Window for display device, method for manufacturing window, and display device including window

Abstract

A window for a display device, a method for manufacturing the window, and a display device including the window are provided. The window includes: a substrate layer; a first hard coating layer located on the substrate layer; and a second hard coating layer located on the first hard coating layer and having a thickness less than that of the first hard coating layer, wherein the first hard coating layer is located between the substrate layer and the second hard coating layer.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0147980, filed on Nov. 8, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the invention relate to a window for a display device, more particularly, a window for a display device having improved impact resistance, a method for manufacturing the window, and a display device including the window. Background Art

[0003] With the recent development of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet personal computers, a slimmer base member for a display device has been required.

[0004] Glass or tempered glass having high mechanical properties is generally used as a front window or front protective member of a mobile device. However, the glass itself increases the weight of the mobile device due to its heavy weight and is also susceptible to external impact.

[0005] Plastic materials are being studied as a substitute for glass. Plastic materials are lightweight and not easily broken, and thus are widely used as window materials for mobile devices. Summary of the invention

[0006] In a case where a display device including a window formed of a plastic material is attached to a vehicle, it is desirable to improve the anti-impact characteristics of the window of the display device.

[0007] Embodiments of the invention relate to a window for a display device having improved impact resistance, a method for manufacturing the window, and a display device including the window.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment, a window for a display device includes: a base layer; a first hard coating layer located on the base layer; and a second hard coating layer located on the first hard coating layer and having a thickness smaller than that of the first hard coating layer, wherein the first hard coating layer is located between the base layer and the second hard coating layer.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the second hard coating layer may have a thickness of about 10% of the thickness of the first hard coating layer.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the first hard coating layer may have a thickness in a range of about 5% to about 15% of the thickness of the base layer.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the window for a display device may further include at least one of: a first auxiliary layer on a lower surface of the base layer; and a second auxiliary layer between the base layer and the first hard coating layer.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the first auxiliary layer and the second auxiliary layer may include at least one of polyimide, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyethylene naphthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, an opaque liquid crystal polymer, and polymethyl methacrylate.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the first hard coating layer may include an organic material and an inorganic material.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the organic material of the first hard coating layer may include acryl and epoxy resin.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the second hard coating layer may include acrylic oligomer.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the base layer, the first hard coating layer, and the second hard coating layer may include fluorine.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the base layer may include at least one of polycarbonate, a low birefringence resin, and polymethyl methacrylate.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the first hard coating layer may have a multi-layer structure.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the base layer may include a soft layer and a hard layer.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the soft layers and the hard layers may be arranged alternately with each other.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment, a display device includes: a display panel; and a window located on the display panel. In such an embodiment, the window includes: a base layer located on the display panel; a first hard coating layer located on the base layer; and a second hard coating layer located on the first hard coating layer and having a thickness smaller than that of the first hard coating layer, wherein the first hard coating layer is located between the base layer and the second hard coating layer.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the second hard coating layer may have a thickness of about 10% of the thickness of the first hard coating layer.

[0023] In exemplary embodiments, the first hard coating layer may have a thickness in a range of about 5% to about 15% of the thickness of the base layer.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the window may further include at least one of: a first auxiliary layer between the display panel and the base layer; and a second auxiliary layer between the base layer and the first hard coating layer.

[0025] In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the first auxiliary layer and the second auxiliary layer may include at least one of polyimide, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyethylene naphthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, an opaque liquid crystal polymer, and polymethyl methacrylate.

[0026] In exemplary embodiments, the first hard coating layer may include an organic material and an inorganic material.

[0027] In exemplary embodiments, the organic material of the first hard coating layer may include acryl and epoxy resin.

[0028] In exemplary embodiments, the second hard coating layer may include acrylic oligomer.

[0029] In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the base layer, the first hard coating layer, and the second hard coating layer may include fluorine.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device may further include: a frame supporting the window; a panel supporting portion between the window and a base portion of the frame; and a first pressure sensing portion between the panel supporting portion and the display panel.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel may include a central portion between the panel supporting portion and the window and an edge portion between the panel supporting portion and a base portion of the frame. The first pressure sensing portion may be disposed between the edge portion and the panel supporting portion.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel may further include at least one of: a second pressure sensing portion located between a side portion protruding from an edge of the frame and an edge of the window; and a third pressure sensing portion located between the window and the display panel, wherein the display panel is flexible.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, at least two of the first pressure sensing portion, the second pressure sensing portion, and the third pressure sensing portion may have different sensitivities from each other.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the third pressure sensing portion has the lowest sensitivity, the second pressure sensing portion has the highest sensitivity, and the first pressure sensing portion has a sensitivity lower than that of the second pressure sensing portion and higher than that of the third pressure sensing portion.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, at least two of the first pressure sensing portion, the second pressure sensing portion, and the third pressure sensing portion may include elastic elements having different moduli.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first pressure sensing part, the second pressure sensing part and the third pressure sensing part may include an elastic element, the modulus of the elastic element of the third pressure sensing part is greater than the modulus of the elastic element of the first pressure sensing part, and the modulus of the elastic element of the first pressure sensing part is greater than the modulus of the elastic element of the second pressure sensing part.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the elastic element of the first pressure sensing portion may have a thickness substantially equal to or greater than that of the elastic element of the second pressure sensing portion, and the elastic element of the third pressure sensing portion may have a thickness less than that of the elastic element of the first pressure sensing portion.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of manufacturing a window for a display device includes: disposing a first hard coating layer on a base layer; and disposing a second hard coating layer on the first hard coating layer, wherein the second hard coating layer has a thickness smaller than that of the first hard coating layer.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the second hard coating layer may have a thickness of about 10% of the thickness of the first hard coating layer.

[0040] In exemplary embodiments, the first hard coating layer may have a thickness in a range of about 5% to about 15% of the thickness of the base layer.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the method may further include at least one of the following steps: disposing a first auxiliary layer on a lower surface of the base layer; and disposing a second auxiliary layer between the base layer and the first hard coating layer.

[0042] In exemplary embodiments, at least one of the first auxiliary layer and the second auxiliary layer may include at least one of polyimide, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyethylene naphthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, and an opaque liquid crystal polymer.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the step of providing the first hard coating layer may include: forming a first layer on the base layer; semi-curing the first layer; forming a second layer on the semi-cured first layer; and completely curing the first layer and the second layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The above and other features of the invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a window for a display device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0046] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a window for a display device according to an alternative exemplary embodiment;

[0047] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a window for a display device according to another alternative exemplary embodiment;

[0048] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a window for a display device according to another alternative exemplary embodiment;

[0049] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a window for a display device according to another alternative exemplary embodiment;

[0050] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a window for a display device according to another alternative exemplary embodiment;

[0051] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a window for a display device according to another alternative exemplary embodiment;

[0052] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a window for a display device according to another alternative exemplary embodiment;

[0053] Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C is a diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a first hard coating layer;

[0054] Fig.10 is an exploded perspective view showing a display device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0055] Fig.11 is along Fig.10 A cross-sectional view taken along line II';

[0056] Fig.12 It is shown Fig.11 a graph of the sensitivities of the first pressure sensing portion, the second pressure sensing portion, and the third pressure sensing portion;

[0057] Fig.13 It is shown Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of a display panel;

[0058] Fig.14 is along Fig.13 A cross-sectional view taken along line II';

[0059] Fig.15 is along Fig.13 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'; and

[0060] Fig.16 is a graph for illustrating an impact resistance test of a window. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings showing various embodiments. However, the invention may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals represent the same elements throughout.

[0062] In the accompanying drawings, for clarity and ease of description, the thickness of multiple layers and regions is shown in an enlarged manner. When a layer, region or plate is referred to as "on" another layer, region or plate, the layer, region or plate may be directly on the other layer, region or plate, or an intermediate layer, region or plate may exist between them. On the contrary, when a layer, region or plate is referred to as "directly on" another layer, region or plate, an intermediate layer, region or plate may not exist between them. In addition, when a layer, region or plate is referred to as "below" another layer, region or plate, the layer, region or plate may be directly below the other layer, region or plate, or an intermediate layer, region or plate may exist between them. On the contrary, when a layer, region or plate is referred to as "directly on" another layer, region or plate, an intermediate layer, region or plate may not exist between them.

[0063] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below," "under," "below," "above," "on," etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or component and another element or component as shown in the drawings. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, where the device shown in the drawings is flipped, a device that is set "below" or "below" another device may be set "above" another device. Thus, the illustrative term "below" may encompass both above and below. Devices may also be positioned in other directions, so spatially relative terms may be interpreted differently depending on the orientation.

[0064] Throughout the specification, when an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, the element is "directly connected" to the other element, or is "electrically connected" to the other element with one or more intermediate elements interposed therebetween. It will also be understood that when the terms "comprises," "comprising," and / or variations thereof are used in this specification, the specification states that there are stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0065] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, the "first element" discussed below may be named "second element" or "third element," and the "second element" and "third element" may be similarly named without departing from the teachings herein.

[0066] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are also intended to include plural forms including "at least one", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. "Or" means "and / or". As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0067] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" is inclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range of variation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, taking into account measurement issues and errors associated with measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., limitations of the measurement system).

[0068] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the invention belongs. It will also be understood that terms such as those defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal meaning unless clearly defined in the specification.

[0069] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to the cross-sectional views as schematic diagrams of ideal embodiments. As such, variations in the shapes of the diagrams, such as those caused by manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are anticipated. Therefore, the embodiments described herein should not be construed as being limited to the specific shapes of the regions shown here, but will include deviations in shapes, such as those caused by manufacturing. For example, a region shown or described as flat may typically have rough and / or nonlinear features. In addition, the sharp corners shown may be rounded. Therefore, the regions shown in the figures are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the precise shapes of the regions and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0070] In the following, the attached Figure 1 Exemplary embodiments of a window for a display device, a method for manufacturing the window, and a display device including the window are described in detail.

[0071] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a window 600 - 1 for a display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown in , an exemplary embodiment of a window 600 - 1 for a display device may include a base layer 601 , a first hard coating layer 611 disposed on the base layer 601 , and a second hard coating layer 612 disposed on the first hard coating layer 611 .

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the hard coating layers 611 and 612 are disposed above the base layer 601 rather than below the base layer 601. In such an embodiment, the first hard coating layer 611 and the second hard coating layer 612 are disposed in an outer direction of the display device relative to the base layer 601. In such an embodiment, the window 600-1 may have high impact resistance.

[0074] The second hard coating layer 612 defines the outermost portion of the window 600 - 1 to be exposed to the outside of the display device. Therefore, an impact from the outside is first applied to the second hard coating layer 612 .

[0075] The second hard coating layer 612 located at the outermost portion of the window 600 - 1 receives compressive stress due to the impact.

[0076] The first hard coating layer 611 adjacent to the second hard coating layer 612 is also subjected to compressive stress due to the impact.

[0077] The first hard coating layer 611 and the second hard coating layer 612 may be weak to tensile stress but relatively strong to compressive stress.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, since the hard coating layers 611 and 612 included in the window 600-1 are positioned in the outer direction of the display device relative to the base layer 601, the hard coating layers 611 and 612 receive compressive stress against external impact. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the impact resistance of the window 600-1 can be improved.

