Manufacturing apparatus of display device and manufacturing method of display device

A manufacturing apparatus of a display device includes: a stage to support a work substrate covered by a work protective film; a separation module including a separation structure, and a pressure sensor to measure an intensity of a pressure applied to the separation structure; a driver to control a position of the separation module; and a controller to control the separation module and the driver.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0071323, filed on Jun. 17, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Aspects of one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a manufacturing apparatus of a display device, and a manufacturing method of the display device. More particularly, aspects of one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a manufacturing apparatus of a display device that may be used to remove a protective film, and a manufacturing method of the display device using the manufacturing apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various display devices, which are applied to multimedia devices, such as televisions, mobile phones, tablet computers, navigation devices, game devices, and the like, are being developed. The display devices include various functional members, such as a display module, an input sensor, a window, and an optical film.

The functional members are manufactured or processed, and are coupled to each other. A display device having a stacked structure is manufactured through a plurality of coupling processes.

SUMMARY

One or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a manufacturing apparatus of a display device, which may be capable of reducing a defect rate in a manufacturing process of the display device.

One or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a manufacturing method of the display device using the manufacturing apparatus.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a manufacturing apparatus of a display device, includes: a stage to support a work substrate covered by a work protective film; a separation module including a separation structure, and a pressure sensor to measure an intensity of a pressure applied to the separation structure; a driver to control a position of the separation module; and a controller to control the separation module and the driver.

In an exemplary embodiment, the work substrate may include a plurality of cell areas, and a peripheral area adjacent to the cell areas.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the cell areas may include a base layer, a circuit element layer, a display element layer, and an encapsulation layer.

In an exemplary embodiment, an adhesive layer may be between the work protective film and the work substrate.

In an exemplary embodiment, a cutting line may be defined in the work protective film.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting line may extend to the adhesive layer.

In an exemplary embodiment, the work protective film may be divided into a plurality of areas by the cutting line.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure sensor may include a piezoelectric element.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller may be configured to: receive a sensing signal indicating the intensity of the pressure from the pressure sensor; and control a position of the driver in a vertical direction according to the sensing signal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller may be configured to move the driver in a horizontal direction when the intensity of the pressure is within a predetermined range.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a display device, includes: providing a work substrate covered by a work protective film; moving a separation module in a vertical direction, the separation module including a separation structure, and a pressure sensor to measure an intensity of a pressure applied to the separation structure; measuring the intensity of the pressure; stopping the movement of the separation module in the vertical direction when the intensity of the pressure is equal to or greater than a reference value; and moving the separation module in a horizontal direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, the work substrate may include a plurality of cell areas, and a peripheral area adjacent to the cell areas; the work protective film may include a plurality of unit areas corresponding to the cell areas, and a boundary area corresponding to the peripheral area, the plurality of unit areas and the boundary area being divided by a cutting line; and the boundary area of the work protective film may be removed according to the moving of the separation module in the horizontal direction.

In an exemplary embodiment, the boundary area may include a plurality of areas.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method may further include cutting the work substrate to divide the work substrate into a plurality of cell areas of the work substrate.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a manufacturing apparatus of a display device, includes: a stage to support a work substrate covered by a work protective film; a pressing module including a pressing member, and a pressure sensor to measure an intensity of a pressure applied to the pressing member; a first driver to control a position of the pressing module; a separation structure; a second driver to control a position of the separation structure; and a controller to control the pressure sensor, the first driver, and the second driver.

In an exemplary embodiment, the work substrate may include a plurality of cell areas, and a peripheral area adjacent to the cell areas; and the pressing module may include a plurality of pressing modules corresponding to at least some of the cell areas.

