Non-planar display device and method for manufacturing same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a display device and a method for manufacturing same, the display device comprising: a flexible upper substrate having a transparent common electrode formed therein; a flexible lower substrate having a plurality of lower electrodes formed therein; a display layer, including an electrophoretic medium, between the upper substrate and the lower substrate; a conductive adhesive layer for attaching the display layer and the lower electrodes; a connector for supplying Vcom or GND voltage to the common electrode of the upper substrate; and an electrode, formed separately above or below the lower substrate, for supplying the Vcom or GND voltage.

Description

Non-planar display device and manufacturing method thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrophoretic display device in which a medium is a fluid, wherein a connection portion is formed on one side of a visually non-exposed area to supply voltage to a common electrode, so as to be applicable to various types of designs and products, and wherein the position of the edge sealing and finishing area of ​​the electrophoretic display device is adjusted to maximize the visually recognizable display area. In addition, the present invention relates to a non-planar electrophoretic display device capable of changing colors on various surfaces, and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0002] Figures 1a and 1b are cross-sectional views showing the structure and control method of a conventional electrophoretic display panel.

[0003] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a display device based on electrophoretic technology implements specific information or color by utilizing a phenomenon in which, when an electric field is formed by an externally applied voltage, electrophoretic particles move toward an electrode to which a voltage having a sign opposite to the polarity of the charge they carry is applied, and the medium through which the charged electrophoretic particles move can be classified into air or a fluid.

[0004] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a reflective electrophoretic display device in which a medium is a fluid has a structure in which the direction or number of electrophoretic particles moving is controlled according to the direction and strength of an electric field, and a transparent common electrode (102) is formed on an upper substrate (101) to selectively apply a driving voltage to each segment or unit cell, at least one lower electrode (111) forming a segment or unit cell is formed on a lower substrate (105) at a position opposite to the common electrode (102), and a display layer including electronic ink in which electrophoretic particles (first particles (106), second particles (108)) are dispersed in a fluid (107) is formed between the two electrodes.

[0005] At this time, the display layer can be formed by forming cells separated by partition walls (109) on the upper substrate (101) and then filling and sealing electronic ink (Fig. 1a), or by mixing electronic ink into microcapsules (112), sealing it, and then coating and drying it on the common electrode (102) of the upper substrate (101) to form the display layer (Fig. 1b).

[0006] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the area and resolution of a segment or unit cell of an electrophoretic display device are determined by the area, position, and number of electrodes formed on the lower substrate at positions facing the common electrode of the upper substrate.

[0007] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an electrophoretic display device in which a medium is a fluid is driven in a segment driving manner or an active manner depending on the structure and control method of the electrodes formed on the applied lower substrate, and in order to electrically control the display device, in both driving manners, a Vcom voltage (common voltage) corresponding to the GND voltage is supplied to the upper common electrode (102) through a control unit (112), and a driving voltage having a positive sign or a negative sign or a high or low voltage intensity is applied to lower electrodes (111) formed on the lower substrate (105) constituting a segment or unit cell, respectively, to selectively display a specific color or information.

[0008] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, as a method for supplying a Vcom voltage or a GND voltage to a common electrode (102) formed on an upper substrate (101), a separate electrode (104) for supplying a Vcom or GND voltage is formed in a portion of an edge on a plane such as lower electrodes (111) forming a segment or unit cell formed on an upper portion of a lower substrate (105), and a portion of an electrophoretic display layer opposite to the formed electrode for supplying the Vcom or GND voltage is removed and cleaned to form an opening, and then a conductive material (103) is charged or attached to electrically connect the common electrode (102).

[0009] Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are cross-sectional views and schematic diagrams showing a method for manufacturing a conventional electrophoretic display device.

[0010] Referring to FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d, conventional electrophoretic display devices have problems due to sealing and bezel areas.

[0011] Referring to FIGS. 2a and b, a method for manufacturing a conventional electrophoretic display device is illustrated. A panel is manufactured by bonding or attaching a display layer (216) formed on an upper substrate (201) to an upper surface of a lower substrate (205) on which electrodes (211) constituting a unit cell and a separate electrode (204) for supplying a Vcom voltage are formed using a conductive adhesive layer (210).

[0012] In this process, a process of electrically connecting a common electrode (202) and a separately formed lower electrode (204) to supply Vcom voltage is performed using a conductive material (203).

[0013] Referring to Figures 2a and b, in the process of cutting the upper substrate (201) to fit the display area of ​​the lower substrate (205) to which it is to be attached, the outermost area of ​​the display layer (216) is damaged, so it is cut wider than the actual set display area and attached to the lower substrate (205).

