Display device and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a display device and a manufacturing method thereof. The display device includes a display module having flexibility, a glass window disposed on the display module, a protective film including an adhesive layer attached to the glass window in a detachable manner and a protective layer on the adhesive layer, and a cover accommodating the display module and covering an edge of the glass window. A protective coating pattern is formed on an upper edge of the glass window, the protective coating pattern partially overlapping the adhesive layer of the protective film.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a display device and a method for manufacturing the display device, and more specifically to a display device with improved display quality and a method for manufacturing the display device. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, technological advancements have led to the production of display products that are smaller, lighter, and offer superior performance. To date, existing cathode ray tubes (CRTs) have been widely used due to their numerous advantages in performance and price. However, display devices that overcome the limitations of CRTs in terms of miniaturization and portability, offering advantages such as smaller size, lighter weight, and lower power consumption, such as plasma display devices, liquid crystal displays, and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, are attracting attention.

[0003] The organic light-emitting display (OLED) element can emit light by recombination of holes provided from the anode and electrons provided from the cathode in the light-emitting layer between the anode and the cathode. Using this OLED element offers advantages such as wide viewing angles, fast response times, thinness, and low power consumption in display devices.

[0004] Recently, technologies for realizing flexible display devices that can be bent are being developed using the aforementioned organic light-emitting display elements. These flexible display devices are less resistant to external impacts than rigid display devices, and are more susceptible to secondary problems caused by damage to their constituent components. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In this regard, the technical problem of this disclosure focuses on this aspect, and the object of this disclosure is to provide a display device having a structure that can prevent the glass window from breaking and prevent fragments from flying when it breaks.

[0006] A display device according to an embodiment for achieving the above-described objectives of this disclosure includes: a display module having flexibility; a glass window disposed on the display module; a protective film including an adhesive layer removably attached to the glass window and a protective layer on the adhesive layer; and a cover receiving the display module and covering the edge of the glass window. A protective coating pattern is formed on the upper edge of the glass window, the protective coating pattern partially overlapping the adhesive layer of the protective film.

[0007] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the glass window may be an ultra-thin glass substrate with a thickness of less than 300 μm. The modulus of the protective coating pattern may be less than 1 GPa.

[0008] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the cover may include: a base plate; a sidewall extending from an edge of the base plate; and a top plate extending from the sidewall in a direction parallel to the base plate. The top plate may be configured to partially overlap with the protective coating pattern.

[0009] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the upper plate may be separated from the protective film.

[0010] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the glass window may have a planar area wider than the display module and be configured to protrude more than the edge of the display module. Alternatively, a light-shielding pattern may be formed at the edge of the bottom surface of the glass window.

[0011] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the light-shielding pattern may be configured to partially overlap with the display module.

[0012] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the light-shielding pattern may overlap with the protective coating pattern. Alternatively, the width of the light-shielding pattern may be greater than the width of the protective coating pattern.

[0013] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the display module may include: a first display area; a second display area separated from the first display area; and a folding area disposed between the first display area and the second display area, wherein the display module is a foldable display module capable of being folded along the folding area.

[0014] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the display module may be a flexible organic light-emitting display panel.

[0015] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the protective coating pattern may comprise a polyurethane resin.

[0016] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the adhesive layer of the protective film comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive, the protective layer comprises plastic, and the protective film can be removed from the glass window without damage.

[0017] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the display device may further include a functional coating layer formed on the upper surface of the glass window.

[0018] A display device according to an embodiment for achieving the above-described objectives of this disclosure includes: a display module having flexibility; a glass window disposed on the display module; a protective film including an adhesive layer removably attached to the glass window and a protective layer on the adhesive layer; a cover receiving the display module and covering the edge of the glass window; and a protective pattern including an edge adhesive layer attached to the upper edge of the glass window and an edge protective layer on the edge adhesive layer. The adhesive strength between the edge adhesive layer of the glass window and the protective pattern is stronger than the adhesive strength between the glass window and the adhesive layer of the protective film.

[0019] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the cover may include: a base plate; a side wall portion extending from an edge of the base plate; and a top plate extending from the side wall portion in a direction parallel to the base plate, the top plate being configured to partially overlap the protective coating pattern.

[0020] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the display device may further include a functional coating layer formed on the upper surface of the glass window between the glass window and the protective film. The adhesive strength between the edge adhesive layer of the glass window and the protective pattern is stronger than the adhesive strength between the functional coating layer and the adhesive layer of the protective film.

