Display module

Abstract

A display module is provided. The display module includes a display panel and a window. The window includes a base substrate and a plurality of functional layers. A central portion of the base substrate is flat, and an edge portion of the base substrate has a circular shape. An upper portion of the edge portion of the base substrate has a circular shape and thus protrudes outward from a lower portion of the edge portion. A first functional layer of the plurality of functional layers includes an acrylic material and / or an epoxy resin material, and a second functional layer of the plurality of functional layers includes a fluorine material.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2019 - 0046560, filed on April 22, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a display, and more particularly, to a window, a method of manufacturing the window, and a display module including the window. Background Art

[0004] Display devices are widely used in multimedia devices such as televisions, smartphones and other mobile phones, navigation systems, computer monitors, and game consoles. Although there are many different types of display devices, a display device may include a display panel for displaying an image to a user and a window for protecting the display panel.

[0005] The window may include a base substrate including glass or a synthetic resin and one or more functional layers provided on a top surface of the base substrate. The top surface of the base substrate is a surface of the base substrate opposite to the surface facing the display panel. The functional layer may provide various properties such as protecting the base substrate from external impacts and preventing fingerprints.

[0006] A side surface of the window may have a curved shape. In this case, the functional layer of the window may be easily peeled off. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In an embodiment of the inventive concept, a display module includes a display panel and a window. The display panel includes a display area parallel to a plane defined by a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction and a non - display area surrounding the display area. The window is disposed on the display panel and includes a transparent material.

[0008] The window includes a base substrate including a first part, a second part, a third part, and a fourth part. The first part includes a first area at least partially overlapping the display area and a second area at least partially overlapping the non - display area. The second part extends from the first area of the first part in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The third part extends from the second area of the first part in the third direction, extends from the second part in the first direction or the second direction, and includes an outer surface having a first curved surface. The fourth part extends from the third part in the first direction or the second direction and does not overlap the first part in the third direction, and includes an outer surface having a second curved surface.

[0009] In an embodiment, the first thickness of the first part and the second thickness of the second part may be constant, and the third thickness of the third part and the fourth thickness of the fourth part may gradually decrease in the first direction or the second direction.

[0010] In an embodiment, the window may further include a first functional layer and a second functional layer. The first functional layer may be disposed on the second part, the third part, and the fourth part and may include a first material. The second functional layer may be disposed on the first functional layer and may include a second material different from the first material.

[0011] In an embodiment, the first material may include an acrylic material and / or an epoxy resin material, and the second material may include a fluorine material.

[0012] In an embodiment, the thickness of the first functional layer may be in the range of from about 40 μm to about 50 μm, and the thickness of the second functional layer may be in the range of from about 4 μm to about 6 μm.

[0013] In an embodiment, the first functional layer may include a first sub-functional layer in contact with the second part, the third part, and the fourth part and a second sub-functional layer disposed between the first sub-functional layer and the second functional layer.

[0014] In an embodiment, the thickness of the first sub-functional layer may gradually increase in one direction, and the thickness of the second sub-functional layer may gradually decrease in one direction.

[0015] In an embodiment, a portion of the first sub-functional layer adjacent to the first side may have a first thickness, and a portion of the first sub-functional layer adjacent to the second side opposite to the first side may have a second thickness. The second thickness may be in the range of from about 125% to about 135% of the first thickness.

[0016] In an embodiment, in the central portion of the display area, each of the thicknesses of the first sub-functional layer and the second sub-functional layer may be in the range of from about 20 μm to about 25 μm.

[0017] In an embodiment, the display module may further include an ink layer disposed between the display panel and the window and at least partially overlapping with the non-display area.

[0018] In an embodiment, the ink layer may not overlap with the fourth part of the base substrate in the third direction.

[0019] In an embodiment, the display module may further include a polarization layer disposed between the display panel and the ink layer.

[0020] In an embodiment, the display module may further include an auxiliary panel disposed below the display panel and including a synthetic resin or a metal.

