APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING DISPLAY DEVICE

An apparatus for manufacturing a display device includes a stage on which a display panel is placed, an accommodation portion on which a display circuit board is placed, where the display circuit board is connected to the display panel, an interval adjustment portion that adjusts an interval between the stage and the accommodation portion, and a rotation driving portion that rotates the accommodation portion. When the interval adjustment portion applies a force to the display circuit board, the rotation driving portion rotates the accommodation portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0171375, filed on Dec. 9, 2020 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

1. TECHNICAL FIELD

One or more embodiments are directed to apparatuses and methods, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method of manufacturing a display device.

2. DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

Mobile electronic devices are widely used. Mobile electronic devices include compact electronic devices such as mobile phones as well as tablet PCs.

A mobile electronic device includes a display device to provide visual information such as an image or a video to a user and to support various functions. Recently, as other components for driving a display device are miniaturized, a portion of an electronic device taken by the display device has gradually increased, and thus a flexible structure capable of being bent is under development.

The above-described display device typically includes a display panel and a display driving circuit substrate connected to the display panel. In this state, during manufacture of a display device, to arrange the display panel in a narrow place, the display driving circuit substrate can be located at the rear surface of the display panel.

In general, when a display panel is bent, it is bent to have a preset radius of curvature in a bendable area. However, depending on errors in the device itself, the nature of a material, or a working environment, etc., in an actual process, a display panel might not be bent to have a preset radius of curvature, or a display panel can be damaged while being bent.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments include an apparatus and method of manufacturing a display device, in which, during bending of a display panel, damage to a display panel can be prevented when the display panel is bent to have a desired radius of curvature.

According to one or more embodiments, an apparatus for manufacturing a display device includes a stage on which a display panel is placed, an accommodation portion on which a display circuit board is placed, where the display circuit board is connected to the display panel, an interval adjustment portion that adjusts an interval between the stage and the accommodation portion, and a rotation driving portion that rotates the accommodation portion. When the interval adjustment portion applies a force to the display circuit board, the rotation driving portion rotates the accommodation portion.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further includes an elevation driving portion that is connected to the rotation driving portion and raises or lowers the rotation driving portion.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further includes a guide portion on which the stage is placed.

In an embodiment, the interval adjustment portion includes a cylinder or linear motor that is connected to the accommodation portion and linearly moves the accommodation portion.

In an embodiment, the interval adjustment portion includes a moving block, a block guide on which the moving block is placed, a block accommodation portion in which the moving block is accommodated, and a force application portion that is disposed between the block accommodation portion and the moving block and applies a force in one direction to the moving block.

In an embodiment, the interval adjustment portion includes a moving block, a block guide on which the moving block is placed, a block accommodation portion in which the moving block is accommodated, and a linear driving portion on which the moving block is placed and that moves the moving block.

In an embodiment, the stage includes a support portion that supports at least one of the display panel or the display circuit board.

According to one or more embodiments, a method of manufacturing a display device includes disposing a display panel and a display circuit board on a stage and an accommodation portion, respectively, applying a constant tension to at least one of the display panel or the display circuit board by linearly moving the accommodation portion, and bending a part of the display panel by rotating the accommodation portion.

In an embodiment, a display area of the display panel faces the stage.

In an embodiment, the method further includes forming an adhesive member on the display panel.

In an embodiment, the display panel rotates around an end portion of the adhesive member.

In an embodiment, the method further includes supporting at least one of the display panel or the display circuit board after the display panel is disposed on the stage.

In an embodiment, the method further includes aligning a position of the display panel.

In an embodiment, the method further includes adjusting an interval between the accommodation portion and the stage.

In an embodiment, an interval adjustment portion that is connected to the accommodation portion linearly moves the accommodation portion.

In an embodiment, the interval adjustment portion includes a cylinder or a linear motor that is connected to the accommodation portion and linearly moves the accommodation portion.

In an embodiment, the interval adjustment portion includes a moving block, a block guide on which the moving block is placed, a block accommodation portion in which the moving block is accommodated, and a linear driving portion on which the moving block is placed and that moves the moving block.

In an embodiment, the interval adjustment portion includes a moving block, a block guide on which the moving block is placed, a block accommodation portion in which the moving block is accommodated, and a force application portion that is disposed between the block accommodation portion and the moving block and applies a force in one direction to the moving block.

In an embodiment, tension of the display circuit board is maintained by adjusting an interval between the stage and the accommodation portion.

According to one or more embodiments, an apparatus for manufacturing a display device includes a stage on which a display panel is placed; an accommodation portion on which a display circuit board is placed, wherein the display circuit board is connected to the display panel; an interval adjustment portion that adjusts an interval between the stage and the accommodation portion; and a guide portion on which the stage is placed. The interval adjustment portion maintains a constant tension in the display circuit board by adjusting an interval between the stage and the accommodation portion.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further includes a rotation driving portion that rotates the accommodation portion; and an elevation driving portion that is connected to the rotation driving portion and raises or lowers the rotation driving portion. When the interval adjustment portion applies a force to the display circuit board, the rotation driving portion rotates the accommodation portion.

Such general and specific aspects may be implemented by using a system, a method, a computer program, or a combination of a system, a method, and/or a computer program.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals may refer to like elements throughout.

In an embodiment below, it will be understood that when a component, such as a layer, a film, a region, or a plate, is referred to as being “on” another component, the component can be directly on the other component or intervening components may be present thereon.

Sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of an apparatus100for manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment.FIG. 2is a front view of a display panel and a display circuit board that are both being bent by the apparatus100for manufacturing a display device ofFIG. 1.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, in an embodiment, the apparatus100for manufacturing a display device includes a stage110, a guide portion121, a second moving block122, an elevation driving portion130, a support block141, a rotation driving portion142, a force application portion150, an accommodation portion160, an interval adjustment portion170, and a vision portion190.

In an embodiment, the stage110includes a first moving block111placed on the guide portion121and that performs a linear motion, an adjustment portion112placed on the first moving block111and that adjusts, in at least two directions, the position of a display panel accommodation portion113that is described below, and the display panel accommodation portion113placed on the adjustment portion112and on which a display panel1is placed. In an embodiment, the stage110includes a panel vision portion114located on a side surface of the display panel accommodation portion113and that captures an image of an end portion of the display panel1, a vision driving portion115connected to the panel vision portion114and that can vary a portion of the panel vision portion114, an optical system116attached onto the display panel accommodation portion113or the adjustment portion112and that refracts a path of light incident on the panel vision portion114, and a support portion117placed on the display panel accommodation portion113or the adjustment portion112and that supports a part of the display panel1or a display circuit board51.