[0014] In addition, since the electrophoretic display layer (216) is vulnerable to moisture permeation, changes in electrical / optical characteristics are large and it is also greatly affected by power consumption and lifespan, etc., after the upper substrate (201) and the lower substrate (205) are laminated or attached, the edge area (outermost area) (217) where the display layer (216) is directly exposed must be sealed.

[0015] Referring to FIGS. 2a and b, the edge / sealing area (217) located on the same plane as the display unit and the opening area formed to supply the Vcom voltage to the common electrode (202) are closed through an external housing (218) such as a bezel or frame.

[0016] Referring to Figures 2a and b, the area excluding the display area on the plane is ultimately finished with a bezel, printing finish, external housing case, etc., and if the area excluding the display area on the same plane is large, there is a problem that it reduces visual concentration and causes many restrictions on the design of the product to which it is to be applied.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 2c, the conventional display device structure and manufacturing method as in FIGS. 2a and 2b cause an increase in unnecessary peripheral areas other than the display unit, thereby reducing visibility, and the sealing / bezel area located on the same plane as the display unit causes a reduction in visibility due to a difference in visual immersion according to the boundary of the bezel and frame even when displaying information by combining multiple display devices.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 2d, even if the electrophoretic panel to which the conventional technology is applied does not require separate sealing by using a moisture-proof resin mold (219) used in a molding process such as forming or injection molding for manufacturing a non-planar display device, the connection area (222) filled with a conductive material (203) for supplying the Vcom voltage still has the disadvantage of having problems such as poor appearance and visual immersion when viewed from the side (220) and front (221) of the panel.

[0019] These problems have the disadvantage that there are many limitations in applying them to color variations or packaging materials for home appliances / furniture, etc., which require important CMF design and emotional design such as color and material finish.

[0020] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electrophoretic display device and a manufacturing method thereof, in which the connecting portion, sealing and finishing area for supplying the Vcom voltage to the common electrode can be positioned in an area that is not visually exposed in order to maximize the visually exposed display area so that the display can be applied to various types of designs and products in an electrophoretic technology-based reflective display device in which the medium is a fluid.

[0021] That is, the purpose is to provide an electrophoretic display device and a manufacturing method thereof, which can minimize the visually exposed areas, such as the connection for supplying Vcom voltage to a common electrode, the outermost sealing and finishing area of ​​the display layer, which cause a decrease in the visibility of the display portion and many design restrictions in the electrophoretic display device.

[0022] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a structure and a manufacturing method of an electrophoretic display panel that can be attached to the exterior of a product having a non-planar exterior such as a home appliance, furniture, smartphone, or electronic product case and display in a non-planar shape for electrically converting color.

[0023] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method for three-dimensionally forming a panel of a manufactured non-planar electrophoretic display device.

[0024] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a flexible upper substrate having a transparent common electrode formed thereon; a flexible lower substrate having a plurality of lower electrodes formed thereon; a display layer including an electrophoretic medium between the upper substrate and the lower substrate; a conductive adhesive layer for attaching the display layer and the lower electrodes; a connection part for supplying a Vcom or GND voltage to the common electrode of the upper substrate; and an electrode for supplying a Vcom or GND voltage formed separately on the upper or lower portion of the lower substrate.

[0025] The connection part is formed by filling a conductive material into an opening in which a part of the display layer is removed, and electrodes for supplying a driving voltage may be formed on the rear surface area of ​​the lower substrate or a driving circuit control part may be arranged.

[0026] A support is additionally included on the rear surface of the lower substrate, and the rear surface of the lower electrode where the connection portion is located is attached to one side of the support that is not visually exposed, and the connection portion is located on a part of the side surface of the display device or the side surface of the display layer and the lower electrode, so that the area where the connection portion is exposed on a plane can be minimized.

[0027] The outermost region of the display layer that is not driven in the display unit of the display device may be attached to one side of the support so that it is not visually exposed, and a connecting portion may be additionally formed in the outermost region of the display layer.

[0028] A sealing transparent protective film attached to the surface of the upper substrate; and a sealing protective film attached to the entire surface of the support area on the same plane as the area where the display layer is exposed to the outside or the area where the display layer is exposed to the outside may be additionally included.

[0029] A sealing transparent protective film attached to the surface of the upper substrate; and a sealing protective film attached to the surface of the lower substrate may be additionally included, wherein the back surface of the sealed lower substrate may be attached to one side of the support that is not visually exposed.