In an exemplary embodiment, the work protective film may be divided into a plurality of areas by a cutting line.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pressure sensor may include a piezoelectric element.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller may be configured to: receive a sensing signal indicating the intensity of the pressure from the pressure sensor; and control a position of the first driver in a vertical direction according to the sensing signal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller may be configured to move the second driver when the first driver is stopped in the vertical direction.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the intensity of the pressure applied to the separation structure may be measured after the separation structure contacts (e.g., makes contact with) the work substrate. The separation structure may be disposed (e.g., may be accurately disposed) at a target position at each separation point, even though a stage may not be flat. The target position may be set in a desired or suitable direction (e.g., the vertical direction). The work substrate may be prevented or substantially prevented from being applied with an overpressure caused by the separation structure. The separation structure may be disposed at a position at (e.g., in or on) a desired or suitable direction (e.g., the vertical direction), which may sufficiently separate the protective film.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the pressing module may be disposed at (e.g., in or on) areas (e.g., at unit areas) of the work protective film. The areas at (e.g., in or on) which the pressing module of the work protective film is disposed may overlap with the cell areas, respectively. The unit areas may not be separated when the boundary area of the work protective film is removed, because the pressing module may press the unit areas. The pressure applied to the work substrate may be monitored (e.g., may be continuously monitored) such that the work substrate may not be excessively pressed (e.g., may not be overly pressed) by the pressing module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a perspective view showing a manufacturing apparatus1000of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 2Ais a plan view showing a work substrate WS according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 2Bis a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I′ ofFIG. 2A.FIG. 2Cis an enlarged view of the area AA ofFIG. 2B. As used herein, a plan view may be a view from a plane that is parallel to or substantially parallel to (e.g., normal to) a surface (e.g., a top surface) of the relevant component, element, or layer (e.g., the display device, the work substrate, and/or the like).

The manufacturing apparatus1000according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a separation module (e.g., a separator)100, a driver SP, a controller200, and a stage300. InFIG. 1, a connection relationship between the controller200, the separation module100, and the driver SP is shown schematically, and the connection relationship therebetween according to the present exemplary embodiment may include any suitable connections to communicate data and/or electrical signals between the controller200, the separation module100, and/or the driver SP. For example, in various embodiments, the separation module100and the driver SP may be connected to the controller200via a cable or via a wireless communication module (e.g., via a wireless communication connection or a wireless communication link) to transmit and receive electrical signals to and from the controller200.

The separation module100may include a separation structure110, and a pressure sensor120to measure an intensity of pressure (or an intensity of force) that may be applied to the separation structure110. The separation structure110is a structure that may stick (e.g., prick, poke, and/or snag) a synthetic resin film and/or that may apply a friction to the synthetic resin film. For example, in various embodiments, the separation structure110may include (or may be) a plastic pin, a plastic plate, a metal pin, a metal plate, and/or the like. The separation structure110may be coupled to the pressure sensor120.

The pressure sensor120may sense the pressure that is applied to the separation structure110. For example, the pressure sensor120may receive the same or substantially the same pressure that is applied to the separation structure110. The pressure sensor120may include, for example, a piezoelectric element that generates an electrical signal corresponding to the pressure applied thereto. In addition, the pressure sensor120may include one or more materials in which a resistance changes in response to the pressure applied thereto. For example, the pressure sensor120may include a carbon powder, a quantum tunneling composite (QTC), silver nanoparticles, a single crystalline or polycrystalline silicon, electroactive polymers, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor120may include (or may be formed of) one or more of a carbon nanotube, graphene, a metal nanowire, and/or the like, because the carbon nanotube, the graphene, the metal nanowire, and/or the like may be flexible and may have a resistance that varies depending on the pressure applied thereto.

The separation module100is coupled to the driver SP. The driver SP controls a position of the separation module100. The driver SP may include (or may be) a mechanical structure that may control various positions of the separation module100in any suitable or desired directions (e.g., in a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and/or the like). For example, in an embodiment, the driver SP may control the position of the separation module100by moving the separation module in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The driver SP may include (or may be) a mechanical structure, for example, such as a robot arm.

The controller200controls the driver SP and the pressure sensor120. The controller200controls an operation of the driver SP, and receives a sensing signal that indicates the intensity of the pressure from the pressure sensor120. The controller200may include a computer system. For example, the controller200may include one or more processors, and memory connected to the one or more processors and storing instructions that are executed by the one or more processors to perform the various functions of the controller200. The controller200may control the driver SP in response to a user input, and may provide the user with the sensing signal in any suitable manner (e.g., in a predetermined manner).