The display panel accommodation portion113may include a vacuum chuck or an adhesive chuck. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, a case in which the display panel accommodation portion113is a vacuum chuck is described in detail. A hole is formed in a surface of the display panel accommodation portion113, and the display panel1can be fixed by sucking a gas in the hole. In an embodiment, a pipe that connects a pump and the hole is connected to the display panel accommodation portion113.

In an embodiment, the panel vision portion114includes a camera. With the camera, the panel vision portion114can capture an image from light being refracted through the optical system116. For example, the panel vision portion114can capture an image of the end portion of the display panel1through the optical system116. The image captured as above is transmitted from the panel vision portion114to a separate controller, etc., and the controller calculates a degree of bending of the display panel1based on the captured image.

In an embodiment, the vision driving portion115adjusts the position of the panel vision portion114. The vision driving portion115can have various shapes. For example, in an embodiment, the vision driving portion115includes a cylinder connected to the panel vision portion114. In an embodiment, the vision driving portion115includes a linear motor that is connected to the panel vision portion114. In an embodiment, the vision driving portion115includes a screw connected to the panel vision portion114, a motor that rotates the screw, and a linear motion guide disposed between the panel vision portion114and the adjustment portion112. However, the vision driving portion115is not limited to the above described embodiments, and in other embodiments includes all apparatuses and structures in the adjustment portion112to allow the panel vision portion114to perform a linear motion.

In an embodiment, the vision driving portion115can focus an image received by the panel vision portion114by varying the position of the panel vision portion114. For example, as the vision driving portion115moves the panel vision portion114to different positions according to the size of the display panel1, a distance between the panel vision portion114and the optical system116is adjusted. In this case, the focus of light received by the panel vision portion114from the optical system116to can be adjusted.

In an embodiment, the optical system116guides light toward the panel vision portion114by refracting or reflecting the light. The panel vision portion114captures an image of the end portion of the display panel1accommodated on the display panel accommodation portion113through the optical system116. The optical system116includes a filter, a mirror, a prism, a lens, etc.

In an embodiment, the support portion117is located adjacent to the optical system116. The support portion117is placed on the display panel accommodation portion113or the adjustment portion112. The support portion117includes a support117alocated on the display panel accommodation portion113or the adjustment portion112and a support plate117bthat can be withdrawn from the support117a. The support plate117bcan support the display circuit board51or the display panel1by being optionally withdrawn from the support117aor inserted into the support117a. In an embodiment, in which the support plate117bis rotatably connected to the support117a, the support plate117brotates, and thus the support portion117can support the display circuit board51. However, in the following description, for convenience of explanation, a case in which the support plate117bis withdrawn from the support117aor inserted into the support117ais described.

In an embodiment, the guide portion121is arranged in one direction, and the stage110and the support block141are arranged to perform a linear motion. The guide portion121separately includes a guide driving portion that allows the stage110and the support block141to perform a linear motion. The guide driving portion includes a linear motor.

In an embodiment, the second moving block122is placed on the guide portion121and performs a linear motion along the guide portion121according to an operation of the guide driving portion. At least a part of the second moving block122includes a protrusion that can be inserted into the guide portion121, and the guide portion121includes a hole into which the protruding part of the second moving block122can be inserted. Furthermore, the guide portion121includes the linear motion guide, and the second moving block122is coupled to a rail of the linear motion guide.

In an embodiment, the elevation driving portion130is located on the second moving block122. The elevation driving portion130can raise or lower the support block141. The elevation driving portion130may have various shapes. For example, in an embodiment, the elevation driving portion130includes a cylinder that is connected to the support block141. In an embodiment, the elevation driving portion130includes a linear motor that is connected to the support block141. In an embodiment, the elevation driving portion130includes a ball screw that is connected to the support block141and a motor that is connected to the ball screw. In an embodiment, the elevation driving portion130includes a rack gear that is connected to the support block141, a spur gear that is connected to the rack gear, and a motor that is connected to the spur gear.

In an embodiment, the support block141is connected to the elevation driving portion130and can be raised or lowered according to an operation of the elevation driving portion130. The rotation driving portion142is placed on the support block141.

In an embodiment, the rotation driving portion142includes a rotational force generation portion142afixed on the support block141and that generates a rotational force, and a rotating body142bthat is rotated by the rotational force generation portion142a. The rotational force generation portion142aincludes a motor or a motor and a decelerator. The rotating body142bis connected to the rotational force generation portion142a. The rotating body142bcan be rotated according to an operation of the rotational force generation portion142a.

In an embodiment, the force application portion150is connected to the rotation driving portion142. The force application portion150includes a force application driving force generation portion151fixed onto the rotating body142b, and a force application plate152connected to the force application driving force generation portion151and that applies a force to the display circuit board51. Since the force application driving force generation portion151is similar to the elevation driving portion130described above, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

In an embodiment, the accommodation portion160is located on the rotating body142b. The display circuit board51is accommodated on the accommodation portion160. The accommodation portion160may be an adhesive chuck or a vacuum chuck. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, a case in which the accommodation portion160includes a vacuum chuck is described.

In an embodiment, the interval adjustment portion170is placed on the rotating body142band allows the accommodation portion160to perform a linear motion. The interval adjustment portion170may include various apparatuses and structures that linearly move the rotating body142b, which are described below in detail.

The vision portion190is placed above the guide portion121and can capture an image of the display panel1. Then, based on the image captured by the vision portion190, the position of the display panel1can be transmitted to the controller, and the controller can compare a preset position with the position of the display panel1. The controller can vary the position of the display panel accommodation portion113by controlling the adjustment portion112based on a comparison result, so that the position of the display panel1can correspond to the preset position.

In an embodiment, when a display device is manufactured by the apparatus100for manufacturing a display device, the display panel1and the display circuit board51are separately manufactured, and then, the display panel1and the display circuit board51are connected to each other.

In an embodiment, after the display panel1and the display circuit board51are manufactured and connected to each other, as described above, the display panel1and the display circuit board51connected to each other are placed on the display panel accommodation portion113. A display area DA of the display panel1is arranged to face the display panel accommodation portion113. In other words, a surface in which an image of the display panel1is displayed is placed on the display panel accommodation portion113.

In an embodiment, the support plate117bis withdrawn from the support117aand supports a part of the display circuit board51. Then, the controller aligns the position of the display panel1based on the image of the display panel1captured by the vision portion190. In an embodiment, an alignment mark, etc., is placed on the display panel1, and the controller calculates the position of the display panel1by comparing the alignment mark with the preset position. Furthermore, the controller accurately aligns the position of the display panel1by comparing the alignment mark and a preset position.

In an embodiment, when the above process is completed, the guide portion121linearly and separately moves the stage110and the second moving block122so that the stage110and the second moving block122approach each other. When an interval between the stage110and the second moving block122is equal to a preset interval, the positions of the stage110and the second moving block122are fixed.