[0030] In order to prevent the display layer from being exposed to the outside, a sealing transparent protective film attached to the surface of the upper substrate may be attached to a portion of the rear edge of the lower substrate, and the rear surface of the sealed lower substrate may be placed on one side of the support where it is not visually exposed.

[0031] An adhesive film is placed on the back of the lower substrate, and the backs of the lower substrates are attached so that they face each other based on the boundary surface of the adhesive film, so that the connection area, bezel, or sealing area of ​​the lower substrate may not be exposed.

[0032] A sealing transparent protective film is attached to the upper surface of the upper substrate, and after folding the boundary surface of the adhesive film attached to the rear surface of the lower substrate, a sealing protective film having an adhesive layer formed on the entire rear surface of the display device is attached, so that the connection area, bezel, or sealing area of ​​the lower substrate may not be exposed.

[0033] By attaching a sealing transparent protective film to the upper substrate in a way that is wider than the area of ​​the upper substrate, folding the boundary surface of the lower substrate area corresponding to the connection portion, and fixing the sealing transparent protective film and the conductive adhesive layer exposed outside the area attached to the upper substrate, the connection portion area, bezel, or sealing area of ​​the lower substrate may not be exposed.

[0034] A support is additionally included on the rear side of the lower substrate, and a panel of the display device is attached in a form surrounding the support, thereby enabling implementation of a non-planar display on three or four or more sides, and the connecting portion and the display layer finishing area may be attached to the support so as not to be visually exposed.

[0035] A method for manufacturing a display device for dispersing stress applied to a specific region of the display device according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprising: a step of cutting an area exceeding an allowable radius of curvature in the upper substrate, the display layer, or the lower substrate using a laser cutting process; and a step of attaching a sealing transparent protective film to the upper portion of the upper substrate and attaching a sealing protective film to the lower portion of the lower substrate; or a step of applying a molding material such as resin and then performing forming or injection molding; wherein the display portion of the display device can be stably manufactured without being damaged.

[0036] The technology of the present invention has the advantage of improving yield compared to conventional technologies by preventing short circuits and damage to the display layer due to destruction of the transparent electrode and display layer when applying processes such as forming or injection molding by manufacturing the panel by cutting or cutting the disassembly boundary in advance when the size of the area corresponding to the non-planar attachment surface of the panel exceeds the allowable radius of curvature of the upper transparent electrode or display layer.

[0037] The technology of the present invention has the advantage of being able to lower the pressure or temperature applied to the panel compared to conventional technologies by lowering the resistance, such as the restoring force of the boundary surface, and also shortening the manufacturing time.

[0038] The technology of the present invention has the advantage of being able to maximize the use of the display area compared to conventional technologies by placing the Vcom electrode connected to the common electrode in an area that is not visually exposed based on the display plane, and of being able to enhance the design of the product to which it is applied.

[0039] The application of the techniques of the present invention has the advantage of enabling the manufacture of electrophoretic display devices capable of non-planar displays of various shapes without visual limitations compared to conventional techniques.

[0040] Figures 1a and 1b are cross-sectional views showing the structure and control method of a conventional electrophoretic display panel.

[0041] Figures 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are cross-sectional views and schematic diagrams showing a method for manufacturing a conventional electrophoretic display device.

[0042] Figures 3a, b, and c are cross-sectional views and schematic diagrams of a lower substrate of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figures 4a and b are cross-sectional views of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIGS. 5a, b, and c are cross-sectional views of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIGS. 6a and 6b are photographs of a display panel in which the Vcom electrode connection portion is not visually exposed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIGS. 7a, b, and c are cross-sectional views of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the opening area, bezel, and sealing area are not visually exposed.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a photograph of a display panel in which the opening area, bezel, and sealing area are not visually exposed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIGS. 9a to 9e are cross-sectional views of a display panel in which the opening area, bezel, and sealing area are not visually exposed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIGS. 10a and b are cross-sectional views of an electrophoretic display panel capable of implementing a non-planar display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIGS. 11a, b, and c are photographs of non-planar electrophoretic display devices manufactured according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 12 is a front view and a cross-sectional view of a display device manufactured by an injection molding process using an electrophoretic panel manufactured according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a manufacturing method of a display device for dispersing stress applied to a specific area of ​​a display device panel when applying a molding process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 14 is a photograph of the display area of ​​a display device where relatively strong stress is concentrated when a molding process is applied using conventional technology.