[0021] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the height from the glass window to the bottom surface of the protective layer of the protective film may be greater than or equal to the height from the glass window to the top surface of the edge protective layer of the protective pattern. Alternatively, the protective pattern may be configured to partially overlap the protective layer of the protective film.

[0022] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the glass window may have a planar area wider than the display module and be configured to protrude more than the edge of the display module. Alternatively, a light-shielding pattern overlapping the protective pattern may be formed at the edge of the bottom surface of the glass window.

[0023] A display device according to an embodiment for achieving the above-described objectives of this disclosure includes: a display module having flexibility; a glass window disposed on the display module; a protective film including an adhesive layer removably attached to the glass window and a protective layer on the adhesive layer; a cover receiving the display module and covering the edge of the glass window; and a protective pattern disposed on the upper edge of the glass window and partially exposed and partially covered by the cover.

[0024] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the protective pattern may be a protective coating pattern formed on the glass window. Alternatively, the protective coating pattern may be formed to partially overlap with the protective film.

[0025] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the protective pattern may include an edge adhesive layer attached to the upper edge of the glass window and an edge protective layer on the edge adhesive layer. Alternatively, the edge adhesive layer of the protective pattern may be spaced apart from the adhesive layer of the protective film.

[0026] (The effect of public disclosure)

[0027] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a protective coating pattern for preventing the scattering of fragments is formed on the upper edge of the glass window of the display device, or a protective pattern is attached thereon, and a removable and replaceable protective film is applied corresponding to the area where the image is displayed, thereby preventing glass fragments from scattering from the edge portion of the glass window that is exposed and not protected by the protective film.

[0028] Furthermore, the adhesive layer of the protective film can be removed from the glass window without damage, thus allowing for easy replacement with a new protective film. In this case, the protective coating pattern is formed on the glass window, so it does not separate even when the protective film is removed, remaining on the glass window.

[0029] In addition, the adhesive force of the edge adhesive layer of the protective pattern is stronger than that of the adhesive layer of the protective film, so that even if the protective film is replaced, the protective pattern will remain on the glass window without detaching.

[0030] However, the effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described, and various extensions can be made without departing from the concept and scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a top view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device taken by the I-I' line.

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of the edge portion of the display device.

[0034] Figure 4 It is used for explanation Figures 1 to 3 A cross-sectional view of the re-attachment of the protective film to the display device.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 6This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0038] 100: Display module; 110: Glass window

[0039] 112: Protective coating pattern; 200: Protective film.

[0040] 210: Adhesive layer; 220: Protective layer

[0041] 300: Cover Detailed Implementation

[0042] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a top view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the display device taken by the I-I' line. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of the edge portion of the display device.

[0044] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The display device may include a display module 100, a glass window 110, a protective film 200, and a cover 300.

[0045] The display module 100 can display images and is flexible. For example, the display module 100 can be a flexible organic light-emitting display panel, but is not limited thereto.

[0046] Specifically, the display module 100 may include a flexible substrate and a light-emitting structure located on the flexible substrate. The display module 100 may include: a first display area (in...) Figure 1 The left side of the fold line FA) and the second display area separated from the first display area (in Figure 1 The first display area and the second display area are located on a plane formed by a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1, to the right of the fold line FA; and a folding area is disposed between the first display area and the second display area. The display module 100 can be folded or unfolded with reference to the fold line FA.

[0047] The glass window 110 can be disposed on the display module 100. Although not shown, an adhesive layer is formed between the display module 100 and the glass window 110, through which the glass window 110 can be bonded and attached to the display module 100. The glass window 110 can have a modulus of 50 GPa or more at its edge. For example, the glass window 110 can have a modulus of about 70 GPa at its edge.

[0048] The glass window 110 functions as a protective cover for the display module 100, and since the display module 100 is flexible, the glass window 110 can be flexible. For example, the glass window 110 can be an ultra-thin glass substrate with a thickness of less than 300 μm. This ultra-thin glass substrate can be flexible while also having low thickness uniformity (TTV: total thickness variation) and excellent chemical toughening properties. For example, the ultra-thin glass substrate can be an ultra-thin glass substrate whose buckling strength is improved by performing chemical mechanical processes, heat treatment processes, etc. on the glass raw material. For example, the glass window 110 can be an ultra-thin glass substrate with a thickness of approximately 30–70 μm.

[0049] The glass window 110 may have a planar area wider than the display module 100. The glass window 110 may be configured to protrude more than the edge of the display module 100. That is, the glass window 110 may be longer than the display module 100 in the second direction D2.