In an embodiment, the display circuit board51is placed on the accommodation portion160. In particular, the accommodation portion160is initially located lower than a lower surface of the display circuit board51and can support the display circuit board51as the accommodation portion160is raised by the elevation driving portion130. The upper surface of the accommodation portion160is located lower than an upper surface of the display panel accommodation portion113. Then, when the display circuit board51is fixed onto the accommodation portion160, the support plate117bis inserted into the support117a.

In an embodiment, an adhesive member90is disposed on the display panel1. The adhesive member90is disposed on the display panel1after the display circuit board51is fixed on the accommodation portion160, as described above. In an embodiment, the adhesive member90is disposed on the display panel1before the alignment after the display panel1is disposed on the display panel accommodation portion113. In an embodiment, the adhesive member90is disposed on the display panel1before the adjustment of the interval between the stage110and the second moving block122after aligning the display panel1.

In an embodiment, when the display panel1and the display circuit board51are disposed at the preset position as above, the interval adjustment portion adjusts an interval between the accommodation portion160and the display panel accommodation portion113. In detail, the interval adjustment portion170applies a force to the accommodation portion160, or when including a motor, the interval adjustment portion170operates the motor to generate a preset torque. The operation of the interval adjustment portion170is described below in detail.

In an embodiment, as the accommodation portion160performs a linear motion, the interval between the display panel accommodation portion113and the accommodation portion160can vary. In this case, the accommodation portion160applies a force to each of the display circuit board51and the display panel1, and the display circuit board51has a constant tension. In particular, in the above case, the display panel1and the display circuit board51are flat without being curved portion due to the above tension.

In detail, in an embodiment, as described above, when the accommodation portion160and the display panel accommodation portion113are arranged at a preset position, the display circuit board51and the display panel1might not remain flat due to positional differences of the display circuit board51and the display panel1, errors generated during assembly of the apparatus100, etc. In particular, when a curved portion is generated in at least one of the display panel1or the display circuit board51arranged between the display panel accommodation portion113and the accommodation portion160, the display panel1might not bend along a designed axis. In this case, one or both of the display panel1or the display circuit board51can be damaged because a movement path of the display circuit board51differs from a designed path. To address this situation, the display panel1should be bent in a state in which the tension of the display circuit board51is maintained constant. To this end, as described above, as the interval adjustment portion varies the position of the accommodation portion160, a constant tension can be generated in the display circuit board51.

As described above, in some embodiments, in a state in which the tension of the display circuit board51is maintained constant, the rotation driving portion142is operated to rotate the rotating body142b, thereby rotating the display circuit board51. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the accommodation portion160is rotated counterclockwise. In some cases, the elevation driving portion130is operated to vary the position of the support block141.

As described above, in an embodiment, in a state in which the tension of the display circuit board51is maintained constant, the accommodation portion160is rotated to rotate the display circuit board51. A bendable area of the display panel1is rotated due to the rotation of the display circuit board51. In this case, the display panel1is rotated with respect to the adhesive member90.

In an embodiment, when the display circuit board51is rotated within a certain range, the force application driving force generation portion151applies a force to the display circuit board51by using the force application plate152. The force application plate152applies a force to the display circuit board51at an end portion of the adhesive member90, as shown inFIG. 2. In this case, the display panel1is bent to have a preset radius of curvature.

In an embodiment, when the above process is completed, bent portions of the display panel1are fixed to each other by the adhesive member90. In this case, a part of a first surface1-1of the display panel1is located on the display panel accommodation portion113, and other part of the first surface1-1of the display panel1faces upward. In this case, the first surface1-1is a surface on which the display area DA, described below, is formed. Furthermore, a part of a second surface1-2of the display panel1faces upward, and the other part of the second surface1-2of the display panel1faces the upward-facing part of the second surface1-2of the display panel1. In this case, the adhesive member90is disposed between the bent parts of the second surface1-2.

In an embodiment, a third surface51-1of the display circuit board51moves from a lower side to an upper side due to the movement of the accommodation portion160, and a fourth surface51-2of the display circuit board51moves from an upper side to a lower side.

Accordingly, according to the apparatus100for manufacturing a display device and a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment, as the display panel1is bent and fixed while maintaining the tension of the display circuit board51, damage to at least one of the display panel1or the display circuit board51can be prevented.

According to the apparatus100for manufacturing a display device and a method of manufacturing a display device according to an embodiment, as the tension of the display circuit board51is maintained constant, it is possible to prevent the actual path and the design path from differing from each other when the display panel1is bent, due to design errors of a device, the properties of a material, or the conditions of a surrounding environment, such as temperature or humidity, etc.

FIGS. 3A to 3Dare cross-sectional views of portions of an apparatus for manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments.

Referring toFIGS. 3A to 3D, the interval adjustment portion170may have various shapes.

Referring toFIG. 3A, in an embodiment, the interval adjustment portion170includes a connection portion171connected to the accommodation portion160and a linear motor172connected to the connection portion171and that can linearly move the connection portion171.

In an embodiment, the linear motor172is fixed on the rotating body142b, and the connection portion171performs a linear motion due to the operation of the linear motor172.

In an embodiment, the controller moves the connection portion171by applying power to the linear motor172. The position of the connection portion171is measured and monitored in real time by using an encoder, etc., and when the position of the connection portion171calculated through the encoder value does not vary, the controller determines that the tension of the display circuit board51is constant.

In an embodiment, the display circuit board51is rotated by rotating the accommodation portion160, and the display panel1is bent due to the rotation of the display circuit board51. The linear motor172may fix the position of the connection portion171such that the position of the connection portion171is constant, or may adjust the position of the connection portion171such that the position of the connection portion171is constant.

As described above, in an embodiment, when the tension of the display circuit board51is maintained constant, the display panel1can be bent by rotating the accommodation portion160.

Referring toFIG. 3B, in an embodiment, the interval adjustment portion170includes the connection portion171connected to the accommodation portion160and a cylinder172connected to the connection portion171that linearly moves the connection portion171. The cylinder172is fixed on the rotating body142b, and the accommodation portion160is separated from the rotating body142b. Furthermore, the connection portion171is placed inside the rotating body142band performs a linear motion.

In an embodiment, when a constant tension is applied to the display circuit board51through the accommodation portion160, the cylinder172varies the position of the accommodation portion160by varying the length of a shaft. Whether a constant tension is generated in the display circuit board51is checked through a change in the pressure applied to the cylinder172. In detail, when a pressure is applied to the cylinder172and the display circuit board51is completely flat, the internal pressure of the cylinder172is constant at a certain moment. In this case, the controller determines that a constant tension is generated in the display circuit board51and then ceases operating the cylinder172and fixes the position of the shaft of the cylinder172. In an embodiment, the controller maintains the internal pressure of the cylinder172to be constant. In an embodiment, after a pressure is provided to the cylinder172and a user visually checks the display circuit board51, the pressure of the cylinder172is maintained constant. In an embodiment, while varying the internal pressure of the cylinder172, the cylinder172is controlled by checking a degree of flatness of the display circuit board51through an image captured by the vision portion190.