[0079] If the window has a structure in which the first hard coating layer 611 is located below the base layer 601 or the base layer 601 is located between the first hard coating layer 611 and the second hard coating layer 612, when impact is applied to the second hard coating layer 612 located at the outermost portion, the above-mentioned compressive stress is applied to the second hard coating layer 612, while the tensile stress is applied to the first hard coating layer 611 located below the base layer 601. Therefore, in the window having such a structure, the first hard coating layer 611 may be relatively easily damaged.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, the base layer 601 may include an organic material with light transmittance, such as plastic. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the base layer 601 may include polyethylene ("PE"), polypropylene ("PP"), polyamide ("PA"), polyacetal ("POM"), polymethyl methacrylate ("PMMA"), polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate ("PC"), polycarbonate blend series, cellulose, moisture-proof cellophane, low refractive index resin, and at least one of low birefringence resin. The materials listed above are all light-transmitting materials. In such an embodiment, the low refractive index resin mentioned above may not include bisphenol A. In an exemplary embodiment, the base layer 601 may include a known light-transmitting plastic material other than the materials listed above.

[0081] The first hard coating layer 611 may be disposed on the base layer 601. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the first hard coating layer 611 may be disposed between the base layer 601 and the second hard coating layer 612.

[0082] The first hard coating layer 611 may include an organic material and an inorganic material. The first hard coating layer 611 including both the organic material and the inorganic material may have a large hardness. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the first hard coating layer 611 may have a (pencil) hardness of about 9H.

[0083] In exemplary embodiments, the organic material included in the first hard coating layer 611 may include, for example, acryl and epoxy.

[0084] In such an embodiment, the acrylic increases the bonding force and density of the first hard coating layer 611 , and the epoxy resin increases the heat resistance, chemical resistance, water resistance, adhesion, and mechanical hardness of the first hard coating layer 611 .

[0085] The first hard coating layer 611 may be manufactured by curing (eg, UV curing or thermal curing) a material including an inorganic material, acrylic, and epoxy resin. In such a curing process, acrylic shrinks and epoxy resin expands.

[0086] The degree of warping (or curling) of the first hard coating layer 611 may be controlled according to the combination ratio of the acrylic and the epoxy resin. Therefore, the warping (or curling) of the first hard coating layer 611 may be substantially prevented by combining the acrylic and the epoxy resin in an appropriate ratio. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the ratio between the acrylic and the epoxy resin that may substantially prevent the warping of the first hard coating layer 611 may be about 7:3.

[0087] The second hard coating layer 612 may be disposed on the first hard coating layer 611 .

[0088] The second hard coating layer 612 may include acrylic oligomer.

[0089] The second hard coating layer 612 may have a hardness substantially equal to or different from that of the first hard coating layer 611. The second hard coating layer 612 may have a hardness greater than or less than that of the first hard coating layer 611.

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the base layer 601, the first hard coating layer 611, and the second hard coating layer 612 may further include fluorine. Fluorine acts as a trace additive. In such an embodiment, the hardness and anti-fingerprint properties of the layer may be improved by adding fluorine to the layer.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the above-mentioned fluorine may be selectively added only to the second hard coating layer 612 located at the outermost portion relative to the base layer 601. In such an embodiment, the fluorine content in the second hard coating layer 612 may be in a range of about 0.001 weight percent (wt%) to about 0.2 wt% based on the total weight of the second hard coating layer 612.

[0092] The surface of the second hard coating layer 612 including fluorine is hydrophobic. In such an embodiment, the contact angle (or water contact angle) of the surface of the second hard coating layer 612 may be about 105 degrees or more.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment in which fluorine is added to the first hard coating layer 611 , the content of fluorine in the first hard coating layer 611 may be in a range of about 0.001 wt % to about 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the first hard coating layer 611 .

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment in which fluorine is added to the base layer 601 , the content of fluorine in the base layer 601 may be in a range of about 0.001 wt % to about 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the base layer 601 .

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment, the Replaces the fluorine mentioned above.

[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, at least two of the base layer 601 , the first hard coating layer 611 , and the second hard coating layer 612 may have substantially equal thicknesses to each other.

[0097] The thickness d1 of the base layer 601 is the dimension of the base layer 601 measured in the Z-axis direction (i.e., the thickness direction of the window), the thickness d2 of the first hard coating layer 611 is the dimension of the first hard coating layer 611 measured in the Z-axis direction, and the thickness d3 of the second hard coating layer 612 is the dimension of the second hard coating layer 612 measured in the Z-axis direction.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment, at least two of the base layer 601, the first hard coating layer 611, and the second hard coating layer 612 may have different thicknesses from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness d2 of the first hard coating layer 611 may be less than the thickness d1 of the base layer 601, and the thickness d3 of the second hard coating layer 612 may be less than the thickness d2 of the first hard coating layer 611. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the thickness d2 of the first hard coating layer 611 may be in a range of about 5% to about 15% of the thickness d1 of the base layer 601, and the thickness d3 of the second hard coating layer 612 may be about 10% of the thickness d2 of the first hard coating layer 611. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the thickness d3 of the second hard coating layer 612 may be in a range of about 0.5% to about 1.5% of the thickness d1 of the base layer 601.

[0099] The base layer 601 may have a thickness d1 in the range of, for example, about 500 micrometers (μm) to about 1,000 μm.

[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, the second hard coating layer 612 located at the outermost portion may be surface-modified to improve corrosion resistance and anti-fingerprint properties of the second hard coating layer 612. Therefore, the second hard coating layer 612 has a thickness smaller than that of other layers.

[0101] Although the acrylic oligomer is included, the second hard coating layer 612 does not include an epoxy resin having properties opposite to those of the acrylic material (i.e., expansion properties). However, warping of the second hard coating layer 612 can be substantially prevented by including an epoxy resin in the first hard coating layer 611 adjacent to the second hard coating layer 612.

[0102] In an exemplary embodiment, the second hard coating layer 612 may further include epoxy resin.

[0103] It can be manufactured by the following method Figure 1 Window 600-1.

[0104] In such a method, a material for the first hard coating layer 611 is applied on the base layer 601 .

[0105] Thereafter, the first hard coating layer 611 is cured by heat or ultraviolet rays.

[0106] Next, a material for the second hard coating layer 612 is applied onto the cured first hard coating layer 611 .

[0107] Then, the second hard coating layer 612 is cured by heat or ultraviolet rays.

[0108] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a window 600 - 2 for a display device according to an alternative exemplary embodiment.

[0109] like Figure 2 As shown in , an exemplary embodiment of a window 600 - 2 for a display device may include a base layer 601 , a first hard coating layer 611 , a second hard coating layer 612 , and an ultraviolet blocking member 65 .

[0110] In such an embodiment, at least one of the base layer 601, the first hard coating layer 611, and the second hard coating layer 612 may include an ultraviolet blocking element 65 disposed therein. The ultraviolet blocking element 65 is used as a trace additive. The ultraviolet blocking element 65 can effectively prevent ultraviolet rays from the outside from being incident on the display device.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, the ultraviolet blocking element 65 can be selectively included in at least one of the base layer 601, the first hard coating layer 611 and the second hard coating layer 612, for example, only included in the second hard coating layer 612 located at the outermost portion relative to the base layer 601, so that the manufacturing cost of the window 600-2 can be reduced.

[0112] In an alternative exemplary embodiment in which the second hard coating layer 612 does not have a sufficiently large thickness, the ultraviolet blocking element 65 may be selectively added only to, for example, the first hard coating layer 611 having a thickness greater than that of the second hard coating layer 612 and positioned closest to the outermost layer (e.g., the second hard coating layer 612). In such an embodiment in which the thickness of the second hard coating layer 612 is small, the ultraviolet blocking element 65 may not be added to the second hard coating layer 612 in a sufficient amount, and thus the ultraviolet blocking element 65 may be added only to the first hard coating layer 611 having a thickness greater than that of the second hard coating layer 612. In such an embodiment, the ultraviolet blocking element 65 may be selectively added only to the first hard coating layer 611 and not to the second hard coating layer 612.

[0113] The base layer 601, the first hard coating layer 611, and the second hard coating layer 612 have a transmittance of about 90% or more. In an exemplary embodiment, the ultraviolet blocking element 65 can be added to the one layer in an amount that determines a critical transmittance (e.g., a transmittance of about 90%) of one layer of the window 600-2 that is not lower than that of the one layer. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the content of the ultraviolet blocking element 65 in the base layer 601 can be in the range of about 3wt% or less relative to the total weight of the base layer 601, the content of the ultraviolet blocking element 65 in the first hard coating layer 611 can be in the range of about 3wt% or less relative to the total weight of the first hard coating layer 611, or the content of the ultraviolet blocking element 65 in the second hard coating layer 612 can be in the range of about 3wt% or less relative to the total weight of the second hard coating layer 612.

[0114] Figure 2The base layer 601, the first hard coating layer 611 and the second hard coating layer 612 are the same as those mentioned above. Figure 1 The described base layer 601 , first hard coating layer 611 , and second hard coating layer 612 are substantially the same.

[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, the base layer 601 may have a multilayer structure including at least two layers having different hardnesses from each other. The at least two layers may be alternately stacked or alternately arranged with each other along the Z-axis direction. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Such embodiments are described in more detail.

[0116] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a window 600 - 3 for a display device according to another alternative exemplary embodiment.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 6 , a window 600-3 for a display device may include a base layer 601, a first hard coating layer 611, and a second hard coating layer 612. In such an embodiment, the base layer 601 may include a soft layer 601A and a hard layer 601B arranged in the Z-axis direction.

[0118] In an exemplary embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown in , the hard layer 601B can be disposed on the soft layer 601A. In such an embodiment, the hard layer 601B can be located between the soft layer 601A and the first hard coating layer 611.

[0119] In an exemplary embodiment, the soft layer 601A and the hard layer 601B may have substantially the same thickness as each other.

[0120] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the soft layer 601A and the hard layer 601B may have different thicknesses from each other. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the hard layer 601B may have a thickness greater than that of the soft layer 601A.

[0121] In an exemplary embodiment, the soft layer 601A and the hard layer 601B may have different hardnesses from each other. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the hard layer 601B may have a hardness greater than that of the soft layer 601A.

[0122] In an exemplary embodiment, the soft layer 601A may include, for example, PC.

[0123] In an exemplary embodiment, the hard layer 601B may include, for example, PMMA. Alternatively, the hard layer 601B may include PMMA and PC.

[0124] Figure 3The first hard coating layer 611 and the second hard coating layer 612 are the same as those in the above reference Figure 1 The first hard coating layer 611 and the second hard coating layer 612 described are substantially the same.

[0125] Figure 3 The base layer 601 may have a substantially equal Figure 1 The thickness of the base layer 601 is the thickness of the base layer 601.

[0126] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a window 600 - 4 for a display device according to another alternative exemplary embodiment.