[0050] The glass window 110 may include a flexible soft portion in the area corresponding to the folded area. Moreover, the area corresponding to the remaining area, namely the first display area and the second display area, may be composed of a rigid portion having higher rigidity and hardness than the soft portion, but is not necessarily limited to this.

[0051] To prevent light leakage, a light-shielding pattern BM containing a light-blocking material can be formed at the edge of the bottom surface of the glass window 110. The light-shielding pattern BM can be configured to partially overlap with the display module 100. The light-shielding pattern BM can be formed by coating the bottom surface of the glass window 110 with a light-shielding material, or by attaching a light-shielding film, but is not limited to these methods. Here, the light-shielding pattern BM can be used to divide the display area DA and the non-display area NDA of the displayed image.

[0052] The protective film 200 can be detachably attached to the glass window 110. The protective film 200 may include an adhesive layer 210 detachably attached to the glass window 110 and a protective layer 220 on the adhesive layer 210.

[0053] The protective film 200 prevents damage to the glass window 110 and prevents fragments from scattering if the glass window 110 is broken. The adhesive layer 210 of the protective film 200 contains a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and the protective layer 220 contains plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polycarbonate. The protective film 200 allows for the removal of the glass window 110 without damage.

[0054] For ease of replacement, the protective film 200 may have a smaller planar area than the glass window 110, and may expose a portion of the edge portion of the glass window 110.

[0055] Due to the characteristics of flexible display devices, the glass window 110 of the display device may break when repeatedly folded and unfolded. At this time, the broken area of ​​the glass window 110 spreads rapidly. The glass window 110 is very thin and is in a state of surface strengthening treatment. Therefore, when the glass window 110 breaks, micro-fragments at the micrometer level will be scattered. There is a risk that these fragments will float like dust and be inhaled by the user.

[0056] The protective coating pattern 112 is formed on the upper edge of the glass window 110, and the protective coating pattern 112 can prevent the fragments from scattering. The protective coating pattern 112 may include a transparent or opaque material. Specifically, the protective coating pattern 112 preferably has a modulus of less than 1 GPa (gigapascal). For example, the protective coating pattern 112 can be formed by inkjet coating and contains a polyurethane-based thermosetting resin, but is not limited thereto. For example, the protective coating pattern 112 can be formed by coating the resin material onto the edge of the glass window 110 by inkjet printing or the like, followed by a process such as thermosetting or UV curing.

[0057] Alternatively, the light-shielding pattern BM may overlap with the protective coating pattern 112, and the width w2 of the light-shielding pattern BM may be greater than the width w1 of the protective coating pattern 112.

[0058] The cover 300 can accommodate the display module 100 and cover the edge of the glass window 110. The cover 300 may include: a base plate 302 extending along the first direction D1 and the second direction D2; a side wall portion 304 extending from the edge of the base plate 302 in a third direction D3 perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2; and an upper plate 306 extending from the side wall portion 304 in a direction parallel to the base plate 302, the upper plate 306 being configured to partially overlap the protective coating pattern 112 in a plane. The upper plate 306 is configured to be spaced apart from the protective film 200, allowing for easy replacement of the protective film 200 even when the cover 300 is attached to the display module 100. Furthermore, the protective film 200 and the cover 300 are spaced apart, and the protective coating pattern 112 is formed on the portion of the glass window 110 that may be exposed, thus preventing debris from scattering.

[0059] According to this embodiment, a protective coating pattern 112 for preventing fragments from flying is formed on the upper edge of the glass window 110 of the display device. The removable and replaceable protective film 200 is applied to the area where the image is displayed, thus preventing glass fragments from flying off the edge portion of the glass window 110 that is exposed without the protection of the protective film 200.

[0060] Figure 4 It is used for explanation Figures 1 to 3 A cross-sectional view of the re-attachment of the protective film to the display device.

[0061] Reference Figure 4 The adhesive layer 210 of the protective film 200 can be removed from the glass window 110 without damage, thereby allowing for easy replacement with a new protective film. At this time, the protective coating pattern 112 is coated and formed on the glass window 110, so it does not separate even when the protective film 200 is removed, remaining on the glass window 110.

[0062] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Reference Figure 5 The display device, in addition to attaching a protective pattern 250 instead of forming a protective coating pattern, also has... Figures 1 to 4 The display devices are essentially the same. Therefore, repeated explanations will be simplified or omitted.