[0054] FIG. 15 is a photograph of a display device in which the display portion is stably formed without damage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] The present invention is capable of various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below, along with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be implemented in various forms.

[0056] 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.

[0057] In the examples below, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are not used in a limiting sense, but rather to distinguish one component from another. Furthermore, in the examples below, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0058] In the examples below, terms such as “include” or “have” mean that a feature or component described in the specification is present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0059] Figures 3a, b, and c are cross-sectional views and schematic diagrams of a lower substrate of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3A, the structure of a panel for an electrophoretic display device includes a flexible upper substrate (301) having a transparent common electrode formed thereon, a display layer (302) including an electrophoretic medium, a conductive adhesive layer (303) for attaching the display layer (302) and lower electrodes (306), a flexible lower substrate (304) having a plurality of lower electrodes (306) formed thereon, a connection portion for supplying Vcom or GND voltage to the common electrode of the upper substrate (301), the connection portion is formed by filling a conductive material (305) in an opening formed by removing a portion of the display layer, and an electrode (307) separately formed on the lower substrate (304) to which the Vcom or GND voltage is supplied, formed under the conductive material (305).

[0061] At this time, a separate adhesive layer (not shown) such as OCA and a protective film (not shown) may be positioned on the front side of the upper substrate (301) or the back side of the lower substrate (304) to facilitate attachment to a separate material such as a protective film.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3b, the structure of the lower substrate (304) is such that lower electrodes (306) that are attached to the display layer (302) and constitute segments or unit cells and voltage supply wires (309) are connected 1:1, and electrodes (310) that are located on the rear surface area of ​​the lower substrate (304) and supply a driving voltage by being connected to a driving circuit or driving board are formed, or a driving circuit control unit (311) including a Driver IC that can directly supply a driving voltage to the lower electrodes that control the unit cells for high-resolution active driving control can be located on the rear surface of the lower substrate (304).

[0063] Referring to FIG. 3c, on the lower substrate (304), an electrode (307), a driving board connection part (310), or a driving circuit control part (311) may be formed separately on one side of the lower substrate (304) and located on the same plane as the lower electrodes (306) constituting the segments or unit cells, and to which a Vcom or GND voltage is supplied, except for the display area.

[0064] Figures 4a and b are cross-sectional views of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 4a and b, the structure of a panel is shown in which the opening area for visually supplying Vcom voltage is not exposed in the display area.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 4a, in the panel structure of the electrophoretic display device described in FIGS. 3a, b, and c, the rear surface of the lower substrate (404) constituting the panel is attached to the surface of a separate support (413) using an adhesive or adhesive film (412), and the rear surface of the lower electrode, where the connection portion (405) filled with a conductive material formed to supply the Vcom voltage is located, is attached to one side of the support that is not visually exposed, so that the area where the connection portion (405) of the common electrode and the Vcom voltage is exposed on the same plane as the display area can be minimized.

[0067] The above support (413) is flexible, and a connecting portion (405) including an electrode (not shown) for supplying a common voltage to the common electrode can be positioned on a part of the side of the display device or, if necessary, on the side of the display layer (402) and the lower electrodes (404) in that area.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 4b, the outermost region of the display layer (402) that is not driven in the display unit may also be attached to one side of the support (413) that is not visually exposed, and in order to prevent deviations in electrical / optical characteristics due to surface resistance and delay time when driving a large-area display, an electrode connection portion (405) for supplying a common voltage to a common electrode may be additionally formed on the outermost region of the display layer (402).

[0069] FIGS. 5a, b, and c are cross-sectional views of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 5a, b, and c, this is a cross-sectional view showing the structure and manufacturing process of a display panel so that the bezel and sealing area are not visually exposed in the display area of ​​the display device.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 5a, b, and c, when the product is used for a long time in an environment such as high temperature / high humidity, a flexible protective film (515) with physical shock absorption, moisture permeation prevention, heat stability, UV-CUT function, etc. of the upper (501) to lower substrate (504) may be attached to the lower portion of the lower substrate (504), and the protective film attached to the upper portion of the display unit must be a transparent protective film (514) with a specific transmittance.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 5a, it is a cross-sectional view of a display device describing a method of manufacturing and sealing a panel when a support (513) to which the panel is attached is made of a material having moisture-proofing and heat stability.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5a, after manufacturing a panel by bonding or attaching an upper substrate (501) and a lower substrate (504) on which a display layer (502) is formed, a transparent protective film (514) is attached to the surface of the upper substrate (501), which is a display portion, and then, using the method described in FIG. 4, a conductive material is filled in the common electrode and the Vcom electrode connection portion (505), and the rear surface of the lower substrate (504), which corresponds to the sealing area, is attached to one side of a support (513) that is not visually exposed, and the area where the display layer (502) is exposed to the outside is partially sealed (516) or a protective film (515) is attached to the entire surface of the support (513) on the same plane as the area where the display layer (502) is exposed to the outside, thereby performing a sealing process.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 5b, it is a cross-sectional view of a display device describing a method for manufacturing a panel when a lower substrate (504) or support (513) that is relatively moisture-proof and thermally stable is applied.