[0127] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a window 600-4 for a display device may include a base layer 601, a first hard coating layer 611, and a second hard coating layer 612. In such an embodiment, the base layer 601 may include a first hard layer 601b1, a soft layer 601a, and a second hard layer 601b2 arranged in the Z-axis direction.

[0128] In an exemplary embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown in , the soft layer 601a can be disposed on the first hard layer 601b1. In such an embodiment, the soft layer 601a can be located between the first hard layer 601b1 and the second hard layer 601b2.

[0129] In such an embodiment, the second hard layer 601b2 may be disposed on the soft layer 601a. ​​In such an embodiment, the second hard layer 601b2 may be located between the soft layer 601a and the first hard coating layer 611.

[0130] In an exemplary embodiment, the first hard layer 601b1, the soft layer 601a, and the second hard layer 601b2 may have substantially the same thickness as each other. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, at least two of the first hard layer 601b1, the soft layer 601a, and the second hard layer 601b2 may have different thicknesses from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the first hard layer 601b1 (or the second hard layer 601b2) may have a thickness greater than that of the soft layer 601a.

[0131] The first hard layer 601b1 (or the second hard layer 601b2) may have a hardness different from that of the soft layer 601a. ​​In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the first hard layer 601b1 may have a hardness greater than that of the soft layer 601a. ​​In such an embodiment, the second hard layer 601b2 may have a hardness greater than that of the soft layer 601a. ​​In an exemplary embodiment, the first hard layer 601b1 and the second hard layer 601b2 may have substantially the same hardness as each other.

[0132] Each of the first hard layer 601b1 and the second hard layer 601b2 may include the same as that included in, for example, the above reference Figure 3 The material in the hard layer 601B is substantially the same material as described.

[0133] The soft layer 601a may include the same as that included in the above reference Figure 3 The materials in the soft layer 601A are substantially the same materials as described.

[0134] Figure 4 The first hard coating layer 611 and the second hard coating layer 612 are the same as those in the above reference Figure 1 The first hard coating layer 611 and the second hard coating layer 612 described are substantially the same.

[0135] Figure 4 The base layer 601 may have a substantially equal Figure 1 The thickness of the base layer 601 is the thickness of the base layer 601.

[0136] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a window 600 - 5 for a display device according to another alternative exemplary embodiment.

[0137] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 6 , an exemplary embodiment of a window 600-5 for a display device may include a base layer 601, a first hard coating layer 611, and a second hard coating layer 612. In such an embodiment, the base layer 601 may include a first soft layer 601A1, a first hard layer 601B1, a second soft layer 601A2, and a second hard layer 601B2 arranged in the Z-axis direction.

[0138] In an exemplary embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 6 , the first hard layer 601B1 may be disposed on the first soft layer 601A1. In such an embodiment, the first hard layer 601B1 may be located between the first soft layer 601A1 and the second soft layer 601A2.

[0139] In such an embodiment, the second soft layer 601A2 may be disposed on the first hard layer 601B 1. In such an embodiment, the second soft layer 601A2 may be located between the first hard layer 601B 1 and the second hard layer 601B2.

[0140] In such an embodiment, the second hard layer 601B2 may be disposed on the second soft layer 601A2. In such an embodiment, the second hard layer 601B2 may be located between the second soft layer 601A2 and the first hard coating layer 611.

[0141] In an exemplary embodiment, the first soft layer 601A1, the first hard layer 601B1, the second soft layer 601A2, and the second hard layer 601B2 may have substantially the same thickness as each other. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, at least two of the first soft layer 601A1, the first hard layer 601B1, the second soft layer 601A2, and the second hard layer 601B2 may have different thicknesses from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the first hard layer 601B1 (or the second hard layer 601B2) may have a thickness greater than that of the first soft layer 601A1 (or the second soft layer 601A2).

[0142] In an exemplary embodiment, the first hard layer 601B1 (or the second hard layer 601B2) and the first soft layer 601A1 (or the second soft layer 601A2) have different hardnesses from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the first hard layer 601B1 may have a hardness greater than that of the first soft layer 601A1 (or the second soft layer 601A2). In such an embodiment, the second hard layer 601B2 may have a hardness greater than that of the first soft layer 601A1 (or the second soft layer 601A2). In an exemplary embodiment, the first hard layer 601B1 and the second hard layer 601B2 may have substantially the same hardness as each other, and the first soft layer 601A1 and the second soft layer 601A2 may have substantially the same hardness as each other.

[0143] Each of the first hard layer 601B1 and the second hard layer 601B2 may include the same as included in the above reference Figure 3 The material in the hard layer 601B is substantially the same material as described.

[0144] Each of the first soft layer 601A1 and the second soft layer 601A2 may include the same as included in the above reference Figure 3 The materials in the soft layer 601A are substantially the same materials as described.

[0145] In an exemplary embodiment, the base layer 601 may include Figure 5 The soft layers 601A1 and 601A2 and the hard layers 601B1 and 601B2 are described as a plurality of soft layers and hard layers.

[0146] Figure 5 The first hard coating layer 611 and the second hard coating layer 612 are the same as those in the above reference Figure 1 The first hard coating layer 611 and the second hard coating layer 612 described are substantially the same.

[0147] Figure 5 The base layer 601 may have a substantially equal Figure 1 The thickness of the base layer 601 is the thickness of the base layer 601.

[0148] Figure 6is a cross-sectional view illustrating a window 600 - 6 for a display device according to another alternative exemplary embodiment.

[0149] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 6 , an exemplary embodiment of a window 600 - 6 for a display device includes a first auxiliary layer 701 , a base layer 601 , a second auxiliary layer 702 , a first hard coating layer 611 , and a second hard coating layer 612 .

[0150] The first auxiliary layer 701 may be disposed on the lower surface of the base layer 601. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, when one of two opposite surfaces of the base layer 601 facing each other in the Z-axis direction, which is closer to the first hard coating layer 611, is defined as the upper surface of the base layer 601 and the other of the two opposite surfaces of the base layer 601 is defined as the lower surface of the base layer 601, the first auxiliary layer 701 may be disposed on the lower surface of the base layer 601 to face the lower surface of the base layer 601.

[0151] The second auxiliary layer 702 may be disposed on the upper surface of the base layer 601. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the second auxiliary layer 702 may be disposed on the upper surface of the base layer 601 to face the upper surface of the base layer 601. In such an embodiment, the second auxiliary layer 702 may be located between the base layer 601 and the first hard coating layer 611.

[0152] In such an embodiment, the base layer 601 may be located between the first auxiliary layer 701 and the second auxiliary layer 702 .

[0153] The first auxiliary layer 701 and the second auxiliary layer 702 may improve the heat resistance of the base layer 601. In such an embodiment, each of the first auxiliary layer 701 and the second auxiliary layer 702 may include at least one of polyimide ("PI"), PC, polyethersulfone, polyethylene naphthalate ("PEN"), polyphenylene sulfide, opaque liquid crystal polymer ("LCP"), and polymethyl methacrylate. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, each of the first auxiliary layer 701 and the second auxiliary layer 702 may include PI or polyethersulfone having a high glass transition temperature of about 280 degrees or more and having a transparency suitable for a window of a display device.

[0154] Alternatively, the window 600 - 6 for a display device may include only one of the first auxiliary layer 701 and the second auxiliary layer 702 described above.

[0155] Figure 6 The base layer 601, the first hard coating layer 611 and the second hard coating layer 612 are the same as those mentioned above. Figure 1 The described base layer 601 , first hard coating layer 611 , and second hard coating layer 612 are substantially the same.

[0156] It can be produced by the following method Figure 6 Window 600-6.

[0157] In such a method, a base layer 601 is disposed or formed on the first auxiliary layer 701 .

[0158] Subsequently, a second auxiliary layer 702 is disposed or formed on the base layer 601 .

[0159] Next, a material for the first hard coating layer 611 is applied on the second auxiliary layer 702 .

[0160] Thereafter, the first hard coating layer 611 is cured by heat or ultraviolet rays.

[0161] Next, a material for the second hard coating layer 612 is applied on the cured first hard coating layer 611 .

[0162] Then, the second hard coating layer 612 is cured by heat or ultraviolet rays.

[0163] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a window 600 - 7 for a display device according to another alternative exemplary embodiment.

[0164] like Figure 7 As shown in , an exemplary embodiment of a window 600-7 for a display device may include a base layer 601, a first hard coating layer 611, and a second hard coating layer 612. In such an embodiment, the first hard coating layer 611 may have a multilayer structure including at least two layers 611a and 611b. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the first hard coating layer 611 may include a first layer 611a and a second layer 611b arranged along the Z-axis direction.

[0165] In an exemplary embodiment, the first layer 611a may be disposed on the base layer 601. In such an embodiment, the first layer 611a may be located between the base layer 601 and the second layer 611b.

[0166] In such an embodiment, the second layer 611 b may be disposed on the first layer 611 a. In such an embodiment, the second layer 611 b may be located between the first layer 611 a and the second hard coating layer 612 .

[0167] The first layer 611 a and the second layer 611 b may have substantially the same thickness as each other or different thicknesses from each other.

[0168] Each of the first layer 611a and the second layer 611b may be formed using the above-described material for the first hard coating layer 611. In exemplary embodiments, the first layer 611a and the second layer 611b may include substantially the same material as each other or different materials from each other.

[0169] Figure 7 The base layer 601 and the second hard coating layer 612 are the same as those mentioned above. Figure 1 The base layer 601 and the second hard coating layer 612 are described to be substantially the same.

[0170] Figure 7 The first hard coating layer 611 may have a substantially equal Figure 1 The thickness of the first hard coating layer 611 is .

[0171] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a window 600 - 8 for a display device according to another alternative exemplary embodiment.

[0172] like Figure 8 As shown in, an exemplary embodiment of a window 600-8 for a display device may include a base layer 601, a first hard coating layer 611, and a second hard coating layer 612. In such an embodiment, an interface S1 (hereinafter, a first interface) between the base layer 601 and the first hard coating layer 611 may have a concave-convex shape. In such an embodiment, the first interface S1 may include concave portions 11a and 22a and convex portions 11b and 22b. In such an embodiment, the adhesion between the base layer 601 and the first hard coating layer 611 may be improved.

[0173] The first interface S1 includes a surface 11 of the base layer 601 and a surface 22 of the first hard coating layer 611 facing each other. Among the facing surfaces 11 and 22 of the first interface S1, when the surface of the base layer 601 is defined as the first surface 11 and the surface of the first hard coating layer 611 is defined as the second surface 22, the first surface 11 includes a concave portion 11a and a convex portion 11b, and the second surface 22 includes a concave portion 22a and a convex portion 22b. In such an embodiment, the convex portion 11b of the first surface 11 is inserted into the concave portion 22a of the second surface 22, and the convex portion 22b of the second surface 22 is inserted into the concave portion 11a of the first surface 11.

[0174] In an exemplary embodiment, if Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the raised portions 11 b and 22 b of the first interface S1 may have a triangular prism shape. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the raised portions 11 b and 22 b of the first interface S1 may have a quadrangular prism shape or a semicircular prism shape.