[0021] In an embodiment, the display module may further include an accommodation part for an auxiliary panel, a display panel, a polarization layer, and a window. The accommodation part may include a support part disposed under the auxiliary panel and a fixing part extending from a side portion of the support part in a third direction and contacting a first part and a fourth part of the base substrate and a first functional layer.

[0022] In an embodiment, the fixing part may include an outer surface having a shape corresponding to a part of the second curved surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the inventive concept and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept and, together with the specification, are used to explain the principles of the inventive concept. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a display device showing an embodiment according to the inventive concept;

[0025] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of a part of the display device showing an embodiment according to the inventive concept; Figure 1 of;

[0026] Figure 2B is Figure 2A an enlarged view of part "AA" of;

[0027] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of a part of the display device showing an embodiment according to the inventive concept; Figure 1 of;

[0028] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the inventive concept;

[0029] Figure 5A is showing Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of a process of preparing a base substrate in;

[0030] Figure 5B is showing Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of a first coating process of;

[0031] Figure 5C is showing Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of a second coating process of;

[0032] Figure 5D is showing Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of a third coating process of;

[0033] Figure 5E is showing Figure 4A cross-sectional view of the cutting process; and

[0034] Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C , Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C are enlarged views showing modified embodiments of a portion “BB” of Figure 5A . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Now, the inventive concept will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments. However, the inventive concept may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited only to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals throughout the specification and drawings may denote like elements.

[0036] It should be understood that when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as being on another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural meanings, including “at least one.” It should also be understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” or “includes” and / or “including” when used in this specification specify the presence of the stated features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0037] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another element, component, region, layer, or part. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or part discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or part without departing from the teachings of the present invention. As used herein, “about” or “approximate” includes the recited value and means within an acceptable deviation range determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art in view of the measurement being made and the error associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” or “approximately” can be understood to mean plus or minus 5%, 2%, or 1% of the recited value.

[0038] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to cross-sectional views and / or plan views that are ideal exemplary diagrams. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Thus, variations from the illustrated shapes due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are possible. However, the drawings themselves are intended to illustrate at least one exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, and thus the angles, relative dimensions, and shapes of the illustrated elements may be shown as exemplary limitations.

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a display device DD according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

[0040] Figure 1 A smartphone is shown as an example of the display device DD (which may also be referred to as a display module DD). However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the display device DD may be applied to large electronic devices (e.g., TVs and monitors) and small and medium-sized electronic devices (e.g., tablets, automotive navigation units, game consoles, and smartwatches).

[0041] A display area DA and a non-display area NDA may be defined in the display device DD.

[0042] The display area DA for displaying an image IM may be parallel to a plane defined by a first direction axis DR1 and a second direction axis DR2.

[0043] The normal direction of the display area DA (i.e., the thickness direction of the display device DD) may be referred to by a third direction axis DR3. The front surface (or top surface) and the rear surface (or bottom surface) of each of a plurality of components or members may be defined by the third direction axis DR3. However, the directions referred to by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3 may be relative concepts and may be changed to other directions. Hereinafter, the first to third directions are the directions referred to by the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3, respectively, and are respectively referred to by the same reference numerals as the first direction axis DR1, the second direction axis DR2, and the third direction axis DR3.

[0044] Figure 1 The shape of the display area DA in is shown as an example. In some embodiments, the shape of the display area DA may be changed differently from those illustrated.

[0045] The non-display area NDA may be adjacent to the display area DA on at least one of its sides and may be an area where the image IM is not displayed. The non-display area NDA may at least partially surround the display area DA. The bezel area of the display device DD may be defined by the non-display area NDA.

[0046] When observed in a plan view, the non-display area NDA may surround the display area DA from one or more sides. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. The shapes of the display area DA and the non-display area NDA may be designed differently.

[0047] At least a part of the non-display area NDA may have a curved shape. For example, the corners of the display area DA, which is rectangular in different ways, may be buckled, and / or one or more sides of the display area DA may be buckled downward toward the bottom surface of the display device DD. This will be described in detail with reference to Figure 2A and Figure 2B the detailed description.