In an embodiment, when a constant tension has been formed in the display circuit board51, the accommodation portion160is rotated.

In an embodiment, the controller can control the cylinder172to move the shaft to a new position by detecting the withdrawn length of the shaft of the cylinder172. In detail, when the withdrawn length of the shaft of the cylinder172is determined to be greater than the withdrawn length when a constant tension is formed in the display circuit board51as described above, the controller controls the cylinder172to decrease the withdrawn length of the shaft of the cylinder172. In contrast, when the withdrawn length of the shaft of the cylinder172is determined to be less than the withdrawn length when a constant tension is formed in the display circuit board51, the controller controls the cylinder172to increase the withdrawn length of the shaft of the cylinder172so as not to apply an excessive force to the display circuit board51.

In an embodiment, the above actions can be performed by detecting the withdrawn length of the shaft of the cylinder172in real time until the bending of the display panel1is completed. The withdrawn length of the shaft of the cylinder172can be calculated using a separate sensor or be based on the internal pressure of the cylinder172. For example, the sensor can be a distance measurement sensor. Furthermore, the withdrawn length of the shaft is stored in the controller in the form of a table as a function of the internal pressure of the cylinder172, and a pressure measurement sensor that measures the internal pressure of the cylinder172can be disposed on the cylinder172and can transmit a measured value to the controller.

Accordingly, in an embodiment, in the above case, it is possible to rotate the accommodation portion160while the tension of the display circuit board51is maintained constant.

In an embodiment, referring toFIG. 3C, the interval adjustment portion170includes a moving block171, a block guide172, a block accommodation portion173, and a block force application portion174.

In an embodiment, the moving block171is connected to the accommodation portion160. The moving block171is fixedly coupled to the accommodation portion160through bolts, screws, etc. In an embodiment, the moving block171is integrally formed with the accommodation portion160.

In an embodiment, the block guide172guides a motion of the moving block171. The block guide172includes a linear motion guide.

In an embodiment, the block accommodation portion173includes a space therein that can accommodate the moving block171and the block guide172. The block accommodation portion173may be integrally formed with or separately formed from the rotating body142band coupled to the rotating body142b.

In an embodiment, the block force application portion174is positioned between the moving block171and the support portion117. The block force application portion174may have various shapes. For example, the block force application portion174includes a coil spring. In an embodiment, the block force application portion174has a bar shape and includes a material such as rubber, silicon, etc.

In the above case, in an embodiment, the block force application portion174applies a force to the moving block171. As the block force application portion174applies a force to the moving block171in a direction from the left to the right (a Y-axis direction) as shown inFIG. 3C, the accommodation portion160separates from the display panel accommodation portion113.

As described above, in an embodiment, when the accommodation portion160is moved, a constant tension can be generated in the display circuit board51. Then, when the display panel1is bent by rotating the accommodation portion160, the block force application portion174continuously applies a force to the moving block171so that the position of the moving block171is maintained constant.

Accordingly, in an above case, as a tension is generated in the display circuit board51, the display circuit board51can be prevented from being bent or crumpled.

Referring toFIG. 3D, in an embodiment, the interval adjustment portion170includes the moving block171, the block guide172, the block accommodation portion173and a linear driving portion174. Since the moving block171, the block guide172, and the block accommodation portion173are the same as or similar to those described with reference toFIG. 3A, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

In an embodiment, the linear driving portion174includes a ball screw174A and a motor174B connected to the ball screw174A. The ball screw174A is connected to the moving block171and converts the rotational force provided by the motor174B to a linear motion of the moving block171. In an embodiment, the linear driving portion174includes the linear motor as illustrated inFIG. 3A. The linear driving portion174may be arranged around the block guide172or integrally formed with the block guide172to allow the moving block171to perform a linear motion. In an embodiment, the linear driving portion174includes the cylinder illustrated inFIG. 3B. The linear driving portion174is connected to the moving block171to allow the moving block171to perform a linear motion. However, the linear driving portion174is not limited to the above, and may include all apparatuses connected to the moving block171to allow the moving block171to perform a linear motion. However, in the following description, for convenience of explanation, a case in which the linear driving portion174includes the ball screw174A and the motor174B is described.

In an above case, in an embodiment, after the display circuit board51is placed on the accommodation portion160, the tension of the display circuit board51is maintained constant by adjusting the interval between the accommodation portion160and the display panel accommodation portion113. For example, power is applied to the motor1748, and a torque of the motor174B is detected. Power is applied to the motor174B to generate preset torque. Then, when a current applied to the motor174B is increased to increase the torque of the motor174B and fold the display circuit board51, the torque of the motor174B is gradually increased. Then, when the current applied to the motor174B is gradually increased, the torque of the motor174B is not changed but is maintained at a constant value. In this case, the controller determines that the tension of the display circuit board51is maintained constant, and the display circuit board51is completely unfolded.

Then, in an embodiment, the display circuit board51and a part of the display panel1are rotated by rotating the accommodation portion160. In this case, the tension of the display circuit board51is maintained constant by maintaining the torque of the motor174B unchanged. The above action is performed in real time during the rotation of the accommodation portion160.

In the above case, in an embodiment, since the display circuit board51is rotated while tension is applied to the display circuit board51, it is possible to bend the display panel1to have a certain radius of curvature in a bendable area BA of the display panel1. Furthermore, when bending the display panel1, it is possible to prevent a radius of curvature in the bendable area BA from exceeding a designed value.

FIG. 4Ais a plan view of a display device DP according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 4A, in an embodiment, the display device DP includes the display panel1, the display circuit board51, a display driving portion52, and a touch sensor driving portion53. The display panel1is a light-emitting display panel that includes a light-emitting element. For example, the display panel1may include an organic light-emitting display panel that uses an organic light-emitting diode that includes an organic light-emitting layer, or an ultracompact light-emitting diode display panel that uses a micro-light-emitting diode (micro LED), or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel that uses a quantum dot light-emitting diode that includes a quantum dot light-emitting layer, or an inorganic light-emitting display panel that uses an inorganic light-emitting element that includes an inorganic semiconductor.

In an embodiment, the display panel1includes a flexible display panel that can be easily bent, folded, or rolled. For example, the display panel1may include a foldable display panel that can be folded and unfolded, a curved display panel with a curved display surface, a bent display panel in which an area other than a display surface is bent, a rollable display panel that can be rolled or unrolled, or a stretchable display panel.