[0175] In an exemplary embodiment, the interface S2 (hereinafter, the second interface) between the first hard coating layer 611 and the second hard coating layer 612 may have a concavoconvex shape. In such an embodiment, the second interface S2 may include concave portions 33a and 44a and convex portions 33b and 44b. In such an embodiment, the adhesion between the first hard coating layer 611 and the second hard coating layer 612 may be improved.

[0176] The second interface S2 includes a surface 33 of the first hard coating layer 611 and a surface 44 of the second hard coating layer 612 facing each other. Among the facing surfaces 33 and 44 of the second interface S2, when the surface of the first hard coating layer 611 is defined as the third surface 33 and the surface of the second hard coating layer 612 is defined as the fourth surface 44, the third surface 33 includes a concave portion 33a and a convex portion 33b and the fourth surface 44 includes a concave portion 44a and a convex portion 44b. In such an embodiment, the convex portion 33b of the third surface 33 is inserted into the concave portion 44a of the fourth surface 44, and the convex portion 44b of the fourth surface 44 is inserted into the concave portion 33a of the third surface 33.

[0177] In an exemplary embodiment, if Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 4 , the raised portions 33 b and 44 b of the second interface S2 may have a triangular prism shape. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the raised portions 33 b and 44 b of the second interface S2 may have a quadrangular prism shape or a semicircular prism shape.

[0178] The extending directions of the raised portions 11b and 22b included in the first interface S1 and the extending directions of the raised portions 33b and 44b included in the second interface S2 may intersect with each other. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 6 , the raised portions 11b and 22b of the first interface S1 extend in a direction parallel to the Y axis, and the raised portions 33b and 44b of the second interface S2 extend in a direction parallel to the X axis. In such an embodiment, in addition to the improvement in adhesion between adjacent layers, the brightness of light passing through the window 600-8 can also be improved.

[0179] In an exemplary embodiment, if Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the raised portions 11 b and 22 b of the first interface S1 and the raised portions 33 b and 44 b of the second interface S2 may have substantially the same shape as each other.

[0180] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, although not shown, the raised portions 11b and 22b of the first interface S1 and the raised portions 33b and 44b of the second interface S2 may have shapes different from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the raised portions 11b and 22b of the first interface S1 may have a triangular prism shape, and the raised portions 33b and 44b of the second interface S2 may have a quadrangular prism shape.

[0181] Figure 8 The other features of the base layer 601, the first hard coating layer 611 and the second hard coating layer 612 are the same as those described above. Figure 1 The features of the base layer 601, the first hard coating layer 611 and the second hard coating layer 612 described are substantially the same.

[0182] Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing the first hard coating layer 611 .

[0183] In an exemplary embodiment, the first hard coating layer 611 may be manufactured through a semi-curing process, which will be described in detail below.

[0184] In such an embodiment, Fig. 9A As shown in FIG. 6 , a material for a first layer 611 a is applied on a base layer 601 .

[0185] Then, the first layer 611a is semi-cured by ultraviolet rays or heat.

[0186] Then, if Fig. 9B As shown in FIG. 6 , a material for a second layer 611 b is applied on the semi-cured first layer 611 a .

[0187] Next, if Fig. 9C As shown in , the first layer 611a and the second layer 611b are completely cured by ultraviolet rays or heat. In such an embodiment, the complete curing completely cures the first layer 611a and the second layer 611b to set the first hard coating layer 611.

[0188] In such an embodiment, Figure 1 or Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 6 , a material for a second hard coating layer 612 is applied on a first hard coating layer 611 , and a curing process of the second hard coating layer 612 is performed.

[0189] In an exemplary embodiment, the interface 77 between the completely cured first layer 611 a and the second layer 611 b may be selectively formed according to the material used for the first layer 611 a and the material used for the second layer 611 b .

[0190] In an exemplary embodiment in which the first hard coating layer 611 has a multilayer structure including three or more layers, at least two of the three or more layers may have different thicknesses from each other. Alternatively, the three or more layers may all have substantially the same thickness as each other.

[0191] In an exemplary embodiment where the thickness of the first hard coating layer 611 of the window 600-1 is sufficiently thick, the thickness of the first hard coating layer 611 of the window 600-1 may be Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C The described semi-curing process forms the first hard coating layer 611 to be thick.

[0192] Refer to above Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The exemplary embodiments of the described window 600-1, window 600-3, window 600-4, window 600-5, window 600-6, window 600-7, or window 600-8 may also include the above-referenced Figure 2 In such an embodiment, the ultraviolet blocking element 65 described above Figure 6 At least one of the described first auxiliary layer 701 and the second auxiliary layer 702 may further include an ultraviolet blocking element 65 .

[0193] Refer to above Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the exemplary embodiments of the described window 600-1, window 600-2, window 600-6, window 600-7, or window 600-8, the base layer 601 may include Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Soft layers 601A, 601a, 601A1, and 601A2 and hard layers 601B, 601b1, 601b2, 601B1, and 601B2 are shown.

[0194] Refer to above Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The described exemplary embodiments of the window 600-1, the window 600-2, the window 600-3, the window 600-4, the window 600-5, the window 600-7, or the window 600-8 may also include Figure 6At least one of the first auxiliary layer 701 and the second auxiliary layer 702 shown in FIG.

[0195] Refer to above Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 In the exemplary embodiments of the window 600-1, the window 600-2, the window 600-3, the window 600-4, the window 600-5, the window 600-6 or the window 600-8 described above, the first hard coating layer 611 may have a Figure 7 A multi-layer structure including a plurality of layers (eg, a first layer 611a and a second layer 611b) is shown in FIG.

[0196] Refer to above Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the exemplary embodiments of the described window 600-1, window 600-2, window 600-3, window 600-4, window 600-5, window 600-6 or window 600-7, the interface of the adjacent layers may have the following characteristics: Figure 8 The concave and convex shape shown in .

[0197] Fig.10 is an exploded perspective view showing a display device 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment, Fig.11 is along Fig.10 More specifically, Fig.11 shows a state in which all its elements are combined Fig.10 Display device 1000.

[0198] In an exemplary embodiment, if Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown in , the display device 1000 includes a frame 301 , a panel supporting portion 302 , a display panel 303 , a touch sensing portion 304 , a window 305 , a first pressure sensing portion 401 , a second pressure sensing portion 402 , and a third pressure sensing portion 403 .

[0199] In such an embodiment, Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown in , the frame 301 may include a base portion 311 and side portions 312 .

[0200] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 3 , the base portion 311 of the frame 301 may have a quadrangular plate shape.

[0201] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, Fig.10 As shown in , the side portion 312 of the frame 301 may have a quadrilateral ring shape or a quadrilateral closed loop shape. The side portion 312 has a shape protruding from the edge portion of the base portion 311. The side portion 312 may protrude at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to the surface of the base portion 311. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the side portion 312 may protrude in the Z-axis direction. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown in , the base portion 311 and the side portion 312 may be integrally formed as a single integral and indivisible unit.

[0202] In an exemplary embodiment, if Fig.11 As shown in , the side portion 312 may have a stepped cross-section. In such an embodiment, the side portion 312 may include an inner portion 312a and an outer portion 312b having different heights from each other.

[0203] Each of the inner portion 312a and the outer portion 312b may have a quadrilateral annular shape or a quadrilateral closed loop shape. The outer portion 312b surrounds the inner portion 312a. The outer portion 312b has a height greater than the height of the inner portion 312a. Here, the respective heights of the inner portion 312a and the outer portion 312b represent the distance of their top surfaces relative to the bottom surface of the base portion 311 in the Z-axis direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the height of the outer portion 312b measured relative to the base portion 311 in the Z-axis direction is higher than the height of the inner portion 312a measured relative to the base portion 311 in the Z-axis direction. The inner portion 312a and the outer portion 312b may be integrally formed as a single integral and indivisible unit.

[0204] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, although not shown, the side portion 312 may not include the outer portion 312b. In such an embodiment, a portion of the base portion 311 corresponding to the outer portion 312b may be removed.

[0205] In an exemplary embodiment, if Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the panel supporting portion 302 is provided between the base portion 311 of the frame 301 and the window 305. The panel supporting portion 302 is located at a space (hereinafter, an accommodation space) defined by being surrounded by the base portion 311 of the frame 301, the inner side 312a and the window 305.

[0206] In an exemplary embodiment, if Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the panel supporting portion 302 includes a supporting base 302 a and a supporting plate 302 b .

[0207] The support base 302a is disposed between the support plate 302b and the base portion 311 of the frame 301. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the support base 302a may be located between a central portion of the support plate 302b and a central portion of the base portion 311.

[0208] like Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the support base 302a may have a strip shape. Such a strip-shaped support base 302a may be arranged to be parallel to two facing edges of the four sides of the side portion 312. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the support base 302a may be parallel to two sides facing each other and having a relatively long length among the four sides of the side portion 312. The two sides may be sides facing each other in the X-axis direction.

[0209] In an exemplary embodiment, the support base 302a combines the support plate 302b to the frame 301, for example, fixes the support plate 302b to the frame 301. In such an embodiment, one side end of the support base 302a is fixed to the support plate 302b, and the other end of the support base 302a is fixed to the base portion 311 of the frame 301.

[0210] The support base 302a may include an elastic material. Therefore, when the window 305 is pressed in the -Z-axis direction by the finger 222 or the like, the support base 302a may be compressed by the pressing force. However, when the force is removed, the support base 302a returns to its original shape.

[0211] The support plate 302b may have a quadrilateral plate shape. The support plate 302b has an area smaller than the area of ​​the base portion 311 described above. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown in , the support plate 302b is surrounded by the inner side portion 312a. In such an embodiment, the inner side portion 312a surrounds the support plate 302b and is spaced apart from the support plate 302b by a predetermined distance. The support plate 302b faces the side surface of the inner side portion 312a. The side surface of the inner side portion 312a can be a surface parallel to the plane defined by the Y axis and the Z axis (hereinafter, the YZ plane) or a surface parallel to the plane defined by the X axis and the Z axis (hereinafter, the XZ plane).

[0212] In an exemplary embodiment, the support plate 302b and the support base 302a may include substantially the same material as each other, for example, an elastic material. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the support plate 302b and the support base 302a may include foam tape.

[0213] The display panel 303 displays an image. In an exemplary embodiment, although not shown, the display panel 303 includes a plurality of pixels for displaying an image. The display panel 303 has a display area 303 a and a non-display area 303 b, and the pixels are located in the display area 303 a of the display panel 303 .

[0214] like Fig.11 As shown in , the display panel 303 is disposed in the above-mentioned accommodation space. The display panel 303 may be a bendable flexible display panel 303 .

[0215] In an exemplary embodiment, if Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 3 , a portion 330 (hereinafter, a central portion) of the display panel 303 is supported by the panel supporting portion 302 . The central portion 330 of the display panel 303 may be located between the supporting plate 302 b and the window 305 .

[0216] In an exemplary embodiment, if Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , another portion 331a (hereinafter, first edge portion 331a) of the display panel 303 is located between the support plate 302b and the base portion 311. In such an embodiment, the first edge portion 331a is located between one side edge of the support plate 302b and the base portion 311.