[0075] After manufacturing a panel by laminating or attaching an upper substrate (501) and a lower substrate (504) on which a display layer (502) is formed, a transparent protective film (514) having functionality is attached to the upper portion of the display section, and then a protective film (515) is attached to the lower substrate (504) of the panel to complete the sealing process. Then, using the method described in FIG. 4, a conductive material is filled in the common electrode and Vcom electrode connection portion (505), and the rear surface of the lower substrate (504) corresponding to the sealing area is attached to one side of a support (513) that is not visually exposed, thereby finally manufacturing a panel of an electrophoretic display device.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 5c, it is a cross-sectional view of a display device that describes a method for manufacturing and sealing a panel in which a lower substrate (504) constituting the panel has moisture resistance and thermal stability.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 5c, a panel is manufactured by bonding or attaching an upper substrate (501) and a lower substrate (504) on which a display layer (502) is formed, and then a transparent protective film (514) attached to the upper substrate (501) is attached to a portion of the edge of the rear surface of the lower substrate (504) so ​​that no area of ​​the display layer (502) is exposed to the outside, and then a sealing process is performed, and then a conductive material is filled in the common electrode and Vcom electrode connection portion (505), and the rear surface of the lower substrate (504) corresponding to the sealing area is attached to one side of a support (513) that is not visually exposed, thereby manufacturing a panel of an electrophoretic display device.

[0078] FIGS. 6a and 6b are photographs of a display panel in which the Vcom electrode connection portion is not visually exposed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the photo is of a display panel manufactured so that the connection for supplying the Vcom voltage to the common electrode is not visually exposed by applying the technology of the present invention described in FIG. 5b.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 6a and b, a microcapsule-type electrophoretic film in which a display layer (602) is formed by microencapsulating electronic ink in which white and blue electrophoretic particles with opposite charges are dispersed in a transparent fluid was used as an upper substrate, and the electrophoretic display layer (602) and electrodes constituting the segments of the lower substrate were bonded using a conductive adhesive film.

[0081] At this time, a part of one side of the edge of the display layer (602) was removed to form an opening, and then electrically connected to the electrode (607) formed on the lower substrate to supply the common electrode and Vcom voltage using a conductive adhesive film.

[0082] Afterwards, a transparent protective film (614) having flexibility was attached and sealed to the upper part of the upper substrate and the back of the lower substrate using OCA, and then the back of the panel, where the connection for supplying the Vcom voltage to the common electrode and the edge sealing area are located, was attached to the support (613) using a separate adhesive film so that it was not visually exposed.

[0083] Referring to Fig. 6b, when a driving voltage was applied to the final manufactured panel to change the color of the display portion, it was confirmed that the Vcom electrode connection portion and the edge sealing area were not visually visible on the same plane as the area corresponding to the display portion of the panel, and white and blue colors were operated on the entire display portion.

[0084] FIGS. 7a, b, and c are cross-sectional views of a display panel according to an embodiment of the present invention in which the opening area, bezel, and sealing area are not visually exposed.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 7a, b, and c, a panel structure can be manufactured so that the opening area for supplying the Vcom voltage, the bezel, and the sealing area are not visually exposed in the display area without using a separate support.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 7a, when the electrodes formed on the upper (701) to lower substrate (704) are durable against physical or mechanical shocks with a narrow radius of curvature, an adhesive film (712) may be formed on the back surface of the lower substrate (704) in an area corresponding to a connection portion (705), a bezel, and a sealing area for supplying the Vcom voltage to the common electrode without using a support, and the back surfaces of the lower substrate (704) may be attached so that they face each other based on the boundary surface of the attached adhesive film (712).