In an embodiment, the display panel1includes a transparent display panel so that an object or a background located at a lower surface of the display panel1can be seen from an upper surface of the display panel1. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the display panel1includes a reflective display panel that can reflect an object or a background of the upper surface of the display panel1.

In an embodiment, the display panel1as above includes the display area DA in which an image is displayed and a peripheral area NDA that surrounds the display area DA. The display area includes a plurality of pixels. A separate driving circuit, a pad, etc., can be located in the peripheral area NDA.

Furthermore, in an embodiment, the display panel1includes a first area1A in the display area DA, the bendable area BA connected to the first area1A and that can be bent with respect to a bending axis BAX, and a second area2A connected to the bendable area BA and the display circuit board51. The second area2A and the bendable area BA are part of the peripheral area NDA, and no image is displayed therein.

In an embodiment, the display circuit board51is attached to at one side edge of the display panel1. One side of the display circuit board51is attached to the one side edge of the display panel1by using an anisotropic conductive film.

In an embodiment, the display driving portion52is located on the display circuit board51. The display driving portion52receives control signals and power voltages, and generates and outputs signals and voltages that drive the display panel1. The display driving portion52is formed as an integrated circuit (IC).

In an embodiment, the display circuit board51is attached to the display panel1. The display circuit board51and the display panel1are attached to each other by using an anisotropic conductive film. The display circuit board51may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that is bendable or a composite printed circuit board that includes a rigid printed circuit board (RPCB) that is not bendable.

In an embodiment, the touch sensor driving portion53is located on the display circuit board51. The touch sensor driving portion53is formed as an IC. The touch sensor driving portion53is attached onto the display circuit board51. The touch sensor driving portion53is electrically connected to touch electrodes of a touchscreen layer of the display panel1through the display circuit board51.

In an embodiment, the touchscreen layer of the display panel1can detect a users touch input by using at least one of various touch methods, such as a resistive touch type, a capacitive touch type, etc. For example, when the touchscreen layer of the display panel1senses a users touch input by a capacitive screen type method, the touch sensor driving portion53determines the occurrence of a user's touch by applying driving signals to driving electrodes of the touch electrodes, and detecting voltages charged in mutual capacitance between the driving electrodes and sensing electrodes through the sensing electrodes of the touch electrodes. The users touch may be a contact touch or a proximity touch. A contact touch refers to an object such as a users finger, a pen, etc., directly contacting a cover member on the touchscreen layer. A proximity touch refers to an object such as a user's finger, a pen, etc., being located in close proximity on the cover member, such as hovering. The touch sensor driving portion53transmits sensor data to a main processor according to the detected voltages, and the main processor analyzes the sensor data and calculates touch coordinates where the touch input is generated.

In an embodiment, a power supply portion that supplies a driving voltage that drives the pixels, a scan driving portion, and the display driving portion52of the display panel1are further located on the display circuit board51. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the power supply portion is incorporated with the display driving portion52, and the display driving portion52and the power supply portion are provided as one IC.

FIG. 4Bis a plan view of a display device DP according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 4B, in an embodiment, the display device DP includes the display panel1, the display circuit board51, the display driving portion52, the touch sensor driving portion53, and a flexible film54. The display panel1, the display driving portion52, and the touch sensor driving portion53are similar to those described inFIG. 4A.

In an embodiment, the display panel1includes the display area DA and the peripheral area NDA, and also includes the first area1A in which the display area DA is located, the bendable area BA connected to the first area1A and that can be bent, and the second area2A connected to the bendable area BA. A width of the bendable area BA is less than the length of the side of the first area1A to which the bendable area BA is connected. In other words, the width of the bendable area BA measured in an X-axis direction ofFIG. 4Bdecreases from the first area1A toward the second area2A and then is constant.

In an embodiment, the flexible film54is attached to one side edge of the display panel1. One side of the flexible film54is attached to one side edge of the display panel1by using an anisotropic conductive film. The flexible film54is bendable.

In an embodiment, the display driving portion52is located on the flexible film54. The display driving portion52receives control signals and power voltages, and generates and outputs signals and voltages that drive the display panel1. The display driving portion52is formed as an IC. The display driving portion52is disposed directly on the flexible film54, and the display driving portion52and the flexible film54are connected to each other through an anisotropic conductive film.

In an embodiment, the display circuit board51is attached to the other side of the flexible film54. The other side of the flexible film54is attached to an upper surface of the display circuit board51by using an anisotropic conductive film. The display circuit board51may include an FPCB (flexible printed circuit board) that is bendable or a composite printed circuit board that includes a RPCB (rigid printed circuit board) that is not bendable.

In an embodiment, in the display device DP as above, the display panel1can be bent by the apparatus100for manufacturing a display device illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 3D. In this case, at least one of the display circuit board51or the flexible film54may be positioned in the accommodation portion160, and the tension of one of the display circuit board51or the flexible film54is maintained constant by adjusting the position of the accommodation portion160.

FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view of the display panel1taken along line IV-IV′ ofFIGS. 4A and 4B.

Referring toFIG. 5, in an embodiment, the display panel1includes a substrate10, a buffer layer11, a circuit layer, and a display component layer, which are stacked.

As described above, in an embodiment, the substrate10includes an insulating material such as glass, quartz, or a polymer resin, etc. The substrate10is a flexible substrate capable of being bent, folded, or rolled, etc.

In an embodiment, the buffer layer11is disposed on the substrate10to prevent or reduce infiltration of a foreign material, moisture, or external air from under the substrate10, and provides a planarized surface on the substrate10. The buffer layer11may include an inorganic material such as an oxide or a nitride, an organic material, or an organic/inorganic complex, and may have a single layer or a multilayer structure of an inorganic material and an organic material. A barrier layer that prevents infiltration of external air may be provided between the substrate10and the buffer layer11. In some embodiments, the buffer layer11includes silicon oxide (SiO2) or a silicon nitride (SiNx). The buffer layer11includes a first buffer layer11aand a second buffer layer11b, which are stacked.

In an embodiment, the circuit layer is disposed on the buffer layer11, and includes a pixel circuit (PC), a first gate insulating layer12, a second gate insulating layer13, an interlayer insulating layer15, and a planarization layer17. The PC includes a thin film transistor TFT and a storage capacitor Cst.

In an embodiment, the thin film transistor TFT is disposed above the buffer layer11. The thin film transistor TFT include a first semiconductor layer A1, a first gate electrode G1, a first source electrode S1, and a first drain electrode D1. The thin film transistor TFT is connected to an organic light-emitting diode OLED and drives a main OLED.

In an embodiment, the first semiconductor layer A1is disposed on the buffer layer11, and includes poly silicon. In an embodiment, the first semiconductor layer A1includes amorphous silicon. In an embodiment, the first semiconductor layer A1includes an oxide of at least one of indium (in), gallium (Ga), stannum (Sn), zirconium (Zr), vanadium (V), hafnium (Hf), cadmium (Cd), germanium (Ge), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti) or zinc (Zn). The first semiconductor layer A1includes a channel region, and a source region and drain region, in which impurities are doped.