[0217] In an exemplary embodiment, another portion 331b (hereinafter, first curved portion 331b) of the display panel 303 may have a curved shape. The first curved portion 331b passes through a gap between one side edge of the support plate 302b and the inner portion 312a. The first curved portion 331b faces a side surface of the inner portion 312a. The first curved portion 331b is connected between the central portion 330 and the first edge portion 331a.

[0218] In an exemplary embodiment, if Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , another portion 332a (hereinafter, second edge portion) of the display panel 303 is located between the support plate 302b and the base portion 311. In such an embodiment, the second edge portion 332a is located between the other side edge of the support plate 302b and the base portion 311.

[0219] In an exemplary embodiment, another portion 332b (hereinafter, the second curved portion) of the display panel 303 has a curved shape. The second curved portion 332b passes through a gap between the other side edge of the support plate 302b and the inner portion 312a. The second curved portion 332b faces the other side surface of the inner portion 312a. The second curved portion 332b is connected between the central portion 330 and the second edge portion 332a.

[0220] The central portion 330 , the first curved portion 331 b , the first edge portion 331 a , the second curved portion 332 b , and the second edge portion 332 a of the display panel 303 may be integrally formed as a single integral and indivisible unit.

[0221] The window 305 faces at least a portion of the frame 301. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the window 305 may face a side 312 of the frame 301. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 3 , the edge of the window 305 faces the upper surface of the inner portion 312a. The upper surface of the inner portion 312a is a surface parallel to a plane defined by the X-axis and the Y-axis (hereinafter, XY plane).

[0222] like Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the window 305 has a light-transmitting area 305a and a light-blocking area 305b. The light-transmitting area 305a of the window 305 is positioned to correspond to the display area 303a of the display panel 303 (for example, overlapping with the display area 303a of the display panel 303 in a plan view in the Z-axis direction).

[0223] The light blocking area 305b of the window 305 is located at an edge portion of the window 305. The light blocking area 305b has a ring shape surrounding the light transmitting area 305a.

[0224] In such an embodiment, window 305 may be similar to that described above with reference to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The exemplary embodiments of the described windows 600-1, 600-2, 600-3, 600-4, 600-5, 600-6, 600-7, or 600-8 are substantially the same. In such embodiments, Fig.11 As shown in , the window 305 may include a base layer 601 , a first hard coating layer 611 , and a second hard coating layer 612 .

[0225] The window 305 may further include a light blocking member 355 and a transparent tape 356 .

[0226] The transparent tape 356 is located at the lower surface of the base layer 601. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the transparent tape 356 may be attached to the lower surface of the base layer 601.

[0227] The light blocking member 355 is attached to the base layer 601 by a transparent tape 356. The light blocking member 355 is located at the light blocking region 305b.

[0228] In an exemplary embodiment, the base layer 601 may be in direct contact with the transparent tape 356. In such an embodiment, a portion of the base layer 601 located at the light-transmitting region 305a may be in direct contact with the transparent tape 356. In an alternative exemplary embodiment in which the touch sensing portion 304 and the third pressure sensing portion 403 are not included in the display device 1000, a portion of the base layer 601 located at the light-transmitting region 305a may be in direct contact with the display panel 303.

[0229] In window 305 there is Figure 6 In the exemplary embodiment of the structure shown in , the first auxiliary layer 701 may be located between the transparent tape 356 and the base layer 601 .

[0230] In an exemplary embodiment, the hard coating layers 611 and 612 included in the window 305 are positioned in the outer direction of the display device 1000 relative to the base layer 601 (or are located outside the display device 1000), and the hard coating layers 611 and 612 are subjected to compressive stress against external impact. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the impact resistance of the window 305 can be improved.

[0231] like Fig.11 As shown in , the touch sensing portion 304 may be located between the display panel 303 and the window 305. When a touch is applied to the window 305 by the finger 222 or the like, the touch sensing portion 304 may sense the touch. The touch sensing portion 304 generates a touch sensing signal as a result of the sensing and transmits the generated touch sensing signal to the panel driver 306. Although not shown, the touch sensing portion 304 may include at least one touch sensing element.

[0232] The first pressure sensing portion 401 is located between the window 305 and the frame 301. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, Fig.11 As shown in FIG, the first pressure sensing portion 401 may be located between the edge of the window 305 and the inner portion 312a. Specifically, the first pressure sensing portion 401 may be located between the edge of the window 305 and the upper surface of the inner portion 312a.

[0233] like Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 2 , when the window 305 is pressed in the −Z axis direction by the finger 222 or the like, the first pressure sensing portion 401 senses the pressing force (ie, pressure). The first pressure sensing portion 401 generates a pressure sensing signal as a result of the sensing and transmits the generated pressure sensing signal to the panel driver 306.

[0234] The panel driver 306 may include a flexible circuit board 306a such as a chip on film ("COF") and a printed circuit board 306b connected to the flexible circuit board 306a. Fig.10As shown in , the panel driver 306 may be electrically connected to the non-display area 303 b of the display panel 303 .

[0235] In an exemplary embodiment, the first pressure sensing portion 401 may include a capacitor including a first electrode 411, a second electrode 412, and an elastic element 410. The first electrode 411 and the second electrode 412 face each other, and the elastic element 410 is placed between the first electrode 411 and the second electrode 412. The first electrode 411 and the second electrode 412 are respectively equivalent to one electrode and the other electrode of the capacitor, and the elastic element 410 corresponds to a dielectric element of the capacitor.

[0236] In such an embodiment, when the thickness of the elastic element 410 changes due to the pressure applied to the first pressure sensing portion 401, the distance between the first electrode 411 and the second electrode 412 changes according to the changed thickness, and the capacitance of the capacitor changes based on the changed distance. The first pressure sensing portion 401 can output the voltage across the capacitor that has changed due to the change in the capacitance of the capacitor as a pressure sensing signal.

[0237] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device 1000 may include a plurality of first pressure sensing portions 401. In such an embodiment, Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 4 , the plurality of first pressure sensing portions 401 may be located at different positions on the upper surface of the inner portion 312 a .

[0238] The second pressure sensing portion 402 is located at the panel supporting portion 302 and the first edge portion 331a of the display panel 303. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, Fig.11 As shown in , the second pressure sensing portion 402 may be located between the support plate 302b of the panel support portion 302 and the first edge portion 331a of the display panel 303. Here, when a portion of the display panel 303 where the display area 303a is located is defined as the front surface of the display panel 303 and the opposite surface of the front surface is defined as the rear surface of the display panel 303, the second pressure sensing portion 402 is located at the rear surface of the first edge portion 331a. The front surface of the display panel 303 includes a surface facing the window 305. The front surface of the display panel 303 located at the first edge portion 331a faces the base portion 311, and the rear surface located at the first edge portion 331a faces the second pressure sensing portion 402.

[0239] In an exemplary embodiment, if Fig.11As shown in , when the window 305 is pressed in the -Z axis direction by the finger 222 or the like, the pressure corresponding to the pressing force is transmitted to the touch sensing portion 304, the display panel 303 and the panel support portion 302 located below the window 305. Then, the support base 302a is compressed by the pressure, and the support plate 302b descends toward the base portion 311. In such an embodiment, the support plate 302b presses the second pressure sensing portion 402, so the second pressure sensing portion 402 senses the pressure corresponding to the pressing force. The second pressure sensing portion 402 generates a pressure sensing signal as a result of the sensing and transmits the generated pressure sensing signal to the panel driver 306.

[0240] The second pressure sensing portion 402 may be a capacitor including a first electrode 421, a second electrode 422, and an elastic element 420. In such an embodiment, the second pressure sensing portion 402 may have a structure substantially the same as that of the first pressure sensing portion 401 described above, and any repeated detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0241] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device 1000 may include a plurality of second pressure sensing portions 402. In such an embodiment, Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 4 , the plurality of second pressure sensing portions 402 may be located at different positions of the first edge portion 331 a and the second edge portion 332 a .

[0242] The third pressure sensing portion 403 may be located between the display panel 303 and the window 305. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the third pressure sensing portion 403 may be located between the front surface of the display panel 303 and the light-transmitting region 305a of the window 305. In such an embodiment, the third pressure sensing portion 403 may be located between the display region 303a of the display panel 303 and the light-transmitting region 305a of the window 305.

[0243] In an exemplary embodiment in which the touch sensing portion 304 is located between the display panel 303 and the window 305, the third pressure sensing portion 403 may be located between the display panel 303 and the touch sensing portion 304. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the third pressure sensing portion 403 may be located between the front surface of the display panel 303 and the touch sensing portion 304. In such an embodiment, the third pressure sensing portion 403 may be located between the display area 303a of the display panel 303 and the touch sensing portion 304.

[0244] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, although not shown, the third pressure sensing portion 403 may be located in the touch sensing portion 304 .

[0245] like Fig.11As shown in FIG. 2 , when the window 305 is pressed in the −Z-axis direction by the finger 222 or the like, the pressure corresponding to the pressing force is transmitted to the third pressure sensing portion 403 located below the window 305. Therefore, the third pressure sensing portion 403 senses the pressure. The third pressure sensing portion 403 generates a pressure sensing signal as a result of the sensing and transmits the generated pressure sensing signal to the panel driver 306.

[0246] The third pressure sensing portion 403 may include a capacitor including a first electrode 431, a second electrode 432, and an elastic element 430. In such an embodiment, the third pressure sensing portion 403 may have a structure substantially the same as that of the first pressure sensing portion 401 described above, and any repeated detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0247] In an exemplary embodiment, the display device 1000 may include a plurality of third pressure sensing portions 403. In such an embodiment, the plurality of third pressure sensing portions 403 may be located at different positions of the display region 303a included in the display panel 303.

[0248] Fig.12 It is shown Fig.11 FIG. 4 is a graph of the sensitivities of the first pressure sensing portion 401 , the second pressure sensing portion 402 , and the third pressure sensing portion 403 .

[0249] The above-mentioned first pressure sensing portion 401 , second pressure sensing portion 402 , and third pressure sensing portion 403 may have sensitivities (eg, signal-to-noise ratios) different from each other, which will hereinafter be referred to as pressure sensitivities.

[0250] In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the first pressure sensing portion 401 may have the highest pressure sensitivity, and the third pressure sensing portion 403 may have the lowest pressure sensitivity among the first pressure sensing portion 401, the second pressure sensing portion 402, and the third pressure sensing portion 403. In such an embodiment, the second pressure sensing portion 402 may have a pressure sensitivity that is lower than the pressure sensitivity of the first pressure sensing portion 401 and higher than the pressure sensitivity of the third pressure sensing portion 403.

[0251] In an exemplary embodiment, the first pressure sensing portion 401 operates in a first operating interval S1, the second pressure sensing portion 402 operates in a second operating interval S2, and the third pressure sensing portion 403 operates in a third operating interval S3. In such an embodiment, the first pressure sensing portion 401 generates a pressure sensing signal in the first operating interval S1, the second pressure sensing portion 402 generates a pressure sensing signal in the second operating interval S2, and the third pressure sensing portion 403 generates a pressure sensing signal in the third operating interval S3.