[0048] Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' of a part of the display device DD according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Figure 1 the line I-I'. Figure 2B is Figure 2A an enlarged view of a part "AA" of

[0049] Figure 2A shows a cross-sectional view of the display device DD taken in the first direction DR1. However, a cross-sectional view of the display device DD taken in the second direction DR2 may have a shape substantially the same as the shape shown in Figure 2A the figure.

[0050] The display device DD may include an auxiliary panel AP, a display panel DP, a polarization layer PL, an adhesive layer AD, an ink layer BL, a window WM, and a mounting part ST.

[0051] The auxiliary panel AP may be disposed below the display panel DP. The auxiliary panel AP may protect the display panel DP from impacts applied from below the display panel DP and may help release heat generated in the display panel DP to the outside.

[0052] The auxiliary panel AP may include a synthetic resin or a metal material. The metal material may be, but is not limited to, aluminum (Al).

[0053] The display panel DP may be a component for generating the image IM displayed in the display area DA and may be disposed on the auxiliary panel AP. The display panel DP may include a plurality of transistors and a plurality of light-emitting elements. Each of the light-emitting elements may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) or a micro LED.

[0054] The polarization layer PL may be disposed on the display panel DP. The polarization layer PL may polarize at least a part of the light incident from the outside of the display device DD to prevent the reflected light from being visible to the user's eyes.

[0055] An adhesive layer AD may be disposed between the polarizing layer PL and the window WM to couple the polarizing layer PL and the window WM to each other. In an embodiment, the adhesive layer AD may be, but is not limited to, an optically clear adhesive (OCA). For example, the adhesive layer AD may include a material having transparent properties and thus be capable of transmitting light generated from the display panel DP.

[0056] An ink layer BL may be disposed on the bottom surface of the window WM. The ink layer BL may have a predetermined color. The predetermined color may be, but is not limited to, black.

[0057] A non-display area NDA of the display device DD may be defined by the ink layer BL.

[0058] The window WM may include a transparent material and may transmit light generated in the display panel DP.

[0059] The window WM may include a base substrate BS, a first functional layer FL1, and a second functional layer FL2.

[0060] The base substrate BS may include a synthetic resin. For example, the base substrate BS may include polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, polypropylene (PP), and / or polyethylene (PE). However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the base substrate BS may include glass.

[0061] Reference Figure 2B , the base substrate BS may include a first portion PT1, a second portion PT2, a third portion PT3, and a fourth portion PT4. The thickness of each of the first portion PT1, the second portion PT2, the third portion PT3, and the fourth portion PT4 may be defined as a length measured in a third direction DR3.

[0062] The first portion PT1 may correspond to a lower portion of the base substrate BS, and the second portion PT2 to the fourth portion PT4 may correspond to an upper portion of the base substrate BS. The second portion PT2 to the fourth portion PT4 may each be disposed above the first portion PT1.

[0063] The first portion PT1 may include a first region AR1 overlapping with the display area DA and a second region AR2 overlapping with the non-display area NDA.

[0064] The thickness of the first portion PT1 in the third direction DR3 may have a constant value in a first direction DR1 (which is the longitudinal direction of the first portion PT1).

[0065] The second portion PT2 may extend from the first region AR1 of the first portion PT1 in the third direction DR3. The second portion PT2 may overlap with the display area DA.

[0066] The thickness of the second part PT2 may have a constant value.

[0067] The third part PT3 may extend from the first part PT1 in a third direction DR3 and may extend from the second part PT2 in a first direction DR1 or a second direction DR2. The outer surface of the third part PT3 may include a first curved surface CV1 having a curvature.

[0068] The thickness of at least a portion of the third part PT3 may gradually decrease in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2.

[0069] The third part PT3 may overlap with the non-display area NDA.

[0070] The fourth part PT4 may extend from the third part PT3 in a first direction DR1 or a second direction DR2. The outer surface of the fourth part PT4 may include a second curved surface CV2 having a curvature.