[0087] Referring to FIG. 7b, a method may be applied in which a transparent protective film (714) is attached to the upper surface of the upper substrate (701), the boundary surface of the adhesive film (712) attached to the rear surface of the lower substrate (704) is folded, and then a protective film (715) having an adhesive layer formed on the entire rear surface of the panel is attached to maintain a fixed shape.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 7c, a method may be applied in which a transparent protective film (714) attached to an upper substrate (701) is set wider than the area of ​​the upper substrate (701), the boundary surface of an area of ​​the lower substrate corresponding to a bezel sealing area of ​​a connecting portion (705) filled with a conductive material of an electrode for supplying Vcom voltage is folded, and then the transparent protective film (714) exposed outside the area attached to the upper substrate (704) and the conductive adhesive layer (703) are fixed thereto.

[0089] FIG. 8 is a photograph of a display panel in which the opening area, bezel, and sealing area are not visually exposed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown an embodiment of a panel manufacturing method in which an opening area, a bezel, and a sealing area for visually supplying a Vcom voltage are not exposed in the display area without using a separate support as described in FIG. 7a.

[0091] Referring to Fig. 8, a microcapsule-type electrophoretic film implementing white / blue colors as described in Figs. 6a and b was used as an upper substrate, and after being laminated to a lower substrate divided into a lower electrode constituting a segment and an electrode supplying a Vcom voltage, a display layer opposite the electrode supplying a Vcom voltage was removed, and conductive silver paste was filled into the secured opening to conduct the common electrode and the electrode supplying the Vcom voltage. Thereafter, an adhesive film was attached to the back surface of the lower substrate located in the area corresponding to the connection portion of the electrode supplying the VCOM voltage, and the connection portion (805) filled with the conductive material of the electrode supplying the VCOM voltage was folded and attached toward the back surface (818) of the lower substrate so that it was not visually exposed.

[0092] FIGS. 9a to 9e are cross-sectional views of a display panel in which the opening area, bezel, and sealing area are not visually exposed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 9a to 9e, the structure and manufacturing method of a panel in which an opening area for visually supplying Vcom voltage, a bezel, and a sealing area are not exposed in the display area without using a separate support.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 9a, the electrode (907) for supplying the Vcom voltage is located on one side of the rear edge of the lower substrate (904) rather than the upper side, and only the lower electrodes (906) constituting the segments or unit cells should be located on the upper side of the lower substrate (904) that is laminated or attached to the display layer (902) and the conductive adhesive layer (903).

[0095] Referring to FIG. 9b, in order to electrically connect the common electrode (907) formed on the back of the lower substrate (904) for supplying a Vcom voltage and the common electrode on the upper side, the upper substrate (901) / display layer (902) and the lower electrodes (906) for controlling the display are formed, and then a part of the display layer opening (919) for supplying a common voltage of the upper substrate (area where the common electrode is exposed) is positioned in the direction of the electrode (907) formed for supplying the Vcom voltage.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 9c, a method of filling the opening (919) with a conductive material (905) having adhesive properties such as a conductive adhesive film to conduct electricity can be applied.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 9a to 9e, the display area consumed is relatively small compared to the method of FIGS. 7a, b, and c, and the panel can be manufactured with a relatively thin thickness.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 9a to 9e, the upper substrate on which the display layer is formed must have flexibility, but the technology of the present invention can be applied even if the flexibility of the lower substrate is not secured.

[0099] Referring to Fig. 9d, in the case of a panel having a large-area display, electrodes supplying the Vcom voltage may be placed on one side of the rear surface of the lower substrate to prevent electrical deviation due to surface resistance, etc.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 9e, a functional protective film (914)(915)(920) may be attached to the upper / lower portion of the panel to prevent moisture penetration or protect the panel, seal the area where the display layer (902) is exposed, or be attached to both the upper / lower substrates (901) / (904) of the panel.

[0101] FIGS. 10a and b are cross-sectional views of an electrophoretic display panel capable of implementing a non-planar display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 10a and b, by applying the display devices of FIGS. 9a to 9e, electrophoretic display devices capable of non-planar display can be manufactured using a separate support.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 10a, as an example of a display device structure capable of display implementation on three or more sides, a display layer (1002) finishing area, including a connecting portion (1005) filled with a conductive material for supplying Vcom voltage to a common electrode, is attached to a support (1013) and is not visually exposed.

[0104] Therefore, when combining multiple display devices of the same structure, it has the effect of significantly improving visual problems that occur due to the boundary surface where the display portions of the multiple display devices are located on the same plane in the conventional technology of FIG. 2c.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 10b, it is possible to manufacture a non-planar display device capable of implementing a display on four or more sides by attaching the panel in a form that surrounds the support (1013), and it is possible to implement a variety of three-dimensional display devices depending on the shape of the support to which the panel is attached.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 10b, a display device capable of implementing a display on the front surface of the display device can be manufactured by dividing and attaching a surface where the radius of curvature of the boundary surface of the support (1013) is severe and large stress is generated, using multiple panels.