[0252] Due to such differences in sensitivity among the first pressure sensing portion 401, the second pressure sensing portion 402, and the third pressure sensing portion 403, the first pressure sensing portion 401, the second pressure sensing portion 402, and the third pressure sensing portion 403 respond to forces of different magnitudes. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the first pressure sensing portion 401 responds to a force substantially equal to or greater than a small force F1 (hereinafter, a first pressure), the third pressure sensing portion 403 responds to a force substantially equal to or greater than a large force F3 (hereinafter, a third pressure), and the second pressure sensing portion 402 responds to a force substantially equal to or greater than an intermediate force F2 (hereinafter, a second pressure), the intermediate force F2 having a magnitude between the first pressure F1 and the third pressure F3.

[0253] Therefore, in such an embodiment, when a pressure substantially equal to or greater than the first pressure F1 and less than the second pressure F2 is applied to the window 305 of the display device 1000 in the -Z-axis direction, the first pressure sensing portion 401 outputs a pressure sensing signal, while each of the second pressure sensing portion 402 and the third pressure sensing portion 403 does not output a pressure sensing signal.

[0254] In such an embodiment, when a pressure substantially equal to or greater than the second pressure F2 and less than the third pressure F3 is applied to the window 305 of the display device 1000 in the -Z-axis direction, each of the first pressure sensing portion 401 and the second pressure sensing portion 402 outputs a pressure sensing signal, while the third pressure sensing portion 403 does not output a pressure sensing signal.

[0255] In such an embodiment, when a pressure substantially equal to or greater than the third pressure F3 is applied to the window 305 of the display device 1000 in the -Z axis direction, each of the first pressure sensing portion 401, the second pressure sensing portion 402, and the third pressure sensing portion 403 outputs a pressure sensing signal.

[0256] In such an embodiment, the first pressure sensing portion 401, the second pressure sensing portion 402, and the third pressure sensing portion 403 may have different modulus (or elastic force) levels to achieve the above-mentioned sensitivity difference. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the moduli of the elastic elements 410, 420, and 430 respectively included in the first pressure sensing portion 401, the second pressure sensing portion 402, and the third pressure sensing portion 403 satisfy the following inequality: ε1<ε2<ε3.

[0257] In the above inequality, ε1 represents the modulus of the elastic element 410 included in the first pressure sensing portion 401 (hereinafter, the first modulus), ε2 represents the modulus of the elastic element 420 included in the second pressure sensing portion 402 (hereinafter, the second modulus), and ε3 represents the modulus of the elastic element 430 included in the third pressure sensing portion 403 (hereinafter, the third modulus).

[0258] In an exemplary embodiment, as described above, the first modulus ε1 is the smallest and the third modulus ε3 is the largest. In such an embodiment, the second modulus ε2 is greater than the first modulus ε1 and less than the third modulus ε3.

[0259] In such an embodiment, as described above, the modulus ε1 of the elastic element 410 of the first pressure sensing portion 401 may be the smallest, and the modulus ε3 of the elastic element 430 of the third pressure sensing portion 403 may be the largest. In such an embodiment, the elastic element 420 of the second pressure sensing portion 402 may have a modulus ε2 that is greater than the modulus of the elastic element 410 of the first pressure sensing portion 401 and less than the modulus of the elastic element 430 of the third pressure sensing portion 403. Therefore, under the same pressure, the elastic element 410 of the first pressure sensing portion 401 is relatively easy to deform, while the elastic element 430 of the third pressure sensing portion 403 is relatively difficult to deform.

[0260] In an exemplary embodiment, as described above, because the first pressure sensing portion 401, the second pressure sensing portion 402, and the third pressure sensing portion 403 have different sensitivities from each other, when the pressure applied to the window 305 gradually increases, the first pressure sensing portion 401 operates first, the second pressure sensing portion 402 operates subsequently, and then the third pressure sensing portion 403 operates.

[0261] The elastic elements 410, 420, and 430 respectively included in the first pressure sensing portion 401, the second pressure sensing portion 402, and the third pressure sensing portion 403 may have different thicknesses from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the thicknesses of the elastic elements 410, 420, and 430 respectively included in the first pressure sensing portion 401, the second pressure sensing portion 402, and the third pressure sensing portion 403 satisfy the following inequality: t1≤t2>>t3 (or t1≤t2 and t3<<t2).

[0262] In the above inequality, t1 represents the thickness of the elastic element 410 included in the first pressure sensing portion 401 (hereinafter, the first thickness), t2 represents the thickness of the elastic element 420 included in the second pressure sensing portion 402 (hereinafter, the second thickness), and t3 represents the thickness of the elastic element 430 included in the third pressure sensing portion 403 (hereinafter, the third thickness).

[0263] In an exemplary embodiment, the second thickness t2 is substantially equal to or greater than the first thickness t1, and the third thickness t3 is less than the second thickness t2. In such an embodiment, the third thickness t3 is significantly less than the second thickness t2.

[0264] Due to the above-mentioned difference between the modulus and thickness of the elastic element, when the pressure applied to the window 305 gradually increases, the elastic element 410 of the first pressure sensing part 401 is first compressed to the maximum, the elastic element 420 of the second pressure sensing part 402 is then compressed to the maximum, and then the elastic element 430 of the third pressure sensing part 403 is compressed to the maximum.

[0265] The thickness of the elastic element determines the total thickness of the pressure sensing part including the elastic element, so that the smaller the thickness of the elastic element, the smaller the total thickness of the pressure sensing part. On the other hand, the smaller the thickness of the elastic element, the greater the probability of a sensing error (or sensing noise) occurring. Therefore, a sensing error may occur from the third pressure sensing part 403 and the first pressure sensing part 401 including the elastic elements 430 and 410 having a relatively small thickness. However, in an exemplary embodiment, because the second pressure sensing part 402 including the elastic element 420 having a relatively large thickness operates together with the third pressure sensing part 403 and the first pressure sensing part 401, the sensing error can be substantially minimized.

[0266] In such an embodiment, because the first pressure sensing portion 401 and the third pressure sensing portion 403, which relatively greatly affect the overall thickness of the display device 1000, include elastic elements 410 and 430 having relatively small thicknesses, and the second pressure sensing portion 402, which does not affect the overall thickness of the display device 1000, includes an elastic element 420 having a relatively large thickness, the sensing error can be substantially minimized while allowing the display device 1000 to have a thin thickness.

[0267] In an exemplary embodiment, at room temperature, the elastic element 410 of the first pressure sensing portion 401 may have a modulus in a range from about 0.01 megapascals (Mpa) to about 3,000 MPa, the elastic element 420 of the second pressure sensing portion 402 may have a modulus in a range from about 0.01 MPa to about 5,000 MPa, and the elastic element 430 of the third pressure sensing portion 403 may have a modulus in a range from about 0.01 MPa to about 8,000 MPa. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the elastic element 410 of the first pressure sensing portion 401 may have a modulus in a range from about 0.1 MPa to about 3,000 MPa, the elastic element 420 of the second pressure sensing portion 402 may have a modulus in a range from about 3,000 MPa to about 5,000 MPa, and the elastic element 430 of the third pressure sensing portion 403 may have a modulus in a range from about 5,000 MPa to about 8,000 MPa.

[0268] The elastic element 410 of the first pressure sensing part 401 may include at least one of PI, acrylic materials, urethane materials, silicone rubber materials, synthetic rubber and synthetic resins. Alternatively, the elastic element 410 of the first pressure sensing part 401 may be in the form of a foam film (or porous film) including at least one of synthetic rubber and synthetic resin. In such an embodiment, for example, the synthetic rubber may include a material based on nitrile or acrylic. In such an embodiment, the synthetic resin may include a thermoplastic elastomer based on polyolefin or polyester and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. In such an embodiment, the synthetic resin may include a material with rubber elasticity, such as polyurethane or polybutadiene or soft polyvinyl chloride. In addition, the synthetic resin may include a compound in which a material with rubber elasticity (such as polyurethane or polybutadiene or soft polyvinyl chloride) is combined with at least one of a hard polymer, a plasticizer and a softener.

[0269] The elastic element 420 of the second pressure sensing portion 402 and the elastic element 430 of the third pressure sensing portion 403 may include substantially the same material as that included in the elastic element 410 of the first pressure sensing portion 401 .

[0270] The panel driver 306 controls the operation of the display panel 303 based on the pressure sensing signal from the first pressure sensing portion 401, the pressure sensing signal from the second pressure sensing portion 402, and the pressure sensing signal from the third pressure sensing portion 403. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the panel driver 306 may display a warning message or a warning symbol, etc. in the display area 303a of the display panel 303 according to the pressure sensing signal from the third pressure sensing portion 403. In such an embodiment, when the display panel 303 is pressed or folded with a force greater than a predetermined force, the panel driver 306 may display a warning message or a warning symbol to effectively prevent the display panel 303 from being damaged.

[0271] Fig.13 It is shown Fig.10 FIG. 3 is a diagram of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of a display panel 303, Fig.14 is along Fig.13 A cross-sectional view taken along line II' of Fig.15 is along Fig.13 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'.

[0272] Reference Fig.13 , Fig.14 and Fig.15 An exemplary embodiment of the display panel 303 includes a substrate 110 , a driving circuit portion 130 located on the substrate 110 , an organic light emitting element 210 located on the driving circuit portion 130 , and a sealing member 250 located on the organic light emitting element 210 .

[0273] One pixel PX may be located at a region defined by the gate line 151 , the data line 171 , and the common power line 172 .

[0274] In an exemplary embodiment, if Fig.13 As shown in , adjacent pixels PX are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the distance between the common power line 172 connected to one pixel (hereinafter, the first pixel) and the data line 171 connected to another pixel adjacent to the first pixel (hereinafter, the second pixel) is longer than the distance between the data line 171 and the common power line 172 defining the position of the first pixel. In such an embodiment, when the organic light emitting element 210 is deposited at the first pixel by a mask deposition process for manufacturing the organic light emitting element 210, the material for the organic light emitting element 210 is effectively prevented from penetrating into the second pixel.

[0275] The driving circuit part 130 for driving the organic light emitting element 210 is disposed on the substrate 110. The driving circuit part 130 includes a switching thin film transistor 10, a driving thin film transistor 20, and a capacitor 80. The driving circuit part 130 drives the light emitting layer 212 of the organic light emitting element 210.

[0276] Fig.14 and Fig.15 Detailed structures of the driving circuit portion 130 and the organic light emitting element 210 of the exemplary embodiment of the display panel 303 are shown in FIG, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. In such an embodiment, those skilled in the art may make various modifications to the structures of the driving circuit portion 130 and the organic light emitting element 210.