The stage300supports the work substrate WS. The work substrate WS may be covered by a work protective film PF-W. InFIG. 1, the work protective film PF-W is shown as having an area that is larger than that of the work substrate WS, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the area of the work protective film PF-W may be sufficient when the work protective film PF-W is able to protect the work substrate WS. For example, in another embodiment, the work protective film PF-W may have the same or substantially the same area as that of the work substrate WS. The work protective film PF-W may include a plastic film, for example, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and/or the like, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Referring toFIG. 2A, the work substrate WS includes a plurality of cell areas CA. For example,FIG. 2Ashows the cell areas CA arranged in a3by3matrix as a representative example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the work substrate WS may include any suitable number and/or arrangement of the cell areas CA.

The cell areas CA may be spaced apart (e.g., may be separated) from each other, and each of the cell areas CA may form a display module or a display panel. The display module may include the display panel, and may further include at least one of an input sensor and an optical film in addition to the display panel. InFIG. 2A, a display area DP-DA of the display panel is defined at (e.g., in or on) the cell area CA. The display area DP-DA corresponds an area at (e.g., in or on) which pixels of the display panel are arranged.

The work substrate WS includes the display module or the display panel that is manufactured at (e.g., in or on) each (e.g., every) cell area CA, and the work protective film PF-W is connected to (e.g., is attached to) the work substrate WS to protect the cell areas CA.

As shown inFIG. 2B, an adhesive layer ADL (hereinafter, which may be referred to as a “temporary adhesive layer”) is disposed between the work protective film PF-W and the work substrate WS. The temporary adhesive layer ADL may have a low adhesive force (e.g., a relatively low adhesive force) and a high viscoelasticity (e.g., a relatively high viscoelasticity) to minimize or reduce an amount of residual adhesive material remaining on the work substrate WS when the work protective film PF-W is removed from the work substrate WS. The temporary adhesive layer ADL may include, for example, a silicone-based and/or a urethane-based adhesive material.

The work substrate WS includes a peripheral area BA that is adjacent to the cell areas CA. For example, the peripheral area BA may correspond to a boundary area between the cell areas CA. In some embodiments, the peripheral area BA may correspond to a periphery of each of the cell areas CA. For example, in some embodiments, the peripheral area BA may surround (e.g., around a periphery of) each of the cell areas CA. The work protective film PF-W may include unit areas PF-CA corresponding to the cell areas CA, and a boundary area PF-BA corresponding to the peripheral area BA.

A cutting line CL-PF may be formed in the work protective film PF-W. The cutting line CL-PF may be formed using a laser beam while the work protective film PF-W and the work substrate WS are disposed on the stage300, or the work protective film PF-W and the work substrate WS may be disposed on the stage300after the cutting line CL-PF is formed.

The work protective film PF-W may be divided into a plurality of areas by the cutting line CL-PF. For example, as shown inFIG. 2A, the work protective film PF-W may be divided into four boundary areas PF-BA and nine unit areas PF-CA, which are distinct (e.g., which are distinguishable) from each other. The cutting line CL-PF may be aligned with an outer boundary of the cell areas CA.

As shown inFIG. 2C, the cutting line CL-PF may extend to the temporary adhesive layer ADL. For example, the cutting line CL-PF may extend through the protective film PF-W to the temporary adhesive layer ADL. In some embodiments, the cutting line CL-PF may also extend partially through the adhesive layer ADL, such that the adhesive layer ADL may be partially cut. In this case, because the adhesive layer ADL may be partially cut, the adhesive layer ADL may be removed (e.g., may be easily removed) together with the boundary area PF-BA, when the boundary area PF-BA is removed.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bare side views showing operations of a manufacturing apparatus1000of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 3Cis a plan view showing a height difference at various points of a work substrate. Hereinafter, in the following description with reference toFIGS. 3A to 3C, redundant description of the same or substantially the same elements and/or components as those described with reference to one or more of the above embodiments (e.g., the embodiment ofFIG. 1) may not be repeated.