[0064] The display device may include: a display module 100, which is flexible; a glass window 110 disposed on the display module 100; a protective film 200, including an adhesive layer 210 detachably attached to the glass window 110 and a protective layer 220 on the adhesive layer 210; a cover 300 for receiving the display module 100 and covering the edge of the glass window 110; and a protective pattern 250 attached to the upper edge of the glass window 110.

[0065] The protective pattern 250 may include an edge adhesive layer 252 attached to the upper edge of the glass window 110 and an edge protective layer 254 on the edge adhesive layer 252. The protective pattern 250 may be configured to overlap with the upper plate of the cover 300. The edge adhesive layer 252 of the protective pattern 250 may be spaced apart from the adhesive layer 210 of the protective film 200.

[0066] The edge protection layer 254 of the protective pattern 250 may contain the same or different material as the protective layer 220 of the protective film 200. For example, the edge protection layer 254 of the protective pattern 250 may contain plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polycarbonate.

[0067] The edge adhesive layer 252 of the protective pattern 250 may contain an adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive. In the case of the protective pattern 250, unlike the protective film 200, it does not need to be removed, therefore the edge adhesive layer 252 may have stronger adhesion than the adhesive layer 210 of the protective film 200.

[0068] On the other hand, a functional coating layer 140 may be formed on the upper surface of the glass window 110 between the glass window 110 and the adhesive layer 210 of the protective film 200. For example, the functional coating layer 140 may be an anti-reflection layer formed of an organic thin film or an inorganic thin film.

[0069] On the other hand, the functional coating layer 140 may not be formed on the portion where the protective pattern 250 is attached. In this case, even if the edge adhesive layer 252 of the protective pattern 250 and the adhesive layer 210 of the protective film 200 are the same adhesive layer, the adhesion between the glass window 110 and the edge adhesive layer 252 of the protective pattern 250 may be stronger than the adhesion between the functional coating layer 140 and the adhesive layer 210 of the protective film 200.

[0070] Figure 6This is a cross-sectional view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] Reference Figure 6 In addition to protecting the pattern 350, the display device also has... Figure 5 The display devices are essentially the same. Therefore, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0072] The protective pattern 350 may include an edge adhesive layer 352 attached to the upper edge of the glass window 110 and an edge protective layer 354 on the edge adhesive layer 352. The protective pattern 350 is configured to partially overlap with the upper plate of the cover 300.

[0073] Alternatively, the height of the bottom surface of the protective layer 220 from the glass window 110 to the protective film 200 may be higher than or equal to the height of the top surface of the edge protective layer 354 of the protective pattern 350 from the glass window 110 to the protective pattern 350, wherein the protective pattern 350 is configured to partially overlap with the protective layer 220 of the protective film 200.

[0074] Industrial availability

[0075] This disclosure can be applied to organic light-emitting display devices and various electronic devices incorporating such organic light-emitting display devices. For example, this disclosure can be applied to mobile phones, smartphones, video phones, smart tablets, smartwatches, tablet PCs, vehicle navigation systems, televisions, computer monitors, laptops, head-mounted displays, etc.

[0076] The above description has been made with reference to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the concept and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A display device, characterized in that, include: The display module is flexible; A glass window is disposed on the display module; The protective film includes an adhesive layer that is removably attached to the glass window and a protective layer on the adhesive layer; as well as A cover that houses the display module and covers at least a portion of the upper edge of the glass window. A protective coating pattern is formed on the upper edge of the glass window, the protective coating pattern partially overlapping the adhesive layer of the protective film. At least a portion of the upper edge of the glass window is exposed by the protective film.

2. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glass window is an ultra-thin glass substrate with a thickness of less than 300 μm. The modulus of the protective coating pattern is below 1 GPa.

3. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover includes: a base plate; a side wall extending from an edge of the base plate; and a top plate extending from the side wall in a direction parallel to the base plate, the top plate being configured to partially overlap the protective coating pattern.

4. The display device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The upper plate is separated from the protective film.

5. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glass window has a planar area wider than the display module and is configured to protrude more than the edge of the display module. A light-blocking pattern is formed at the edge of the bottom surface of the glass window.

6. The display device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The light-shielding pattern is configured to partially overlap with the display module.

7. The display device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The light-shielding pattern overlaps with the protective coating pattern. The width of the light-shielding pattern is greater than the width of the protective coating pattern.

8. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The display module includes: a first display area; a second display area separated from the first display area; and a folding area disposed between the first display area and the second display area, wherein the display module is a foldable display module capable of being folded along the folding area.

9. The display device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The display module is a flexible organic light-emitting display panel.

10. The display device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective coating pattern comprises a polyurethane resin.

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