[0277] In an exemplary embodiment, if Fig.13 As shown in , one pixel PX includes two thin film transistors (TFT) and one capacitor, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. Alternatively, one pixel PX may include three or more thin film transistors and two or more capacitors, and may also include a separate signal line to have various structures. Here, the pixel PX represents the minimum unit for displaying an image and may be any one of a red pixel for emitting red light, a green pixel for emitting green light, and a blue pixel for emitting blue light. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, Fig.15 As shown in , the pixel including the organic light emitting element 210 located at the far left may be a red pixel, the pixel including the organic light emitting element 210 located at the center may be a green pixel, and the pixel including the organic light emitting element 210 located at the far right may be a blue pixel. In such an embodiment, the leftmost organic light emitting element 210 may be a red organic light emitting element, the center organic light emitting element may be a green organic light emitting element, and the rightmost organic light emitting element may be a blue organic light emitting element.

[0278] Reference Fig.13 and Fig.14 , one pixel PX includes a switching thin film transistor 10, a driving thin film transistor 20, a capacitor 80 and an organic light emitting element 210. Here, the structure including the switching thin film transistor 10, the driving thin film transistor 20 and the capacitor 80 is referred to as a driving circuit part 130.

[0279] The driving circuit part 130 includes gate lines 151 arranged in one direction, and data lines 171 and common power lines 172 which are insulated from and cross the gate lines 151 .

[0280] The substrate 110 may be a transparent insulating substrate 110 including glass or transparent plastic. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the substrate 110 may include at least one of kapton, polyethersulfone ("PES"), PC, PI, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), PEN, polyacrylate ("PAR"), fiber reinforced plastic ("FRP"), etc.

[0281] The first buffer layer 120 may be disposed on the substrate 110. The first buffer layer 120 is used to substantially prevent the penetration of undesirable elements and planarize the surface located thereunder, and may include a material suitable for planarization and / or substantially preventing penetration. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, the first buffer layer 120 may include silicon nitride (SiN x ) layer, silicon oxide (SiO 2 ) layer and silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y However, the first buffer layer 120 may be selectively provided, and the first buffer layer 120 may be omitted according to the kind of the substrate 110 and its process conditions.

[0282] like Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown in , the switching semiconductor layer 131 and the driving semiconductor layer 132 are disposed on the first buffer layer 120. The switching semiconductor layer 131 and the driving semiconductor layer 132 may include at least one of a polycrystalline silicon layer, an amorphous silicon layer, and an oxide semiconductor such as indium gallium zinc oxide ("IGZO") and indium zinc tin oxide ("IZTO"). In an exemplary embodiment, for example, in which the driving semiconductor layer 132 includes a polycrystalline silicon layer, the driving semiconductor layer 132 includes a channel region that is not doped with impurities and a p+ doped source region and a drain region formed on opposite sides of the channel region. In such an embodiment, a p-type impurity such as boron (B) may be used as a dopant ion, and B is generally used. 2 H 6 Such impurities may vary depending on the type of thin film transistor.

[0283] In an exemplary embodiment, the driving thin film transistor 20 uses a p-channel metal oxide semiconductor ("PMOS") thin film transistor including p-type impurities, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the driving thin film transistor 20 may use an n-channel metal oxide semiconductor ("NMOS") thin film transistor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor ("CMOS") thin film transistor.

[0284] The gate insulating layer 140 is disposed on the switching semiconductor layer 131 and the driving semiconductor layer 132. The gate insulating layer 140 may include tetraethyl orthosilicate ("TEOS"), silicon nitride (SiN x ) and silicon oxide (SiO 2 In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the gate insulating layer 140 may have a SiN layer sequentially stacked with a thickness of about 40 nanometers (nm). x layer and a TEOS layer having a thickness of about 80 nm.

[0285] A gate transmission line including gate electrodes 152 and 155 is disposed on the gate insulating layer 140. The gate transmission line also includes a gate line 151, a first capacitor plate 158, and other signal lines. In such an embodiment, the gate electrodes 152 and 155 are disposed to overlap at least a portion (e.g., a channel region thereof) or all of the semiconductor layers 131 and 132. When the source and drain regions of the semiconductor layers 131 and 132 are doped with impurities during the process of forming the semiconductor layers 131 and 132, the gate electrodes 152 and 155 serve to substantially prevent the channel regions from being doped with impurities.

[0286] The gate electrodes 152 and 155 and the first capacitor plate 158 are disposed on substantially the same layer and include substantially the same metal material. The gate electrodes 152 and 155 and the first capacitor plate 158 may include at least one of molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), and tungsten (W).

[0287] The interlayer insulating layer 160 is disposed on the gate insulating layer 140 to cover the gate electrodes 152 and 155. Similar to the gate insulating layer 140, the interlayer insulating layer 160 may include silicon nitride (SiN x ), silicon oxide (SiO x ) or TEOS, etc., but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0288] A data transmission line including source electrodes 173 and 176 and drain electrodes 174 and 177 is disposed on the interlayer insulating layer 160. The data transmission line also includes a data line 171, a common power line 172, a second capacitor plate 178, and other wirings. In such an embodiment, the source electrode 173 and the drain electrode 174 are respectively connected to the source region and the drain region of the semiconductor layer 131 through contact holes defined in the gate insulating layer 140 and the interlayer insulating layer 160, and the source electrode 176 and the drain electrode 177 are respectively connected to the source region and the drain region of the semiconductor layer 132 through contact holes defined in the gate insulating layer 140 and the interlayer insulating layer 160.

[0289] In the exemplary embodiment, as described above, the switching thin film transistor 10 includes the switching semiconductor layer 131, the switching gate electrode 152, the switching source electrode 173, and the switching drain electrode 174, and the driving thin film transistor 20 includes the driving semiconductor layer 132, the driving gate electrode 155, the driving source electrode 176, and the driving drain electrode 177. However, the configurations of the thin film transistors 10 and 20 are not limited thereto, and thus may be modified to various structures that are easily conceived by those skilled in the art.

[0290] In an exemplary embodiment, capacitor 80 includes a first capacitor plate 158 and a second capacitor plate 178 , and an interlayer insulating layer 160 is interposed between first capacitor plate 158 and second capacitor plate 178 .

[0291] The switching thin film transistor 10 can be used as a switching element for selecting (or selectively turning on) a pixel to perform light emission. The switching gate electrode 152 is connected to the gate line 151. The switching source electrode 173 is connected to the data line 171. The switching drain electrode 174 is spaced apart from the switching source electrode 173 and connected to the first capacitor plate 158.

[0292] The driving thin film transistor 20 applies driving power that allows the light emitting layer 212 of the organic light emitting element 210 in the selected (or turned-on) pixel to emit light to the pixel electrode 211. The driving gate electrode 155 is connected to the first capacitor plate 158. Each of the driving source electrode 176 and the second capacitor plate 178 is connected to the common power line 172. The driving drain electrode 177 is connected to the pixel electrode 211 of the organic light emitting element 210 through the contact hole.

[0293] Therefore, in such an embodiment, the switching thin film transistor 10 is driven by the gate voltage applied to the gate line 151 and is used to transmit the data voltage applied to the data line 171 to the driving thin film transistor 20. A voltage equal to the difference between the common voltage applied to the driving thin film transistor 20 from the common power line 172 and the data voltage transmitted from the switching thin film transistor 10 is stored in the capacitor 80, and a current corresponding to the voltage stored in the capacitor 80 flows to the organic light emitting element 210 through the driving thin film transistor 20, so that the organic light emitting element 210 can emit light.

[0294] The planarization layer 165 is disposed to cover data transmission lines (eg, data line 171 , common power line 172 , source electrodes 173 and 176 , drain electrodes 174 and 177 , and second capacitor plate 178 ) which are patterned using a single mask during a manufacturing process thereof.

[0295] The planarization layer 165 is used to substantially eliminate the step difference and planarize the surface located thereunder to improve the light emission efficiency of the organic light emitting element 210 disposed thereon. The planarization layer 165 may include at least one of PAR resin, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, PA resin, PI resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polyphenylene ether resin, polyphenylene sulfide resin, and benzocyclobutene ("BCB").

[0296] The pixel electrode 211 of the organic light emitting element 210 is disposed on the planarization layer 165. The pixel electrode 211 is connected to the drain electrode 177 through a contact hole defined in the planarization layer 165.

[0297] A portion or the entirety of the pixel electrode 211 is disposed in the pixel region 500. That is, the pixel electrode 211 is disposed to correspond to the pixel region 500 defined by the pixel defining layer 190. The pixel defining layer 190 may include a resin such as a PAR resin and a PI resin.

[0298] The first spacer 111 is disposed on the pixel defining layer 190. The first spacer 111 may include a material substantially the same as a material included in the pixel defining layer 190. The first spacer 111 serves to substantially minimize a height difference between a layer located at a display area 303a of the display panel 303 and a layer located at a non-display area 303b of the display panel 303. The first spacer 111 may be disposed corresponding to the third pressure sensing portion 403.

[0299] The light emitting layer 212 is disposed on the pixel electrode 211 in the pixel region 500 , and the common electrode 213 is disposed on the pixel defining layer 190 , the first spacer 111 , and the light emitting layer 212 .

[0300] The light-emitting layer 212 includes a low molecular weight organic material or a high molecular weight organic material. At least one of a hole injection layer and a hole transport layer may be provided between the pixel electrode 211 and the light-emitting layer 212, and at least one of an electron transport layer and an electron injection layer may be provided between the light-emitting layer 212 and the common electrode 213.

[0301] The pixel electrode 211 and the common electrode 213 may be one of a transmissive electrode, a transflective electrode, and a reflective electrode.

[0302] A transparent conductive oxide ("TCO") may be used to form the transmissive electrode. Such a TCO may include at least one of indium tin oxide ("ITO"), indium zinc oxide ("IZO"), antimony tin oxide ("ATO"), aluminum zinc oxide ("AZO"), zinc oxide (ZnO), and combinations thereof.

[0303] In an exemplary embodiment, metals such as magnesium (Mg), silver (Ag), gold (Au), calcium (Ca), lithium (Li), chromium (Cr), aluminum (Al) and copper (Cu) or alloys of metals can be used to form transflective electrodes and reflective electrodes. In such an embodiment, whether the electrode is transflective or reflective depends on the thickness of the electrode. Specifically, the transflective electrode has a thickness of about 200nm or less, and the reflective electrode has a thickness of about 300nm or more. As the thickness of the transflective electrode decreases, the transmittance and resistance increase. Conversely, as the thickness of the transflective electrode increases, the transmittance decreases.

[0304] In such an embodiment, the transflective electrode and the reflective electrode may have a multi-layer structure including a metal layer including a metal or a metal alloy and a TCO layer stacked on the metal layer.

[0305] In an exemplary embodiment, the pixel PX may have a double-side emission type structure capable of emitting light in the direction of the pixel electrode 211 and the common electrode 213. In such an embodiment, both the pixel electrode 211 and the common electrode 213 may be transmissive electrodes or transflective electrodes.

[0306] The sealing member 250 is disposed on the common electrode 213. The transparent insulating substrate 110 including glass, transparent plastic, etc. may be used as the sealing member 250. In one embodiment, the sealing member 250 may have a thin film encapsulation structure in which one or more inorganic layers and one or more organic layers are alternately stacked on each other. In an exemplary embodiment, for example, Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the sealing member 250 may include a first inorganic layer 250 a , an organic layer 250 b located on the first inorganic layer 250 a , and a second inorganic layer 250 c located on the organic layer 250 b .

