Patent ID: 8286579
Filing Date: 2012-10-16
Classification: C23C

Abstract:
1. A mask assembly for thin film vapor deposition of a flat panel display, the mask assembly comprising: a frame comprising a pair of first supporting portions and a pair of second supporting portions, wherein the two pairs are connected to each other so that an inner perimeter of the connected pairs defines an opening; and a plurality of unit masks having at least one set of pattern openings, wherein the unit masks are fixed to the first supporting portion while having a tensile force applied thereto, wherein the plurality of unit masks have a length and a thickness, and wherein the first supporting portion comprises: a first sub-section connected to a portion of the unit masks, wherein the first sub-section overlaps with the unit mask portion when viewed from the direction of the thickness of the unit masks, and wherein the first sub-section has a first height measured along the thickness direction, and a second sub-section extending from the first sub-section along the direction of the length of the unit masks, wherein the second sub-section is not connected to the unit masks and does not overlap with the unit masks when viewed from the thickness direction, wherein the second sub-section has a second height different from the first height, and wherein the first sub-section has a substantially flat surface which faces the unit masks and is closer to the unit masks than the second sub-section, wherein the first supporting portion satisfies an equation of about 0.2≦W wherein the first sub-section is welded to the unit masks at a plurality of welded portions, and wherein the length of the welded portions measured along the length direction of the unit masks is greater than about a half of the width (W