[0071] The second curved surface CV2 of the fourth part PT4 and the first curved surface CV1 of the third part PT3 may intersect with each other to form a continuous curved surface.

[0072] The thickness of at least a portion of the fourth part PT4 may gradually decrease in the first direction DR1 or the second direction DR2.

[0073] The fourth part PT4 may overlap with the non-display area NDA.

[0074] As described above, due to the influence of the fourth part PT4, the upper part of the base substrate BS may protrude outward from the lower part of the base substrate BS. In addition, the edge portion of the outer surface of the upper part of the base substrate BS may have a shape of a circle formed by the curved surfaces CV1 and CV2.

[0075] The first functional layer FL1 may be disposed on the base substrate BS. In an embodiment, the first functional layer FL1 may contact the upper part of the second curved surface CV2 of the fourth part PT4, but may not contact the lower part of the second curved surface CV2.

[0076] The first functional layer FL1 may have a high hardness (e.g., Mohs scale hardness greater than or equal to 3) and thus may protect the base substrate BS from an impact applied from the outside.

[0077] The first functional layer FL1 may include an acrylic material and / or an epoxy resin material. In an embodiment, the first functional layer FL1 may include a hybrid material in which the acrylic material and the epoxy resin material are mixed with each other. However, the material of the first functional layer FL1 is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the first functional layer FL1 may include polyimide.

[0078] The thickness TK1 of the first functional layer FL1 in the display area DA (hereinafter referred to as the first thickness) may range from about 40 μm to about 50 μm. If the first thickness TK1 is less than 40 μm, the first functional layer FL1 may not effectively absorb the impact applied to the base substrate BS. If the first thickness TK1 is greater than 50 μm, defects may occur during the manufacturing process due to the curved surfaces CV1 and CV2 of the edge portions of the base substrate BS.

[0079] The second functional layer FL2 may be disposed on the first functional layer FL1.

[0080] The second functional layer FL2 may provide the outermost surface of the display device DD and may include a hydrophobic material.

[0081] If the second functional layer FL2 is absent, stains may be generated on the surface of the display device DD by the user's fingerprint because the first functional layer FL1 includes a hydrophilic material. However, according to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the second functional layer FL2 including a hydrophobic and / or oleophobic material may be disposed at the outermost portion of the display device DD, and thus stains caused by the user's fingerprint may be prevented from being generated on the surface of the display device DD.

[0082] In addition, the second functional layer FL2 may reduce the coefficient of friction of the surface of the display device DD to provide a desired tactile feeling.

[0083] For example, the hydrophobic material may include, but is not limited to, fluorine-based compounds.

[0084] The thickness TK2 of the second functional layer FL2 in the display area DA (hereinafter referred to as the second thickness) may range from about 4 μm to about 6 μm.

[0085] The placement portion ST may receive the auxiliary panel AP, the display panel DP, the polarizing layer PL, the adhesive layer AD, the ink layer BL, and the window WM.

[0086] The placement portion ST may include a synthetic resin or a metal material.

[0087] The placement portion ST may include a support portion SP and a fixing portion FP.

[0088] The support portion SP may be disposed under the auxiliary panel AP and may support the components disposed thereon.

[0089] The fixing portion FP may extend from the support portion SP in the third direction DR3.

[0090] The fixing portion FP may fix at least a part of at least one of the auxiliary panel AP, the display panel DP, the polarizing layer PL, the adhesive layer AD, the ink layer BL, and the window WM.

[0091] The fixed part FP may be in contact with at least one of the first part PT1, the fourth part PT4, and the first functional layer FL1 of the window WM.

[0092] Reference Figure 2B , the portion of the fixed part FP that contacts the base substrate BS (i.e., the outer surface) may have a curved shape corresponding to a part of the second curved surface CV2 of the fourth part PT4. For example, at least a part of the outer surface of the fixed part FP may have a shape corresponding to the lower part of the second curved surface CV2.