In an embodiment, the first gate insulating layer12covers the first semiconductor layer A1and the buffer layer11. The first gate insulating layer12includes an inorganic insulating material such as at least one of SiO2, SiNx, silicon oxynitride (SiON), an aluminum oxide (Al2O3), a titanium oxide (TiO2), a tantalum oxide (Ta2O5), a hafnium oxide (HfO2), or a zinc oxide (ZnO2), etc. The first gate insulating layer12may have a single layer or a multilayer structure that includes at least one of the above-described inorganic insulating materials.

In an embodiment, the first gate electrode G1is disposed above the first gate insulating layer12and overlaps the first semiconductor layer A1. The first gate electrode G1may include one or more of molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), or titanium (Ti), etc., and may have a single layer or a multilayer structure. For example, the first gate electrode G1may have a single layer of Mo.

In an embodiment, the second gate insulating layer13is disposed on the first gate insulating layer12and covers the first gate electrode G1. The second gate insulating layer13includes an inorganic insulating material such as SiO2, SiNx, SiON, Al2O3, TiO2, Ta2O5, HfO2, or ZnO2, etc. The second gate insulating layer13may have a single layer or a multilayer structure that includes at least one of the above-described inorganic insulating materials.

In an embodiment, a first upper electrode CE2of the main storage capacitor Cst is disposed on the second gate insulating layer13.

In an embodiment, the first upper electrode CE2overlaps with the first gate electrode G1thereunder. The first gate electrode G1and the first upper electrode CE2overlap each other with the second gate insulating layer13interposed therebetween and form the main storage capacitor Cst. The first gate electrode G1is a first lower electrode CE1of the main storage capacitor Cst.

In an embodiment, the first upper electrode CE2includes at least one of Al, platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), silver (Ag), magnesium (Mg), gold (Au), nickel (Ni), neodymium (Nd), iridium (Ir), chromium (Cr), calcium (Ca), Mo, Ti, tungsten (W), or Cu, and may have a single layer or a multilayer structure of the above-described materials.

In an embodiment, the interlayer insulating layer15is disposed on the second gate insulating layer13and covers the first upper electrode CE2. The interlayer insulating layer15includes at least one of SiO2, SiNx, SiON, Al2O3, TiO2, Ta2O5, HfO2, or ZnO2, etc. The interlayer insulating layer15may have a single layer or a multilayer structure that includes the above-described inorganic insulating materials.

In an embodiment, the first source electrode S1and the first drain electrode D1are disposed on the interlayer insulating layer15. The first source electrode S1and the first drain electrode D1each include a conductive material that includes at least one of Mo, Al, Cu, or Ti, etc., and may have a multilayer or a single layer structure that includes the above materials. For example, the first source electrode S1and the first drain electrode D1each have a multilayer structure of Ti/Al/Ti.

In an embodiment, the planarization layer17is disposed on the interlayer insulating layer15and covers the first source electrode S1and the first drain electrode D1. The planarization layer17has a flat upper surface so that a pixel electrode21disposed thereon can be flat.

In an embodiment, the planarization layer17may include an organic material or an inorganic material, and may have a single layer structure or a multilayer structure. The planarization layer17may include a general purpose polymer such as at least one of benzocyclobutene (BCB), a polyimide, hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene, polymer derivatives with a phenolic group, an acrylic polymer, an imide-based polymer, an aryl ether-based polymer, an amide-based polymer, a fluorine-based polymer, a p-xylene-based polymer, or a vinyl alcohol-based polymer, etc. The planarization layer17may include an inorganic insulating material such as at least one of SiO2, SiNx, SiON, Al2O3, TiO2, Ta2O5, HfO2, or ZnO2, etc. After the planarization layer17is formed, to provide the planarization layer17with a flat upper surface, chemical mechanical polishing is performed on the upper surface of the planarization layer17.

In an embodiment, the pixel electrode21is formed on the planarization layer17. The planarization layer17has a via hole that exposes one of the first source electrode S1or the first drain electrode D1of the main thin film transistor TFT, and the pixel electrode21contacts the first source electrode S1or the first drain electrode D1via the via hole to be electrically connected to the main thin film transistor TFT.

In an embodiment, the pixel electrode21includes a conductive oxide such as at least one of an indium tin oxide (ITO), an indium zinc oxide (IZO), a zinc oxide (ZnO), an indium oxide (In2O3), an indium gallium oxide (IGO), or an aluminum zinc oxide (AZO). The pixel electrode21includes a reflective film that includes at least one of Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir or Cr, or a compound thereof. For example, the pixel electrode21has a structure in which films that include at least one of ITO, IZO, ZnO, or In2O3are provided above or under the reflective film. For example, the pixel electrode21has a stacked structure of ITO/Ag/ITO.

In an embodiment, a pixel definition layer19is disposed on the planarization layer17and includes a first opening OP1that covers an edge of the pixel electrode21and exposes a central portion of the pixel electrode21. A light-emitting area of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), that is, the size and shape of a subpixel is defined by the first opening OP1.

In an embodiment, since the pixel definition layer19increases a distance between the edge of the pixel electrode21and a counter electrode23above the pixel electrode21, the generation of an arc, etc., at the edge of the pixel electrode21can be prevented. The pixel definition layer19includes an organic insulating material such as at least one of a polyimide, a polyamide, an acryl resin, benzocyclobutene, HMDSO, or phenol resin, etc., by a method such as spin coating, etc.

In an embodiment, a light-emitting layer22bis disposed in the first opening OP1of the pixel definition layer19to correspond to the pixel electrode21. The light-emitting layer22bmay include a polymer material or a low molecular weight material, and may emit red, green, blue, or white light.

In an embodiment, an organic functional layer22eis disposed above and/or under the light-emitting layer22band on the pixel definition layer19. The organic functional layer22eincludes a first functional layer22aand/or a second functional layer22c. Either of the first functional layer22aor the second functional layer22cmay be omitted.

In an embodiment, the first functional layer22ais disposed under the light-emitting layer22b. The first functional layer22aincludes an organic material in a single layer or a multilayer structure. In an embodiment, the first functional layer22ais a hole transport layer (HTL) that has a single layer structure. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the first functional layer22aincludes a hole injection layer (HIL) and a hole transport layer (HTL). The first functional layer22ais integrally formed and corresponds to the OLEDs in the display area DA.

In an embodiment, the second functional layer22cis disposed above the light-emitting layer22b. The second functional layer22cincludes an organic material in a single layer or a multilayer structure. The second functional layer22cincludes an electron transport layer (ETL) and/or an electron injection layer (EIL). The second functional layer22cis integrally formed and corresponds to the OLEDs in the display area DA.