The controller200controls the driver SP, for example, such that the separation module100is moved towards the work substrate WS (e.g., the separation module100descends). The controller200may monitor the sensing signal from the pressure sensor120, and may control the driver SP to control the movement of the separation module100according to the sensing signal. For example, the controller200may control the driver SP to descend the separation module100until the sensing signal corresponds to a reference signal.

In more detail, the controller200may control the position of the driver SP in the vertical direction according to (e.g., based on) the sensing signal. As shown inFIG. 3A, when the separation structure110contacts (e.g., makes contact with) the work protective film PF-W, a sensing signal corresponding to the contact is received. In this case, the sensing signal corresponding to the contact between the separation structure110and the work protective film PF-W may be different from the sensing signal before the contact therebetween. When the separation structure110is positioned to apply an appropriate pressure to the work protective film PF-W (e.g., to apply a suitable pressure for separating the work protective film PF-W), the controller200may stop the descending of the separation module100. For example, when the intensity of the pressure is greater than or equal to a reference value, the controller200may stop a movement of the separation module100in the vertical direction.

Then, when the intensity of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor120is within a suitable or desired range (e.g., within a predetermined range), the controller200may move the driver SP in the horizontal direction as shown inFIG. 3B. In this case, the work protective film PF-W may be separated from the work substrate WS due to the movement of the driver SP (and thus, the movement of the separation structure110) in the horizontal direction.

Table 1 below shows results according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the boundary area PF-BA of the work protective film PF-W is separated using the manufacturing apparatus1000of the display device as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B. In Table 1, a first point is defined as a point that is closer to a corresponding cell area CA than a second point, and the second point is defined as a point that is farther from the corresponding cell area CA than the first point. Further, in some embodiments, the stage300may not be completely flat. For example, there may be a height difference of about ±500 micrometers depending on areas (or regions) of the stage300. The height difference may be measured from the ground. Accordingly, in some embodiments, there may be a height difference between the first and second points. Because the first point and the second point may have the height difference therebetween, the boundary area PF-BA at the first and second points may be separated or may not be separated under the same or substantially the same load (e.g., under the same pressure or the same force).

As shown in Table 1, when the intensity of the pressure (e.g., the load) sensed by the pressure sensor120is greater than or equal to about 2.6 kgf, the boundary area PF-BA of the work protective film PF-W may be separated at the first and second points. When the intensity of the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor120is greater than or equal to about 4 kgf, the work substrate WS was damaged.

Referring toFIG. 3C, a height difference between a reference cell area CA-R and various points including the cell area CA is shown. For example, as shown inFIG. 3C, the separation module100has pressed the work protective film PF-W with a load of 2.6 kgf at forty (40) points on one work substrate WS. The same load was applied to the reference cell area CA-R and the other points including the cell area CA, and the height difference between the points are shown with respect to the reference cell area CA-R. For example, a difference in height of about 500 μm at maximum was measured, and the measurement results are shown inFIG. 3C. According to the present exemplary embodiment, because the separation module100does not descend by the same displacement at each of the points, and the separation module100descends until the same or substantially the same pressure-intensity is measured at the points, the boundary area PF-BA of the protective film PF-W may be separated equally even when the separation operation is performed at40points having a height variation (e.g., a height difference).

FIG. 4Ais a plan view showing a processing operation of a manufacturing method of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 4Bis a plan view showing an enlarged area ofFIG. 4A.FIG. 4Cis a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II′ ofFIG. 4B.

When the operations described with reference toFIGS. 3A to 3Cof the manufacturing apparatus1000of the display device are performed a plurality of times, the boundary area PF-BA (e.g., all of or an entirety of the boundary area PF-BA) of the protective film PF-W may be removed as shown inFIG. 4A. For example, the four boundary areas PF-BA shown inFIGS. 2A to 2Cmay be removed by performing the operations described with reference toFIGS. 3A to 3Cof the manufacturing apparatus1000of the display device four times to remove the four boundary areas PF-BA.