[0093] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' Figure 1 and shows a part of the display device DD according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. For example, Figure 3 shows Figure 2A a modified embodiment of the embodiment shown in

[0094] Reference Figure 3 , the window WM-1 may include a base substrate BS, a first functional layer FL1-1, and a second functional layer FL2. The base substrate BS and the second functional layer FL2 may be substantially the same as those described in Figure 2A reference, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] The first functional layer FL1-1 may include a first sub-functional layer FL-S1 and a second sub-functional layer FL-S2. Each of the first sub-functional layer FL-S1 and the second sub-functional layer FL-S2 may include an acrylic material and / or an epoxy resin material.

[0096] Reference Figure 2B and Figure 3 , the first sub-functional layer FL-S1 may be disposed on the base substrate BS and may be in contact with the top surface of the second part PT2 of the base substrate BS, the first curved surface CV1 of the third part PT3 of the base substrate BS, and the second curved surface CV2 of the fourth part PT4 of the base substrate BS. In an embodiment, the first sub-functional layer FL-S1 may be in contact with the upper surface of the second curved surface CV2 of the fourth part PT4, but may not be in contact with the lower surface of the second curved surface CV2.

[0097] The first sub-functional layer FL-S1 may have a first side and a second side opposite to each other. The thickness TK1-1 (hereinafter, referred to as the first measured thickness) measured at a portion of the first sub-functional layer FL-S1 adjacent to the first side may be less than the thickness TK1-2 (hereinafter, referred to as the second measured thickness) measured at a portion of the first sub-functional layer FL-S1 adjacent to the second side. The second measured thickness TK1-2 may be in the range of from about 125% to about 135% of the first measured thickness TK1-1.

[0098] In the central portion of the display area DA, the thickness of the first sub-functional layer FL-S1 may range from about 20 μm to about 25 μm.

[0099] The second sub-functional layer FL-S2 may be disposed between the first sub-functional layer FL-S1 and the second functional layer FL2.

[0100] The thickness TK1-3 (hereinafter, referred to as the third measured thickness) measured at a portion of the second sub-functional layer FL-S2 adjacent to the first side may be greater than the thickness TK1-4 (hereinafter, referred to as the fourth measured thickness) measured at a portion of the second sub-functional layer FL-S2 adjacent to the second side. The third measured thickness TK1-3 may range from about 125% to about 135% of the fourth measured thickness TK1-4.

[0101] Other components may be substantially the same as the corresponding components described with reference to Figure 2A and Figure 2B and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[0102] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a method S10 of manufacturing a window according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. For example, Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing Figure 3 the window WM-1 shown in

[0103] The method S10 of manufacturing a window may include: preparing a base substrate (S100), performing a first coating process (S200), performing a second coating process (S300), performing a third coating process (S400), and performing a cutting process (S500).

[0104] Figure 5A shows Figure 4 the process S100 of preparing a base substrate in Figure 5B shows Figure 4 the first coating process S200 of Figure 5C shows Figure 4 the second coating process S300 of Figure 5D shows Figure 4 the third coating process S400 of Figure 5E shows Figure 4 the cutting process S500 of

[0105] Referring to Figure 5A , in the process S100 of preparing a base substrate, a main substrate MS including a base substrate BS and an auxiliary portion HS may be prepared. The above-described base substrate BS may be formed by removing the auxiliary portion HS from the main substrate MS.

[0106] At the edge portion of the base substrate BS of the main substrate MS, there may be base curved surfaces CV-S1 and CV-S2, and thus, a recess UC having a notch shape may be formed between the auxiliary portion HS and the upper portion of the base substrate BS.

[0107] Reference Figure 5B , in the first coating process S200, when the first nozzle NZ1 is moved in one direction, the first solution LQ1 can be coated on the main substrate MS. Thus, the first sub-functional layer FL-S1 can be formed.