[0307] In an exemplary embodiment, if Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , a capping layer 180 may be further disposed between the sealing member 250 and the common electrode 213. The capping layer 180 serves to substantially prevent damage to the common electrode 213 under the sealing member 250 when the sealing member 250 is deposited. The capping layer 180 may include an inorganic material.

[0308] Fig.16 is a graph showing an impact resistance test of a window.

[0309] The impact resistance test of the window includes a drop ball test in which three samples 600A, 600B, 600C and a spherical iron ball 900 are prepared. The iron ball 900 may have a mass of, for example, about 0.13 kilograms (Kg).

[0310] Fig.16 The Y-axis coordinate in represents the falling height of the iron ball 900.

[0311] The first sample 600A includes a stainless steel plate 951 , an aluminum foil 955 , a base layer 601 , and a first hard coating layer 611 .

[0312] The thickness of the first hard coating layer 611 of the first sample 600A was about 20 μm.

[0313] The second sample 600B includes a stainless steel plate 951 , an aluminum foil 955 , a base layer 601 , a first hard coating layer 611 , and a second hard coating layer 612 .

[0314] The thickness of the first hard coating layer 611 of the second sample 600B is about 20 μm, and the thickness of the second hard coating layer 612 of the second sample 600B is about 15 μm.

[0315] The third sample 600C includes a stainless steel plate 951 , an aluminum foil 955 , a light blocking member 355 , a transparent tape 356 , a base layer 601 , a first hard coating layer 611 , and a second hard coating layer 612 .

[0316] The thickness of the first hard coating layer 611 of the third sample 600C is about 20 μm, and the thickness of the second hard coating layer 612 of the third sample 600C is about 15 μm.

[0317] For the ball drop test of the first sample 600A, the iron ball 900 is dropped from above the first sample 600A toward the first hard coating layer 611 of the first sample 600A. For the first drop, the drop height of the iron ball 900 is about 20 centimeters (cm). The drop height represents the distance between the iron ball 900 and the first hard coating layer 611 of the first sample 600A.

[0318] The first sample 600A was subjected to multiple ball drop tests, and the drop height gradually increased with repetition.

[0319] When the iron ball 900 hits the first hard coating layer 611 of the first sample 600A, the first drop height at which a visually recognizable mark appears on the aluminum foil 955 of the first sample 600A is measured. More specifically, in the drop ball test for the first sample 600A, the first drop height at which a visually recognizable mark appears on the aluminum foil 955 of the first sample 600A is about 60 cm.

[0320] Similarly, for the ball drop test of the second sample 600B, the iron ball 900 is dropped from above the second sample 600B toward the second hard coating layer 612 of the second sample 600B. For the first time, the drop height of the iron ball 900 is about 20 cm. The drop height represents the distance between the iron ball 900 and the second hard coating layer 612 of the second sample 600B.

[0321] The second sample 600B was subjected to multiple ball drop tests, and the drop height gradually increased with the repetitions.

[0322] When the iron ball 900 hits the second hard coating layer 612 of the second sample 600B, the first drop height at which a visually recognizable mark appears on the aluminum foil 955 of the second sample 600B is measured. More specifically, in the drop ball test for the second sample 600B, the first drop height at which a visually recognizable mark appears on the aluminum foil 955 of the second sample 600B is about 50 cm.

[0323] Similarly, for the ball drop test of the third sample 600C, the iron ball 900 is dropped from above the third sample 600C toward the second hard coating layer 612 of the third sample 600C. For the first time, the drop height of the iron ball 900 is about 20 cm. The drop height represents the distance between the iron ball 900 and the second hard coating layer 612 of the third sample 600C.

[0324] The third sample 600C was subjected to multiple ball drop tests, and the drop height gradually increased with repetition.

[0325] When the iron ball 900 hits the second hard coating layer 612 of the third sample 600C, the first drop height at which a visually recognizable mark appears on the aluminum foil 955 of the third sample 600C is measured. More specifically, in the drop ball test for the third sample 600C, the first drop height at which a visually recognizable mark appears on the aluminum foil 955 of the third sample 600C is about 45 cm.

[0326] As described above, the higher the first drop height, the better the impact resistance of the sample.

[0327] As mentioned above Fig.16 As described, the samples 600A, 600B, and 600C having the structure of the window according to the exemplary embodiment have high impact resistance.

[0328] In the exemplary embodiments of the display device described herein, the impact resistance, hardness or heat resistance of the window can be improved. In such embodiments, the warping or curling of the window can be substantially minimized.

[0329] In such an embodiment, since the pressure sensing portion includes elastic elements having thicknesses different from each other, a sensing error of the display device may be substantially minimized, and the thickness of the display device may be reduced.

[0330] In such an embodiment, the display device can detect the occurrence of a strong pressure touch (eg, a touch with a pressure greater than a predetermined reference pressure) to display a warning message on the display panel. Therefore, damage to the display device can be substantially prevented.

[0331] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A window for a display device, the window comprising: Base layer; a first hard coating layer, located on the base layer and comprising an inorganic material and an organic material including acrylic and epoxy resin; as well as a second hard coating layer, located on the first hard coating layer and having a thickness less than that of the first hard coating layer, wherein the first hard coating layer is located between the substrate layer and the second hard coating layer, and the second hard coating layer is the outermost layer of the window, Wherein, the ratio between the acrylic and the epoxy resin in the first hard coating layer is 7:

3.

2. The window according to claim 1, wherein: The second hard coating layer has a thickness that is 10% of the thickness of the first hard coating layer.

3. The window according to claim 1, wherein: The first hard coating layer has a thickness in the range of 5% to 15% of the thickness of the base layer.

4. The window according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of the following: A first auxiliary layer, located on the lower surface of the base layer; and The second auxiliary layer is located between the base layer and the first hard coating layer.

5. The window according to claim 4, wherein: At least one of the first auxiliary layer and the second auxiliary layer includes at least one of polyimide, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyethylene naphthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, an opaque liquid crystal polymer, and polymethyl methacrylate.

6. The window according to claim 1, wherein: The second hard coating layer includes an acrylic oligomer.

7. The window according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the base layer, the first hard coating layer, and the second hard coating layer includes fluorine.

8. The window according to claim 1, wherein: The base layer includes at least one of polycarbonate, a low birefringence resin, and polymethyl methacrylate.

9. The window according to claim 1, wherein: The first hard coating layer has a multi-layer structure.

10. The window according to claim 1, wherein: The base layer includes a soft layer and a hard layer.

11. The window according to claim 10, wherein: The soft layers and the hard layers are arranged alternately with each other.

12. A display device, comprising: Display panel; as well as A window located on the display panel, Wherein, the window comprises: A substrate layer, located on the display panel; a first hard coating layer, located on the base layer and comprising an inorganic material and an organic material including acrylic and epoxy resin; and a second hard coating layer, located on the first hard coating layer and having a thickness less than that of the first hard coating layer, wherein the first hard coating layer is located between the substrate layer and the second hard coating layer, and the second hard coating layer is the outermost layer of the window, Wherein, the ratio between the acrylic and the epoxy resin in the first hard coating layer is 7:

3.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The second hard coating layer has a thickness that is 10% of the thickness of the first hard coating layer.

14. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The first hard coating layer has a thickness in the range of 5% to 15% of the thickness of the base layer.

15. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The window further comprises at least one of: A first auxiliary layer, located between the display panel and the base layer; and The second auxiliary layer is located between the base layer and the first hard coating layer.

16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein: At least one of the first auxiliary layer and the second auxiliary layer includes at least one of polyimide, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyethylene naphthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, an opaque liquid crystal polymer, and polymethyl methacrylate.

17. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The second hard coating layer includes an acrylic oligomer.

18. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: At least one of the base layer, the first hard coating layer, and the second hard coating layer includes fluorine.

19. The display device according to claim 12, further comprising: a frame supporting the window; a panel support portion located between the window and a base portion of the frame; as well as The first pressure sensing portion is located between the panel supporting portion and the display panel.

20. The display device according to claim 19, wherein: The display panel comprises: a central portion located between the panel support portion and the window; and an edge portion located between the panel support portion and the base portion of the frame, Wherein, the first pressure sensing portion is disposed between the edge portion and the panel supporting portion.

21. The display device according to claim 20, further comprising at least one of the following: a second pressure sensing portion located between a side portion protruding from an edge of the frame and an edge of the window; and a third pressure sensing portion, located between the window and the display panel, in, The display panel is flexible.

22. The display device according to claim 21, wherein: At least two of the first pressure sensing portion, the second pressure sensing portion, and the third pressure sensing portion have different sensitivities from each other.

23. The display device according to claim 22, wherein: The third pressure sensing portion has the lowest sensitivity, The second pressure sensing portion has the highest sensitivity, and The first pressure sensing portion has a sensitivity lower than the sensitivity of the second pressure sensing portion and higher than the sensitivity of the third pressure sensing portion.

24. The display device according to claim 21, wherein: At least two of the first pressure sensing portion, the second pressure sensing portion, and the third pressure sensing portion include elastic elements having moduli different from each other.

25. The display device according to claim 24, wherein: Each of the first pressure sensing portion, the second pressure sensing portion, and the third pressure sensing portion includes an elastic element, The modulus of the elastic element of the third pressure sensing portion is greater than the modulus of the elastic element of the first pressure sensing portion, and The modulus of the elastic element of the first pressure sensing portion is greater than the modulus of the elastic element of the second pressure sensing portion.

26. The display device according to claim 24, wherein: The elastic element of the first pressure sensing portion has a thickness equal to or greater than a thickness of the elastic element of the second pressure sensing portion, and The elastic element of the third pressure sensing portion has a thickness smaller than a thickness of the elastic element of the first pressure sensing portion.

27. A method of manufacturing a window for a display device, the method comprising: Disposing a first hard coating layer on the substrate layer; as well as providing a second hard coating layer on the first hard coating layer, wherein the second hard coating layer has a thickness less than that of the first hard coating layer, and the second hard coating layer is the outermost layer of the window, wherein the first hard coating layer comprises an inorganic material and an organic material comprising acrylic and epoxy resin, and Wherein, the ratio between the acrylic and the epoxy resin in the first hard coating layer is 7:

3.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein: The second hard coating layer has a thickness that is 10% of the thickness of the first hard coating layer.

29. The method according to claim 27, wherein: The first hard coating layer has a thickness in the range of 5% to 15% of the thickness of the base layer.

30. The method according to claim 27, further comprising at least one of the following steps: Disposing a first auxiliary layer on the lower surface of the base layer; and A second auxiliary layer is disposed between the base layer and the first hard coating layer.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein: At least one of the first auxiliary layer and the second auxiliary layer includes at least one of polyimide, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyethylene naphthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, an opaque liquid crystal polymer, and polymethyl methacrylate.

32. The method of claim 27, wherein: The step of providing the first hard coating layer comprises: forming a first layer on the base layer; semi-curing the first layer; forming a second layer on the semi-cured first layer; and The first layer and the second layer are completely cured.

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