In more detail, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the intensity of the pressure applied to the separation structure110may be measured at four points while the manufacturing apparatus1000of the display device performs the above-described operations four times. The separation structure110may be appropriately disposed at a target position at each separation point, even though the stage300may have a height difference (e.g., may not be flat). In an embodiment, the target position may be set in the vertical direction. The separation structure110may be prevented or substantially prevented from applying an overpressure (e.g., an excessive pressure) on the work substrate WS. The separation structure110may be disposed at a suitable position where the work protective film PF-W may be sufficiently separated in the vertical direction.

After the boundary area PF-BA is removed, the work substrate WS (e.g., as shown inFIG. 4A) is cut. For example, a cutting line CL may be determined (e.g., may be set) at (e.g., in or on) the peripheral area BA, and the work substrate WS may be cut along the cutting line CL using a cutting wheel CHE. Therefore, a plurality of display panels having a cell protective film PF-C connected (e.g., attached) thereto may be formed.

FIGS. 4B and 4Cshow one display panel DP from among the plurality of display panels ofFIG. 4A. The display panel DP may have an area that is greater than that of the cell area CA shown inFIG. 2A. A portion of the display panel DP may be exposed without being covered by the cell protective film PF-C. For example, a periphery (e.g., an edge or a bezel) of the display panel DP may be exposed without being covered by the cell protective film PF-C. The display panel DP may include a base layer BL, a circuit element layer DP-CL, a display element layer DP-OLED, and an encapsulation layer DP-TFE.

The base layer BL may include at least one synthetic resin film. The base layer BL may include a glass substrate, a metal substrate, an organic/inorganic composite substrate, and/or the like. The circuit element layer DP-CL includes at least one insulating layer and a circuit element. The insulating layer includes at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer. The circuit element includes signal lines and a pixel driving circuit. The display element layer DP-OLED includes at least a plurality of organic light emitting diodes as light emitting elements. The display element layer DP-OLED may further include an organic layer, for example, such as a pixel definition layer. The encapsulation layer DP-TFE may include a plurality of inorganic layers. The encapsulation layer DP-TFE may further include an organic layer.

A further process may be carried out on the separated display panel DP. The base layer BL may be coupled to a support substrate SS by an adhesive layer ADL. The support substrate SS and the adhesive layer ADL may be removed after the manufacturing process of the display panel is completed.

FIG. 5is a perspective view showing a manufacturing apparatus1000-1of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 6Ais a side view showing an operation of the manufacturing apparatus1000-1of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 6Bis a plan view showing a processing operation of a manufacturing method of the display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, in the following description with reference toFIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B, redundant description of the same or substantially the same elements and/or components as those described with reference to one or more of the above embodiments (e.g., the embodiments ofFIGS. 1 to 4C) may not be repeated.

The manufacturing apparatus1000-1of the display device includes a pressing module (e.g., a pressing apparatus)30, a first driver SP1, a separation structure110, a second driver SP2, a stage300, and a controller200. In the present exemplary embodiment, the separation structure110that is directly coupled to the second driver SP2is shown as a representative example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the separation structure110may be coupled to a pressure sensor120(e.g., refer toFIG. 1).

The pressing module30includes a pressing member (e.g., a press)10, and a pressure sensor20that measures an intensity of pressure applied to the pressing member10. The pressing member10is disposed on a portion of a work protective film PF-W. The pressing member10may press the work protective film PF-W according to a pressure that does not damage the work substrate WS. In an exemplary embodiment, the pressing member10may include a pressure plate11and a connection bar12. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a configuration of the pressing member10is not particularly limited. The pressure sensor20may be the same as or substantially the same as the pressure sensor120described with reference toFIG. 1.

FIGS. 5 and 6Ashow the manufacturing apparatus1000-1of the display device including three pressing modules30coupled to the first driver SP1as a representative example. In this case, the three pressing modules30may be disposed to correspond to some of the cell areas CA from among the cell areas CA. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the manufacturing apparatus1000-1of the display device may include any suitable number of pressing modules30that are connected to the first driver SP1.