[0108] Although the amount of the first solution LQ1 discharged from the first nozzle NZ1 per unit time is constant, due to the influence of the moving direction of the first nozzle NZ1 and the shapes of the base curved surfaces CV-S1 and CV-S2, the first solution LQ1 can be coated thinner on the first base curved surface CV-S1, while the first solution LQ1 can be coated thicker on the second base curved surface CV-S2.

[0109] Reference Figure 5C , in the second coating process S300, when the first nozzle NZ1 is moved in the direction opposite to the one direction, the first solution LQ1 can be coated on the first sub-functional layer FL-S1 again. Thus, the second sub-functional layer FL-S2 can be formed.

[0110] Although the amount of the first solution LQ1 discharged from the first nozzle NZ1 per unit time is constant, due to the influence of the moving direction of the first nozzle NZ1 and the shapes of the base curved surfaces CV-S1 and CV-S2, the first solution LQ1 can be coated thinner on the second base curved surface CV-S2, while the first solution LQ1 can be coated thicker on the first base curved surface CV-S1.

[0111] Through the first coating process S200 and the second coating process S300 as described above, the same material can be coated twice while changing the direction, and thus, the first functional layer FL1-1 having a uniform thickness (see Figure 3 ) can be formed on the base substrate BS having the base curved surfaces CV-S1 and CV-S2.

[0112] Reference Figure 5D , in the third coating process S400, the second solution LQ2 can be coated on the second sub-functional layer FL-S2 by using the second nozzle NZ2. Thus, the second functional layer FL2 can be formed.

[0113] In the third coating process S400, the direction in which the second nozzle NZ2 moves may not matter. This may be because, since the thickness of the second functional layer FL2 is smaller than the thickness of the first functional layer FL1-1, the process variations caused by the curved surfaces CV-S1 and CV-S2 of the substrate are small.

[0114] Reference Figure 5E , in the cutting process S500, the base substrate BS and the auxiliary portion HS may be separated from each other.

[0115] In Figure 5E , the cutting process S500 may be performed by irradiating the main substrate MS with a laser LL generated by a laser device LZ. However, embodiments of the inventive concept are not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the cutting process S500 may be performed using a cutting blade.

[0116] Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 6C , Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C are enlarged views showing modified embodiments BB-1 to BB-6 of the portion "BB" of Figure 5A .

[0117] Reference Figure 6A , the main substrate MS-1 may include a base substrate BS and an auxiliary portion HS-1.

[0118] A first recess HM1 recessed in a direction parallel to the third direction DR3 may be defined in the auxiliary portion HS-1.

[0119] Reference Figure 6B , the main substrate MS-2 may include a base substrate BS-1 and an auxiliary portion HS-2.

[0120] A second recess HM2 recessed in an inclined direction toward the base substrate BS-1 may be defined in the auxiliary portion HS-2.

[0121] Due to the second recess HM2, the base substrate BS-1 may have a different shape from the base substrate BS described above. For example, a portion of the lower part of the base substrate BS-1 adjacent to the second recess HM2 may have a shape in which its width gradually changes in the third direction DR3.

[0122] Reference Figure 6C , the main substrate MS-3 may include a base substrate BS and an auxiliary portion HS-3.

[0123] A third recess HM3 recessed in an inclined direction toward the outside may be defined in the auxiliary portion HS-3.

[0124] The first recess HM1 to the third recess HM3 can prevent a part of the solutions LQ1 and LQ2 from being coated on an undesired part during the first coating process S200, the second coating process S300, and the third coating process S400.

[0125] Reference Figure 7A , the main substrate MS-4 may include a base substrate BS and an auxiliary part HS-4.

[0126] The auxiliary part HS-4 may include a first protruding part PPT1 protruding in a direction parallel to the third direction DR3.

[0127] Reference Figure 7B , the main substrate MS-5 may include a base substrate BS and an auxiliary part HS-5.

[0128] The auxiliary part HS-5 may include a second protruding part PPT2 protruding toward the base substrate BS in an inclined direction.

[0129] Reference Figure 7C , the main substrate MS-6 may include a base substrate BS and an auxiliary part HS-6.