In an embodiment, the counter electrode23is disposed on the second functional layer22c. The counter electrode23includes a conductive material having a low work function. For example, the counter electrode23includes a (semi-) transparent layer that includes at least one of Ag, Mg, Al, Pt, Pd, Au, Ni, Nd, Ir, Cr, lithium (Li) or Ca, or an alloy thereof, etc. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the counter electrode23further includes at least one of ITO, IZO, ZnO or In2O3on the (semi-) transparent layer. The counter electrode23is integrally formed and corresponds to the OLEDs in the display area DA.

In an embodiment, layers from the pixel electrode21to the counter electrode23in the display area DA form the main OLED.

In an embodiment, an upper layer50that includes an organic material is formed on the counter electrode23. The upper layer50protects the counter electrode23and simultaneously increases light extraction efficiency. The upper layer50includes an organic material that has a higher refractive index than the counter electrode23. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the upper layer50includes stacked layers that have different refractive indexes. For example, the upper layer50is a stacked structure of a high refractive index layer/a low refractive index layer/a high refractive index layer. The refractive index of a high refractive index layer is about 1.7 or more, and the refractive index of a low refractive index layer is about 1.3 or less.

In an embodiment, the upper layer50additionally includes LiF. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the upper layer50additionally includes an inorganic insulating material such as SiO2or SiNx. The upper layer50may be omitted as necessary. However, in the following description, for convenience of explanation, a case in which the upper layer50is disposed on the counter electrode23is described.

In an embodiment, the display device DP as above includes a thin film encapsulation layer that shields the upper layer50.

In an embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer is disposed on the upper layer50and directly contacts the upper layer50. The thin film encapsulation layer covers a part of the display area DA and a peripheral area that is a non-display area NDA, thereby preventing infiltration of external moisture and oxygen. The thin film encapsulation layer includes at least one organic encapsulation layer and at least one inorganic encapsulation layer. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, a case in which 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 layer50is described.

In the above case, in an embodiment, the first inorganic encapsulation layer covers the counter electrode23and includes a silicon oxide, a silicon nitride, and/or a silicon oxynitride. Since the first inorganic encapsulation layer is formed along a structure thereunder, an upper surface of the inorganic encapsulation layer may not be flat. The organic encapsulation layer covers the first inorganic encapsulation layer, and unlike the first inorganic encapsulation layer, the upper surface of the organic encapsulation layer is approximately flat. In detail, the upper surface of the organic encapsulation layer is approximately flat in a portion corresponding to the display area DA. The organic encapsulation layer includes one or more materials selected from polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyimide, polyethylene sulfonate, polyoxymethylene, polyarylate, or hexamethyldisiloxane. The second inorganic encapsulation layer covers the organic encapsulation layer, and includes a silicon oxide, a silicon nitride, and/or a silicon oxynitride.

In an embodiment, a touchscreen layer is disposed on the thin film encapsulation layer.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bare circuit diagrams of the display device DP ofFIGS. 4A and 4B.

Referring toFIGS. 6A and 6B, in an embodiment, the PC is connected to an emission device ED, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), to control emission of subpixels. The PC includes a driving thin film transistor T1, a switching thin film transistor T2, and a storage capacitor Cst. The switching thin film transistor T2is connected to a scan line SL and a data line DL, and transmits a data signal Dm to the driving thin film transistor T1, the data signal Dm being received through the data line DL according to a scan signal Sn received through the scan line SL.

In an embodiment, the storage capacitor Cst is connected to the switching thin film transistor T2and a driving voltage line PL, and stores a voltage that is equivalent to a difference between a voltage received from the switching thin film transistor T2and a driving voltage ELVDD received from the driving voltage line PL.

In an embodiment, the driving thin film transistor T1is connected to the driving voltage line PL and the storage capacitor Cst, and controls a driving current that flows to the emission device ED from the driving voltage line PL and that corresponds to a value of the voltage stored in the storage capacitor Cst. A counter electrode of the emission device ED is provided with a common voltage ELVSS. The emission device ED emits light having a certain luminance due to the driving current.

AlthoughFIG. 6Aillustrates a case in which the PC includes two thin film transistors and one storage capacitor, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto.

Referring toFIG. 6B, in an embodiment, the PC includes the driving thin film transistor T1, the 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, an emission control thin film transistor T6, and a second initialization thin film transistor T7.

AlthoughFIG. 6Billustrates a case in which signal lines SL, SL−1, SL+1, EL, and DL, an initialization voltage line VL, and the driving voltage line PL are provided for each PC, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, at least one of the signal lines SL, SL−1, SL+1, EL, and DL, or/and the initialization voltage line VL are shared by neighboring pixel circuits.

In an embodiment, a drain electrode of the driving thin film transistor T1is electrically connected to the emission device ED via the emission control thin film transistor T6. The driving thin film transistor T1receives the data signal Dm according to a switching operation of the switching thin film transistor T2and supplies a driving current to the emission device ED.

In an embodiment, a gate electrode of the switching thin film transistor T2is connected to the scan line SL, and a source electrode thereof is connected to the data line DL. A drain electrode of the switching thin film transistor T2is connected to a source electrode of the driving thin film transistor T1and to the driving voltage line PL via the operation control thin film transistor T5.

In an embodiment, the switching thin film transistor T2is turned on in response to the scan signal Sn received through the scan line SL and performs a switching operation to transmit the data signal Dm received through the data line DL to the source electrode of the driving thin film transistor T1.

In an embodiment, a gate electrode of the compensation thin film transistor T3is connected to the scan line SL. A source electrode of the compensation thin film transistor T3is connected to the drain electrode of the driving thin film transistor T1and to a pixel electrode of the emission device ED via the emission control thin film transistor T6. A drain electrode of the compensation thin film transistor T3is connected to an electrode of the storage capacitor Cst, a source electrode of the first initialization thin film transistor T4, and a gate electrode of the driving thin film transistor T1. The compensation thin film transistor T3is turned on in response to the scan signal Sn received through the scan line SL, and diode-connects the driving thin film transistor T1by connecting the gate electrode and the drain electrode of the driving thin film transistor T1.

In an embodiment, a gate electrode of the first initialization thin film transistor T4is connected to a previous scan line SL-1. A drain electrode of the first initialization thin film transistor T4is connected to the initialization voltage line VL. The source electrode of the first initialization thin film transistor T4is connected to an 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 T4is turned on in response to a previous scan signal Sn-1received through the previous scan line SL-1, and performs an initialization operation to initialize a voltage of the gate electrode of the driving thin film transistor T1by transmitting an initialization voltage Vint to the gate electrode of the driving thin film transistor T1.