[0107] Referring to Fig. 10b, in the case of a display device having a three-dimensional shape using a support (1013), there is an advantage in that the exposed surface of the display device can be finished or sealed using a transparent resin or the like that can be cured at a relatively low temperature or with UV without applying a molding process that requires high temperature and high pressure.

[0108] FIGS. 11a, b, and c are photographs of non-planar electrophoretic display devices manufactured according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0109] Referring to Fig. 11a, this is a photograph showing a change in color observed by driving non-planar display devices manufactured by the method described in Fig. 10a.

[0110] Referring to Fig. 11a, for this experiment, microcapsule-type electrophoretic films that implement various colors were used as an upper substrate, and the lower electrodes constituting the segments were positioned on the upper side of the lower substrate and attached to the display layer, and the electrode that supplies the Vcom voltage was designed to be positioned on the rear side of the lower substrate. A conductive adhesive film was used to electrically connect one side of the common electrode of the upper substrate, and the panel was attached to a support having a rectangular shape with three sides using an adhesive film.

[0111] Afterwards, a non-planar electrophoretic display device was manufactured in which the display portion and the surface where the display layer is exposed were coated with transparent resin and cured with UV to change color on all three sides of the display device.

[0112] Referring to Fig. 11b, it was confirmed that even when multiple display devices are combined, unnecessary finishing areas other than the display portions are not exposed at the boundary of multiple display portions located on the same plane, thereby ensuring superior visibility compared to conventional technology.

[0113] Referring to Fig. 11c, in the embodiment of the present invention described in Fig. 10b, for this experiment, an electrophoretic film was cut to fit each different display plane, a lower substrate was designed, and each panel was manufactured to fit the front, side, and back of the display device using one of the methods described in Fig. 11a, and then attached to a support to manufacture three-dimensional, front-facing, color-changing non-planar display devices.

[0114] FIG. 12 is a front view and a cross-sectional view of a display device manufactured by an injection molding process using an electrophoretic panel manufactured according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 12, even if a display device is manufactured by performing a molding process such as forming or injection molding using a mold (1220) using a panel manufactured according to the present invention, various types of non-planar electrophoretic display devices can be manufactured without exposed areas such as connection parts for supplying Vcom voltage, which was a problem in the conventional technology.

[0116] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a manufacturing method of a display device for dispersing stress applied to a specific area of ​​a display device panel when applying a molding process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 13, after cutting out the area (1321) exceeding the allowable radius of curvature in the upper substrate (1301), the display layer (1302), the lower substrate (1304), etc., each or the entire area by a laser cutting process, etc., and then attaching a transparent protective film (1314) to the upper portion of the upper substrate of the display unit and a protective film (1315) to the lower portion of the lower substrate, or applying a molding material such as resin and then performing forming or injection molding, a three-dimensional display device can be stably manufactured without damage to the display unit.

[0118] Figure 14 is a photograph of the display area of ​​a display device where relatively strong stress is concentrated when a molding process is applied using conventional technology.

[0119] Referring to Figure 14, this is a photograph showing damage to a portion of a display unit corresponding to an area where relatively strong stress or cracks occur during the process of forming a three-dimensional display unit by applying heat and pressure to an electrophoretic panel manufactured using a conventional technique.

[0120] FIG. 15 is a photograph of a display device in which the display portion is stably formed without damage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 15, this is a photograph of an electrophoretic display device manufactured by performing a molding process under the same process conditions as the method of manufacturing in FIG. 14, applying the technology of the present invention described in FIG. 13.

[0122] Referring to Figure 15, a panel was manufactured for this experiment using a microcapsule-type electrophoretic film capable of implementing white and yellow colors as the upper substrate, which is the display portion.

[0123] Referring to Fig. 15, a specific area of ​​the lower substrate where relatively strong stress is expected to be applied during the molding process due to a narrow radius of curvature, etc., was cut with a laser to disperse the stress concentrated in that area. In addition, in order to prevent penetration and deformation of resin, etc. during the subsequent molding process, a separate protective film was attached to the back of the lower substrate and then the molding process was performed. As a result, it was confirmed that the display unit operated stably without damage as seen in the prior art of Fig. 13.

[0124] The materials and manufacturing process required for manufacturing the display test panel and display device of the present invention are referred to the contents disclosed in the following patent of the same applicant registered prior to this application.