[0130] The auxiliary part HS-6 may include a third protruding part PPT3 protruding toward the outside in an inclined direction.

[0131] The first protruding part PPT1 to the third protruding part PPT3 can prevent a part of the solutions LQ1 and LQ2 from being coated on an undesired part during the first coating process S200, the second coating process S300, and the third coating process S400.

[0132] According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, the window may have a cutout shape, and thus the functional layer may not be easily peeled off.

[0133] In addition, the functional layer may be provided on the entire top surface of the window, and thus the corner or edge part of the functional layer may not be visible to the user.

[0134] Although the inventive concept has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventive concept.

Claims

1. Display module, comprising: A display panel, comprising a display area and a non-display area, wherein the display area is parallel to a plane defined by a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the non-display area at least partially surrounds the display area; And A window, disposed on the display panel and comprising a transparent material, wherein the window comprises a base substrate, and the base substrate comprises: A first portion, comprising a first region at least partially overlapping with the display area and a second region at least partially overlapping with the non-display area; A second portion, extending from the first region of the first portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; A third portion, extending from the second region of the first portion in the third direction and extending from the second portion in the first direction or the second direction, and the third portion comprises an outer surface having a first curved surface; A fourth portion, extending from the third portion in the first direction or the second direction, the fourth portion not overlapping with the first portion in the third direction, and the fourth portion comprises an outer surface having a second curved surface, wherein the second curved surface is directly connected to the first portion.

2. The display module according to claim 1, Among them, Each of a first thickness of the first portion and a second thickness of the second portion is constant along its respective length, and wherein a third thickness of the third portion and a fourth thickness of the fourth portion gradually decrease along the first direction or the second direction.

3. The display module according to claim 1, wherein, The window further comprises: A first functional layer, disposed on the second portion, the third portion and the fourth portion and comprising a first material; and A second functional layer, disposed on the first functional layer and comprising a second material different from the first material.

4. The display module according to claim 3, wherein, The first material comprises an acrylic material and / or an epoxy resin material, and the second material comprises a fluorine material.

5. The display module according to claim 4, wherein, The thickness of the first functional layer is in the range of 40 μm to 50 μm, and the thickness of the second functional layer is in the range of 4 μm to 6 μm.

6. The display module according to claim 4, wherein The first functional layer comprises: A first sub-functional layer, in contact with each of the second portion, the third portion and the fourth portion; and A second sub-functional layer, disposed between the first sub-functional layer and the second functional layer.

7. The display module according to claim 6, Among them, The thickness of the first sub-functional layer gradually increases in one direction, and wherein the thickness of the second sub-functional layer gradually decreases in the one direction.

8. The display module according to claim 7, Among them, A portion of the first sub-functional layer adjacent to a first side has a first thickness, and a portion of the first sub-functional layer adjacent to a second side opposite to the first side has a second thickness, and wherein the second thickness is in the range of 125% to 135% of the first thickness.

9. The display module according to claim 6, wherein, In a central portion of the display area, each of the thickness of the first sub-functional layer and the thickness of the second sub-functional layer is in the range of 20 μm to 25 μm.

10. The display module according to claim 3, further comprising: An ink layer disposed between the display panel and the window and at least partially overlapping the non-display area.

11. The display module according to claim 10, wherein, The ink layer does not overlap the fourth portion of the base substrate in the third direction.

12. The display module according to claim 10, further comprising: A polarization layer disposed between the display panel and the ink layer.

13. The display module according to claim 12, further comprising: An auxiliary panel disposed below the display panel and including a synthetic resin or metal.

14. The display module according to claim 13, further comprising: A mounting portion that receives each of the auxiliary panel, the display panel, the polarization layer, and the window, wherein the mounting portion includes: A support portion disposed below the auxiliary panel; and A fixing portion extending from one side of the support portion in the third direction and contacting the first portion and the fourth portion of the base substrate and the first functional layer.

15. The display module according to claim 14, wherein, The fixing portion includes an outer surface having a shape corresponding to a part of the second curved surface.

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