of the display panel and the display circuit board. Claim 8 A method for manufacturing a display device comprising: a step of arranging a display panel and a display circuit board on a stage and a mounting portion, respectively; a step of linearly moving the mounting portion to vary the gap between the stage and the mounting portion to maintain a constant tension applied to at least one of the display panel and the display circuit board, thereby flattening the display panel and the display circuit board; and a step of rotating the mounting portion while maintaining the tension applied to at least one of the display panel and the display circuit board to bend a portion of the display panel; wherein the mounting portion is linearly moved through a gap adjustment portion connected to the mounting portion and causing the mounting portion to linearly move, and the gap adjustment portion comprises: a movable block connected to the mounting portion and moving; a block guide on which the movable block is mounted and guided; a storage portion in which the movable block is stored; and a linear driving portion on which the movable block is mounted and which moves the movable block. Claim 9 In claim 8, a method for manufacturing a display device wherein the display area of ​​the display panel is positioned to face the stage. Claim 10 A method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 8, further comprising the step of placing an adhesive member on the display panel. Claim 11 In claim 10, the method of manufacturing a display device wherein the display panel rotates around the end of the adhesive member. Claim 12 A method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 8, further comprising the step of linearly moving the above-mentioned seating portion. Claim 13 A method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 8, further comprising the step of supporting at least one of the display panel and the display circuit board after mounting the display panel on the stage. Claim 14 A method for manufacturing a display device, further comprising the step of aligning the position of the display panel in claim 8. Claim 15 A method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 8, further comprising the step of adjusting the gap between the seating portion and the stage. Claim 16 delete Claim 17 A method for manufacturing a display device according to claim 8, wherein the gap adjustment part is connected to the seating part and includes a cylinder or linear motor that causes the seating part to move linearly. Claim 18 delete Claim 19 A method for manufacturing a display device comprising: a step of arranging a display panel and a display circuit board on a stage and a mounting portion, respectively; a step of linearly moving the mounting portion to vary the gap between the stage and the mounting portion to maintain a constant tension applied to at least one of the display panel and the display circuit board, thereby flattening the display panel and the display circuit board; and a step of rotating the mounting portion while maintaining the tension applied to at least one of the display panel and the display circuit board to bend a portion of the display panel; wherein the mounting portion is linearly moved through a gap adjustment portion connected to the mounting portion and causing the mounting portion to linearly move, and the gap adjustment portion comprises: a movable block connected to the mounting portion and moving; a block guide on which the movable block is mounted and guided; a storage portion in which the movable block is stored; and a force applying portion disposed between the storage portion and the movable block to apply force to the movable block in one direction. Claim 20 In claim 8, a method for manufacturing a display device in which the tension of the display circuit board is maintained by adjusting the gap between the stage and the mounting portion.

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