[0125] KR 10-1984763 B1 (2019.05.27.)

[0126] KR 10-1913709 B1 (2018.10.25.)

[0127] KR 10-2102294 B1 (2020.04.13.)

[0128] KR 10-2255328 B1 (2021.05.17.)

[0129] KR 10-2156044 B1 (2020.09.09.)

[0130] KR 10-2156063 B1 (2020.09.09.)

[0131] KR 10-2340892 B1 (2021.12.14.)

Claims

1. A flexible upper substrate having a transparent common electrode formed thereon; A flexible lower substrate having multiple lower electrodes formed thereon; A display layer including an electrophoretic medium between the upper substrate and the lower substrate; A conductive adhesive layer for attaching the display layer and the lower electrodes; A connection for supplying Vcom or GND voltage to the common electrode of the upper substrate; and A display device characterized by including an electrode for supplying Vcom or GND voltage formed separately on the upper or lower portion of the lower substrate.

2. In paragraph 1, A display device characterized in that the above connecting portion is formed by filling a conductive material into an opening from which a portion of the display layer is removed, and electrodes for supplying a driving voltage are formed or a driving circuit control portion is arranged on the rear surface area of ​​the lower substrate.

3. In paragraph 1, An additional support is included on the rear side of the above lower substrate, Attach the rear surface of the lower electrode where the above connection is located to one side of the support that is not visually exposed, A display device characterized in that the connecting portion is located on a side of the display device or on a side of the display layer and the lower electrode, so that the area where the connecting portion is exposed on a plane is minimized.

4. In paragraph 3, A display device characterized in that the outermost region of the display layer, which is not driven in the display section of the display device, is attached to one side of the support so that it is not visually exposed, and a connecting portion is additionally formed in the outermost region of the display layer.

5. In paragraph 4, A sealing transparent protective film attached to the surface of the upper substrate; and A display device characterized in that it further includes a sealing protective film attached to the entire surface of the support area on the same plane as the area where the display layer is exposed to the outside or the area where the display layer is exposed to the outside.

6. In paragraph 4, A sealing transparent protective film attached to the surface of the upper substrate; and In addition, a sealing protective film is attached to the surface of the above lower substrate, A display device characterized in that the rear surface of the sealed lower substrate is attached to one side of the support so as not to be visually exposed.

7. In paragraph 4, In order to prevent the display layer from being exposed to the outside, a sealing transparent protective film attached to the surface of the upper substrate is attached to a portion of the rear edge of the lower substrate. A display device characterized in that the rear surface of the sealed lower substrate is placed on one side of the support so as not to be visually exposed.

8. In paragraph 1, A display device characterized in that an adhesive film is placed on the rear surface of the lower substrate and the rear surfaces of the lower substrate are attached so that they face each other based on the boundary surface of the adhesive film, so that the connection area, bezel, or sealing area of ​​the lower substrate is not exposed.

9. In paragraph 8, A sealing transparent protective film is attached to the upper surface of the upper substrate, After folding the boundary surface of the adhesive film attached to the back of the lower substrate, A display device characterized in that a sealing protective film having an adhesive layer formed over the entire rear surface of the display device is attached, so that the connection area, bezel, or sealing area of ​​the lower substrate is not exposed.

10. In paragraph 1, Attach the sealing transparent protective film to the upper substrate so that it is wider than the area of ​​the upper substrate, After folding the boundary surface of the lower substrate area corresponding to the above connection part, A display device characterized in that the connecting portion area, bezel or sealing portion of the lower substrate is not exposed by fixing the sealing transparent protective film and the conductive adhesive layer exposed outside the area attached to the upper substrate.

11. In paragraph 1, An additional support is included on the rear side of the above lower substrate, A display device in which a panel of the display device is attached in a form that surrounds the support, thereby enabling implementation of a non-planar display on three or four or more sides, and characterized in that the connecting portion and the display layer finishing area are attached to the support and are not visually exposed.

12. A method for manufacturing a display device for dispersing stress applied to a specific area of ​​the display device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, A step of cutting an area exceeding the allowable radius of curvature in the upper substrate, the display layer or the lower substrate using a laser cutting process; and A step of attaching a sealing transparent protective film to the upper part of the upper substrate and attaching a sealing protective film to the lower part of the lower substrate; or A method for manufacturing a display device, characterized in that the display portion of the display device is stably manufactured without damage, including a step of applying a molding material such as resin and then performing forming or injection molding.

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