In an embodiment, a gate electrode of the operation control thin film transistor T5is connected to an emission control line EL. A source electrode of the operation control thin film transistor T5is connected to the driving voltage line PL. A drain electrode of the operation control thin film transistor T5is connected to the source electrode of the driving thin film transistor T1and the drain electrode of the switching thin film transistor T2.

In an embodiment, a gate electrode of the emission control thin film transistor T6is connected to the emission control line EL. A source electrode of the emission control thin film transistor T6is connected to the drain electrode of the driving thin film transistor T1and the source electrode of the compensation thin film transistor T3. A drain electrode of the emission control thin film transistor T6is electrically connected to the pixel electrode of the emission device ED. The operation control thin film transistor T5and the emission control thin film transistor T6are simultaneously turned on in response to an emission control signal En received through the emission control line EL, and thus the driving voltage ELVDD is transmitted to the emission device ED so that a driving current flows in the emission device ED.

In an embodiment, a gate electrode of the second initialization thin film transistor T7is connected to a next scan line SL+1. A source electrode of the second initialization thin film transistor T7is connected to the pixel electrode of the emission device ED. A drain electrode of the second initialization thin film transistor T7is connected to the initialization voltage line VL. The second initialization thin film transistor T7is turned on in response to a next scan signal Sn+1 received through the next scan line SL+1, and initializes the pixel electrode of the emission device ED.

FIG. 6Billustrates a case in which the first initialization thin film transistor T4and the second initialization thin film transistor T7are connected to the previous scan line SL-1and the next scan line SL+1, respectively. However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the first initialization thin film transistor T4and the second initialization thin film transistor T7are both connected to the previous scan line SL-1and driven according to the previous scan signal Sn-1.

In an embodiment, one electrode of the storage capacitor Cst is connected to the driving voltage line PL. The other electrode of the storage capacitor Cst is connected 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.

In an embodiment, a counter electrode, such as a cathode, of the emission device ED, is provided with a common voltage ELVSS. The emission device ED emits light by receiving a driving current from the driving thin film transistor T1.

Embodiments of the PC are not limited to those shown and described with reference toFIGS. 6A and 6B, and in other embodiments, the number of thin film transistors and storage capacitors and the circuit design itself may be changed in various ways.

FIG. 7is a cross-sectional view of the display device DP ofFIGS. 4A and 4Bbeing bent.

Referring toFIG. 7, in an embodiment, when the display panel is bent, the adhesive member90is formed on the substrate10of the display panel1. In other words, as the adhesive member90is formed at a bent portion of the substrate10, one surface of the substrate10in the first area1A of the display panel1and one surface of the substrate10in the second area2A of the display panel1are fixedly attached to each other.

In an embodiment, a protection film75is disposed on the substrate10, and the protection film75in the first area1A and the protection film75in the second area2A are fixedly attached to each other through the adhesive member90. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, a case in which the protection film75is disposed on the substrate10and thus the protection film75in the first area1A and the protection film75in the second area2A are each attached to the adhesive member90is described.

In an embodiment, the protection film75includes a protection film base70and an adhesive layer80. The protection film base70includes polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI). Furthermore, the adhesive layer80includes various adhesive materials. The adhesive layer80is formed on the entire surface of the substrate10, and the protection film base70is formed on the adhesive layer80and then partially removed, thereby forming an the opening portion750P. In another embodiment, a part of the protection film base70and a part of the adhesive layer80are removed, thereby forming the opening portion750P. Both of the protection film base70and the adhesive layer80are removed from the opening portion750P.

In an embodiment, the substrate10is bent in the bendable area BA. The protection film base70of the protection film75, which protects the lower surface of the substrate10, is stiff. Accordingly, since the protection film base70is inflexible, if the protection film base covers the bendable area BA, as the substrate10is bent, delamination can occur between the protection film base70and the substrate10. However, in a display device according to a present embodiment, as the protection film75has the opening portion750P that corresponds to the bendable area BA, delamination is effectively prevented.

Although the protection film75is described as having the opening portion750P that corresponds to the bendable area BA and as being attached to the lower surface of the substrate10in the first area1A and the second area2A, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, in other embodiments, the protection film75corresponds to at least a part of the first area1A of the substrate10. In other words, the protection film75is omitted from the second area2A of the substrate10.

Furthermore, although, in one or more embodiments, the substrate10is illustrated as being bent with respect to the bending axis BAX such that a part of the lower surface in the first area1A and at least a part of the lower surface in the second area2A face each other, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, various modifications are available. For example, the lower surface in the second area2A does not face the lower surface in the first area1A, because a radius of curvature in the bendable area BA is less than that illustrated in the drawings, or the area of the bendable area BA is relatively small.

In the above case, the substrate10is bent by rotating the display circuit board51when tension is generated in the display circuit board51as described above.

FIG. 8is a cross-sectional view of the display device DP ofFIGS. 4A and 4Bbeing bent.

Referring toFIG. 8, in an embodiment, after bending the substrate10, etc., a cushion layer91is further formed in an area where the first area1A and the second area2A face each other. In other words, the cushion layer91is formed on a part of the first area1A of the protection film base70and the second area2A of the protection film base70in contact therewith. The cushion layer91is formed in a space where the first area1A and the second area2A are separated from each other after the substrate10is bent, etc., and supports the display panel1and absorbs impacts. The cushion layer91includes an elastic material. However, embodiments of the display device DP are not limited to the above, and in other embodiments, the cushion layer91is attached to the protection film base70before the substrate10is bent.

In an embodiment, the adhesive member90is formed between the cushion layer91and the protection film base70of the second area2A to fix the cushion layer91and the protection film base70.

In an embodiment, the substrate10is bent by rotating the display circuit board51, as described above, when tension is generated in the display circuit board51.

FIG. 9is a cross-sectional view of the display device DP ofFIGS. 4A and 4Bbeing bent.

Referring toFIG. 9, in an embodiment, the display device DP further includes a filling93disposed in the opening portion750P. The filling93is used together with the cushion layer91. In this case, the filling93and the cushion layer91are formed after the substrate10is bent. In an embodiment, the substrate10is bent after the filling93and the cushion layer91are formed. However, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to the above, and the filling93and the cushion layer91may be formed by various methods.

In an embodiment, since the adhesive member90is formed on the cushion layer91, as described above, the cushion layer91is fixed to the protection film base70in the second area2A by the adhesive member90.

In an embodiment, the substrate10is bent by rotating the display circuit board51, as described above, when tension is generated in the display circuit board51.

According to an apparatus and method of manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments, a display circuit board may be attached at an accurate position.

According to an apparatus and method of manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments, a substrate of a display panel may be bent when tension of a display circuit board is maintained.

According to an apparatus and method of manufacturing a display device according to one or more embodiments, implementation of constant quality may be possible.