The controller200controls the first driver SP1to control a movement of the pressing module30. For example, the controller200may control the first driver SP1such that the pressing module30descends. The controller200monitors a sensing signal from the pressure sensor20. For example, the controller200controls the first driver SP1to allow the pressing module30to descend when the sensing signal is less than a reference signal.

The controller200controls a position of the first driver SP1according to (e.g., based on) the sensing signal. For example, the controller200may control a position of the first driver SP1in the vertical direction according to the sensing signal. As shown inFIG. 6A, when the pressing module30contacts (e.g., makes contact with) the work protective film PF-W, a sensing signal corresponding to the contact is received. In this case, the sensing signal corresponding to the contact between the pressing module30and the work protective film PF-W may be different from the sensing signal before the contact therebetween. When the pressing module30is positioned to apply an appropriate pressure to the work protective film PF-W, the controller200stops the descending of the pressing module30. For example, when the intensity of the pressure is greater than or equal to a reference value, the controller200may stop a movement of the pressing module30in the vertical direction.

Then, the controller200controls the second driver SP2to control a movement of the separation structure110. For example, the controller200may control the second driver SP2such that the separation structure110descends. The separation structure110may be moved horizontally after the separation structure110descends by a desired or suitable amount (e.g., a predetermined amount). As shown inFIG. 6B, a portion of the work protective film PF-W may be separated by the horizontal movement of the separation structure110.

In more detail, referring toFIG. 6B, the three pressing modules30may be arranged to correspond to the cell areas CA arranged at (e.g., in or on) a first column CA-C1from among the cell areas CA arranged in the3by3matrix as the representative example. In this case, one boundary area PF-BA that is adjacent to the cell areas CA arranged at (e.g., in or on) the first column CA-C1is separated. Because the pressing module30holds (e.g., presses) unit areas PF-CA, only the boundary area PF-BA may be separated by the horizontal movement of the separation structure110. Accordingly, stress may be prevented or substantially prevented from being applied to the unit areas PF-CA in the horizontal direction during the separation process.

The three pressing modules30may be moved to press cell areas CA arranged at (e.g., in or on) a second column CA-C2, and cell areas CA arranged at (e.g., in or on) a third column CA-C3. The separation of the boundary area PF-BA may be carried out while the three pressing modules30are moved to press the corresponding cell areas CA arranged at the corresponding columns CA-C2and CA-C3.

In some embodiments, the stage300may not be completely flat (e.g., due to the height difference). According to the present exemplary embodiment, the intensity of the pressure applied to the pressing member10may be measured three times while the descending operation of the pressing modules30is performed three times. Although the stage300may not be flat, the pressing member10may be appropriately disposed at a target position at each descending point. The target position may be set in the vertical direction. In this case, an overpressure caused by the pressing module30may be prevented or substantially prevented from being applied to the work substrate WS.

According to one or more of the above described embodiments, the intensity of the pressure applied to the separation structure110may be measured after the separation structure110contacts (e.g., makes contact with) the work substrate WS. The separation structure110may be accurately disposed at a target position at each separation point even though the stage is not flat (e.g., due to the height difference). The target position may be set in the vertical direction. Accordingly, an overpressure caused by the separation structure110may be prevented or substantially prevented from being applied to the work substrate WS. The separation structure110may be disposed at a suitable position in the vertical direction to sufficiently separate the protective film.

The pressing module30is disposed at (e.g., in or on) the areas (e.g., the unit areas) of the work protective film. The areas of the work protective film at (e.g., in or on) which the pressing module30is disposed may overlap with the cell areas CA, respectively. The unit areas are not separated when the boundary area of the work protective film is removed, because the pressing module30presses (e.g., and/or holds) the unit areas. The pressure applied to the work substrate WS is monitored (e.g., is continuously monitored) such that the work substrate WS is not excessively pressed (e.g., overly pressed) by the pressing module30.

Although various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to these exemplary embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be made as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, and the spirit and scope of the present disclosure shall be defined according to the attached claims, and their equivalents.